In light of the recent hack demonstration on the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, Fiat->ke30 Chrysler->ke21 has issued a recall->ke5153 for nearly 1.4 million FCA vehicles in the U.S. The recall’s remedy is to install an update to the Uconnect infotainment software with the goal of stopping any such attacks from actually taking place.

The demonstration by Wired magazine showed how two hackers were able to wirelessly control the Cherokee->ke4617 via a laptop, over the Jeep’s->ke40 Internet connection. The hackers were able to control small features like radio volume and HVAC fan speed, along with major systems like engine, transmission and even braking functions.

While it took these two hackers more than a year to write the code, FCA and government agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have not taken the threat lightly. The NHTSA in fact, is urging lawmakers to set new regulations to protect vehicles against outside hackings.

You can input your VIN on Chrysler’s website to see if your vehicle is under the recall. If so, you can download the software update onto a USB thumb drive and install it yourself, or elect to receive a USB in the mail. If you’re not into DIY fixes, you can take your car to your FCA dealership for the update as well. On top of updating individual vehicles, FCA and its cellular provider have taken measures to secure cell-to-vehicle communications.

Still, I encourage you to ensure your vehicle is up to date. The range of effected vehicles includes everything from the Dodge Viper->ke1404 all the way to the Ram 3500 Chassis cab.->ke4685

Continue reading for a full list of affected vehicles.

List Of Recalled Vehicles

- 2015 Chrysler 200, 2015 Chrysler 300, and 2015 Dodge Charger sedans->ke142

- 2013-15 Dodge Vipers

- 2014-15 Dodge Durangos

- 2015 Dodge Challengers

- 2014-15 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Cherokees

- 2013-15 Ram 1500,->ke4684 2500 and 3500->ke4685 pickups->ke242

- 2013-15 Ram 3500, 4500, 5500 chassis cabs

Why it matters

These types of security beaches represent a major threat to the driving public. If hackers are able to gain control of a vehicle’s steering, brakes, and throttle, there is an untold amount of damage and loss of life that could result. What’s worse, this could potentially happen on a widespread scale. Such an event could shut down roads and infrastructure in hundreds of locations.

Though FCA is taking the blunt of the heat for this hack, every automaker could be at risk. It's interesting to note that both Tesla and Ford utilize wireless updating for their vehicles, meaning that if a problem like this were to occur, either automaker could simply roll out an update overnight without the customer having to lift a finger. Every Model S or F-150 would be instantly fixed. Perhaps more automakers will soon adapt such technologies into their infotainment systems.

2015 Jeep Cherokee Driven

Read our full review here.