Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling about 1.4 million vehicles following a media report on their vulnerability to hacking.
The voluntary recall, announced today, coincides with an ongoing distribution of software intended to protect vulnerable vehicles from being hacked — and thus from being remotely controlled by hackers.
Affected customers will receive a USB device so they can update their vehicle software.
Earlier this week, the technology publication Wired conducted an experiment that demonstrated how hackers could take control of a 2014 Chrysler Jeep Cherokee from the comfort of their home:
Their code is an automaker’s nightmare: software that lets hackers send commands through the Jeep’s entertainment system to its dashboard functions, steering, brakes and transmission, all from a laptop that may be across the country.
Wired’s experiment was possible because of a vulnerability in Uconnect, an Internet-connected computer feature in some Fiat Chrysler models.
According to the official recall announcement, vehicles affected include certain autos equipped with 8.4-inch touchscreens from the following groups:
- 2013-2015 MY Dodge Viper specialty vehicles
- 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups
- 2013-2015 Ram 3500, 4500, 5500 Chassis Cabs
- 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Cherokee SUVs
- 2014-2015 Dodge Durango SUVs
- 2015 MY Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans
- 2015 Dodge Challenger sports coupes
Customers can also visit the Uconnect website to input a vehicle identification number, or VIN, and determine if the vehicle is included in the recall.
Chrysler notes that, aside from the media report, the company is unaware of any injuries related to software exploitation or any related complaints, warranty claims or accidents:
No defect has been found. FCA US is conducting this campaign out of an abundance of caution.
This recall is the second by Fiat Chrysler this week.
On Wednesday, the company voluntarily recalled an estimated 144,416 crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) in the U.S. to better secure their engine covers, which could come loose in a way that could pose a fire risk.
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