zombie car
n. A car that starts itself randomly; a car with a computer system under the control of a malicious hacker; an abandoned car.
Other Forms
Examples
2013
A new hazard smartphone app can now hack into and control cars connected to wireless networks by "zombifying" it, making drivers’ efforts to resist effortless….

Experts say that Korea is all but unprepared for this zombie-car hacking.
—Ko Dong-hwan, “Smartphone hacking app 'zombifies' cars with Internet connection,” The Korea Times, September 11, 2013
2013
An increasing number of vehicles have been abandoned by their owners at roadsides and in car parks, leading to complaints from residents in many communities and housing estates.

The vehicles include scrap cars and vehicles that are damaged beyond repair.

Traffic police said residents can report the "zombie cars" to them and authorities will either contact the owners or tow the cars away.
—“At a Glance,” Shenzhen Daily, April 11, 2013
2013 (earliest)
Plus, so-called zombie cars that run the risk of starting themselves when you least expect. We have details of a major recall.
—Wolf Blitzer, “The Situation Room,” CNN Transcripts, March 07, 2013
Notes


A zombie car in Sichuan Province, China.
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