In today’s automotive world, cars are more than just vehicles—they’re rolling computers packed with connected services that promise convenience, safety, and control. From smartphone apps that lock your doors remotely to automatic 911 calls after a crash, these features have become standard in new cars. But what happens when your car ages? Automakers can shut off connected car features, leaving owners of even relatively new vehicles without the services they’ve come to rely on. This article explores the reality of connected car services, why they’re discontinued, and what it means for drivers.
What Are Connected Car Services?
Connected car services encompass a range of internet-enabled features that link your vehicle to the outside world. These include:
- Emergency Response: Automatic 911 calls after a collision.
- Roadside Assistance: On-demand help for breakdowns.
- Remote Control: Smartphone apps that lock, unlock, or start your car.
- Over-the-Air Updates: Software patches to improve vehicle performance.
- Vehicle Health Reports: Diagnostics sent to dealers for maintenance.
- In-Car Wi-Fi: Hotspots for passengers to stay connected.
- Navigation Aids: Sending destinations to your car’s GPS from your phone.
These features often come with a free trial, typically lasting three months to a year, after which a subscription is required. For automakers, these services are a goldmine, with the potential to generate billions in annual revenue. However, the longevity of these services is not guaranteed, and automakers can shut off connected car features when they choose, leaving owners in the lurch.
The 3G Sunset: A Wake-Up Call
The fragility of connected car services became evident in 2022 when U.S. telecom providers phased out 3G networks in favour of 4G, LTE, and 5 G. Older vehicles equipped with 3G modems—common in models from the early 2010s—lost their ability to connect to cellular networks, rendering their connected services useless. While newer cars with 4G or 5G modems were unaffected, the 3 G shutdown highlighted a key issue: automakers can shut off connected car features indirectly through technological obsolescence, even if they don’t actively choose to.
Some automakers offered modem upgrades to 4G, but these were not mandatory, and many owners were left without solutions. The 3G sunset was a telecom decision, not an automaker’s, but it exposed the vulnerability of relying on external networks for car functionality. As 4G networks age, a similar fate awaits, raising questions about the long-term viability of connected features.
Acura’s Decision to Pull the Plug
In a stark example of how automakers can shut off connected car features, Acura announced in May 2025 that it would terminate AcuraLink services for several models, effective July 21, 2025. The affected vehicles include:
- 2014–2020 Acura RLX
- 2014–2020 Acura MDX
- 2015–2020 Acura TLX
- 2016–2018 Acura RDX
- 2016–2022 Acura ILX
- 2017–2022 Acura NSX
This decision impacts not only older models with 3G modems but also newer ones, like the 2022 Acura NSX Type S, a $171,495 supercar equipped with 4G modems. Owners of certified pre-owned vehicles, such as a 2019 TLX, will lose access to features like remote locking, stolen vehicle tracking, and automatic emergency calls in less than two months from the announcement.
Acura’s notice, posted on its MyGarage portal, offered prorated refunds for active subscriptions but no explanation for the decision or plans to upgrade hardware. When pressed, Acura stated, “While only a limited number of customers currently in a paid subscription are affected by this change, we apologise for the inconvenience.” This move underscores that automakers can shut off connected car features at their discretion, even for vehicles still within their expected lifespan.
The Fine Print: No Guarantees
Why can automakers shut off connected car features so easily? The answer lies in the terms and conditions owners agree to when signing up for services like AcuraLink, GM’s OnStar, Hyundai’s Blue Link, NissanConnect, or Toyota Connect. Buried in the fine print is language allowing manufacturers to terminate services at any time, for any reason, or none at all. Acura’s terms, for example, state: “We reserve the right to terminate these Terms or to cease to offer AcuraLink or any of the Connected Vehicle Services at any time on written notice to you.”
This clause is standard across the industry. While it protects automakers legally, it leaves consumers vulnerable. Unlike cellphones, which most people replace every few years, cars are long-term investments, with the average U.S. vehicle age nearing 13 years. When automakers can shut off connected car features, owners of still-functional vehicles lose access to services they may have factored into their purchase decision.
Why Do Automakers Shut Off Connected Car Features?
Several factors contribute to why automakers can shut off connected car features:
- Technological Obsolescence: As seen with the 3G shutdown, older hardware can’t always keep up with new networks or software requirements.
- Cost of Maintenance: Supporting legacy systems is expensive. Updating servers, maintaining apps, and ensuring compatibility with new tech requires ongoing investment.
- Business Strategy: Subscription revenue incentivises automakers to focus on newer models, encouraging owners to upgrade to vehicles with active services.
- Lack of Regulation: No laws require automakers to support connected services for a minimum period, giving them free rein to discontinue them.
While telecom-driven changes like network sunsets are beyond their control, automakers could choose to support older models with hardware or software updates. Yet, many opt not to, prioritising cost savings over customer satisfaction.
A Counterexample: Tesla and Audi’s Approach
Not all automakers take the same approach. Tesla, a leader in connected car technology, continues to support its 2012 Model S with software updates and select hardware upgrades 13 years later. While it’s unclear how long this will continue, Tesla’s commitment shows that automakers can shut off connected car features, but don’t always have to. Designing vehicles with upgradable modems or computers can extend the life of connected services.
Similarly, Audi in 2020 pledged to design infotainment systems that could be swapped for newer units, prolonging vehicle functionality. Though Audi has since downplayed this promise, it highlights the potential for backwards compatibility if automakers prioritise it. These examples suggest that automakers can shut off connected car features, but thoughtful engineering could mitigate the issue.
The Broader Implications
The ability of automakers to shut off connected car features raises concerns for consumers. Cars are significant investments, often kept for a decade or more, yet their connected features may become obsolete much sooner. This disconnect is particularly stark given the industry’s push toward subscription-based models, where features are framed as essential but come with no long-term guarantees.
Moreover, the loss of connected services can impact safety. Features like automatic 911 calls or stolen vehicle tracking are not just conveniences—they can be lifesavers. When automakers can shut off connected car features, they risk eroding consumer trust, especially for buyers who paid premiums for tech-heavy vehicles.
The concept of “planned obsolescence”—designing products to become outdated to drive new sales—has long been associated with the auto industry. By cutting off connected services, automakers may inadvertently (or deliberately) push owners toward newer models, reinforcing this cycle.
What Can Consumers Do?
Until regulations mandate minimum support periods for connected services, consumers have limited recourse when automakers can shut off connected car features. However, there are steps you can take:
- Read the Fine Print: Understand the terms of service before subscribing to connected features. Look for clauses about termination or support duration.
- Ask About Longevity: When buying a new or used car, inquire about how long the manufacturer will support its connected services.
- Push for Transparency: Contact automakers to demand clearer timelines for service support or hardware upgrade options.
- Consider Alternatives: Some aftermarket devices offer similar functionality, like remote start or tracking, without reliance on manufacturer services.
Consumer pressure could encourage automakers to prioritise long-term support, but change will likely come slowly without widespread outcry.
The Future of Connected Cars
As cars become more like computers, the question of backwards compatibility looms large. Unlike phones, which are replaced frequently, vehicles are built to last. Yet, when automakers can shut off connected car features, they risk alienating owners who expect their cars to remain fully functional for years. Designing vehicles with upgradable hardware and software could bridge this gap, but it requires a shift in industry priorities.
The 3G sunset and Acura’s recent decision are wake-up calls. As 4G networks eventually fade and automakers continue to wield the power to end services, consumers must weigh the value of connected features against their impermanence. For now, the message is clear: automakers can shut off connected car features, and without stronger consumer protections or industry innovation, drivers may find themselves disconnected sooner than they expect.