After the remote hacking of a Jeep Cherokee, earlier this week, Fiat Chrysler Autos is making their security patch official by a voluntary safety recall to update Uconnect software in approximately 1.4 million vehicles equipped with certain 8.4″ touchscreen radios.
The software insulates connected vehicles from remote manipulation, which, if unauthorized, constitutes criminal action, notes the news release. Car hacking is usually only accomplished by white-hat hackers like Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek.
The company has also applied network-level security measures to prevent the type of remote manipulation demonstrated in a recent media reports. Security measures block remote access to certain vehicle systems and were fully tested and implemented within the cellular network on July 23, 2015.
Affected models include:
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 drive to upgrade vehicle software, which provides additional security features independent of the network-level measures.
Customers may input their Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) online to see if their vehicles are included in the recall.
The Company is unaware of any injuries related to software exploitation, nor is it aware of any related complaints, warranty claims or accidents, except for media demonstration.