As the country shifts to higher network connectivity, GM’s OnStar has announced that in-car services are set to end soon. However, OnStar services will continue but through another method – just not through the three-button interface of older GM vehicles.
The reason for this change is cellular carriers upgrading from a 2G network to 4G or 5G connectivity. As older GM vehicles use a 2G connection, these cars will lose their in-car OnStar services. In the United States, most major network providers will complete the 2G network transition in December 2022.
According to OnStar, the vehicles affected by this network upgrade (aka 2G network shutdown) cover select model year 2015 and older GM vehicles, including older GM brands, such as Pontiac, Saturn, and Hummer. If you are unsure if your GM vehicle is one of the affected cars, you can check it using OnStar’s online VIN lookup tool.
With the sunset of the 2G network, certain OnStar services under the Safety and Security Plan will not be available for the older GM vehicles mentioned, namely Automatic Collision Response, vehicle theft and turn-by-turn navigation. The Remote Key Fob service under the Essentials plan will also become unavailable.
According to GM Authority, monthly subscription fees for affected members will be reduced. The billing change will take effect on January 1, 2023.
Other OnStar services will still be available to owners of these older GM vehicles. Active OnStar members will be able to use key services by calling an OnStar advisor at 1.888.4ONSTAR. These services include roadside assistance, crisis assistance or emergency services.
The services are also accessible through the OnStar Guardian app, which is already included in the Safety and Security and OnStar Guardian plans. Location status and mobile collision response can also be accessed through the app.
