Methods and systems for compensating for common failures in fail operational systems

Methods and systems for compensating for common failures in fail operational systems are described herein. An example system may include a primary controller configured to perform functions of a vehicle such as propulsion, braking and steering and a secondary controller configured in a redundant configuration with the primary controller. The controllers may perform cross-checks of each other and may each perform internal self-checks as well. Additionally, the system may include a control module configured to transfer control of the vehicle between the controllers based on detecting a fault. The control module may detect a common fault of the controllers that causes the control module to output a common fault signal. In response, the system may transfer of control to a safety controller configured to perform the vehicle functions until the system may transfer control back to the primary controller.