Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (“FCA”) has issued a voluntary safety recall of approximately 1.4 million vehicles equipped with radios designed to update software in an effort to protect against possible hackers. The recall comes on the heels of a recent story published by Wired.com where hackers remotely gained access to a 2014 Jeep Cherokee and manipulated several of the vehicle’s functions from miles away, including steering, brakes, and transmission. FCA has stated that to their knowledge there has not been a single real world incident of an unlawful or unauthorized remote hack into any FCA vehicle and that no defect has been found. They maintain the recall is out of caution and concern for their customers.
The recall involves certain vehicles equipped with 8.4-inch touch screens:
- 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 can visit Uconnect and input their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to determine if their vehicle is included in the recall.
Those affected by the recall will receive a USB device that upgrades their software. FCA’s Customer Care Center may be reached at (877) 855-8400 for more information on how to complete the software update and for any questions regarding the recall.
Business Consumer Alliance’s report on Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, formerly Chrysler Group LLC, is available for review.
About the Author
Nicole Pitts is a Senior Business Analyst and Writing Correspondent for Business Consumer Alliance. She has been with the organization for 13 years and specializes in report writing, business evaluation, and investigations. Nicole corresponds with businesses regarding complaint trends and provides suggestions to help them alleviate problem areas that may cause concern. She also conducts advertisement reviews, reports on government enforcement actions, and assists government agencies and the media in obtaining information. She enjoys reading, movies, and spending time with her family. Nicole may be reached by email at npitts@businessconsumeralliance.org.
About Business Consumer Alliance
Business Consumer Alliance (BCA) is a non-profit company that started in 1936. The broad purpose of BCA is to promote business self-regulation. BCA's mission is achieved by assisting consumers in resolving complaints with businesses and using that complaint information, along with other relevant information such as customer reviews, to forecast business reliability. With community support, BCA can identify trustworthy and ethical businesses and warn the public to avoid unscrupulous businesses whose purpose is to defraud the marketplace. BCA also helps businesses promote themselves by providing services and tools to protect their business and reach out to their customers. BCA obtains its funding from member businesses who support the mission and purpose of the organization and who agree to abide by high standards of ethical business practices.