With the sunset of 2G cellular network technology, older GM vehicles will no longer be compatible with OnStar Connected Services. Now, a new online petition has been created demanding that 2G-equipped GM vehicles be upgraded with the hardware needed to continue using OnStar.
The petition was launched at change.org, and currently has 1,918 signatures as of this writing (1/2/23). “Many of us have been loyal GM and OnStar customers for many years and have faithfully paid monthly fees to OnStar,” the petition reads. “GM should offer a free hardware upgrade to all of our vehicles. This is a matter of respecting loyal GM customers and, more importantly, a matter of public safety.”
As GM Authority covered last November, GM subsidiary OnStar previously announced that 2014-model-year and older GM vehicles, plus certain 2015-model-year GM vehicles, will lose access to OnStar following the deactivation of Verizon’s 2G network. Verizon is sunsetting the 2G network in order to focus on expanding coverage and access for its more-advanced 4G and 5G networks.
Affected GM models cover all four of The General’s U.S. brands (Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC), as well as vehicles previously sold under now-discontinued brands (Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Saturn, Saab, Hummer).
OnStar member impacted by 2G deactivation will receive a reduced cost for their monthly subscription. Billing changes are in effect as of January 1st, 2023. Affected vehicle owners will also continue to have access to OnStar Advisors by calling 1-800-4ONSTAR, and users can contact the company using the OnStar Guardian app as well.
Affected owners are encouraged to download the OnStar Guardian app, which still enables users to connect with a variety of OnStar services, such as Mobile Crash Response, Roadside Assistance, Emergency Services, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, and Location Services. It’s also worth pointing out that the OnStar Guardian app is included as part of the OnStar Safety & Security, Essentials and Premium plans.
Nevertheless, some OnStar users will no doubt want to continue to have access to in-vehicle features in their older GM models.
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Comments
It should not be free. Verizon does not give you a free phone if the service goes away, they give a discount same with cellular service on alarm systems. It’s possible it could be a simple plug in to updated.
When the carriers dropped analog service, OnStar was deactivated in the early model years without any chance to upgrade.
Most AMPS OnStar modules actually did have a digital CDMA upgrade. Also in Canada, there were UMTS upgrade modules made available for CDMA OnStar vehicles.
GM is very familiar with VCIM upgrading, they just have made the business decision to stop doing it.
“Verizon does not give you a free phone if the service goes away”
They did. All 3 carriers gave the stragglers free phones.
I know AT&T did like-for-like replacements: if you had an incompatible iPhone, they automatically sent you a brand-new iPhone SE for free with no commitment. Android users got an Android phone, and flip phone users got a flip phone.
T-mobile did the same, but you had to go to a store and hand over your old one. Verizon apparently sent crappy flip phones to everybody regardless.
In Canada, GM swapped the modem for free if the car was in warranty when they shut down (2017) or if you committed for a year of service.
I feel like a $50,000 purchase is a little different than a $300 phone. We bought these cars for the capabilities they had. Many of us would have bought a year newer or changed our minds if these options were not going to be included. This was part of the selling point of the dealership. NOT THE SAME!
Will GM be upgrading my 2020 Malibu Premier to 5G anytime soon.
Regardless if it’s “Free” or not, I think GM/OnStar should at least offer an upgrade to the most current system as an option. Let the customers decide if they want to continue to subscribe to their telemetric service that’s built-into their vehicle(s).
I agree.
Okay. I’m confused. I purchased my 2020 Trax in May 2020. On the My GM Account app under Plans & Services OnStar & Connected Services it says Connected Access is included with your vehicle purchase and active through May 25, 2030. That would be 10 years.
What exactly goes away after 5 years?
5 years was only on 2015-2018 model year vehicles. For cars purchased starting May 2018, the Basic plan was renamed Connected Access and upped to 10 years, like you see on yours.
Thank you for clarifying. That’s good news.
I myself would have never bought the car that I did knowing that I could not have navigation in it I think it’s BS I don’t have $20,000 to go buy another car I just bought this car it was a good deal it was 2013 equinox l t z fully loaded for 15000.00. I was thrilled It was beautiful but now I drive for a living and now there’s what are my options like this is not fair like you just can’t return the car and nobody at the car dealership knew about it like what do you do Chevy I really think that you should have another option it’s just not fair. I would have bought a newer car if I knew that cuz I was looking at them at the same price but I really like this one I just don’t think it’s fair
I just want the option of having on star again
I just had a very scary situation where my wife went missing for almost 12 hours, I wasn’t able to find her car because of the sunsetting and be able to find her. By the grace of God she is home safe but because of this ridiculous failure on GM’s part to get a suitable upgrade option in place. My family went through hell trying to find the car, and GM was well informed prior to the 2G shutdown by the government mandate. Do something about this GM!
2g to 4/5g. Free upgrade would show excellent customer service. Reasonable priced upgrade is expected and in my opinion required. Seems like false advertising not to. Bought the car with features that no longer work. Diagnostics sent like maintenance, air pressure etc. Security like locking the car etc. I used often go to a restaurant and think did I lock the car? Then say well it’s locked now! (After using the app). Now, it’s a matter of trust. Do I trust GM to maintain systems? If it was a matter of a couple hundred dollars, it would be MY choice. Sorry lost trust in GM. Will be a factor in buying my next car.
I bought a 2014 Buick Enclave mainly because I’m disabled and needed room for my equipment and the fact well.. I thought had GPS and Onstar already included. It did have Sirius XM big deal. I needed to be able to have the tracking option as my husband has a brain tumor and he can get lost easily. After the last I was dotted and the last T crossed I find out its only 4g and non of the features are available without an upgrade. So now I’m pissed and I need to know what I can do to upgrade this asap. I have been told you can get an android auto adapter and install it as long as I have original OEM wiring. However I’m not getting answered and I don’t know if that’s what I have. Please someone help me.
In Canada, older GM vehicles with the 2G On Star were upgraded by GM at no cost to consumer. So there is a way to upgrade the system.
If these can be updated in Canada, why can they not be updated in the United States?
If this is all true, I would love to have more information
Sadly, I feel this is all part of the “Planned Obsolescence,” that many (if not all), companies do in order for people to be forced to buy their newer products. Unfortunately, GM along with others, seem to practice this and for me it is really frustrating!
My Wife and I are on a fixed income and I cannot afford to purchase a new vehicle every 10 years. And while GM/OnStar and other manufactures discontinue supporting features on older automobiles to try and force them in buying newer ones, they leave those who cannot afford them without a voice of representation.
I feel a “Win-Win” would be to give their customers a reasonable cost in a choice to upgrade to the latest telecommunications technology. Not only will this keep your customer base, but it’s good Public Relations when selling OnStar’s features and Customer Service.
For 50+yrs, I have been a GM fan (since I bought my new ‘70 Camaro). Never did I believe that GM would not provide an option to keep the car functioning as advertised. I don’t care about On-Star, I want the features that were a part of the purchase. Remote key fob features, email of diagnostics. Typically by habit, I would locked the car via key fob. Then wondered if I did, especially when with others. So, few minutes later enjoyed the peace of mind that I could lock via app. Now, I will think twice as a consider buying a new car. Do I trust GM anymore?
Remember when Apple lost a class action lawsuit over claims it deliberately slowed down certain iPhones so you would be forced to upgrade, it’s the same in this case. They should make an upgrade for affected owners, and no it shouldn’t be free, but it should be affordable.