Fiat Chrysler Recalls Renegades For Software Issue

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV is recalling about 7,800 Jeep Renegades in the U.S. to make a software update designed to block remote access to the vehicles.

The move is similar to the auto maker's recall in July when 1.4 million vehicles had to be fixed after two researchers hacked into a Jeep Cherokee through a technology soft spot in the vehicle's Uconnect information system.

In that case, the researchers were able to issue commands to the engine and steering. The incident marked a new point in the industry since it was the first recall to be issued based on a cybersecurity threat.

Fiat Chrysler's latest recall involves tweaking the software in certain Renegade radios equipped with 6.5-inch touch screens. More than half of the vehicles are still in U.S. dealer hands and haven't yet been sold.

Fiat Chrysler said it is unaware of any injuries related to software issue. Customers will receive a USB device to upgrade the vehicle software.

Write to Jeff Bennett at [e-mail]

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(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 04, 2015 17:35 ET (21:35 GMT)

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