Jeep Renegade Recalled Over Hacking Concerns

Fiat Chrysler recently recalled over 8,000 vehicles that are vulnerable to a bug through which hackers can take control over the car’s computer system, which would eventually give them the control over the entire auto.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has issued a recall for the Jeep Renegade to patch a security vulnerability.

Security concerns involving hack attacks have increased in recent times, as the fast pace of technology also allows hackers to exploit more vulnerabilities and flaws.

As of now, the recall is for a much smaller group of jeeps. The initial count, however, might have missed a few vehicles.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV’s (FCAU.N) USA arm said on Friday it would recall 7,810 sport utility vehicles in the United States to update software for radios to prevent hacking. The recall is of the new Jeep Renegade SUV, and specifically those ordered with 6.5in touchscreens in the dashboard.

The Guardian reported that Fiat Chrysler said in a statement that the recall campaign is “designed to protect connected vehicles from remote manipulation”.

FCA said: “The software manipulation addressed by this recall required unique and extensive technical knowledge, prolonged physical access to a subject vehicle and extended periods of time to write code”.

Fiat explained in a campaign that this is a “voluntary safety recall”.

Most of the jeeps have not been sold yet, and so they are still at the dealerships. It added: “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”. The software fix can also be downloaded online, or customers can bring their vehicles into a dealership where the upgrade will be preformed free of charge.