1.4 Million Chrysler Cars Recalled for Security Flaw
1.4 Million Chrysler Cars Recalled for Security Flaw
Fiat Chrysler is recalling approximately 1.4 million vehicles after an article in Wired revealed that a Jeep Cherokee could be hacked remotely. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating the cyber attack and recall of the vehicles.
Questions on how the NHTSA will handle cybersecurity threats have continued to mount as technology in vehicles evolves. Specifically, who may be held liable in the case of automotive collisions linked to cyber attacks or product defects is still questionable.
If you have been injured in a car wreck caused by a vehicle defect, contact a Baton Rouge injury lawyer at Simien & Simien. With decades of legal experience, we can help you determine your legal options.
According to the article in Wired, two security researchers were testing a security hole found in the company’s Jeep Uconnect system. The security defect allowed hackers to gain access to the vehicle via the entertainment system. The two researchers were able to cut the brakes and the transmission.
Fiat Chrysler is recalling the following models:
MY Dodge Viper
Dodge Durango SUVs
Dodge challenger sports coupes
Dodge charger sedans
Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups
Ram 3500, 4500 and 550 Chassis-Cabs
Jeep Grand Cherokee and Cherokee SUVs
MY Chrysler 200 and 300
Fiat Chrysler plans on updating the software in the entertainment system of the affected vehicles and sending customers a USB driver that can be used to download new software. If a vehicle owner is not comfortable installing the software, they can take it to their local Fiat Chrysler dealer.
The news came just one day before Fiat Chrysler announced that it would be initiating a buyback program. The buyback program covers hundreds of thousands of vehicles previously recalled. Additionally, the company must pay a $105 million civil penalty and repair thousands of other vehicles with safety defects.
In the past year, record-setting vehicle recalls were announced. Between defective airbags and ignition switches, it has become clear that millions of consumers were put in danger by automotive manufacturers.
If you or someone you know has been hurt in a car crash caused by a defective vehicle, you may be entitled to file a defective product lawsuit. For a free legal consultation, contact an experienced Baton Rouge auto accident lawyer from our law firm today.
