HP printer ink lockout (2016): did it need fixing?

2016

HP

Before: HP OfficeJet printers that took cheaper third-party ink cartridges without complaint.
The fix: A firmware update, set to switch on September 13, 2016, made printers reject cartridges without HP chips.
Then: Printers started calling perfectly good cartridges damaged. HP admitted no fault, but paid $1.5 million to settle a US class action and up to $1.35 million to settle in Europe.

Kept it.

HP printers were still blocking non-HP chips in 2023.

Your call

More fixes nobody asked for

2016

Kraft Heinz

Before: Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, colored orange with artificial dyes.
The fix: Swapped the artificial dyes and preservatives for paprika, annatto and turmeric, and told nobody.
Then: Kraft waited until about 50 million boxes had sold before announcing the change in March 2016. The ad campaign was built on the fact that nobody noticed.

Kept it.

The new recipe stayed.

Your call

2025

Cracker Barrel

Before: A man in overalls, known as Uncle Herschel, leaning on a barrel. In use since 1977.
The fix: Dropped the man and the barrel, leaving just the words 'Cracker Barrel' on a gold background.
Then: Complaints started within hours of the August 19 rollout, and the company lost nearly $100 million in market value. In September it also scrapped the restaurant remodels it had been testing.

Took it back

Old logo back on August 26, 2025, one week later.

Your call

2021

Tesla

Before: Tesla Model S and Model X with a round steering wheel.
The fix: Made a rectangular, open-topped 'yoke' the standard steering wheel.
Then: In 2023 Tesla started selling a $700 round-wheel retrofit for yoke owners. It reportedly sold out in about a week.

Half took it back

A round wheel became available again in 2023, as an option and a retrofit.

Your call