Fiat Chrysler to recall 8000 SUVs over hacking fears

The US arm of Fiat Chrysler will recall almost 8000 sport utility vehicles to update their radio software in order to prevent hacking, its second recall in months over remote access fears.

In July, the company recalled about 1.4 million Jeep Cherokees in the United States to update their software after researchers used a wireless connection to turn off a car's engine as it drove.

Researchers used the company's telematics system to break into a volunteer's Cherokee being driven on the highway and issue commands to the engine, steering and brakes.

The latest recall will involve 7810 Jeep Renegades equipped with 6.5 inch touchscreens. Customers will receive a USB device which they can use to upgrade vehicle software.

The company said more than half of the recalled vehicles were with dealers and would be serviced before they were sold.

It said it was unaware of any injuries related to the vulnerability.

"The campaign ... is designed to protect connected vehicles from remote manipulation. If unauthorised, such interference constitutes a criminal act," Fiat said in a statement.

"FCA US has already applied measures to prevent the type of vehicle manipulation demonstrated in a recent media report. These measures – which required no customer or dealer actions – block remote access to certain vehicle systems."