AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles swiftly responded to an online report of hackers being able to take control of an SUV remotely through the radio system by rolling out a voluntary safety recall to update software in approximately 1.4 million U.S. vehicles equipped with this certain technology.

FCA US officials insisted the recall aligns with an ongoing software distribution that insulates connected vehicles from remote manipulation, which, if unauthorized, constitutes criminal action.

Further, the automaker indicated that it has applied network-level security measures to prevent the type of remote manipulation demonstrated in a recent report by WIRED, which detailed how hackers took control of a 2014 Jeep Cherokee.

FCA emphasized these measures — which required no customer or dealer actions — block remote access to certain vehicle systems and were fully tested and implemented within the cellular network on Thursday.

“The company is unaware of any injuries related to software exploitation, nor is it aware of any related complaints, warranty claims or accidents – independent of the media demonstration,” FCA US officials said.

Affected are certain vehicles equipped with 8.4-inch touchscreens among the following populations:

— 2013-2015 Dodge Viper specialty vehicles

— 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups

— 2013-2015 Ram 3500, 4500, 5500 chassis cabs

— 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Cherokee SUVs

— 2014-2015 Dodge Durango SUVs

— 2015 MY Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans

— 2015 Dodge Challenger sports coupes

The OEM explained customers affected by the recall will receive a USB device that they may use to upgrade vehicle software, which provides additional security features independent of the network-level measures.

Alternately, customers may visit http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ to input their Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) and determine if their vehicles are included in the recall.

Officials stressed that the security of Fiat Chrysler customers is a top priority, as is retaining their confidence in the company’s products. Accordingly, the OEM established a dedicated system quality engineering team focused on identifying and implementing best practices for software development and integration.

“The software manipulation addressed by this recall required unique and extensive technical knowledge, prolonged physical access to a subject vehicle and extended periods of time to write code,” officials said.

“No defect has been found. FCA US is conducting this campaign out of an abundance of caution,” they continued. “Customers are urged to acquire the software update.”

Individuals with questions or concerns can call the FCA US Customer Care Center at (800) 853-1403.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is also reviewing the situation as its Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is taking a look to see if this situation goes beyond Fiat Chrysler.

“ODI will also contact the manufacturer of the radio to determine whether similar units have been supplied for use in other vehicles,” officials said.

As alarming as WIRED online report might have been, Edmunds.com consumer advice editor Ron Montoya took a measure approach when sharing reaction to Fiat Chrysler’s moves.

“Today’s recall announcement essentially formalizes FCA's campaign to address the vulnerability exposed earlier this week. Like any recall, it's important for all affected owners to follow the instructions outlined by FCA. The company is making it easy for owners to download the fix and update the vehicles themselves with a USB flash drive,” Montoya said.

“It’s important to reiterate that there is no real safety threat to FCA owners,” he continued. “This week’s hack was an isolated incident that was performed on one specific vehicle and it was not something that could be replicated on a mass scale.

“Nevertheless, automakers recognize this as a very important issue and they’re proactively working to identify flaws in their own connected systems and address whatever issues they may find,” Montoya went on to say.