Fiat Chrysler Announces More Recalls
Fiat Chrysler is recalling nearly 8,000 extra Jeeps in the U.S. to patch a security flaw that could allow hackers to remotely control the vehicles.
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. The auto industry faces such concerns as well and a new batch of recalls again involves Chrysler Jeeps.
Not too long ago, Fiat Chrysler issued a recall for roughly 1.4 million vehicles using the Uconnect connected car system because a flaw could enable hackers to remotely control a car to perform a number of actions, including turning off the engine. Needless to mention, this would be a severe hazard to the driver's safety, and the automaker decided to pull any cars that could be at risk. The initial count, however, might have missed a few vehicles.
Fiat Chrysler has now announced that it is again voluntarily recalling roughly 7,810 vehicles sold in the U.S. in an effort to issue security patches to cars vulnerable to hacks. The new recall covers models of the 2015 Jeep Renegade SUVs touting 6.5-inch touchscreens. On the bright side, Fiat Chrysler notes that more than half of these vehicles are still at deals and will receive the necessary patches and service before going on sale.
The automaker explains that its new recall campaign does not involve the same radios that were related to "another, similar recall." Nevertheless, the new vehicle recall also aims to "protect connected vehicles from remote manipulation."
"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," the company stated.
Fiat Chrysler car owners, meanwhile, can use their car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to check online whether their vehicle is included in the recall. If it is, they can either download the software themselves, or have dealership technicians perform the update free of charge. Affected customers will also receive a USB device they can use to upgrade their car's software with additional security features.
The company is also recalling over 1.5 million pickup trucks to fix a series of airbag problems, including one that could cause the vehicles’ side-impact airbags to inflate inadvertently even when there’s been no crash.
This recall is related to a wiring defect in various Ram pickup models. Fiat Chrysler says its investigators discovered that, in some trucks, wires in the steering wheel may rub against a sprint and eventually short-circuit, causing a vehicle’s side-impact airbag to inflate without a crash.
The defect impacts 1.35 million Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups and Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs sold primarily in North America during the 2012 through 2014 model-years. FCA says it knows of two injuries, but no crashes, caused by the problem.
A separate recall was issued for 188,000 Ram Quad Cab pickups sold during the 2014 and 2015 model-years. No crashes or injuries have so far been reported. But FCA says it recognized that the side curtain airbags in those vehicles does not comply with federal regulations meant to protect rear passengers in the event of a rollover.
The Detroit maker says it will notify owners to set up service appointments to correct both defects. Repairs will be made at no charge.