For the 2023 model year, all Buick and GMC vehicles will come standard with a three-year OnStar And Connected Services plan, which will be paid as part of the vehicle price and range from $905 to $1,675 depending on the vehicle model. This news was not very well received by GM Authority readers, with our original article on this change generating nearly 100 comments from current or potential GM vehicle owners expressing their displeasure with the Connected Services strategy.
One GM Authority reader, Dale Tourville, summed up many readers’ thoughts with his comment, which pointed out that most drivers will already have access to certain connected apps and features through their smartphones and may not need a separate internet connection in their vehicle.
“This is ridiculous. I have all I need with my cell phone,” Tourville said in the comments section. “$1500 is way too much for this hardware/service that is completely unnecessary. It should be optional. Trucks cost way too much these days.”
Another reader, Ken, decided this was enough to convince him to stick with Chevy trucks for the foreseeable future.
“I guess I’ll be crossing off a new GMC truck for late this year,” he said. “I have 2 newer Chevys and never used OnStar’s services. Another mistake by GM.”
We also received emails from readers who were unhappy with the introduction of the baked-in OnStar And Connected Services plan. One reader, Rick O., said he likes OnStar, but simply doesn’t like being forced to purchase it. This appears to be the general consensus, with many other readers expressing displeasure with being forced to purchase the plan, rather than disliking OnStar itself.
OnStar and Connected Services adds a separate, in-vehicle internet connection to power apps like the smartphone-based remote key fob, Alexa Built-In AI assistant, Spotify, Audiobooks, navigation (including Maps+) and more. These plans also include OnStar Safety Services, such as Automatic Crash Response, Roadside Assistance and Stolen Vehicle Assistance.
Having an internet connection will be important to the EV ownership experience, as this will enable features like GM’s Ultium Charge 360 platform and its new Plug and Charge payment system. GM also has plans to add new in-vehicle digital subscription services, many of which will likely require an internet connection. The automaker has said it expects most consumers will be willing an additional $135 a month for in-vehicle subscription features, as well.
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Comments
My windshield wipers modules went out on May 20,2022..we replace from a used auto parts..how can i get my recall..since i replaced it myself
Recalls are FREE! Why did you pay out of pocket?????
Where did they get this consumers will pay up to $135 a month for vehicle subscriptions? Netflix can’t even keep subscribers for $10-20 a month. I can tell you personally I’m willing to pay $0 a month for vehicle subscription services. It’s not enough to screw us over with high prices, you also have to try and nickel and dime consumers?
At least this makes my decision easy to get a RAM instead.
From Mercedes. To open the hood on a new Mercedes’ requires a dealership key now. No self oil changes, no oil changes by a quickie lube either. Must pay the 200% markup at the Mercedes’ dealership. I’m fine with that. I won’t buy a Mercedes, and by the sound of it, a Buick or GMC either. Bet this only last 9-12 months
That sounds like urban legend; the same rumor was around about Rolls Royce in the 1950s.
In short, I call nonsense.
This is absolutely not true about Mercedes. For years I’ve had a GMC or Chevy truck along with a Mercedes, including my 2021 GLE. I guarantee you I can open the hood, but I don’t have to because the dealer comes to my home and does mobile service when required. I did change the oil myself about 10 years ago, discovered that there is no drain plug, I had to pump the oil out like a marine engine. BTW, Mercedes does not require a monthly subscription, but every modern Mercedes has a button near the rearview mirror that will summon first responders in the event of an accident, whether you are the first or subsequent owner. If you’re serious about abandoning GM, I would highly recommend Mercedes.
Almost bought a new GMC yesterday…the 1500.00 mandatory onstar broke the deal. NoWay
This won’t last long, GM is just like all the greedy corps that soon learn the bottom line gets thinner and thinner the more you rape the customer.
The automaker has also said it expects most consumers will be willing an additional $135 a month for in-vehicle subscription features. The answer… Ever since pot was legalized, fools and their money have been easier to separate.
$135 mid more then half the monthly cost of my current vehicle . Sorry , no thanks
Anyone thinking about a class action ?
YES LETS GET IT DONE
Thank god we are going into a recession. The Auto Industry will get the hard collapse and pain they deserve.
2008 2.0 time & NO GOVERNMENT BAILOUTS this time!
The auto industry has survived plenty of recessions. Even a depression.
What do you have against the auto industry as a whole?
He’s referring to the price gouging when they can that the article references. They consistently buy cheap parts that don’t last then charge you more every year for the same crap. The monthly fees and forced subscription is an absolute extra money grab.
So you have the attention span of a knat?
2009 GM & Chrysler bailout ring any bells?
Or the bailout of other automakers overseas by their governments in 2008/2009?
Perhaps you have the reading ability of a gnat. I said “the auto industry”.
In case you didn’t notice, Toyota, Ford, and plenty of others didn’t go bankrupt.
You know, “the auto industry as a whole.”
I was quite annoyed when I picked up my 21 Sierra Denali, and found the dealer had already activated OnStar. I didn’t plan on activating it. I don’t have Alexis, Google Home, etc, and I don’t need OnStar. I’m not that interested in being “connected”. I don’t really care to have GM, or anyone else know my business. I don’t need them to know when I change my oil, or tell me my tires are inflated.
GM must be having trouble with the take rate for OnStar, for them to be pulling something like this. I guess if you can’t get people to voluntarily buy something they don’t want or need, you force them to buy it.
Actually… I took Onstar up on their offer… They offered 3 months free… during the last week of the trial, I canceled… The same thing with Sirius Radio… I got three months free, went to cancel and they offered it to me for 6 months at $5 a month… I accepted… Now at the 6 months, I will go to cancel again and see if they offer me another deal… Sirius, I think is a great deal for $5 a month… Not the $40 a month they wanted… If OnStar was not so greedy, (they too wanted $40 a month), they might have more customers…
If you trade your car in after 18 months can you expect the dealer to add $750 to your trade in value? I think we all know the answer.
This site in general can have a lot of negative gm posters. But gm should take note when no one, and that includes generally positive gm posters like me say it is a dumb decision. I don’t think I saw anyone in the previous article gma posted or this article saying anything positive about the idea. Translation, no one likes it, reverse the decision before you lose some customers forever.
I think GM as well as other manufactures do focus groups by asking random people in shopping malls for their opinions. I have been a loyal GM customer who has bought 19 GM cars and trucks for myself and my kids and have not once been asked what I thought about the vehicles. Lots of questions about how the transaction at the dealer was but not about the car. For all the purchases I have used rebates from my GM credit card so GM has to have this information. They must be too busy to check who is buying their cars.
In I think 1992, I was invited to a convention center and it was GM who paid me and others. They were benchmarking the Super Coupe T-Bird owners against the new Aurora and Riviera. They had prototypes of the gm’s and a current S/C. It was pretty involved with people getting to sit in all 3 and a fairly lengthy survey I filled out about all 3. It was targeted I am pretty sure at current super coupe owners as the T-Bird was doing very well in sales. It was a cool experience to get to see prototypes. For awhile in Austin I was invited to a marketing companies focus groups on occasion. They’d do phone interviews first and if you fit, they’d invite you to an hour chat that they’d pay you to do. I think my first vette had the run flats and they were very interested in that. Could have been gm or goodyear paying them. They even went out to the car and measured the temp of the tires for some reason. Probably got too old to be in the target demographic companies are most interested in. It has been over 10 years since they’ve even called.
I think you nailed it in your response. I’ve bought 4 GMC trucks and 4 Corvettes in my lifetime. In all honesty gouging us for $1500 is going to make us consider other options.
The rprocess they need to understand is that when we buy, we are comparing one vehicle to another, we option them out so they are as similar as possible and then we test drive them. If one is not appreciably better, we are going to pick the one that isn’t trying to line their pockets with an up-charge.
Too late for that.. I for one am finished with GM and will not ever purchase another one. I know the loss of my sale will not matter one iota to them. I will not be forced to purchase any add-ons on an over inflated vehicle .
It’s hard to imagine GM being successful with forcing a customer to pay upfront for what the vast majority see little or no value in. A mobile phone which we all have can do most of this at no extra cost. GM is blinded by the current marketplace with its limited supply and high demand. I foresee GM losing market share because of this.
For myself as well as my wife, we’ve both been buying GMC’s since the 1990’s, myself buying pickups and wife buying the SUV’S. In all those purchases we never added the OnStar features. My biggest reason for not needing it is, I do still know how to use a Rand-McNally road map (some people still know what a map is) I’ve never found any feature that OnStar offers I’d require (I drive safely so no accidents, I don’t leave keys/fobs inside so no remote unlock needed, my doors are locked so not likely to be surprised by a car jacker) Granted I do live in a far more rural area than those probably requiring stated “features” OnStar mentions but, I don’t live a life requiring a computer or smartphone telling me…breath in..breath out like alot do. I suppose what I’m saying in a far fetched way is, if you one of the many millions of vehicle owners saying NO to this government TELLING YOU that you WILL go electric cars, then standup against GM forcing things on you. I’d hate to think I have to start driving those blue oval vehicles buuuuttt…
Considering they don’t even do hands free calling any more they can go eff themselves.
If Ford was considering this, and they very well might have been, they will be abandoning the idea in a hurry, given the overwhelming negative feedback. GM meanwhile, will move forward full steam ahead with it regardless. That’s the difference between Ford and GM.
I noticed that other article before, but didn’t bother to read it. I should have. I will say this up front: I like Onstar and have used it in the past. Many in my family have as well. I feel it’s a good thing and I really like the safety side of it more than anything. HOWEVER!!! This is NOT the way to go if I’m even understanding this correctly. In my past 3 GM cars, I’ve kept it till the free months ended and then didn’t renew anything because it’s just too expensive IMO.
On the flip side however, I know why they are doing this. I’ll sum it up in one short phrase. It’s the technology for all future cars being rolled out now. Many other brands are doing this. Volvo for example has a similar (but not as good) of a system that is built into the cars and it’s “free” for the first 4 years until 2023 models where some will keep it free for the 4 years. The lower priced models will only have it for 1 year and then you must pay up. Even Mazda is forcing it’s App and services on it’s customers and we dealers are being penalized if we don’t set up the app/services with the customers. It’s just plain wrong and stupid.
Remember the old saying: Be careful what you ask for, as you might just get it. Well here we are. So many people insist on all this technology in their vehicles with all kinds of connected services and huge screens. Now we are seeing the (rotten) fruit of it all.
Count me out. Nobody is going to force me to pay for stuff like this and certainly not a huge monthly subscription.
Had a friend who used OnStar a lot many years ago. One time he let his subscription run out, but he came across an incident he altruistically wanted to report (IIRC, it was an auto accident that recently transpired). He pushed the button to report it, but the operators were rude and focused on his lack of a subscription, acting as if he was bothering them. Never cared for the service since.
I’m not sure what you would have expected to happen if your service wasn’t activated.
Just use a cell phone like anyone else.
It wasn’t me and this was years ago when flip phones were still around and hands-free wasn’t the norm. I don’t have a problem with the service not in operation. Even disabling it when out of subscription would be fine, but to let the connection be made and be rude about it in the middle of an accident report is completely unnecessary. It’s a matter of priority.
A cellphone with no subscription service will still allow dialed 911 phone calls… OnStar should allow that as well… Sometimes the difference between life and death.
Thank you Dee. Good point!
Even if you are not subscribed, the red button will still connect you to emergency services.
This is actually a rip off, I use the internet in our new Tahoe for the rear media and it’s $200/year. I don’t get Onstar with it and I don’t want it, it’s stupid. It’s a money grab by GM.
We recently purchased a new loaded 2021 RST crewcab rally edition Silverado and a new loaded 2022 Camaro SS not to mention all of the previous GM vehicles we’ve owned. We have never used OnStar on a single one of them. We have been loyal to GM throughout the years but I can promise you we will by another brand rather than be forced into a contract for something as useless as OnStar. It or any other connective services being forced on us would be a deal breaker for us at $35.00 a month and at a$135.00 they’ve lost their mind and our business.
I grew up in a family buying GM vehicles. I’ve purchased many GM vehicles in my lifetime. This money grab GM has scam up just behooves me. Just shows GM has joined the scum bag ranks from India that try to scam people out of money over the internet. I was waiting on the chip shortage to iron out to purchase a new Sierra Denali, that’s out window. Hate to say it but I’ll be looking at Ford, Ram or Tundra. I’m surprised GM hasn’t included Chevrolet but that may come to pass. GM your day of reckoning will come. Goodbye GM and the whole bunch of you board members allowing this BS.
I have a 2013 tahoe I had onstar hooked up on. This month they said they will not renew my plan because 2g and 3g service shutting down. GM won’t upgrade my system. They must think I will buy new. I think they have lost their way as far as customer service goes. I have owned a Chevy for 50 years, it must be time to find better service.
When OnStar went from analog to digital, GM offered a VERY fair price to switch out the box. Only a handful of very early OnStar cars could not be so fitted.
Call your dealer and ask for parts. See if a 4G box upgrade is offered. The worst they can say is, “no”.
OnStar could save your life or someone else’s some day. Not to mention if your vehicle has an issue you can talk to an advisor and in real time get a level of severity diagnosis. Then from the app you can remote start, lock or unlock the doors, check fuel level, tire pressures, general vehicle state of health, etc from anywhere you get cell service. I don’t know about all the complainers here, but my family’s safety & security plus piece of mind is well worth the cost!! Oh, and people get car jacked in my neck of the woods every single day, just about anywhere in the Chicagoland area. Once notified, OnStar can tell the police where vehicle is at, then they can shut it down, disabling the vehicle and in most cases catch the perps on the spot!! Now what other car companies offers that standard, NOBODY!! Unless you’ve got something to hide you’re just kidding yourselves or just can’t afford it. Don’t be a hater for something that saves lives everyday!!
JH: Although I agree with nearly everything you just said, the problem is that they are (apparently) going to force it on everyone who wants to buy a Buick or GMC. That’s not right. I’ve had and used OnStar in the past. Having been a police officer for 10 years, we used it in that capacity as well. I personally feel it’s the best out there and I’d like to still have it in my Malibu, but it’s just too expensive! What they are saying here makes it a forced feature and an even more expensive one at that.
No connected service should be a requirement to purchase a vehicle. OnStar is overpriced and overrated. I personally dislike OnStar service. And GM should be ashamed for shoving it down consumers throats. I have always been a loyal customer of GM. But I will now be moving away from GM products. Consumers shouldn’t be forced to pay for a service they do not want.
When My 2018 GMC Acadia Denali gives up the ghost… it’ll be the LAST GM product I’ll buy since 1974. Don’t force stuff on Me !!!
I have no way of KNOWING this, but I suspect GM is already getting both customer complaints and complaints from the dealers.
Not going to bet on a time frame, but I will wager this whole fiasco evaporates before Thanksgiving. The US one, not the one done in metric.
I agree totally. The instant GM sees a dip in market share, because they are priced $2k higher than an equally equipped competitor, this will get rolled into the cost of a technology package or dropped back to an option. My guess is they will incorporate it into a package.
So the $900-$1500 will be part of the financed amount, once the service is up ill still be paying for it. Right when I started to like GM.
GM is setting themselves up for more failure and market share loss just as they did so many times in the past. The very definition of insanity is doing the same stupid things over and over and expecting different outcomes. Bankruptcy 2.0 can’t be too far away maybe after the upcoming recession.
If they do, I will look at RAM or Ford $135.00 a month is Extreme.
I will not buy a vehicle that requires a monthly service fee. I have tried onstar and it was nothing but a nuisance.
I will buy a Ford.
Have been buying new GMC vehicles for over 30 years. This is an option I have no use for and I’m not willing to pay for this service. With truck prices escalating so fast every year this is enough for me. I will be switching to Silverado or I might even consider another Big 3 manufacturer. Come on GM wake up!!!
This company is being so poorly run they deserve to fail. The continuous lies about production and deliveries have the dealers so nervous they are afraid they will be involved in class action suits. This morning internet stories are reporting most safety features such as side alerts etc. are no more. By the way BRIGHT DROP is a hoax. Bragging about those sent to Canada is wishful thinking. Anyone who has ever lived there will tell you the weather is too harsh for electric delivery vans. They are probably parked somewhere just like the 95,000 vehicles that are already parked somewhere.
Well, I won’t be buying any GMC or Buick vehicle again, even though I have owned several GMC pickups and five Buick cars over the last 55 years. Most recent was a 2015 Buick Encore.
A forced OnStar subscription is all it takes for me to abandon GM vehicles. I’ll look elsewhere for my next ride.
Years ago Eastman Kodak company included the price of developing in the purchase of their film. The film had to be returned to Eastman Kodak for development or you would pay an additional fee to have it developed elsewhere.
This was found by the courts to be illegal.
It was found illegal here, and only for Kodak. Dynachrome (3M), department store color film, and some other makes, still were allowed to do the processing.
The Kodak consumers Our Betters In Washington were protecting, soon found out that separate fees for film and developing cost MORE, and the quality of many labs bordered on sinful.
In 1969, I toured a bit of western Europe. I took a lot of pictures, and saved the mailers. I came home, and found the address of the closest Kodak lab. I used the mailers, and Kodak honored them.
Too late to edit: I should have said the other makers were allowed to include the processing.
Note also that Kodachrome had a VERY complex and tricky chemistry, and when I shot with it, I always paid the tad bit more for genuine Kodak processing. Trust me: it made a difference.
I actually like OnStar. I consider having the automatic crash response to be an insurance policy that I hope I never need, but it worked great when some clown turned left into my wife. HOWEVER, buying the service was my decision and it should remain my decision. GM forcing everyone to buy it is a terrible money grab that will backfire. I ‘m a grown adult….I don’t need a corporate nanny telling me what electronic services I “need.”
Mandatory OnStar is a dealbreaker for my wife & i. My wife was getting ready to trade in her 2019 Enclave, with 12,000 miles , on a new one, we will now find another car for her… Ford, Audi, VW,
Alfa Romeo, Lexus, there are almost too many to count. Why don’t you bring back the Aztec while your at it.
I’d not mind the Aztek at all. Ugly, yes, but very sturdy, plenty of room inside, and a drivetrain proven in millions of cars over the decades.
I’m definitely not in favor of mandatory Onstar. I don’t need or want the services but what really sets me off is that in the rural area of MT where I live we don’t have decent ATT cell coverage so it would provide me zero benefit. Fortunately, the new 2022 truck I had ordered beat the mandatory requirement by days. If the service is still mandatory, then next time I go to purchase a new vehicle, it will definitely factor into my purchasing decisions. It is bad enough that I had to eat the MSRP increases from when I ordered the truck but adding in fluff just to further increase the price is a bridge too far.
“GM also has plans to add new in-vehicle digital subscription services, many of which will likely require an internet connection. The automaker has also said it expects most consumers will be willing an additional $135 a month for in-vehicle subscription features”
Hahahahahahahahahaha
Setting aside the price entirely, all that extra fluff and phoopherah will go over about as well as in-vehicle shopping.
I think two of my Pacificas had it, and I never got curious enough to even see how it worked, much less buy anything with it.
Just a note on my experiences with On-Star here in Florida. When the hurricanes come through, cell phones go boink. I could only communicate with my clients up in Detroit through my satellite phone; ON-STAR.
Emery Viazanko
Naples, Florida
OnStar uses the at&t cell network. Maybe get one of those if your Verizon (or whatever) doesn’t work as well.
I don’t live where weather is much of a factor, but AM elderly and my health is in decline. I use T-Mobile for my everyday service and for my internet, and it is rock solid.
Still, I maintain a backup phone on another carrier. I go through a reseller; it is AT&T on a quite limited plan, but, it puts me on another network just in case, and is very easy on the budget.
GM’s marketing is abysmal, instead of a separate charge for “connected services”, just raise the price of these vehicles (what’s another $1000 when the prices have gone up $10,000 in only one year), and include the 3 years of the connected services in the price. This way the GM can then justify the additional cost for their “premium” grade truck, GMC and the consumer is none the wiser. On another note, I have no idea who these people are that GM asked if they are okay spending an additional $135 a month on connected services – I for sure am one of them.
They are effectively raising the price of a new Buick or GMC vehicle by making On Star a 3 year commitment whether you want it not. I had On Star with my 2007 ION. I liked it and found it helpful especially when I had a thermostat go while on the road. If I remember it was about $14.95 per month . I discontinued On Star because I drive less than 5,000 miles a year. It wasn’t necessary because I have a cell phone to contact AAA if needed & change my oil at the 3500-4000 mile interval. If I drove many more miles maybe I would have stayed with On Star. What ticks people off is that this yet another way to force buyers to have something added to the vehicle in which they had no choice I think that when I purchased my 2007 ION On Star was free for the first 3 months and then you could decide to continue. I guess with all of the interconnected electronics On Star is becoming less relevant and most buyers do not sign up for it after the intial 3 month trial.
Or, OnStar is necessary to take full advantage of a lot of the electronics in the car so it’s now standard for 3 years. As an example, super Cruise requires an OnStar subscription to work.
Reality is, most people are getting up level versions of GMCs and Buicks. So to use the features, take advantage of OnStar. Otherwise get a base Chevy.
I recall OnStar when the service was top-notch, the directions good, the operators VERY helpful.
It then went into decline, with lazy operators, the hands-free disappeared (I’ll get back to that), and – more and more – it became “Your call is VERY important to us…” for ten and 15 minutes at a time.
Back on the hands-free. Yes, I have a mobile, and had BlueTooth fitted to the car. But, being able to dial by voice was very handy, and the tone quality was extremely good. Switching out the analog in the 2003 CTS I bought from my mother was a matter of $19.95 and an hour in the shop.
Now, the service is sub-par, and offers nothing that demands even half that price.
… you didn’t quote my comment of “when hell freezes over”
Do not shove extras at me and expect me to pay for something I didnt ask for and dont want…Onstar and the on/off engine button are 2 examples. I will never own a vehicle that locks me out so that I cant change the oil or perform simple services (battery changes included). All is a ploy to get you into the service/dealer so they can overcharge $$$. Just one more way to take advantage of the customer to line their pockets. Where will it end?
GM will be fine there are many people willing to pay for this Onstar nonsense they’ve done studies on this while back . Marry Barra knows what she’s doing
You are of course correct. GM has made such brilliant marketing and design moves over the years, they went from a paltry 52% of the American car market and SKYROCKETED to the – what? – 12% they have today?
Let’s not talk more competitors being around today. When GM had > 50% of the market, there was Hudson, Nash, Studebaker, Kaiser/Frazer, VW, Simca, Citroen, Peugeot, Datsun, Toyopet, Rootes Group, Jaguar, Volvo, SAAB primarily in New England states), Auto Union/DKW, and others. The independent American makes lost to economics of scale knocking them out, and the imports mostly lost out to building cars that could not survive a run up the San Joaquin Valley all day at 65; they weren’t made for it. Datsun and Toyopet “did their homework”, just like Hyundai did after the dreadful Excel. One small example of this change: Datsun stopped shipping entire boatloads of one color of car. If you wanted a red one and the ship down at the dock had green ones, you waited for the next boat and hoped for the best.
GM is NOT doing their homework. “Focus groups” tell them there is no market for a short-bed standard cab pickup. “Focus groups” tell them capacitive touch is better than knobs. That is why, for example, an irrigation district in SoCal ceased buying Chevy and GMC, and other fleet buyers have switched as well. Ram and Ford offer short bed standard cab trucks.
GM is instead focused on the market that wants plush interiors, electrically driven center consoles, and eleventy-two trim packages.
Now we have mandates from a car company! Reminds me of big government and big brother . Never have used Onstar once in the passed 6 trucks of have purchased from GM. Now they are forcing me to buy. Who does this car company think they are? Lot of other brands out there.
I had onstar for 15 years on my 2003 Silverado. I was supposed to have the theft protection but in the end found out it was the next level up on the plan.
I’ll never use onstar again for misrepresenting their service
My Pixel cell phone has crash detection and the Waze app Waze is far superior to Onstar nav in that all data is real time and it automatically suggests reroutes when a problem occurs. Location can be handled by a cell phone also and its all Free. Originally, I found some value with the service when the vehicle had the onboard phone It was a high powered system that could connect in the NC mountains where cell service is notoriously spotty. When the phone ended, so did my need for Onstar. I am finished with Onstar and if purchase is required, then I will find a different manufacturer.
“Subscription services” or “no subscription service” should be like the decision you make to “Purchase” or “Lease”. Each customer should be allowed to choose. I do believe however that the more they pass along “forced options”, the more the consumer will hang on to their old ride.
Remember the days when you could order your new car/truck and choose your options. Now, for the sake of simplifying production (and passing along additional charges) you get a new car/truck with a “trim level” that may or may not have the options you want.
In the market for new vehicle,. My target is a GMC or Buick. I’ll talk to dealer about this, I will not be taken advantage of in this manner. If this is fact its true, I will go with a Telluride.
A GM retiree
Just like many above, this will make me NOT buy another GMC. Currently have a 2020 3500HD Denali. Currently negotiating on a new 5th wheel RV so will need to trade for a duelly. Now we will look at Chevy, or 1 of the other 2 big brands. It’s not just the the extra money, but also just another “big brother watching over our shoulder”. Can only be a matter of time until we’ll start getting speeding tickets in the mail because our GPS ratted us out…:)
Go read “On A Clear Day You Can See General Motors”. Must have been a forced upper management decision by individuals who don’t know the automotive business. Market share continues to tank.
Ridiculous…just like the governments with tax grabs. This is simply grabbing more money for a service you don’t use. If it goes thru, I’ll be going back to Dodge Ram
I have a Malibu and a Corvette and have never used Onstar. Does GM think that “normal” people can afford and average car for $700.00 per month and an additional $135.00 per month for Onstar.? What are GM executives smoking?
I’ve been a Chevy guy my whole life and was a GM tech for years. Now I restore mostly GM vehicles. Trying to force feed people something like this is just stupid. People these days want their options, they want choice and more and more people every day are getting fed up with not having the option to choose what it is they pay for. The chances of me buying something are pretty much zero if you tell me i have to purchase it. I was planning on selling my or trading my 2008 silverado in on a new truck this year but GM isn’t playing in the performamce arena with the TRX and Ford trucks and now telling me i have to buy this ridiculous priced service i don’t need or want. I’ve never owned anything but a GM and sad to say that I guess ill be buying a TRX after 44 yrs with GM.
Sounds like another falicy from GM like the one ,they say ………gm customers only want 2 oil changes rather than the 4 as they used to get within the warranty.
I’ve owned OnStar equipped GM vehicles for over 15 years now…never once had I hit the blue button other than by accident. I do see value in the phone key fob feature and other connected services such vehicle status. It’s time for GM reinvent OnStar and personalize the system to the owner.
How long before we start see those additional markup stickers from manufactures, like the shysty dearlers have been using for years.
Just crossed off GMC of my mfg list. Buick made the list years ago.
Definitely not a fan of this, and it will play a factor in my decision between Chevy and GMC, I for sure believe you shouldn’t be forced in to something like this. I also really have a problem with the pricing, the higher level trims pay less than the lower level trims and that is not ok. Especially trucks where they are tools, it should be weighted at the very least base on cost. Someone buying a Pro is most likely using it as designed and for work or to make a living, why should they pay more when Mr. Box Checker is making his suburbia image purchase?
Who in the heck are the customer base that GM says are willing to pay $135/mo for extra subscription services! Maybe Cadillac customers. But c’mon GM. The bulk of your sales are ordinary Americans, not luxury vehicle shoppers. That’s the same payment as a $10k note at the bank.
Everyone is trying to cash in with subscriptions these days. It really leaves a bad taste in my mouth for GM.
It is not just GM doing this to buyers. On the Motley Fool’s website i came across this article; “BMW Starts Nickel &Diming Car Buyers. Will other automakers follow “? Apparently in the UK ,Germany, South Africa & N Zealand but not the US, (yet), this will include subscriptions for things like heated seats, Apple Car Play technology , automatic map updates, adaptive high beams and even playing engine noises in the car. GM has started doing this in a very small way-charging extra for every color except plain jane white. I can understand that some colors are custom such as Mazda’s Soul Red but GM has basically increased the price of every Buick and a few other brands at least $400 if you want a nicer color. it is not the money , what’s $400, it is the principle . I advise GM Authority readers to visit the Motley Fool website and read this article.Here is another tibit -“by building its cars with all of the features buit into the software, it can turn them on & off with the flip of a switch”Here is this gem- ” a trend towards “microtransactions” could create recurring streams , but also customer anger.
All of these ridiculous subscription services are out of control …. Someone mentioned SiriusXM — I waited until mine had expired for a couple of months… They finally offered me a 3 YEAR subscription for $99.00
I took them up on that. Even with the “Licensing tax and fees it was only $120 for 3 YEARS !!!! That averages only $3.33 a month .. Not bad when the “Regular” price is like $17 to $22 a month !!!
I am one who enjoys satellite radio, and am willing to pay a reasonable price for it. My decision.
But, that’s the difference: I will NOT be forced to buy a service I do not want, and OnStar defines one of them.
At the time, GM isn’t really making anything I want, but am waiting for the 2023 Traverse to come out. My grand-niece has asked her “Uncle Bear” to give it a look. If I find this OnStar nonsense carries over to Chevy, my answer will be to look elsewhere.
My guess is that the $1500 uncharge will go on Onstar’s books in order to make that division appear to be in better financial footing than it is. Wouldn’t be surprised that GM was going to jack up prices that much anyway to take advantage of the inflation situation that we are now experiencing post Covid government giveaways.
Will those GM owners willing to pay the additional $135.00 a month, please come forward.
I’m guessing we will only hear crickets.
Don’t care about the new stuff. I just want my OnStar to work in 2003 GMC Yukon and now my 2011 Silverado is being turned off at the end of the year. Please provide upgrade options for older vehicles or drop the entire program….
As I mentioned elsewhere: check your dealer’s parts desk, and ask if there is an upgrade kit.
For those of you that are comparing Chevy to GM here is a tidbit of info for you. GM is Chevy. Cadillac and Buick are GM. Made by the same General Motors Corporation. So this OnStar thing will refer to all GM products. So better switch to a Corporation that isn’t shoving a service down your throat
Roger that!
Unfortunately I don’t think this is going to be a GM specific strategy. Way too much easy money to massage out of customers by subscription fees for features or services. Goin EV will make it a must that cars are connected to the web, and each other on the road eventually. It’s just sad that it’s so obvious that they think everyone will playcate to their demands. Eventually we won’t have a choice unless we can get legislation to force the carmakers to provide certain services or at least make them be one time purchase versus having to pay $99/yr for Apple CarPlay or other features like that.
GM can KMA.
I’ve had OnStar and all of my GM vehicles starting with my Pontiac G6 and all the way to my Chevy branded vehicles. Do I use all the features? Of course read the rest starting my vehicle using the app to unlock or start my vehicle or having Alexa start my vehicle, it does make sense for me. However I don’t use the connectivity part like the Wi-Fi portion because well I have a cell phone that has 100 GB mobile hotspot so I don’t need Wi-Fi in my vehicle. That’s the only issue I have which is being forced to do something but other than that I will gladly pay for OnStar in any GM vehicle and to be honest that’s probably why I never switched companies because no other car company that I know of has something similar to OnStar.
No way will I pay and extra 1500.00 for some thing I get for free on my cell phone. Looks like this is good bye to GM
Without the hands-free phone, it’s a complete waste of money
Equinox is next on my list to replace our 2020 Buick Envision. It’s tough enough to justify a China built car. Now, I’ll be asked to purchase an option I have turned down on every other GM car I have bought. Not gonna happen.
I have a 2005 Cadillac CTS and had “hands free calling” with OnStar til a year ago. 9.99 a month and wasn’t told it would be discontinued. It surely was a nice feature and I always felt safe. Yes with the coming changes with the 5G etc, I guess they won’t miss me. And it was nice to know I could help other folks with my OnStar phone.
What does GM think they are? A dealer? This is the kind of scam that dealers try to pull! Come on GM,your dealers are bad enough,there is no need for you to mimic them!
“The automaker has said it expects most consumers will be willing an additional $135 a month for in-vehicle subscription features, as well.” Expects? Who are these fools talking to? Not your average buyer that’s for sure.
I have to wonder though. Could this be part of a negotiation ploy?. As in people will try to negotiate the price of the vehicle down but GM will come back with this “mandatory ” service with the made up tech price and say . We can’t lower the price of the vehicle but how about we give you this tech service for “free”. It’s a great offer for you.
Or something like that?
More and more companies care more about making a profit for their share holders and themselves way more than the consumer. They just want to suck every penny out of the consumer and if that includes using manipulative practices, so be it!
“I have to wonder though. Could this be part of a negotiation ploy?. As in people will try to negotiate the price of the vehicle down but GM will come back with this “mandatory ” service with the made up tech price and say . We can’t lower the price of the vehicle but how about we give you this tech service for “free”. It’s a great offer for you.”
It is at that point you pick up the keys to your trade-in, politely say “no”, and head for the door. I found long go that the word “no” functions very well.
Had On Star in my 2002 Silverado and never used it. After the second year they went digital and mine didn’t work anymore. Drove that truck for 23 years and never missed On Star. My new 22 Silverado has it but I didn’t sign up for it cause they wanted 35 a month. Don’t use it don’t need it.
Besides, with keyless entry you would be hard press to lock yourself out of the vehicle. And if you have a wreck there will be tons of people with cell phones calling 911 as they driving by:)
OnStar is a great feature from a safety and convenience perspective. It’s basic form that unlocks doors, remote start, send address to Nav should be standard on those with tech trim packages. Linking or piggybacking on your mobile device plan is really a best path forward. Forcing $135 per month is crazy. Their research is flawed if they think folks will pay such an obscene amount. Like others have stated, as I too have many times, make the price affordable and easy and the volume of business will increase dramatically.
With all the issues GM products have with the OnStar and dound system not syncing, this program is just asking for a lawsuit.
GM’S sound on phone, Onstar and radio randomly ramps up to untenable levels dtartling even the most chill drivers on the road.
The lemon law claims al9ne in NJ regarding this issue must be enormous and with every update of their systems it gets worde.
If I was forced to buy any vehicle with a mandatory program, Id buy something else.
I was going to buy a GMC
I will switch to Chevrolet
I will NOT pay the extra for On star since I don’t use it
$135 a month… That’s what they expect people will be willing to pay… That’s my phone bill with two phones on it. This is one truck that will only be in for 30 morning and evening… No no I’ll stick with Ford if there was even a chance I was switching this killed it
If GM does this how are they going to get me as a used car buyer to sign on, cuz I certainly won’t be paying them anything for OnStar
$5 sounds about right
I ordered a 2023 GMC Sierra 2500 HD today. I had speced out a 2022 but that window had closed. When the price came back substantially higher, a big piece of the increase was $1500 for the mandatory On Star subscription. I’m really upset and I may just cancel the order. Extremely poor business!
Where’s the lawsuits for these forced subscription fees. And why not start boycotting companies that are doing this. Fee for heated seats, unlocking and starting car, and on star that never gets used. Scam. Maybe they will sell mandatory extended warranty and not fix the car when it breaks without charging a deductible. What’s next!!! Can’t wait for lawsuits and boycotting!!!
Just what we need, lawyers. You can’t sue a company for charging for a service. You just refuse to buy the product. That’s how this works.
I swore off GM products ever since my last purchase, am 87 IROC Camaro. Damn thing fell apart within 3 years. But I was looking at the dark side again, I like the baby Duramax. Wanted to go with GMC, but no way I am paying $1500 for Onstar.
I feel pretty sure the same thing will happen with Chevy, so I may have to look elsewhere.
GM owns OnStar….why do you think they are doing this? FYI….I have personally bought 27 GM vehicles in my lifetime from the same small town dealer. I have also brought in 8 more people who have bought GM cars from that same dealer. I don’t want/need OnStar. My cellphone is enough….thank you.
There is a real separation that occurs in American business between what marketing preceives and recommends to mgmt and what the consumer perceives as their reality. I know, I’ve been in both places. From “Lofty” position (joke), I can’t tell whether marketing is responding to mgmt pressure for more profits, or if marketing is looking to score points with mgmt. But, with all these “Great” ideas car companies are putting forth …… Hyundai/Kia keeps looking better and better. Dealer wanted $2600 for an extended warranty on my Colorado…. Whoops my Hyundai already has one and it didn’t cost me anything extra. Whoops their turbo runs on regular! My old Santa Fe ran for 320K miles without a repair. Just replacement of worn out stuff. Our second Kia Soul….. Hummmm … no problems at all. There are viable alternatives out there people. I am forced to move from decisions based on comparisons, to being “pushed” toward a competitor. If you lose a good customer, you’ve got to fight to get him back, plus gain another one just to break even on sales increases. Like Patton said, “Don’t fight for the same ground twice” GM. Making decisions that push a customer toward a competitor are obviously a mistake.
I love my current GMC truck but it will be my last. I will never buy a vehicle with mandatory services. Your lack of customer understanding is amazing. Goodbye from one of your most loyal customers
You need to tell that to GM. This isn’t their site.
Beware General Motors demands that you buy Onstar at the cost of $1,500 when you purchase a new car. With tax it cost me $1,640 for a cell phone service I do not need or want another cell phone service. I was told it was a free 3 month service. A a sneaky option scam added on the window sticker that I did not see until after the sale.
I mailed 67 letters to GM competitors in my area. Here is what I wrote.
Hello,
Use my experience and keep customers in your showroom.
When car buyers are in your showroom looking at your cars and are also considering a GM vehicle, perhaps informing your customer about General Motors mandatory charge of $1,640 tax included for cellular service called OnStar this may change their mind and have the buyer stay with your brand. A cellphone can do most of what OnStar can do.
Casually mention that GM has this outrageous cellular service fee and sell your brand and increase your bottom line.
I was told Onstar was a trail period. After the sale, I saw the Onstar Option on the window sticker. You don’t have to activate it but you must pay for it. I would have never walked into a GM showroom had I known about this fee.
Spread the word don’t let this happen to your family and friends.
I will be sending letters all across the U.S.
This whole thing is so ridiculous. GM won’t let people who want OnStar, have it. And, they are shoving it down the throat of those who don’t want it. Go figure!