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Tempe Body Shop Reviews Fiat Chrysler Recall

September has not quite started and this Tempe body shop has already reported on quite a number of recalls for this year. The most recent one to be announced? It comes from Fiat Chrysler and the reported issues are not just limited to recalls; according to a news announcement from Fender Bender magazine, the automaker was recently issued a fine by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and will also have to buy back some of its defective vehicles. If you or someone you know owns a vehicle from the company’s Dodge, Chrysler, or Jeep sub-companies, read on to find out what the recall entails and how you can receive assistance from your local Tempe body shop.

AN ISSUE WITH HACKING
Protecting our cars from the threat of break-ins is a common thought for any car owner. But the computers on our cars? It almost never comes to mind. Hacking a vehicle almost sounds like something out of a science fiction movie but, as our Tempe body shop found out, it turns out there is far more reality behind the action. Last month, Wired magazine reported that with the wide use of computer technologies in vehicles–the same ones that serve as diagnostic tools and operate your built-in entertainment system for the kids–can make your car vulnerable to hackers.

In a recent article and video published on the magazine’s website, a Wired writer and some hackers demonstrated that it was possible for someone to hack into a vehicle and take control over it. In their demonstration, they hacked into a Jeep SUV and were able to operate the vehicle remotely. This ranged from some mundane annoyances, like controlling the radio and its volume, to potentially deadly actions, like controlling the steering wheel and the brake system. Although no one was hurt, the vehicle eventually ended up in a ditch by the end of the demonstration.

PENALTIES FROM NHTSA
In response to the hacking demonstration, the NHTSA launched an investigation on Fiat Chrysler and issued the automaker with a whopping number of penalties, including what could be a total of $105 million in fines. Because the hacking incident showed that some Fiat Chrysler vehicles are susceptible to hacking and can potentially put drivers in dangerous situations, the penalties are meant to show the severity of the situation.

This Tempe body shop found that the fines included a $70 million cash penalty for improperly ensuring customer safety, plus the automaker will be required to spend $20 million to meet performance requirements and an additional $15 million if other security violations are discovered.

RECALLED VEHICLES
For now, the vehicles most susceptible to similar hacking situations are Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep models issued between 2013 and 2015 that feature 8.4 inch touchscreen systems factory installed. This includes Dodge Ram trucks, Chrysler 200, and Jeep Grand Cherokee among the list of affected vehicles. If you are looking to have this recall issue addressed for your vehicle, contact your local dealership or Tempe body shop to find out how to get your vehicle protected from similar attacks.