Firm Hacks 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Via Wi-Fi

CARS.COM — The 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV isn’t slated to arrive at U.S. dealerships until fall, but the automaker is already facing a major safety issue: Hackers in Europe exploited a vulnerability in the SUV’s onboard computer. Mitsubishi has instructed European owners of the plug-in hybrid to temporarily disable the vehicle’s Wi-Fi functionality and decouple its mobile app to prevent hacking.

Related: Hackers Take Control of Jeep Remotely: What Owners Should Do

According to USA Today, security firm Pen Test Partners purchased an Outlander PHEV to test the SUV’s unique mobile app setup as a path to its onboard computer. Hackers were able to breach the vehicle’s alarm system and disable it. Mitsubishi is now working on a firmware update for the app.

The Outlander PHEV is just the latest in a growing roster of hacked vehicles from multiple automakers, such as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Nissan and Tesla. Perhaps most notably, security experts were able to hack into a 2014 Jeep Cherokee SUV through its Uconnect multimedia system, demonstrating how they could take control not just of the car’s electronics, but everything from the air conditioning to the transmission and brakes.

Get the full story from USA Today here.