Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) US LLC announced it is conducting a voluntary safety recall after discovering that certain vehicles are susceptible to hacking. The recall involves updating software in approximately 7,810 U.S.-market SUVs equipped with certain radios and is designed to protect connected vehicles from “remote manipulation.” This manipulation, FCA US emphasized, would require unique and extensive technical knowledge, prolonged physical access to a subject vehicle and extended periods of time to write code.
FCA US states that is has already applied measures to prevent the type of vehicle manipulation demonstrated in a recent media report. These measures – which required no customer or dealer actions – block remote access to certain vehicle systems.
The company is unaware of any injuries related to software exploitation, nor is it aware of any related complaints, warranty claims or accidents – independent of the media demonstration.
Affected are certain 2015 Jeep Renegade SUVs equipped with 6.5-inch touchscreens. Customers will receive a USB device which they may use to upgrade vehicle software. This provides additional security features.
Alternately, customers can visit http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ to input their Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) and determine if their vehicles are included in the recall. If so, they may download the software themselves or visit their dealers where technicians will perform the installation.
FCA US states that it has established a dedicated System Quality Engineering team focused on identifying and implementing best practices for software development and integration.
No defect has been found. FCA US is conducting this campaign out of of caution.
