The JLR recall affects Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models that were sold from 2013 onwards. The software glitch unlocks the doors of a car without giving the driver a dashboard warning.

The news follows reports from last year that car thieves were targeting some models of Range Rovers, as well as BMW X5s, as they found them easy to unlock.

In response to the latest JLR announcement, Joel Clark, research consultant from MWR InfoSecurity, said: "It’s inevitable that, as we become increasingly dependent on technology in our day to day lives, some of that technology is going to make its way into our vehicles. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Most of the electronics which makes its way into our cars is there to improve safety, improve fuel economy, improve performance or just make the drive more pleasant by keeping the kids entertained. However, with added complexity and added convenience comes the risk of introducing vulnerabilities which attackers are all too happy to exploit. Vehicle crime is nothing new and over the last 20 years the level has actually decreased by 60%. 

"What we may begin to see however, is an increase in the complexity of attacks as vehicles become more integrated with the rest of our technology. This means that now is the time for vehicle manufacturers and developers to work together towards standardising some of the security/safety-critical features which make their way into vehicles. Vulnerabilities are always likely to be present but if we can utilise open, well-understood standards for communication and control systems, then we can set the bar high enough to deter all but the most resolute attacker."