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Bill of Mount Dora FL (07/12/08)
Someone mentioned not being a fan of litigation. I'll go beyond that and say I despise it. Nevertheless, I think GM's treatment of this issue (no longer servicing OnStar for older vehicles) is such a serious breach of trust that I would GLADLY join a class action suit. They should either continue to service the vehicles they sold with the system or pay to upgrade them. In my mind the ONLY competitive advantage GM had and the ONLY reason I chose a GM vehicle over, say, a Honda, was for the safety features offered by OnStar. They will either resolve this issue or I have bought the last GM vehicle of my life... that's coming from someone with THREE Buick LeSabres in the driveway and, more importantly, someone who was about a month away from buying a new LuCerne until I got the OnStar notice.
Shannon of Northfield OH (06/11/08)
Everyone is so angry about the analog switch, how about buying a 2005 new style ONSTAR and have it towed to another dealership 6 hours later because the INACTIVE ONSTAR on the vehicle disabled the entire truck. And the cost is on you for the tow and fixing the problem, if you have no warranty. Even if you have extended coverage, its still a deductible to pay. Why is there no recalls? Thank God I had just parked, I could've been killed. Can't wait to see GM and ONSTAR's reply.
Bruce of Chula Vista CA (06/01/08)
I have found that the most popular tactic that Onstar uses to resolve customer complaints is to just hang up on their customers.
Thomas of Munster IN (05/12/08)
We spent over $45,000 on a GMC Denali w/On-Star. It's used exclusively in summer and we have used barely 26,000 miles. We were told that the car is obsolete, we cannot get Onstar and have lost over 150 minutes in talking time due to analog/digital change. We purchased the Denali shortly after 9/11 to show our solidarity with U.S. made goods. Our trust in GMC is shattered and we have no faith in them. We were told that if our vehicle was a 2003+ we could purchase a $15 chip to install in the unit. We have nothing - no on-star, no phone, it is ridiculous. We bought this vehicle with the intention of it being the last one we would own, which is why we bought an expensive 4 wheel suv with the safety fetures of being located no matter what happened to us. We felt safe as long as we had those options. No faith in GMC any longer.
Anthony of Quincy MA (04/14/08)
I brought my 2006 Hummer H3 in to have my onstar fixed in he begining of Feb. They told me I needed a new VCIM and would have to order it from GM. I called my dealer 2 days later and they told me it would be about 30 days for it to be ready to be ordered from GM.I called GM and they called my dealer for they to call GM to find out it would be about 30 days because they were waiting on a download on the VCIM. I called my dealer back about a month and a half and they told me GM was still waiting on a download so I called GM back. GM in Detroit has to call my dealer in Norwood,MA so they can call GM in Detroit to tell me to wait... 2 weeks later I called GM and got the absolute total runaround, I even sent a letter to the CEO of Gm, with no response...ugghhh.. Ben at GM customer assurance, who I was dealing with at GM.I called a week after he said he woould call me back, and didn't,so I called him and his response was call my dealer to get updated on when this would be fixed.So today I called my dealer and their response was GM was still waiting on a fix and to just KEEP WAITING... Now I'm going on 3 months, GM can't give anyone an answer on when this will be fixed. I have to call since no one at GM will cal me, Heaven forbid GM cares about the consumer!!! Although they have no problem taking my monthly payments for onstar, they had no problem taking my money for the calling minutes I had purchased,and lost, because of the failing VCIM, and they have no problem with me paying for an extra phone line I had purchased with Verizon, monthly fees. So I guess I'll just wait another year for this to be fixed. I do not ever want to deal with GM, they are not customer friendly and my next move is to the attorney Generals office...
Alissa of Schertz TX (03/04/08)
We have the same story as Marie from Glenrock, NJ. Bought a brand new 2003 Saab 9-3 in Oct.2004. Loved having the security of Onstar and handsfree phone system while traveling. Found out later that we were losing it due to the analog digital transfer. I was told by Onstar that our car was not able to be upgraded to digital. I'm not a fan of litigation, but I don't find this AT ALL frivolous. We spent a lot of hard earned money on a vehicle and the biggest selling point is the security a vehicle has. We now have a car with probably 15 buttons that don't even work!
Leigh of Murfreesboro TN (02/28/08)
I've had Onstar service since I purchased my 2003 Chevy Suburban & the ongoing service was being automaticallly billed to my VISA each year as to not interupt my service & therfore giving me peace of mind that they were always there to help in an emergency! Well just 2 days ago, I was out of town & locked my keys in my car. I called onstar only to be told that my subscription had expired & that I was out of luck! They didn't offer to renew & stated that they no longer had annalog capabilities. When you're in distress, that isn't what you want to hear! They offered to connect me to Cheverolet Roadside assistance. I ended up paying a locksmith $40 to come and unlock my doors. It was snowing & I had to call a friend to pick up my kids! Not happy! At the very least, Onstar should have CALLED ME about this change in their service or lack thereof. I don't want to pay $200 for the adaptor! Why dosn't onstar offer it for free????
James of Stockbridge GA (02/24/08)
I have a 2001 Gmc and was not offered any package upgrade to digital from analog systems with the Onstar Company.
Richard of West Jordan UT (02/22/08)
I want some action taken on GM & OnStar due to false advertising. I own a 2002 $40,000 when I bought it. I now no longer have On Star due to the new FCC ruleing. My Avalanche 2500 3/4 4X4 fully loaded came off the ssembly line late 2002 I believe. I am a 100% permenent & taotal service connected combat Vietnam Veteran. I see they are giving the Iraq Vets dicounts. Seems alittle discriminatory to me, any way, you sent me a e-amil ststeing my story would be in consumer afffirs online, I watched for it and never seen my story. Please send me a copy. Where is this issue at present. Over 500,000 cutomers lost service. I want to address this to the FTC and FCC and Americans with disabilities act. I bought that vhecical in good faith that On Star would give me added saftey due to my disibilities. I have used it for that several times, and the cellular feature as well. ON Star will not cooperate. Thay have callled me just to see if they can calm me down. I am a Warrior and survived 3 tours in Vietnam. I will haunt them tell I die. I have told them this. Discrimination against my GM Product,. I am contacting the media as well. I will never by a GM product or my Family again + the 10-20 other people down line I will tell about what they did.
Cege of Dallas TX (02/18/08)
Are there other OLD ANALOG Onstar Customers who recall ( and may have a letter stating ) that OnStar would allow us to purchase a DIGITAL upgrade ? Please post any actions / information
Marie of Glen Rock NJ (02/18/08)
I bought my 2003 Saab 9-3 in January of 2004. Saab dealers knew that this was going to happen in 2003. Why did they not tell the consumer? I bought the car for it's On Star. Since my car is a 2003, why was the adapter not offered to me? I would of gladly split the cost with GM.
Ed of Manassas VA (02/18/08)
I purchased a new Chevy Silverado 02 in March 03 w/ Onstar. I have found out (from GM themselves) that GM knew in Nov. 02 of the Onstar problem but did not change the Onstar analog model to analog/digital until O3 models. They did not choose to inform 03 customers of the problem of the 02 models even after they knew the problem existed in Nov. 02. Currently only the analog/digital models can be upgraded. I think GM should be forced (by a CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT) to design an upgrade for the analog model for the 02 truck or each owner of this truck should be compensated for the entire cost of the ONSTAR model (at 02 install prices) and damages should be awarded to each truck owner for false advertisement!
Julie of Austin TX (02/14/08)
I have a 2002 Pontiac Gran Prix with OnStar. I found out while on a recent trip that OnStar had been cancelled. I've since found out that it can't be upgraded, repaired, modified, adapted or anything else. Now I have a rear view mirror with buttons that continually remind me I have a broken part in my car that GM refuses to repair. What's to keep GM from doing this to new OnStar customers? Nothing. GM needs to fix its old OnStar customers before chasing after new ones.
Carolyn of Callao VA (02/10/08)
I own a 2002 GM Yukon. My On-Star subscription has been cancelled by GM due to conversion from analog to digital. GM says there is nothing they can do about it. They blame the FCC. I blame them. Why can't they devise a way to convert my service to digital. Surely if man can find a way to land on the moon, he can come up with a way to rectify this problem. They tell me they will give me $500.00 off the price of a new car. I don't want a new car-I want OnStar on MY car. One thing is for sure. when I buy my next car, it will not be a GM product. I'll buy from someone who cares enough about having me as a customer to have the foresight to address situations such as this. Shame on GM!
Marion of Lawrenceville GA (02/09/08)
I purchased a 2001 Cadillac Deville for my wife who is disabled, due to the onstar feature, only to find out onstar no longer services the vehicle, I feel like this is unfair to me as a consumer
Robert of Truckee CA (01/16/08)
The Denali came with the OnStar, no choice. The service is horrible, there were no bills and the service was arbitrarily discontinued, have to go through hoops to get it renewed. It only works about half the time anyway. Why doesn't GM give the customer an option whether they want it installed or not. I have a Suburban and a Denali, my last GM vehicles ever.
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Jim of Fresno CA (01/13/08)
I have a 2002 Silverado with 65,000 miles on it. GM has notified me that my onstar will be useless at the end of the year and there is nothing they can do because they are converting to digital. My only option is to buy a new truck and they'll give me $1,000 off. I don't need a new truck, I need my onstar to work as was promised when I bought my truck.
Dan of Lincoln CA (01/01/08)
I feel that GM droping our service to On Star amount to nothing short of extorsion. I purchased a 2002 chevy truck because of the On star service. Now they tell me I have to buy another vehical to keep the service.. This is fraud and extorsion. On Star can continue to transmit in anolog if they wanted to or pay to have our vehicals upgraded to digital. No wonder our companies including GM are loosing their share of the market and being over taken by Japan and Toyota. it their is going to be a law suite over this I want in.....
Ron of Waterloo IL (12/17/07)
Add my name to the list of those consumers angry about GM's failure to protect its Onstar customers with vehicles too olld to convert to digital in 2008. I consider the Onstar system and servie to be an essential safety feature in my 2001 Tahoe. I purchased the vehicle and paid for the service for that reason. For GM to switch to a system that I can not use is unconscionable. Suggesting that I now purchase a 2008 vehicle so that I can once again have Onstar amounts to consumer fraud.
Judy of Lyndora PA (12/13/07)
In 2005 I purchased a 2000 GMC Envoy with 22M miles, in excellent condition and only paid $14,000.I was so happy to purchase this due to the condition of the vehicle, the very low mileage and the extras - including On Star. I have had two heart surgeries, a pace maker and just came through breast cancer surgery and radiation. I only pay $16.95 per month for On Star. I wanted to have it due to my physical condition and problems and the reasonable cost. My husband and I do not have cell phones and do not want them. We are retired and do not need the extra expense. I assumed that with OnStar my problems were solved. I want it for the confort of knowing if I suffer a heart attack, stroke or the like, all I have to do is press the emergency button and I can get help - no matter where I am at. NOW, with them going digital and my vehicle is considered too old to have an adapter to be able to switch from analog to digital, I will not longer have this available to me after January or February 2008. THIS SUCKS!!!! I am in agreement with the other people. I cannot afford to purchase a new or newer vehicle and really like the one I have so there should be an adapter for all years of vehicles that have OnStar to be able to switch from analog to digital. If the cable companies can sell you digital boxes, no matter how old your TV is, then OnStar should be able to do this also. Let me know if I can be in on the class action suit. GMC is just being too darn cheap to help their customers. Something has to be done - As Soon As Possible - to help all of those that own the earlier models of cars/trucks/suv's with OnStar and will not be able to use them in the very near future. I will be waiting for a reply.
Gail of Arnold CA (12/13/07)
I own a 2002 Chevy Tahoe with OnStar. They will be discontinuing my service because it is analog, but continue to sell the product on TV. I can't believe they just drop everyone they want with no solution for us and continue on. I live in the mountains with snow and having OnStar was one of the reasons I bought the Chevy Tahoe. Please advise.
Gregg of Cape Coral FL (12/11/07)
I just learned that my Onstar services will be discontinued on January 1st, 2008. The FCC has apparently made the decision that carriers would no longer be required to support the analogue wireless technology. Because of this ruling there is no upgrade available to keep my investment functional. This means that a customer's equipment is now totally obsolete and completely useless. This is unacceptable. There are existing laws concerning products. Laws that mandate their support for a period of 10 years from manufacture. Why would this be any different? We should be protected from this type of vulnerability. I can't even switch the service over to another carrier that is still voluntarily supporting the older analogue technology. Protection from this has been provided for in the TV broadcasting industry. Look at HD formats, color standards, etc.? Why does it not apply here? How can this be legal, ethical or even a good business practice? A grievous lack of insight on the FCC's part. A bad move on ONSTAR's part, an even greater sin for the CADILLAC group whose customers are among the most loyal. Why didn't they voluntarily make a decision to reward this loyalty? There are an estimated 500,000 subscribers to be affected. I agree with the previous comments in that together we have a voice that can be heard. Let's hope for a CLASS ACT so that a CLASS ACTION won't be required.
Allan of Sterling CO (12/10/07)
I recieved notice that as Jan. of 2008 my Onstar services will limited to 911 calls only, if I happen to be in an area whare there is analog coverage. This is a service that I have had since I purchased my 2002 Avalanche. I contacted 2 GM dealerships about the cancelations. The reply I recieved was that my vehicle was too old to upgrade. I even offered to pay the total expense of the upgrade offered to the newer models out of pocket. Their solution was to purchase a newer model. I consider Onstar as safety equipment. So what happens if my air bags or the ABS become out dated? It looks like we drive them to the junk yard.I reported this issue to the National Transportation Safety Board. If they recieve enough complaints they have to investigate. The phone number is listed in your GM owners manual. Believe me that GM does not like this approach. I know that this a prime candidate for a class-action lawsuit, but I hope it doesn't come to that.
Wendy of Windsor CA (11/25/07)
i bought my chevy venture 2001 for the protection and safety features do to the fact my husband was no mechanic.the onstar gave us cell phone that get better coverage then the ones you buy and no droping signal and not just that, 911 put you on hold because cell phone were not made to make 911 calls so program your phone people.now i pay a few hundred for phone and hundreds in usage. then i just bought a gps another three hundred since again i wont have onstar.no more traffic up dates or assentents. rely on the radio stations if you know which channel to be on.the idea of knowing that you can be found by satellite is a god sent. the other important thing was my children were safe when i drove them on trips.no worry that someone would try to still my vehicle. the onstar was so touchy great that my childern were not in there seats and bump the onstar botton and lady ask if everything was all okay and the kids were stunned but they said they were fine. they didnt know that the car can talk to them. be able to call them to unlock the doors when you lock the extra inside.my understanding is if i get into accident that onstar would know right away and they wouldnt have to send a search party for me. not to mention the great deal on my insurance.now you can probly use my info for all the new cars that have onstar but there is one thing that has changed.my security system in my van is acting up. the doors lock and unlock when im driving.the security code shows up on my dash board.this started two weeks ago.is something going to happen when you shut the system off.i have all record and the van is a part of our family togetherness.now to the dealerships that hate dealing with yesterdays modes. and the expencive system check that will need to be done to locate problem and come up with another cost to fix.
Joe of Sparks NV (11/24/07)
In Dec. 2001 I purchased a new Cadillac Eldorado Car mafg. by General Motors. Total purchase price was $45K and change. Included was the cost of the OnStar system, which was a decided factor in my purchase of the vehicle. At no time during the transaction or at any other time was the fact that the Analog system would soon be supereeded by a Digital wireless system which event would render the Analog system un usable. If the 500,000 other simular owners engage in a Class Action against General Motors/OnStar I would like to sign onto the petition to the court. I have been a returning customer to GM for many years but if this situation is not rectified to my satisfaction I shall never again purchase a GM product. The various special features of OnStar is something I would really like to retain. But not at the cost of new GM product. I have only 20000 miles on this particular car and think it's near to unscruplus on the part of GM/OnStar not to offer to up grade the OnStar system to receive the Digital signal.
Roy of Northfield IL (11/01/07)
I have a 2003 Saab 9.5 and there is no upgrade available, they tell me. This is my 4th Saab in a row and the last three have all had Onstar - a MAJOR reason why I bought the three Saab's is that I NEED the Onstar for work (I make multiple business trips every day over a wide geographic area) AND the dealer heavily promoted the Onstar as a significant differentiator for their cars over other brands AND they said the resale value would be higher because of the Onstar feature.
My wife and I were willing to pay for the Onstar (I have been a subscriber to Onstar for at least the last 8 years) because we feel alot safer having the knowledge that if the airbags deploy and we are unconscious Onstar will send emergency assistance AND when we travel and are in unfamiliar areas, especially at night, Onstar is very reassuring and able to direct us straight to where we are trying to go.
I wanted my wife and children to know that with the push of a button they are connected to help that knows their exact location in any circumstance, this is extremely important to me. I have worked for years in telecommunication technology and there is no reason that a conversion box cannot be put into the cars that takes an incoming digital signal and converts it to analog and also takes an outgoing analog signal and converts it into digital - Onstar and GM are simply betting that the 500,000 subscribers that will no longer get their service will NOT JOIN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST THEM. IF WE ALL STICK TOGETHER AND JOIN THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT THEY WILL COME UP WITH AN OPTION FOR US.
Ktara of Okc OK (09/25/07)
I have a 2005 G6 and currently have onstar service. I have an chance to upgrade my system to the digital system. Recently, my door locks malfunctioned and as a result locked my 12 month child in my car. I did not worry much since the car was started using the automatic car started, and I HAVE ONSTAR. When I called onstar to unlock my doors they informed me that my car did not accept the message, and I had to wait 10 minutes for the next system. I was unaware the system sleeps for 9 out of every 10 minutes. I had missed the window my car was awake. I was informed the the second attempt did not work. During this time the car has turned off and my son has been in the car of 1 minute without air. The operator informed me that it would take another 9 minuites to unlock doors. Also, I was informed that it was my analog system was the reason my onstar did not work. So, I had to break my window to retrieve my child. My problem is I have been paying my monthly dues with a sense of security that turned out to be false. Now they want me to upgrade and pay the transfer price and the monthly dues for a system that has not been able to provide the services promised. I called Onstar to voice my unhappiness, and at the end of the day I still had a system that didn't work and a broke window.
P. of Atlanta GA (09/14/07)
OnStar service in my 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe is not only about to be obsolete, Chevrolet/GM are not offering an upgrade solution- how hard could it be to swap the antenna and the on-board cell module? I purchased this vehicle with the intent, as I did with my previous vehicle, to drive it for 10 to 12 years, and now the onstar service may as well be taken out and used as a door stop. Worse, I would hate to need it for an emergency and not be able to at least call for help because some executive in an ivory tower decided my car wasn't worth developing a solution for.
Dorothy of Montgomery AL (08/28/07)
I Was Informed By OnStar That Their Services Will No Longer Be Available On My 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe After December 2007. The Fact That The Analog System Will No Longer Support The New Digital Communication System Is Not a Burden That I Should Have To Endure. I Am a Single Female Who Travels a Lot. I Purchased This SUV Because Of The OnStar Features, There Is a Great Deal Of Comfort In Knowing That With My Medical Conditions OnStar Is Only a Button Away From Dispatching Help. I Will Gladly Purchase An Upgrade If One Is Offered. But I Was Told By GM That No Upgrades Will Be Available For My 2001 Model Tahoe. Buying a New Vehicle Should Not Be The Only Option That I Have In Order To Maintain These Features. If I Had Been Given This Information Prior To My Purchase Maybe Leasing Would Have Been a Better Option.
Russel of Meridian MS (08/28/07)
I have Onstar on two of my vehicles. 2002 Trailblazer and a 2004 GMC Sierra. Since begging service with them I have never missed a payment. Now I get this letter in the mail saying that as of 12-31-2007 I will no longer have ONSTAR unless I aggree to pay them the $15 upgrade fee, plus a years worth of service in advance for both vehicles. In this day and age of ever growing fuel prices and increasing costs of living, my family could not afford to pay a $600 upfront (the cost of my wifes subscription $199, then my package $399.) This is way I pay MONTHLY! it is way easier to swallow my monthly payment than come up with a years payment in advance. I tried to let onstar let me sign a one year aggreement and let me pay monthly like every other monthly service i have like my cellphone and Sat. TV. But ONSTAR if being very unreasonable about this. And now it seems like it may not even be available on my 2002 model. Onstar is one of the key reasons that i buy GM. Actually it plays a VERY LARGE PART of the decision making in what vehicle I drive and buy for my wife. I very much like the security it offers to my wife and children. Now it seems like this will end with no reasonable alternative offerd by ONSTAR.
John of Oakton VA (08/27/07)
A couple of months ago I received a letter from OnStar stating that I would have to bring my 2004 Cadillac CTS into a dealership to purchase an upgrade from my analog OnStar system to the digital system that will be activitated in 2008. As it turns out, OnStar was supplying digital-compliant systems as early as 2002 for GM cars, but for reasons that escape me, my Cadillac was equipped with an analog system. I have been charged almost $70 a month for a security system that will be cancelled as of Jan. 1. Further, the only times I have ever used OnStar -- when I was lost and needed directions -- I received rude treatment from OnStar representatives who told me I had not subscribed for that service. When I bought my car, I did not realize that there was a difference. On Aug. 13, I received the second and final notice that I needed to change the credit card that was paying for OnStar or lose my service.
Wanda of Texarkana AR (08/16/07)
I've already paid for my OnStar plan in advance. It will be obsolete in Jan.2008. I paid up until March.
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Juhlin of Lincolnton NC (08/10/07)
onstar is cancelling my service as of dec 31,2007 it is a real shock to me that they would not offer any upgrade to continue service. my car is NOT A $25 throw away cell phone.
Brenda of Columbia SC (08/09/07)
I purchased by 2003 Buick Park Ave from Hancock Buick, but they have sold out to Jim Hudson GMC, Garnersferry Road, Columbia, SC 29204. I paid by conversion fee, only to find out that I was not eialgable for the digital OnStar and that they would be refunding by money. I have read all the online complaints that have been received and I dito all of them!!! Please let me know if there is to be a class action suit as I to wish to be included. Thank you for any help that may be available.
Terry of Wilmington DE (08/08/07)
This is regarding the OnStar system which I purchased with my 2002 ML320. This was one of the great features I got just for the purpose of having the security there at all times. The first year was free, $280 per year thereafter. In April I received a letter in the mail stating as of Dec. 2007 I would no longer have this service available, at any cost. I could choose to go to the dealer and for $1500 have the new unit installed; of course, and still pay the yearly fee, which is more than likely to increase past the $280 per year I was paying. At no time when I was buying the car was I informed that this service would be obsolete in the near future - within 5 years.
I am hope for a class action law suit so that other people in this situation can do soemthing about it. I have been paying $280 per year for what, nothing now!
Thomas of Clio MI (07/27/07)
Onstar service on a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado.
I purchased a new 2002 Chevrolet Silverado crew cab pickup from applegate chevrolet in Flint Michigan in the fall of 2001. I wanted the onstar system for its reliability and safety features that it offered. In order to get onstar on a 2002 silverado you had to purchase the leather seat interior that I did NOT want, I dont like leather seats and did not want them, now as of january 1, 2008 my analog onstar system is totaly useless and supposedly its not able to be upgraded to a digital system. So now im stuck with leather seats that I did NOT want and a onstar system that in a few short months will be completly useless and a truck that will diffantly be worth less money becuse the onstar is no good. I got taken all the way around.
Jean of Amherst Jct WI (07/22/07)
I received a letter indicating that the factory-installed OnStar in my 2001 STS Cadillac will no longer be functional because they are upgrading their system from analog to digital. One of the reasons I purchased this car was because of this safety feature and now it will no longer work and they say they can not upgrade it to work with the digital program.
Carlos of San Jose, CA (07/16/07)
OnStar communications upgrade to digital system do not provide technical information as of why my 1999 Cadillac Escalade can not be upgraded. I had extensive email communications in hope to get a technical explanation. Today July 16, I had a phone exchange with the supervisor of the conversion dept. Mr. Sean, ID # 75967 and he declare that he does not know if such technical information exists or if any person at OnStar has such information.
OnStar indicate that if I want to continued receiving their service, I have to buy a new vehicle; that is as crazy as it gets, is like saying I have to buy a new car because the old one only has an AM radio. The fact that the company representative Mr. Sean does not know were to go or even if the information exists is unacceptable for a company of OnStar caliber. For my safety I need the OnStar service and I can't a forth to buy a new car. I need your help to resove the issue.
Laxmi of Chaska MN (07/10/07)
I purchased a 2004 Acura 3.5RL in Jan 2007. When I purchased the vehicle, the dealer mentioned that the car is fully loaded and even have onstar. But he never remember to mention that Onstar is going away by Dec 2007. Later a few weeks later, when I subscribed to Onstar, they told me that I cannot have the account with them because their service will be defunct in Acura' after Dec 2007. I contacted my Dealer to see if they would exchange the car to a newer model abd they would not do it because they mentioned that it crossed over the 3 day period for P/O Cancellation. Now I am stuck with a car that will not have Onstar staring 2008. My car is still under manufacturer's warranty and the manufacture will not give me a upgrade path as well. This is ridiculous and would want to fight the cause with fellow Acura owner's to get upgraded to a digital Onstar or other solutions that will provide onstar like similar service. Thanks Laxmi
Kathryn of Wheat Ridge CO (06/18/07)
I am the owner of a mint condition 2002 Pontiac Bonneville SSEI with 12k original miles on it. The car was purchased new from Bob Jeannotte Pontiac in Michigan in May of 2002, by my mother, a long time customer of Bob Jeannotte and of General Motors. The car is fully equipped, and features include the OnStar system, to which my mother subscribed, and I currently subscribe. When my mother died in 2006, the car was left to me. General Motor’s decision to not even offer an upgrade for the analog OnStar system for this vehicle is extremely distressing. It has not only substantially reduced the value of my vehicle; it has taken away the peace of mind that OnStar provided.
General Motor’s offer to me of the OnStar free subscription for a year if I buy a newer car is, at best, insulting. Not only was OnStar standard equipment on this model, and the car priced accordingly, the paid subscription to it has never lapsed since purchase. Would General Motors come out after 5 years and tell its customers that the air conditioning on their vehicle would cease to function and there is nothing the customer can do about it? Or the airbags were going to be turned off and would not work anymore? These systems are also standard equipment. I have no desire, nor intention to purchase another newer General Motors vehicle to retain the OnStar system.
At 12k miles, this car has most of its life left, and no new car will be the car my mother left me, so it would not mean anything to me. General Motors has a responsibility to its customers to provide service and parts for the systems that are factory installed on their cars. By choosing not to offer an upgrade from the analog OnStar system installed in my car, General Motors is committing a grave disservice against me and against the hundreds of thousands of other customers with analog systems. General Motors should be held accountable to provide an affordable upgrade path to digital OnStar for those with analog systems. It should be the customer’s decision whether or not to upgrade to digital OnStar.
Peter of Chantilly VA (06/11/07)
What happened? Use as much space as you need: Consumers News: My wife and I purchased our 2001 Tahoe Chevrolet from Pohanka Chevrolet (Chantilly, VA) in November 2000 and paid $40K cash on the spot. The package included OnStar with a few options to accommodate my handicap-physical disabilities. We paid OnStar two years in advance and then paid an additional five years in advance to ensure the OnStar coverage would be there 24/7. My wife and I were never advised at any time by OnStar and Pohanka Chevrolet (until this Spring of 2007) that the analog technology OnStar had in 2000 would be obsolete, discontinued, and replaced by digital technology in January 2008. When we received the letter from OnStar in the Spring of 2007, that OnStar Service was being discontinued in January 2008, I immediately contacted OnStar and requested an OnStar upgrade from analog to digital ASAP. During my phone call to OnStar, OnStar abruptly advised us, “There is no OnStar upgrade from analog to digital for your 2001 Tahoe. Only Tahoe’s from 2003 and newer are upgradeable. Your 2001 Tahoe is too old for an upgrade from analog to digital. You will have to either go with out OnStar or purchase a brand new or newer automobile that already has digital OnStar installed.� I asked, “why were we as customers not advised the analog technology OnStar had in 2000 would be obsolete in a few years?� OnStar’s response to my question was silence.
Loni of Tallahassee FL (06/03/07)
We purchased a cadallic with onstar service in Miami. We had the phone with the onstar service. When we moved to Tallahassee we could no longer find a service provider ffor the phone service, therefore we couldn't use Onstar. So we again purchased a 2005 with onstar and this was without the phone, but onstar service with builted in phone services. However, we still cann't use the onstar phone service and when we ask for directions, some of the personel are unable to give correct direction. I remember once we were told to go West we should have gone East and had gone a long distance before we realize that we were given the wrong direction. So we cancel our service. This last few years have been the worst for our Onstar experience.
Jason of Iroquois Falls OTHER (05/30/07)
I have a 2003 Silverado with Onstar activated and use my personal calling more then anything. I was not aware that I would have to pay $200.00 (US)?? canadian to have my onstar upgraded. GM Canada should be offering at no charge to the customer a free software/hardware upgrade if they knew that this was going to happen sometime in the future. Did we not pay for onstar as an extra option on our vehicles? I'm am sure the price is factored in somewhere on the price of the vehicle(s). GM would not install a onstar product in their vehicle without considering being paid for it. Vehicles are getting pricier than ever and our wages stay the same. I just bought another vehicle and it's a Pontiac Montana which incl. Onstar and if my truck is not upgraded for free, I am going to cancel onstar completely and start being honda vehicles again. Oh, and be sure that I will not recommend a GM vehicle to anyone I know. Toyota, Ford , Dodge are also appealing to the eye. The only reason for buying GM is Onstar. Jason
Kim of Chico CA (05/29/07)
I am another Onstar customer that bought a 2002 Chev, that was not told about the system sunseting in 2008. I would spend $$ to upgrade if it is offered. I am very upset that this was not discussed when I purchased my Chev.
Guy of Leakey TX (05/29/07)
I Have Called Onstar Many Times To Complain That My Vehicle Phone Was Not Working. I Was Given Case Numbers Each Time, And Asked To Try My Emergency Button On Onstar System. It Did Not Work Either, Including The Onstar Contact Button On My Vehicle. This Has Been Going On For Several Months Now With Me Contacting Onstar Each Time I Have Tried Using My Service And It Not Working. Each Time I Was Told The Problem Would Be Corrected. Well Yesterday Being 5-29-07, I Tried Using My Onboard Phone Again And It Did Not Work, Nor Did Onstar Button, Or Emergency Button. Finally My Emergency Worked, I Then Told Operator That This Was Not A Emergency And Stated My Problem. I Was Then Transfered To Customer Servive, Where I Was Told That This Has Been A Known Problem By Onstar, And Had Something To Do With The Transfer Of AT&T And Cingular. (My Phone Service In My GM Vehicle Is Solely Verizon). I Was Then Offered Two Free Months (That Does Not Work), Of Onstar Service. My Complaint Is That They Have Been Charging Me And Many Other Costumers Monthly Fees Of A Service That Does Not Work. And A Time Limit On Your Minutes That Will Expier On A Set Date. They Will Not Offer Me A Refund. I See This As Being A Theft Of Service. THANKS, GUY Scott
None So Far, But If Needed And Not Working When Needed, It Could Be A Life Or Death Situation.
Larita of Collier TN (05/25/07)
When I purchased my 2005 Trailblazer, the onstar feature was one of the selling points. It's very unfair for GM to just drop onstar like a bad habit. Somthing has to be done to make them accountable for their actions. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP US POOR PEOPLE THAT PURCHASED A GM VEHICLE WITH ONSTAR AS A SELLING POINT.
Dona of Northville MI (05/23/07)
I am completely appalled about the letter I received concerning the FCC mandate affecting my OnStar capabilities. In 2000, I purchased a brand new 2000 Cadillac Eldorado with the OnStar package. I love my Eldorado; I can't but another one because they discontinued the model. I feel that GM should replace my OnStar capability with one that is compatible with the FCC mandate. This should be a RECALL item. I would never have purchased the package if I would have known that it would only work for a few years. And now that the vehicle is paid for, I refuse to go into debt that much again just to get the OnStar capability. I paid $40,000 for my new Eldorado in 2000 and it only has 51,000 miles on it. What do I get as compensation? Consumers need to unite in protest!
Linda of Plantersville AL (05/23/07)
I purchased a new 2004 Sedan Deville, mainly for the Onstar System for safety. In March I also received a letter that as of 12/31/2007 I would no longer be able to use the system. Also, my husband has a 2002 Yukon XLT and of course his system is history too.
I don't remember what the initial charge was for the system but I have a bad feeling that even though I have less than 20,000 miles, the bottom dropped out of the resale value. I wish some smart attorney would file a class action suit because I would love to be part of it.
Tim of San Diego CA (05/21/07)
Was notified that Onstar could no longer cover my car, same old excuse as everyone else has been denied. If there is a class action suit how do I inquire?
Luther & Addie of Lithoonia GA (05/21/07)
In July 2001 I purchased to 2001 Chevy Tahoe and a 2001 Chevy Impala. Never once were we told that our OnStar wuld become obsolete. Once I was informed about the upcoming switch from analog to digital I contaced Onstar to find out if I would be given an update or some type of midification. I too was told I could by another car. OnSta is out of their mind if they think people are going to purchase a vehicle to maintain a product that the manufacterer has abndoned the customer once already. I would love to spear head the lawsuit or at least be included in it.
Bonnie of Lincolnton NC (05/09/07)
The Safety and Security service provided to my vehicle is ending 12-31-2007 and there is nothing that can be done unless I purchase a new Vehicle with the digital service.. This is unethical...I was sold a vehicle with ONSTAR that will soon be obsolete and de-values my vehicle... What can be done ? I am not the only auto owner with this concern....
Terry of Henderson TX (05/03/07)
In 2002, I purchased a 2002 GMC, top of the line pickup that included the On Star feature. Now GM says it will no longer support it. A conversion kit to convert from analog to digital is available for 2003 and newer vehicles but not prior. How can they justify converting some and not all? In your article dated April 10,2007, you mentioned that a class action law suit was being filed. How do I get included?
The value of the vehicle has been adversely affected, not to mention the mental anguish caused by paying for a top of the line vehicle and then finding out that one of it's unique features is really second class.
S of San Diego CA (05/02/07)
I am with the nearly 500,000 GM auto owners that have a onstar vehicle safty equiptment. My 02 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP was purchased with onstar installed. I am a disabled american and I really rely on this type of safty equiptment. Mycar is now 4 years old has 42000 miles and no engine problems. I believe most people purchase new cars with the intent to drive them as long as possible. Now that my onstar service will no longer be supported on my vehilce as of the end of the year.
What am I suppost to do. Onstar kindly snt me a coupon to use for a free year of service if I purchase a new GM auto. This is flat out a crappy deal. I paid for my car at $27,000 with special perks of 0% interest for 5 years which was a great deal. Now the deal for the same car is $28.500 and 6% interest for 5 years and of course my trade in value is around $9200 of course no dealer will give me that amount for my vehicle lets be real I will get offered $1,500 for my trade in. The GM sales man when so far as to say that since my onstar system is nolonger usable my car is worth less money. I pointed out to him that the onstar system is working perfectly now. In 2008 it will no longer be supported. I of course told hime to get his facts straight.
I am stuck with a vehicle that will not have supported onstar services, That I do want and pay for. I shouldn't have to sell my care to get a piece of safty equipment to work. if my air bag or seat belts stopped working GMC would figure a way to upgrade the airbags and seat belts. GM, Onstar the FCC need to figure a way to upgrade every onstar system that vehicle owner want working. Is the fixing the onstar system just to tough for them.??? Remember this is a service that customers pay about $200 minium a year.
My car was stolen last year from my drive way and the onstar system help the police locate my vehicle and it was returned undamaged. Next year since onstar will no longer be supported. All Onstar vehicles 1999-2003 GM, Acura, Saab, Cadallic, ect will be targets for auto thieft. No one will be there to stop the events. I'm a disabled women Onstar give me and my family piece of mind. I can get help if I have a medical emergency, I get accident assistant if my airbags deploy. I get directions if I lost, I can call home or my familly can call my car just to mke sure I'm ok.unlocking the car doors if you accidentally lock the keys in the trunk which would cost $100 to get a tow truck or lock smith, just to retreive keys froma locked vehicle. I use my Onstar service. I shouldn't have to purchase a new car to get my safty equiptment to work.
The new coupon for one free year of new onstar service worth ($200) is just a down right insult. I have already paid in excess of $1800. $800 for onstar on my car. the $200+ a year in service charges for over 4 years. I am really getting the short end of the deal. expecially since Onstar knew in 2002 that the antlong system was obsolete when they installed it in my vehicle.GM and Onstar failed to notify me that there would be service problems in the near future. I would have Never purchased A GM vehicle. I fail to believe for a second that GM & Onstar can't produce a replacment or retrofitted onstar unit for the customers that want them. If the Onstar company can't produce a replacment unit for the desired customers.
Than Onstar be responsible to pay a penalty of $2000.00 + refund service charges paid, per vehicle for owners of said years will have the ability to purchase a new vehicle with New onstar or like systems. Hold Companys liable for maintaing safty equiptment and for installing equiptment the auto company knew at the time was inferior and would not be supported for the life of the vehicle. Class Action Lawsuit if this is the way Count me in,
Larnell and Marhjory of Sacramento CA (05/02/07)
I own a 2003 Acura RL 3.5, I purchased it in 2003. Onstar cancelled my service for April 2007, (without my permission). I advised them I didn't ask for cancellation and to reactivate my services.
They did. In my conversation to Onstar (April 25, 2007 (approx date) I was then advised verbally that I would not have Onstar service after 12-20-07, because my car is have a analog system. This was one of the features I wanted and caused me to purchase the Acura. I paid for it, and not the resale value of my veh is lowered because of it. I understand this is not a ruling from Fcc, but a decision.
I also found out from my research, that Acura has chose not to perticipate in the change over but introduce their own GPS system. FCC made this announcement in December 2002. Acura dealers did not advise people purchasing these vehs their Onstar system would be outdated in 12-30-07. Seems this is false advertising or deception for sure on Onstar and Acura's part. I am looking for Justice. Please help me, Marhjory Gill
Barbara of Derry NH (04/29/07)
I purchased my SAAB 9-3 in the fall of 2002. At no time during the sale was I informed that within 5 years of owning the vehicle I would no longer have access to OnStar. In fact, the car salesman went out of his way to highlight the OnStar feature, extolling its value and worth. In my opinion, the consumer friendly, right thing would have been for SAAB/OnStar to inform me, the customer, of the pending change in technology, thus allowing me to make an informed decision. But of course, that wouldn't have occurred as GM had product to unload! In April 2007, I received a letter from OnStar-General Motors advising me that as of December 31, 2007 my vehicle would no longer have access to OnStar because the analog technology was being replaced with digital. When I inquired about changing my car's system to digital, I was told that wasn't possible.
Kevin of Eagan MN (04/24/07)
I am one of the people that will be without OnStar service as of Jan. 1, 2008. I have a 2001 Chevy Silverado with 67,000 miles on it. I have put $5,000 into the vehicle in the last year in anticipation of keeping for a number of years yet and now I find out that the OnStar won't work in 8 months. I have used the service for door unlocks a number of times and have used the phone service many times when I'm in areas where there is no other service. Had I known this feature would not work beyond 2007, I may have not put the money into the vehicle, sold it and bought a new one.
I have been a loyal GM customer for 23 years, but if they don't rectify this problem, I will change my loyalties. I'm not asking them to give me something for free, just give me the option to upgrade. In addition to leaving us without service, they are reducing the resale value of our vehicles by not allowing us the option to upgrade. This isn't right and I want to know how to get involved in the lawsuit you mentioned in your article. Thanks, Kevin Morrison
Gordon of Kennett Sq. PA (04/21/07)
iam now 91 and on nov 29 2001 i bought.....only because of my age...a saab 95w equipped with onstar. am sure that in late 2001 gm/saab/onstar were well aware of the analog/digital fiasco. me thinks that the prospective buyer should have been informed. silence is golden...at least for GM.
i may have to give up driving or curtailing my visits to the doctors offices. I certainly cant afford to spend thousands for a new car. my whole lifestyle willbe changed in the few years i have left.
Marina of Whaleyville MD (04/20/07)
I am completely apalled about the letter I recieved concerning the
FCC mandate affecting my OnStar capabilities. In 2002, I purchased a brand new
2002 Suburban with the OnStar package. I love my Suburban, but feel that GM
should replace my OnStar capability with one that is compatible with the FCC
mandate. This should be a RECALL item. I would never have purchased the package
if I would have known that it would only work for a few years. And now that the
vehicle is paid for, I refuse to go into debt that much again just to get the
OnStar capability. I paid $45,000 for my Suburban new in 2002. What do I get as
compensation? Will this become a RECALL item?
I was offered a $500 loyalty discount toward a new purchase. What a slap in the face.
Laverne of Monessen PA (04/19/07)
my onstar is being cancelled on my 2001 Tahoe and i understand that it can operate on a digital radio if you upgrade this from analog...why isn't this being done for us?
se
Richard of Katonah NY (04/13/07)
Just received a notice from onstar that the two autos I own with onstar will no longer be able to use the onstar system after 12/08. One of the reasons I purchased these cars was the safety and knowing that my wife and son were always connected to onstar. The notice did state that they would be happy to keep me as a loyal customer and suggested that I buy new car that could be serviceable. General Motors has yet to contact me,but my guess is they would also like to keep their loyal customer and have me purchase a new GM product. I just don't understand how companies can do this to people and get away with it.
Cathleen of Litchfield OH (04/11/07)
I am one of the people that had a 2004 GMC with OnStar. I converted to the digital at my cost in preparation for the change over that was going to occur. I chose to front the money myself hoping to get good service and share those services with my VerizonWireless Cell phone, and either/or product which would have been a real benefit to me. After the change over, my OnStar quality degraded. Remember this is using the same technology as my handheld cell phone and it's quality remained top of the line. My OnStar would reset itself with a loud boom, lose all it's memory and has been returned to the dealer 3 times with the explanation of it being the responsibility of VerizonWiress, Onstar division. I contacted them.
The GPS failed to even pinpoint my location. They ran diagonistics, filled out a report, sent to the dealership. Vehicle returned for service and again told me that it met specs and they could not find anything wrong. GPS for them checked out just 'fine'. I lived with the poor quality service again for a couple of months, and on the next return to the dealership for another GMC warrant problem again, mentioned that they needed to recheck the OnStar as it was no better. Resets even upon dialing out this time, and many more reset problems of the entire memory of the OnStar/VerizonWireless service itslf.
At this point in time, I purchased an extended warranty on my vehicle becausae of other constant unresolved issues. I have been very patient, very professional and very distraught with the upgrade. At this point I have no faith whatsoever with the Onstar digital but am now stuck with it (I should clarify faith in Verizon, but none with GMC), and the prior expense of the upgrade and the necessity of over $1K in purchasing an extended vehicle warranty for other ongoing issues.
I ended up paying $200 for the upgrade, more for my VerizonWireless on a shared plan just to have the shared minutes conveninence. The hassle of having to cancel the shared plan recently and still locked into the upgraded plan services because of making the change to the services a new 2 year contract which really is no hugh deal because I will probably keep VerizonWireless as my provider forever anyway.
It was all just a very big inconvenience after the monetary investment in order to keep the technology the same when it went to digital. I hope other consumers have more success with the upgrade than I did. It was truly a very big disappointment. My last GMC vehicle identical to this one provided very good OnStar voice quality so I have had a comparison and this one literally does not perform the best it can, nor does it perform like the vehicles I was given to drive that also had identical service.
Carl & Marie of Denville NJ (04/10/07)
GM (Buick) refuses to install new OnStar digital radios gratis to replace old abandoned analog service.
Loss of consumer loyalty. GM can go broke like Ford. We have always been AMERICAN GM loyal, but we'll start looking at the Mercedes' or BMW's We've always admired.
Don of Long Beach CA (04/09/07)
I purchased a 2002 Tahoe on October 11, 2001. The vehicle I purchased already had the OnStar by GM system which I was charged for. I was told I could also connect the already installed phone with OnStar and pay for minutes to use at my leisure. Before I drove off the lot, the salesman assisted me to set up my OnStar system with OnStar by GM. I did not set up the phone at that time due to my wanting to leave the lot with my new vehicle.
Later I called OnStar to set up my in vehicle phone. I was told that it was not offered in Texas at this time, but should be available at any time soon. I kept calling every several months, until finally, 2 ½ years later, I was able to do so.
Everything was going fine with the phone system and the OnStar system that was offered to me when I purchased the vehicle. I paid off my vehicle a year and a half early. I was excited that I finally paid off my vehicle and would not have a car payment any longer. Much to my surprise, I received a letter from OnStar by GM in March 2007,indicating the analog system that OnStar by GM used in my 2002 vehicle is obsolete and will no longer operate in 2008.
I was told that GM chose not to offer an upgrade but I was Invited to purchase a new car!!! No discount on the car, but 2 years free of OnStar by GM. WOW, $199 a year, that's a total of approximately $400.00. What a slap in the face. I paid $695.00 just for the system in my vehicle, plus I have been paying a service charge to have the OnStar system each month.
I have contacted GM, the FCC and OnStar by GM. The FCC provided me with the ruling which allowed GM and OnStar by GM to chose if they wanted to support the analog system. Now that GM has changed to digital, they chose not to upgrade the old vehicles. Now, my car will depreciate in value and will have components on my dashboard that will no longer work. Lexus and Mercedes provided an upgrade for their clients. I want something done about this. This is unfair and I will not be sucked in by GM, due to this ploy, to purchase another vehicle. My vehicle is only 6 years old!!!!
Lisa of St Louis MO (04/03/07)
Received a letter indicating as of January 1, 2008 the factory installed OnStar in my 2001 Buick Regal will no longer be functional because they are upgrading their system. I purchased this car because of this feature and now it will no longer work and they will not upgrade it to work. I have 45,000 miles on my car with a extended warranty for 100,000 or 10 years which ever comes first....what do I do now? I still want OnStar but cannot have it!
The resale value of my car has now been lowered due to this feature not working any longer....the only thing they said is that they will give me $500 towards the purchase of a new car....I don't want a new car, I just want my existing OnStar service to work. From what I understand they would just have to install a new digital radio for this to work, but they are not willing to do so!
Mark of Kings Park NY (04/03/07)
In January 2007 I received a letter from OnStar saying that the OnStar System on my 2002 Buick Park Avenue would no longer be active after Dec. 31 2007 because it uses an analog network and the new system uses a digital network. Newer models with the new digital network capability will continue to operate. My complaint is that I was told that the OnStar system would be a safety item on my car that would help protect me and my family for as long as we owned the car and paid the monthly premium to keep it activated, witch I have. I have been a long time General Motors customer and a loyal subscriber to the OnStar Service.
I feel that GM and OnStar should be able to come up with a way to updat my vehicle to the new digital network at no cost to me to insure the continued safety of me and my family and the resale and trade-in value of my car. I have written to both OnStar and to GM who have replied that sorry, but there's nothing that can be done!
Due to GM's inaction, I will lose an important safety feature on my car at the end of this year. In addition, the non-functioning OnStar system will also increase my insurance premiums, and will likely lower the resale value of my car.
Cathy of Tecumseh Canada (09/17/06)
The onstar failed shorting out my 2 month old 2006 Chevy Impala car radio which drained the battery. Receiving the onstar diagnostic report a week by email after the above problem stated the onstar needed immediate attention - why was i not notified earlier by home phone or car phone - when i questioned onstar with the blue button they stated the report is a month old - but why did the BATTERY light not come on in the car that it was running low?? I called GM and got NOWHERE - kept saying it was Onstar's problem - the dealer replaced the radio and even the battery - which GM is not paying for - I stated tha tin 2006 GM should do more as 10 people in my immediate family own GM vehicles, I am completely dissatisfied with this explanation and lack of response and action. I have only praise with my dealership who gave me a loaner car immediately.
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