Last Updated on July 24, 2015 3:52 pm
Fiat Chrysler is conducting a voluntary safety recall to update software in approximately 1.4 million U.S. vehicles equipped with certain radios.
According to a company press release, the recall is due to an ongoing software distribution problem. Earlier this week two hackers remotely took control of a Jeep Cherokee SUV, through the radio using the internet. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is also investigating.
Fiat Chrysler says they have applied network level security measures to prevent the type of remote manipulation from happening again. The company's statement continues, “These measures – which required no customer or dealer actions – block remote access to certain vehicle systems and were fully tested and implemented within the cellular network on July 23, 2015.”
Affected are certain vehicles equipped with 8.4-inch touchscreens among the following populations:
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 affected by the recall will receive a USB device that they may use to upgrade vehicle software, which provides additional security features independent of the network-level measures. Alternately, customers may visit http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ to input their Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) and determine if their vehicles are included in the recall.
Customers are urged to acquire the software update. Those with questions or concerns may call the FCA US Customer Care Center at 1-800-853-1403.
