OnStar could go black for millions of analog subscribers in '08

If you just so happened to pick up a 2004 (or earlier) year model GM vehicle while waiting for that oh-so-tempting self-driving edition to land in '08, and can't wait to take full advantage of the svelte built-in OnStar system, you better start now. When analog networks have the option to go silent in 2008, vehicles equipped with analog-only hardware will not be able to communicate with those friendly voices on the other end of the blue button, which could leave some (previously) loyal GM customers seeing red. All vehicles kitted prior to 2002 will unfortunately not sport the same sense of security they once did, while select vehicles from 2002 to 2004 can be upgraded with digital equipment. Verizon Wireless -- the current network of choice for OnStar -- "has not said how or when it will dismantle its analog network," but will likely pull plugs in stages. While the value of OnStar's service is certainly debatable, leaving a substantial amount of your four million customers without a resolution certainly doesn't bode well if you're looking to snag repeat buyers, but we suppose it's the price you pay for keepin' things fresh.

[Via Autoblog]

[Paula P @ Jan 28th 2008 1:15PM]

I purchased my 2001 Monte Carlo SS new with the thought of keeping for many years. I looked at several Monte Carlos, the On Star feature was the deciding factor for my purchase. I am all for a class action suit. When I was first informed, I contacted GM, On Star & the FCC. I was never offer any incentives or alternatives. I was basically told there was nothing they could do. I find it hard to believe that with all the technology we have today that someone hasn't developed a conversation kit for those of us with analog only On Star. I purchased my car in good faith that everything the car was equiped with would continue to work or be repairable. This is not the case with On Star. As for those that think the older models are in the junk yard now. They are very wrong. There are actually people in this world that take care of their cars and keep them beyond 3, 4 or 5 years. My car before this one (also a Chevy) was 16 years old with 212,000 miles that I sold for $500 and remained on the road for at least 2 more years. Class Action Suit all the way!!!!

[Amy @ Feb 18th 2008 8:38AM]

Only in America...

would you find a bunch of people who instantly think of a lawsuit when a piece of technology they own is phased out due to progress. It's not Onstar's, nor GM's fault that the FCC has decided to end the cellphone networks mandatory support of this ancient technology. If you want to complain to someone, try lobbying the cellphone networks, or maybe even the FCC.

I own a 2001 BMW 330 Coupe. Among other gadgets, it has an LCD screen integrated into the dsah that serves as a user interface for the sat-nav, trip computer and music system. It also enables you to watch television while the car is stationary. It's something that I've used a surprising number of times. Now guess what - here in the UK, the government has started phasing out the broadcasting of analogue TV over the airwaves, and by 2012 the entire UK will be digital only. This means that sooner or later, my in-car TV will stop wotking. I'm sure BMW isn't going to bother to develop an adapter for older cars like mine, and I don't blame them. But I am sure some enterprising person will see the market for adapters, and possibly release a digital TV module. I'm sure it's possible since the more recent cars can receive both analogue and digital TV. And if it turns out that there is no way to upgrade my TV, I don't believe for one minute that it's going to devalue my car's resale value. People buy cars to go from A to B, and the most important secondary characteristics of a used car are probably price, reliability, performance style, and safety. I don't think any buyer will be put off because the TV function doesn't work. Not would they because the Onstar button no longer works. Be realistic people!

[Lneve @ Feb 19th 2008 9:28AM]

What if it was one of your children that they found frozen to death in a creek bed???? With the air bags deployed and at that point still alive. How would you feel then? Especially when it was advertised and sold to me as a SAFETY feature (not a TV). You are the one that needs a reality check.......

[Amy @ Feb 19th 2008 9:39AM]

Even safety features have a lifespan. I'm not saying that the Onstar is a useless gadget - far from it. But the idea of launching a lawsuit against the carmaker is totally ridiculous. It's not as if they KNEW that the FCC would allow the carriers to switch off the old analogue networks. The reason the carmakers chose to use those older networks is because they have a much broader signal coverage than the newer, but more complex and range-limited digital systems.

So how old does your car have to be before it's acceptable to terminate some form of technology that it uses? If it was 20 years old, would you still complain? I seriously doubt it. What about 10 years? Probably not. There has to be an end to all forms of technology eventually, and whenever that end comes, there will always be some people who are less than happy.

[Hugh V. Bell @ Jun 11th 2008 11:31AM]

I purchased my 2002 Chev. Avalanche on2-23-02 had 6 yr, 76,000 thousand mi. warrenty on it. Have always had paid up service on veh. my onstar was turned 0ff 12-31-07. tried to get it upgraded to digital early 2007 was told they couldn't, tried again in 2-?-08 vehicle was still under bumper to bumper warrenty with 72,000 miles on it the sellig dealer even got hostile with me. they could have installed one in my 2006 silverado 1500 and i would have been satisfied but was told that they couldnt install one in it because they had no kits yet the wiring was already installed along with the antena. thank you Hugh Bell

[At0m5k @ Nov 22nd 2006 2:10PM]

Look at the bright side, now everyone who has OnStar equipped vehicles from 2002 - 2004 won't have to worry about bored employees listening in on them without their knowledge.

[Gordy @ Nov 22nd 2006 2:17PM]

Well, here's hoping that:

1. They provide a kit for my '02 Cadillac, or
2. I'm in the market for a new Cadillac (not likely)

[Gary @ Dec 9th 2007 10:43PM]

How hard can it be to develop
a converter for anolog to digital cell communications. The electronics indudtry is missing a chance to sell a product that wil allow us to continue service.

[Jordan @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:00PM]

Most GM vehicles made from 2002-2004 are in a junk yard anyway.

[nick @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:03PM]

It's just another incentive for models prior to 2002 to upgrade. It's GM's way to try getting more customers to drive their products. The service is definitely debatable since a lot of their services tend to be something that a mere cellphone can handle, and with Bluetooth technology and voice recognition dialing, you can dial a number all without even lifting a finger..

I'm pretty sure, that Onstar's upgrade will be for the better though...

But, only time will tell if this is just another clever marketing ploy that will be left in the dust..

[theflew @ Nov 22nd 2006 5:01PM]

What cellphone do you have? Mine doesn't do advance crash notification (senses when a collision is going to happen and makes an emergency call), remote vehicle dianostics, unlocking of doors or turn-by-turn navigation using voice commands(inputting destination), car tracking during theft of vehicle

[TheCash @ Nov 22nd 2006 5:05PM]

I got the notice in the mail that this was likely to happen a long time ago. I contacted my dealer and he let me know he would have the digital conversion kits in stock before the end of the year and the swap out was free. Unless waiting an hour at the dealer is some form of ultimate torture to engadget readers, this isn't exactly news guys. Slow day or what?

[Jonna @ Apr 5th 2007 8:28AM]

I wouldn't mind sitting at any location to get this fixed, if somone could only tell me where?? I did not get a notice this was going to happen. I do not have OnStar, but I have a built in analog phone system. The navigation system (which doesn't need the phone) has a Help/Info button which needs the phone. I never have used that option, I would just like to be able to upgrade my phone. No one can help. I have a 2000 Jaguar S-Type. Jaguar says they can't help, the Dealer can't help, not even a suggestion. I see an opportunity for an electronics geek to make a fortune. Develop an analog/digital conversion kit for cars older than 2003.

[Armand Pepper @ Oct 11th 2008 2:47PM]

I bought an Acura RL on 11/7/2003.one of the reasons that clinched my decisonn to buy this car was the On Star safety system. I subscribed to it from 2003 thru to The notification that it would not work any more after 12/30/2007. The cost of my car, I'm sure included additionl monies for the On Star System, Quite a bit more, but I thought it was worth the extra cost to feel much safer for me & my family.When I bought the car I was assured that On Star Would be usable for the life of the car & even tranferable to a new owner.On Star was one of the main reasons four buying this Acura. Now it sits there with the light still on as a worthless expensive piece of equipment.GM should take full resposibility for their actions by upgrading all analog to digital Or compensate the owners that were lied to. I have owned many GM cars over the past 65 years, unless this matter is rectified to all On Star owners. I will never buy a GM car again

[Philip @ Nov 22nd 2006 5:14PM]

Why did GM use analog technology all the way into 2004? When was the last analog cell phone sold in America? Must have been at least ten years ago.

[Shadyman @ Mar 24th 2007 5:11PM]

GM Used analog well into 2004 because there is analog coverage in more places than digital. Also, with analog, you don't 'drop packets', you just lose signal strength.

[TheCash @ Nov 22nd 2006 5:07PM]

I just want to know why Ford doesn't have a version of Onstar by now. I ask the dealers everytime I am there if they know anything about it happening anytime soon, and of course they give me some bs redirect like 'well we have keyless entry in case you ever get locked out blah blah blah.' God I hate car salesmen... they are a plague on this Earth.

[Jennifer Cathes @ Nov 22nd 2006 5:39PM]

On Star is ridiculous. They are very limited in providing help. My car came with a free 6 month trial but I didn't bother renewing. You can sign up for a real Personal Assistant or Concierge Service and pay much less. I call my PA and have them do anything and everything for me. This company never advertises on t.v., they rely on word of mouth so I'm doing my part, check them out www.RedButler.com - Cheers, Jen

[JCA @ Nov 23rd 2006 6:49AM]

Onstar isn't ridiculous. Unless you mean ridiculously overpriced. Another thing, I highly doubt they have 4 million subscribers. You get a year of that service and then afterward, they charge something around $20 to JUST to have the ability to push the "OH SHIT I'M SCREWED" button. The service is quite handy, now that it has turn by turn navigation.

Besides the emergency type services it has, I'm afrad to say that you'd be better off with a $600 portable GPS receiver. They will usually do a much better job at navigation plus you get a display, bluetooth speakerphone capability, PMP, etc.

If for some reason you are prone to accidents or locking yourself out of the car, ONstar pays for itself rather quickly me thinks.

[berfurdo @ Jan 25th 2007 5:33PM]

i've been looking at this letter from onstar i got in december; decided to weigh in here. i'm the original owner of an '01 Caddy DHS, max'ed out, night vision, all that. candy apple red, less than 60K, mint. traction control is awesome. i've been well enuff satisfied with onstar, of which i am analog (had no idea) and thereby skrewed. where's the class-action suit?

we sold our convertible awhile back and we've been looking hard at a Solstice. GM can forget that. Chrysler's got some carz coming out . . .

[J Campbell @ Apr 8th 2007 10:55AM]

I have a 2002 Sierra Denale with 4 wheel stearing that I wanted to keep. Now it is devalued. I want to join a class action lawsuit.

[runngonmpt @ Jan 31st 2007 4:05PM]

The truth of the matter is that though the FCC's ruling is tough on GM, GM has an obligation to its customers. Currently GM is offering no compensation nor is it offering alternatives to onstar subscribers whose operating system can not be upgraded. In short this is a breach of contract and this obvious situation of built in obsolescence being perpetrated by GM for its own capital gain for over 2 years and should be prosecutable. Can anyone say... "class action lawsuit." For all those drivers of obsolescent onstar vehicles your cars have now been devalued. So who really loses, GM, I don't think so. We the consumers' get screwed again.

Movement towards a class action lawsuit or pressure to produce an amicable solution is necessary.

[nick @ May 23rd 2007 2:34PM]

law suit here.
http://www.lawcash.com/attorney/4982/gm-onstar-lawsuit.asp

[John Hyams @ Feb 11th 2007 5:52PM]

My wife and I own a 2000 Catera w/On-Star. She has used it many times. She has Ashma and sometimes is unable to dial the cell phone during a troublesome situartion. On-star has rated 5 stars with us but GM has shut there eyes on the safety of its subscribers. I have owned many GM vehicles. This is truly corporate incompetancy. I can say Class Action Law suit. Any takers?
jwh

[JUDY S @ Mar 28th 2007 10:17AM]

I HAVE THREE GM'S. ONE IS A 2000 DENALE AND 2 ARE 2005 AND THEY SAY I HAVE TO PAY FOR A YEAR IN ADVANCE FOR THE 2005 FOR ONSTAR TO GET THE UPDATE. AS FOR THE 2000 I AM SCREWED. I SAY CLASS ACTION SUIT, HOW DO WE GET STARTED.

[Brad Wellman @ Apr 26th 2007 10:44PM]

John,
Count me in on that class action suite. Just got an offer from GM of one addtional year free service if I purchased a new vehicle. What a deal!!! I can have working OnStar for only $20K to $30K and trust that the new digital system will last more than 4 years.

[richard schanfarber @ Feb 20th 2007 7:44PM]

A Class Action Law suit is necessary! I have a 2002 Eldorado still under extended warrenty for 43,000 miles or 4.5 years...should they not have to fix this? Any class action attorney takers?

[nick @ May 23rd 2007 2:30PM]

http://www.lawcash.com/attorney/4982/gm-onstar-lawsuit.asp

[Beverly @ Feb 21st 2007 1:59PM]

I am ready for that class action LAWSUIT...where do I go from here???..I bought my Tahoe in 2002 after losing my husband to colon cancer...Having the OnStar made me feel safe..I only have 36,000 miles and was hoping to drive it another 10 years feeling SAFE...Makes me very angry with GM...Bev in Michigan

[Kelly @ Feb 27th 2007 12:48PM]

Does anyone live in Minnesota with these cars?

[mel delagarza @ Mar 4th 2007 6:23PM]

I'm in with the lawsuit. I love my car. I bought a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP with all the extras and part of the appeal was the On Star system. Having that phone bought extra security and was super cool. I can't believe GM isn't offering any solution to this.

[Shadyman @ Mar 24th 2007 5:13PM]

Check out the "...select vehicles from 2002 to 2004 can be upgraded with digital equipment."

[John Stock @ Mar 20th 2007 11:18PM]

I own a 2001 Tahoe with OnStar. I use it all the time and pay $200. a year for that convienence. I wonder why they cant make a digital reciever that converts to analog so the older systems can still operate?

[Mariusz @ Mar 24th 2007 12:58PM]

You guys are forgetting that GM vehicles are not the only ones which are affected. I have a 2004 Audi A8L and I was told today: "unfortunately your vehicle cannot be upgraded to Digital OnStar and the analog service will not be supported after December 07 (that is why you cannot pay the annual subscription anymore and have to go month-by-month basis." Can you imagine me trying to resell my vehicle? Ah...yes Bob...this is onstar...it has a bunch of cool buttons integrated in the vehicle (steering wheel, heads up, and etc) tied into voice activated system, car speakers, displays, and etc...Unfortunately you can't use it.

CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT? PLEASE TELL ME WHERE I SIGN.

[nick @ May 23rd 2007 2:32PM]

sign here.

http://www.lawcash.com/attorney/4982/gm-onstar-lawsuit.asp

[Terry Dewhurst @ Jun 20th 2007 10:27PM]

Hello, Mariusz,
Like you I have an Audi 2004 A8L.
If you find a class action suit being formed, please let me know.

[yonkastock @ Oct 21st 2007 5:01PM]

I have written two letters to audi NA and to the dealer complaining re the loss of the onstar on my audi A8. got a i'm sorry from Audi NA and nothing back from schaumberg, IL audi. They lose me as a customer for my next car, but I'm in for a lawsuit. let me know.

[Philip S @ Mar 24th 2007 5:21PM]

But surely they could have used a hybrid analog/digital setup like the older digital cell phones.

[Shadyman @ Mar 25th 2007 6:20PM]

You mean, like the newer ones? My cell phone can still use analog if no digital signal is present

[Pescatore @ Mar 24th 2007 7:16PM]

Bought new Park Avenue in July 2004. Loyal GM customer for 35 years. Would I have bought this vehicle if anyone had even hinted that the OnStar might go silent? No. I could have waited to trade. I feel betrayed. Emailed OnStar folks with no response or apology. Sign me up for that class action. Toyota or Lexus in my future...you bet.

[Robert Weaver @ Mar 28th 2007 9:53AM]

I purchased new a 2002 Eldorado with all of the bells and whistles for my wife. She relys on the on star system.In fact it was one of the reason we purchased the car, it now has atotal of 16,832 miles on it and Gm tells me sorry buy a new car.I am ready for a class action suite

[Peter @ Mar 28th 2007 4:13PM]

Count me in with the "Class Action" plaintiffs. My wife has a 2004 Buick Century and agreed to an expensive upgrade so she could get the OnStar service. We would not have bought a GM car but for the OnStar. If her car cannot be upgraded, GM should buy the car back.

[Lneve @ Apr 4th 2007 4:08PM]

[e-mail] try this address for lawsuit. sent an email to them today. class action lawsuit. located in PA.

[Peter @ Apr 4th 2007 4:08PM]

Thanks for the heads up.

[Bob d @ Apr 4th 2007 10:22AM]

Bought 2005 Buick Park Avenue (NEW) and was told by dealership that OnStar was Digital Ready and would be converted prior to 2008. Now GM tells me that ALL PARK AVENUES were produced with ANALOG ONLY You are cut off 12/31/07!! Count me in on any CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT to a company I have been loyal for past 35years Foreign Cars here I Come!!!

[Bill White @ Apr 5th 2007 9:55AM]

I have a 2001 Saab 9.5 purchased new in Nov 2000. In checking with Saab I found out that Saabs w/Onstar were all analog-only until sometime during the 2002/2003 production year. Then all OnStar systems were produced as both analog/digital capable. Great! Doesn't do me any good!And since Saab was purchased by GM, I'm in the same boat as you GM product owners. No one at the local Saab-Cadilac-Hummer dealership knows anything about a onversion kit.
I believe a Class Action Lawsuit is one approach. Since it is the FCC (another federal outfit looking out for us citizens!) who mandated the switch to digital and effectively devalued our autos with analog-only, there must be some way to get our government reps, you know, the folks we voted in to help us, to take some action! I'll try, but will not be holding my breath!

[Lneve @ Apr 4th 2007 4:11PM]

[e-mail] try this address for lawsuit. sent an email to them today. class action lawsuit. located in PA.

[Lneve @ Apr 4th 2007 4:59PM]

sorry everyone for the multiples... computer glitch. I will post info when I get response, but in the meantime I would send a quick note to let them know we are serious.
[e-mail] try this address for lawsuit. sent an email to them today. class action lawsuit. located in PA.

[Lneve @ Apr 4th 2007 4:56PM]

Found it....

Press Release
Smolow & Landis, Trevose Pa
Re: OnStar Class Action

Trevose Pa. 3/28/2007. On Monday, March 26, 2007, Smolow & Landis, a consumer class action law firm based in Trevose, Pennsylvania, filed a class action lawsuit against OnStar Corporation and General Motors Corporation on behalf of OnStar subscribers, owners and lessees whose OnStar services are about to be terminated because their vehicles have analog OnStar equipment.
At the time of purchase or lease, OnStar and GM represented that OnStar was a unique in-vehicle safety system that provided automatic crash notification to emergency responders, stolen vehicle location, remote door unlock and remote diagnostics in the event of problems with airbags, anti-lock brakes or other systems.
OnStar and GM further represented that the OnStar system, like other vehicle safety systems, would function for the life of the vehicle:
The life-saving benefits of OnStar are intended not only for initial vehicle purchasers but also for subsequent owners over the life of the vehicle.

OnStar has notified OnStar owners and subscribers with analog equipment that based on design limitations, OnStar will terminate their service as of December 31, 2007. Further, that OnStar and GM will not provide repairs or upgrades. Consumers are being told that if they want to continue to receive OnStar service, they can purchase new vehicles with more up-to-date OnStar equipment.
Ronald Smolow, the plaintiffs’ lead attorney, says that: “OnStar and GM’s decision will expose thousands of OnStar customers to great risk of bodily injury and harm in the event of a crash. Without OnStar, there will be significant delays in emergency care during the crucial minutes following an accident. This delay will surely lead to an increase in permanent injuries and fatalities. OnStar and GM are about to strand hundreds of thousands of people without safety features that they thought would work for the life of their car. Its like being told that their airbags or seat belts won’t work after Dec 21, 2007 -- if they feel unsafe – then its time to buy a new car. This is an unfair and outrageous consumer tactic.”
In their lawsuit, Smolow & Landis are asking the court to certify a nationwide class of OnStar subscribers, owners, and lessees, and for the court to award damages and for injunctive relief to order OnStar and GM to provide repairs, upgrades or other means of obtaining OnStar service.

For more information contact:
Ronald Jay Smolow, Esq.
Smolow & Landis
Two Neshaminy Interplex
Trevose PA 19053
215-244-0880

[J Campbell @ Apr 8th 2007 10:48AM]

Is it possible to get in on the lawsuit? I want my 2002 Denale upgraded at their expense and am willing to sign for 1 year.