OnStar No Longer Available In Older GM Vehicles
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GM subsidiary OnStar has recently announced that older GM vehicles will no longer be compatible with OnStar and Connected Services.
Effective through November and December, 2014 model-year and older GM vehicles, as well as select 2015 model-year vehicles, will lose access to OnStar. This affects current GM brands (Chevy, GMC, Buick, Cadillac), in addition to vehicles sold by discontinued brands (Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Saturn, Saab, Hummer).
The reason for this suspension has to do with the service’s cellular network. These vehicles use Verizon’s 2G network, which will sunset in December 2022, as network providers focus on expanded coverage of and access to 4G and 5G networks.
For affected vehicle owners, OnStar Advisors will continue to provide 24/7 support. According to an OnStar spokesperson, members can still call 1.888.4ONSTAR or contact the company through the OnStar Guardian app.
OnStar members impacted by the 2G shutdown will see an automatic reduction in the cost of their monthly subscription to offset the loss of their in-car OnStar service. However, they will still be allowed to keep using the OnStar Guardian app and receive 24/7 access to OnStar Advisors by calling directly by phone.
This billing change will be effective around January 1st, 2023.
Owners of affected vehicles are encouraged to contact OnStar with any questions, and to understand their options moving forward. Additionally, owners are suggested to download OnStar Guardian app, which allows them to carry OnStar services where they go with compatible devices. These services include Mobile Crash Response, Roadside Assistance, Emergency Services, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, and Location Services.
It’s worth noting that the OnStar Guardian app is already included in OnStar’s Safety & Security, Essentials and Premium plans.
Readers with any additional questions can read OnStar’s FAQ here.
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In Canada, they did a modem swap because their CDMA network started to be shut down in 2017, when some of the cars were still in warranty.
The original US plan was to give everybody a OBD port dongle, basically a Verizon Hum, but it got put on hold allegedly due to the semiconductor shortage. It seemed apparent with no action by middle of this year there wasn’t going to be a plan.
This stinks!! I recieved a 2014 Silverado 1500 Z71 two years ago as a Christmas present, never owned a Chevy before and have loved it for the last two years and now the main features I fell in love with the truck are now gone!!! Thanks for nothing Chevrolet and Verizon!!! I, as many Chevy owners need Chevy and Verizon to step up and do the right thing to us Chevrolet owners and upgrade our 2g internet system!!! This is making me rethink owning Chevrolets in the future. Again, Chevrolet NEEDS to fix this!
Hilarious. We are on 5G and close t poo 6G and you want to complain about a feature in a 2014 car that no longer works in 2022?
The newer version of OnStar is ATT based. Different technology
So, we should go out and buy new cars? When ours barely has 100k on it? How would you feel if your 5g stopped and they didn’t offer you an upgrade to 6g? You’d feel just like we do, we paid for a service they’re saying oh sorry it’s not available anymore.
Quick question, how often do you change cellular phones? The analog system was turned off when switch to digital was mafe. a 2014 vehicle had an ANALOG phone integrated (electronic serial number or ESn and not a SIM CARD or IMEI number that ) Are you suggesting the easy fix, is to maintain the older analog system for the few stragglers instead of upgrading to the newer technology? Are you also suggesting that since the contract with Verizon ended along with the sunset of analog cellular, (side note there are many parts of a cars that are more important but doi not last forerver. And honestly, I had Onstar in my 2004 Silverado and 2007 Suburban. It was just okay. Fast forward, I have a Pioneer Head Unit that allows me to integrate Apple and Android phones and apps including navigation, 911, etc.
Pretty soon, landline phones (POTS plain old telephone service) will go away.
5G isn’t going away anytime soon so that is a really bad analogy! LOL
There are many things to be mad at GM/Chevy/Verizon for. But discontinuing 3G or 3G when it was stipulatedc when they purchased 4G/LTE and 5G spectrum.
CArs don’t come with cassette or cd players anymore either. I have an entire collection I am stuck listening to at home. I do enjoy XM and streaming apps on my Pioneer radio. and making handsfree calls.
For those who have thumbs down the comment, let me ask you How often do you replace your mobile phone? When there was a switch from analog to digital (GSM/CDMA/TDMA) did you have to ghet a new phone, or was there a chip swap of some sort? Same question for 4G (GSM/LTE) and now 5G?
How can you compare the price of a cell phone with the cost of a new automobile? That makes no sense.
I’m referring to a communication feature. How many people purchased the vehicle mainly for a feature like a AM Radio? Ya’ll are hilarious. But, I have time today! Does my 2004 Silverado still work, dispite OnStar no Working? Absolutely. Same for myt 2007 Suburban.
we’re not hilarious we’re resonble. did we purchase the vehicle for this? well maybe a little old lady did, because she needed the turn by turn, i paid close to 40k for my cadillac, onstar being a luxury feature i bought and paid for. so, should i go buy a new car because they cant come up with a resolution? this million dollar company cant appease its customers? besides, you dont care right? then why are you here?
Ignore this troll. He’s just another dumb@ss trying to make people feel bad.
Are you serious smfh? A 50,000 vehicle is no comparison to a phone. Not everyone can or even wants to upgrade to a overpriced vehicle. They already bought one and 2014 is 9 years old that’s not old.
Then GM should offer a module that connects to your current system. I’d gladly pay a few hundred bucks to keep the On-Star current in an older vehicle than buy a new vehicle. This isn’t the same as upgrading a cell phone, lol..a vehicle has a substantially higher dollar value attached to it.
Yes. That’s what happens when tech becomes obsolete. Every single manufacturer with cellular systems are going through this right now. My 2015 BMW X5 has the same issue. The only fix is to spend $2k on an upgraded system or buy a new car.
It’s sad yet hilarious that I thought we were all having an adult conversation? LOL
As soon as a product is available for sale, the next version is already in development.
I wish I could still use the bag phone I purchased in the late 80’s. My Motorola RAZR and various Nokia and Oki phones with the rubber antennas.
Fact is, a car is intended to get you places. The A/C , radio and other accessories and feature will fail eventually. I even replaced my factory radio with a new touchscreen radio with Apple Play because my car is a 2011, features stopped working, and a replacement was not readily available.
Even the engine will needs out of warranty servicing or replacement. I can see that an engine can be replaced, but many cars made in this decade do not offer modular replacements. If the owner’s manual stated otherwise, let us know. I wish you all well
No, you don’t have to buy a new vehicle, just get a new OnStar module. (No not from a GM dealer because they will charge a fortune lol.) Yes, there’s an entirely different module just for OnStar services, it’s underneath the infotainment system inside the dash on most GM vehicles. If not all of them.
It’s called the VICM (Vehicle Interface Control Module) They are not plug and play as they have to be programmed to the vehicles VIN #
Do you mean the VCIM? The Vehicle Communication Interface Module.
The VICM is a part on a hybrid powertrain (Vehicle Integration Control Module).
We are mainly saying at least make an option to update it to current services. I just bought a truck 2 days ago and paid extra for the service I can’t even use… There is a good possibility the dealer will be getting the truck back or compensation for the $1800 upgrade fee I was charged for OnStar and navigation.
My chev colorado has 72,ooo Miles and I felt safe knowing I can count on them in case of a medical issues while driving now being of age feel ripped off by takeing so much care of my truck for my future use knowing I can’t be safe driving alone anymore chevy you suck
You are so right this sucks. I downloaded the app but still didn’t know how to use it.😡
Well, my 2019 Chevy Equinox has the OnStar hardware but it never could get the service because OnStar was never available in my area.
How did we ever live without technology?
Yea this really stinks. That’s the reason I bought my 2012 Cadiallac SRX was the security of getting me as a single woman to and from places. So in other words we can get the same service as the use of Seri on our phone at a discounted rate. Thanks but no thanks.
Heck, I lost ONSTAR back in 2003 when they went from analog to ditigital.
Have used of needed since.
Agreed you are not the only one who has Not Liked the Platform and its failure to upgrade. We might as well Not Have it to begin with. This seems to be a common issue with all years since it’s use. They can leave it off or out of the vehicle for all I care at this point. I Do Not Need one more part of the car that is not supported in a few years. They have done this to loyal customers over and over again. I will not support On Star or pay for monthly premiums again! They started this mess clear back on our 01 Monti Carlo. Every Product Model Since! Wanted to charge $895 to upgrade plus the monthly subscription. I went another route for less and a one time fee!
I’ve had horrible problems with OnStar on a 2021 Sierra Denali, 2019, a 2023 Tagore and a 2023 Traverse. I have invested 40+ hour long calls and have been referred to Level3 Technical Service a half dozen times. I love OnStar capabilities but capabilities don’t really matter if they don’t work when you need them. I have been an OnStar customer for 25 years but have completely lost confidence in the service.
Why would you subject yourself to something like that?
Giving us a swap out alternative would be nice…. Even if we have to pay out of pocket. I mean how big of a freaking deal can you possibly be to swap out a fricking chip?
I agree. My 2015 Camaro 2SS has been discontinued by Onstar. The My Chevrolet app, which did remote start, lock/unlock, diagnostics, tracking, and remote disable has all been lost. GM never, nor do they plan to, offered any type of an upgrade to keep the services. What a crock of Sh1t! I love my Camaro, but after having to spend $10K on a new engine because of the horse sh1t AFM/DOD shredded it (of course no responsibility taken there by GM) and now this, I will NEVER buy another GM product again. Absolutely no loyalty, at all, by GM for its customers.
They’re running themselves in the ground, and don’t even know it.
Verizon hum messed up my wife’s 09 Acura MDX, don’t use it.
Pay extra for it when bought car in2013 now up an stop service GM an Onstar sucks
Remember the good old days when you bought a car and you actually owned it and all it’s features indefinitely?
This is the same as buying an old cell phone. You own it but the tech doesn’t work anymore.
I can’t believe gm is abandoning customers. In this day and age, there must be a fix for changing out of the 2G electronics. I have had OnStar on my 2013 Equinox since new. The remote unlock, diagnostic status and location feature was valuable to me as my wife drives the vehicle. The “Guardian.App” is useless as it doesn’t communicate with vehicle.
Right now it doesn’t, It will in future. All the BBKP (Blue Button Key Press) services will be available through Guardian.
GM isn’t the only company doing this. BMW Connected Drive, Acura OnStar, Mercedes, Ford, basically every company that had some sort of system like that back then was effected by the 2G and 3G shutdown.
Oh, so if others do the same then it’s OK? Bullsh_t!
When the plan expired on my Pontiac, i never renewed it. Same thing with my Cadillac. Why should I pay for something that I never used?
I have a 2017 Chevy and never used OnStar in the free trial and not interested now. Every few months car randomly blurts out “This vehicle is currently connected to limited services by OnStar!” In a very loud mechanical female voice. I assume GM believes you’ll buy a subscription just so your car stops making you jump out of your skin at random intervals.
Hot dog. Maybe I’ll get a used older model Buick now. I really do not want something like OnStar built into a vehicle.
You could disconnect Onstar on older models.
GM can kiss my a__! I had my Cadillac upgraded from analog to digital when that change occurred. The same with my Chevy and my Sierra Denali. Always paid the OnStar bills even though the only thing I used was the hands free phone. Always thought it was worth it for the safety aspect. Now, supposedly, they can’t do anything because of the change to 5G? Hogwash!! Mary doesn’t give a damn about her customers, only her bonuses for doing nothing. I really had high hopes for GM with her at the head. Boy, was I wrong.
I’m very disappointed with OnStar I have 5 vehicles that are OnStar ready and won’t be able to get the service. They should be able to provide a motem or something that would work in older vehicles!!! And make it available if the owner wants it. (3) Cadillacs,and (2)GMC’S dead in the water!!!
No wonder they needed to force premium onstar services for new car buyers. They knew they were about to lose a bunch of customers. Instead of creating a solution for people who actually want onstar, they instead decided to force it down every new buyers throat.
Yes I was notified over a year ago my 2013 traverse that I have onstar was going to get disconnected at the end of this year. I called asked similar questions as the driving data is used in participating with state farm drive safe for discount on insurance along with like the chevy app maintenance monitoring. They said at some point down the road when capability got better they would be looking into a better solution. The on guardian app is a good feature but I said why can’t the app and phone do what the chip would do in its place? I am a software developer your phone connects to your car via bluetooth why can’t they create software or a make the app work as the cell connection for the vechile affected. Use tap into the drivers cellphone to keep the onboard existing system working. We create middle ware or integrated plugins all the time. Gm why cant you integrate your app or software to have drivers that are not covered opt in to connect there cell phone android or apple phones as the connection for the vehicles to maintain the signal? Or us The satellite radio Sirius xm connection or similar as the solution to the problem ? We create invotative software all the tim to modernize legacy systems why do we need a modem or chip swap out? Offer a better solution onstar and gm? Offering a discounted is great granted I haven’t had to use the service yet but it would be ideal to have a solution that delivers the same capability the customers are asking for but without a chip. I hope gm and onstar come up with a better solution.
This is absolutely ridiculous. I would of never dreamed of buying anything other than GM. Now I will consider, we should have the option of a hardware update or software update, whichever it is. Call it whatever you will but I like to be able to start my car when it’s cold from my bed by app. Now I can’t do that. Call me lazy or whatever you want. I live in eastern ky and it gets cold here in winter, and that was something I’ve used since my Cadillac was purchased new. Idc about the turn by turn or anything like that. This is the simplest feature, and they’re taking it away. We all need to contact the highest level of Onstar or GM and see why their customers in older model vehicles aren’t worth having a plan for. My cat r has barely 100k miles, it’s a 2013 cts. What am I supposed to do? Go buy a new car? Im furious over this.
This will happen with any car you get
I’ve been a GM fan all my life!, And I still am but it would seem that GM is just taking a serious nose dive!?, and it would appear or it would appear as if they don’t care!? And I just can’t believe what’s going on with GM I’ve got a newer Truck and it’s been in the shop more than my older Ford!, like I said I love GM but they really need to get it together!, it’s great to have a bunch of over educated people working for you but if they can’t build a vehicle properly or one with out a bunch of serious and expensive problems, something needs to change for the better!?, my newer truck had an issue where it could’ve cost me and my family our lives, blessedly the dealership found out the problem and hopefully fixed it?, lastly stop using the cheapest labor in cheap labor places!, America can build a great car! Bring it home GM and build quality cars like you know you can!! (PLEASE)? I’d really appreciate that!, Thank you
Please excuse any typos, Thank you