Land Rover is recalling over 65,000 cars globally because of a software bug that can unlock the doors. This problem affects Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models sold between 2013 and now.
According to online media reports, drivers of affected cars are not given any sort of dashboard warning that the doors of their car have been unlocked. Consequently, these cars become a lot more vulnerable to theft.
Both the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport are available with keyless ignition and locking systems, but this is far from the first time a luxury car maker has had trouble with this particular gadgetry.
Land Rover’s recall follows reports last year that car thieves were targeting various cars with keyless ignition systems, including some Range Rovers and BMWs, because they found them easy to unlock.
Reportedly, some car thieves have been able to use a handheld “black box” device which allows them to unlock and start cars with keyless ignition. It seems likely that the effect this device has on the car’s software is similar to the bug which is troubling certain Range Rover models.
When a thief has access to one of these cars, they can plug a device into the onboard diagnostic port to re-program a blank key that can be used to start the stolen vehicle.
Land Rover said no accidents or injuries have been reported as a consequence of the software bug. The manufacturer added that affected owners will be contacted and asked to take their car to a dealer where a software update can be installed. Owners of affected cars will not have to pay for modifications made to address the issue.