OTA software update bricks Jeeps – while driving
A software update for the telemetry unit has caused Jeeps with hybrid drives in the USA to fail – some on the highway.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon X
(Image: Jeep/Stellantis)
Faulty software has disabled Jeep vehicles in the USA. The car manufacturer is now warning against installing the uConnect software update.
The update, distributed over-the-air (OTA), has led to vehicle failures. The affected models are Jeep's hybrid models, designated Jeep 4xE. Affected vehicle owners reported the failures to US online media such as The Stack and The Autopian, as well as in internet forums.
One Wrangler driver said his Jeep fortunately broke down at low speed within city limits. However, others reported that their vehicles shut down on the highway at speeds of around 100 km/h.
A member of Jeep customer service named Kori confirmed the error in a forum of the 4Xe community. “We are awaiting further information from our software developers who are investigating the error.”
Drive carefully
Kori advised that anyone who has already installed the update should drive very carefully. Drivers who are offered the update should definitely decline the installation.
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In another post, Kori wrote that the update was intended for the telematics module -- which could explain the powertrain failure; uConnect is actually the infotainment system of the automotive group Stellantis, to which the US brand Jeep belongs. As a possible interim solution, Kori recommended driving the vehicles exclusively in combustion engine mode and not in electric or hybrid mode.
(wpl)
