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Fiat Chrysler recall BLUNDERING could lump carmaker with $105m fine – report

Crazy hack-my-brakes software flaw faces separate probe

Fiat Chrysler may cop a record-breaking fine from US authorities following a series of bungles.

Earlier this week, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was forced to recall 1.4 million Fiat Chrysler vehicles, following revelations that the computer systems built into the cars could be exploited by an attacker.

Shockingly, the affected motor's engine, brakes and entertainment system could then be wirelessly controlled by a hacker.

Fiat Chrysler could be hit with a fine as high as $105m as early as Monday, according to the Wall Street Journal, however it's understood that a separate probe into serious cybersecurity lapses will not be linked to any such settlement.

The regulatory penalties are, we're told, expected to be issued to the manufacturer to cover multiple recalls that have affected 11 million Fiat Chrysler cars.

In 2013, for example, Fiat Chrysler recalled 1.6 million Jeeps due to a serious potential fire hazard with the vehicles' fuel tanks.

It's likely that the car maker will sign a consent order agreeing to pay the fines meted out by the US government, the WSJ reported. ®

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