View source for OnStar

{{short description|Subsidiary of General Motors}}
{{Infobox company
| name = OnStar Corporation
| logo = OnStar Logo.svg
| logo_size = 200
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| fate = 
| key_people = Santiago Chamorro, [[Vice President]]
| founded = {{start date and age|1996}}
| founder = 
| location_city = [[Detroit]], [[Michigan]]
| location_country = U.S.
| products = Vehicle security, emergency services, [[hands-free]] calling, [[turn-by-turn navigation]], [[remote diagnostics]]
| brands = 
| owner = 
| subsid = 
| parent = [[General Motors]]
| homepage = {{url|https://www.onstar.com/us/en/home/|onstar.com}}
}}
'''OnStar Corporation''' is a [[subsidiary]] of [[General Motors]]<ref name=GM.NYT>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|title=G.M.'s OnStar Aids Senator's Daughter|url=https://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/04/gms-onstar-aids-senators-daughter|date=December 4, 2009  |author=Stephen Williams}}</ref> that provides subscription-based [[telematics]] services, including [[telecommunication|communications]], in-vehicle security, emergency services, [[turn-by-turn navigation]], and [[remote diagnostics]] systems throughout the [[United States]], [[Canada]], [[Chile]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Chevrolet Chile |url=https://www.chevrolet.cl/onstar |website=Chevrolet Chile |access-date=23 May 2024}}</ref> [[China]], [[Mexico]], [[Europe]], [[Brazil]], [[Colombia]], [[Argentina]] and the [[Gulf Cooperation Council]] countries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drive With Confidence {{!}} Advisors Available 24/7 {{!}} OnStar Arabia |url=https://www.onstararabia.com/en/home |access-date=2023-03-18 |website=www.onstararabia.com}}</ref>

A similar service known as "Vauxhall/Opel OnStar" was available in western Europe and "ChevyStar" in Latin American markets (except in Brazil and Argentina). In September 2011 the president of OnStar stated that the service had more than six million customers. On May 9, 2018, [[Vauxhall Motors]] announced that Vauxhall OnStar, alongside Opel OnStar services, would cease to operate after December 31, 2020, following [[Groupe PSA]]'s purchase of Vauxhall Motors and [[Opel]] from GM.<ref>[http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/experience/OnStar/overview.html] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180508051229/https://www.vauxhall.co.uk/experience/onstar/overview.html|date=2018-05-08}} Vauxhall OnStar main site</ref>

A new aftermarket interior [[rear-view mirror]] with a built-in OnStar module, branded as OnStar FMV, became publicly available on July 24, 2011. It provides some of the features an OEM system has, such as Automatic Crash Response, Stolen Vehicle Tracking, Turn-by-Turn Navigation, and Roadside Assistance.

==Overview==
[[File:OnStar.jpg|thumb|250px|Onstar unit in a 2008 [[Chevrolet Impala]]]]
The OnStar service relied on [[CDMA]] [[mobile phone]] voice and data communication, primarily via [[Verizon Wireless]] in the United States and [[Bell Mobility]] in Canada, as well as [[Vehicle location data|location information]] using [[GPS]] technology, a core component of [[Automatic vehicle location|automatic vehicle location]]. More recently, [[Telus Communications|TELUS]] and [[Onstar]] announced a new arrangement in 2021 for [[4G]] and [[5G]] in-vehicle mobility services.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.gm.ca/en/home/newsroom.detail.html/Pages/news/ca/en/2021/Aug/0831-telus.html|title=General Motors and TELUS Redefine Automotive Connectivity for Canadian Customers|date=2021-09-21|access-date=2025-02-18}}</ref> Drivers and passengers can use its audio interface to contact OnStar representatives for emergency services, vehicle [[telemetry|diagnostics]] and directions.

The OnStar service allows users to contact OnStar call centers during an emergency. In the event of a collision, detected by [[Airbag|airbag deployment]] or other sensors, [[Advanced Automatic Collision Notification]] features can automatically send information about the vehicle's condition and [[Vehicle location data|GPS location]] to OnStar call centers. OnStar has 24-hour emergency call centers in [[Warren, Michigan]]; [[Charlotte, North Carolina]]; and [[Ontario|Ontario, Canada]], and other call centers in [[Makati|Makati, Philippines]]; and [[Oshawa, Ontario]].{{Citation needed|date=April 2009}} This [[Advanced Automatic Collision Notification]] service is designed to assist emergency response efforts.

All OnStar-equipped vehicles have a [[Vehicle tracking system|Stolen Vehicle Tracking]] feature, which can provide the police with the vehicle's [[Automatic vehicle location|exact location]], speed, and direction of movement.

Starting in the 2009 model year, General Motors began equipping some new vehicles with Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. This feature allows OnStar to remotely slow down the stolen vehicle. The service is also expected to help reduce the risk of property damage, serious injuries or fatalities resulting from high-speed pursuits of stolen vehicles. Customers may opt out of that function.<ref>[https://abcnews.go.com/Business/Autos/story?id=3706113 "Device can remotely halt auto chases"] Chris Woodyard, USA TODAY, 2007-10-09</ref> The first successful use of this service occurred in October 2009 when a stolen Chevrolet Tahoe was recovered and its suspected thief was apprehended.<ref>[http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2009/10/onstar-gps-carjacking.html/ "OnStar stops truck that was carjacked at gunpoint"] Los Angeles Times, October 19, 2009. Retrieved October 30, 2009.</ref>

Also in 2009, General Motors began equipping some new vehicles with Remote Ignition Block, allowing OnStar to remotely deactivate the ignition so when the stolen vehicle is shut off, it cannot be restarted.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/21/onstar-announces-remote-ignition-block-for-stolen-vehicles/|title=OnStar announces Remote Ignition Block for stolen vehicles|website=Autoblog|date=21 July 2009 |language=en|access-date=2020-04-02}}</ref>

All Stolen Vehicle Assistance services (Stolen Vehicle Tracking, Stolen Vehicle Slowdown and Remote Ignition Block) are functions of the vehicle's [[Tracking system]] and can be requested by the OnStar subscriber, but OnStar will not activate them until confirming with the police that the vehicle has been reported as stolen.

OnStar subscribers may be eligible for anti-theft and low mileage insurance discounts. Since OnStar can help with the recovery of a stolen vehicle, some insurance companies recognize this and offer a discount. Also, with certain insurance companies (for example, [[GMAC Insurance]]) and with subscriber permission, OnStar will send the insurance company the vehicle's odometer reading every month. If the subscriber qualifies as a low-mileage driver, they may be eligible for an insurance discount.

Even if the vehicle is OnStar equipped, no OnStar services are available until the system is activated. Vehicle owners can choose between various plans:<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.onstar.com/us/en/plans-pricing.html |title=OnStar's Plans & Pricing Page |access-date=2016-08-23 |archive-date=2016-09-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909000759/https://www.onstar.com/us/en/plans-pricing.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wayland |first=Michael |date=2018-04-30 |title=GM positions OnStar as revenue center, brand builder |url=https://www.autonews.com/article/20180430/OEM06/180439972/gm-positions-onstar-as-revenue-center-brand-builder |access-date=2020-08-24 |website=[[Automotive News]]}}</ref>
* '''Connected Access:''' Free for 10 years: includes Vehicle Diagnostics, Dealer Maintenance Notification, Chevrolet Smart Driver, and Marketplace<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chevrolet Connected Access|url=https://my.chevrolet.com/how-to-support/onstar-connected/plans/connected-access|access-date=2020-08-24|website=Chevrolet}}</ref>
* '''App Access''': $15/mo, includes In-Vehicle Streaming Audio Apps, Alexa Built-In, and Connected Navigation
* '''Remote Access''': $14.99/mo or $149.90/yr, includes Remote Key Fob, Family Link, On-Demand Diagnostics, Vehicle Locate, and Remote Personalization
* '''Onstar Guardian App''': $15/mo, Take Onstar on the go. An app that supports Automatic Crash Response, Emergency Services and Roadside assistance outside an Onstar equipped vehicle
* '''Unlimited Access:''' $29.99/mo, includes all services in Remote Access, plus Alexa Built-In, Connected Navigation, and access to 4G LTE Data
* '''Safety & Security''': $29.99/mo or $299.90/yr, includes Automatic Crash Response, Emergency Services, Roadside Assistance, Crisis Alert, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, and Turn-By-Turn Navigation
* '''Remote Access + Safety & Security''': $39.99/mo or $399.90/yr, includes all services in the Remote Access and Safety & Security Plans
* '''Unlimited Access + Safety & Security''': $49.99/mo, includes all services in the Unlimited Access and Safety & Security Plans

Mobile data access in the vehicle can be added with extra service plans, provided by TELUS in Canada.<ref>{{Cite web|title=General Motors and TELUS Redefine Automotive Connectivity for Canadian Customers|url=https://news.gm.ca/en/home/newsroom.detail.html/Pages/news/ca/en/2021/Aug/0831-telus.html|access-date=2025-02-18}}</ref>

In June 2022, GM began to include a three-year, prepaid OnStar and Connected Services premium subscription as a standard option on Buick, Cadillac, and GMC models, at a value of US$1,500. This subscription is a mandatory option included in the price of the vehicle, even if the owner does not intend to use the services.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holderith |first=Peter |date=2022-08-09 |title=GM Makes $1,500 OnStar Subscription Mandatory on GMC, Buick, Cadillac Models |url=https://www.thedrive.com/news/gm-makes-1500-onstar-subscription-mandatory-on-gmc-buick-cadillac-models |access-date=2022-08-11 |website=The Drive |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Kalea |title=GM makes OnStar, connected services plan standard on some vehicles |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/general-motors/2022/08/09/gm-makes-onstar-connected-services-plan-standard-some-vehicles/10278523002/ |access-date=2022-08-11 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US}}</ref>

Legacy Plans no longer able to be purchased:
* '''Basic''': Free for first 5 years, which includes Remote Access, Advanced Diagnostics and Smart Driver which provides advice on driving style
* '''Protection''': $19.99/mo, which includes [[Advanced Automatic Collision Notification]], Emergency Services, Crisis Assist, Roadside Assistance, Remote Access, Advanced Diagnostics and 24/7 access to Advisors
* '''Security''': $24.99/mo, includes all services in the Protection plan, plus Stolen Vehicle Assistance
* '''Guidance''': $34.99/mo, includes all services in the Security plan, plus [[turn-by-turn navigation]], OnStar AtYourService, and 30 Hands-Free Calling Minutes

==History==
OnStar was formed in 1996 as a collaboration between [[General Motors|GM]], [[Electronic Data Systems]] and [[Hughes Electronics Corporation]]. Each of the founding companies brought a specific area of expertise to the enterprise: GM brought vehicle design and integration and a distribution system of millions of vehicles, EDS brought much of the [[systems development]] and [[information management]] and customer service technologies, while Hughes (creators of [[DirecTV]]) contributed communications and [[satellite]] technology and automotive electronics.

In 1996, GM North America Operations President [[Rick Wagoner]] officially launched OnStar at the [[Chicago Auto Show]]. OnStar delivered its first product and service to the market in 11 months, in the fall of 1996 for model-year 1997 [[Cadillac DeVille]], [[Cadillac Seville]], and [[Cadillac Eldorado]] models. From 2002 to 2006, OnStar service was available on vehicles produced by [[Acura]], [[Audi]], [[Isuzu]], [[Subaru]], and [[Volkswagen]] through a licensing agreement.

In April 2006, GM notified approximately 500,000 of their OnStar customers who had [[Advanced Mobile Phone System|analog]] service that their service would be terminated effective December 31, 2007, because starting February 18, 2008 the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) would no longer require US cell phone systems to operate in analog mode. Customers who purchased a prepaid, non-refundable, non-transferable 1-year OnStar Safe & Sound subscription were scheduled to receive an equipment upgrade. If the vehicle is from the 2003, 2004, or 2005 model year, an [[adapter]] costing approximately US$200 (includes a one-year subscription) can be installed at the customer's expense. If it is older, it will simply no longer be usable.<ref>[http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/onstar.html "OnStar Goes Digital, GM to Drop 500,000 Subscribers."] Benton, Joe April 10, 2007. Consumeraffairs.com. Retrieved May 1, 2007</ref> A law firm in Pennsylvania representing some of the affected customers sought to have a class certified for a class-action lawsuit for damages claimed in the cancellation of OnStar service.<ref>[http://classactiondefense.jmbm.com/2007/09/gmonstar_class_action_defense.html "GM-OnStar Class Action Defense Case-In re General Motors OnStar: Judicial Panel On Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) Grants Defense Motion To Centralize Class Action Litigation In Eastern District of Michigan"] Times-Leader, Pennsylvania, May 1, 2007. Retrieved May 1, 2007. {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130127004410/http://classactiondefense.jmbm.com/2007/09/gmonstar_class_action_defense.html |date=January 27, 2013 }}</ref>

On December 19, 2011, GM said OnStar would join with [[Verizon Wireless]] to offer [[video chat]] and [[streaming content]] to automobile passengers.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/12/20/1721643/phone-free-driving-law-wouldnt.html|title=Phone-free driving law wouldn't be popular|last=Siceloff|first=Bruce|work=[[News & Observer]]|date=2011-12-20|access-date=2011-12-21|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106000045/http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/12/20/1721643/phone-free-driving-law-wouldnt.html|archive-date=2012-01-06}}</ref>

Since 2014 OnStar offers LTE Wi-Fi service on select GM cars.

Starting June 14, 2021, the OnStar Guardian app was made available to any driver in the United States or Canada.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/general-motors/2021/06/07/onstar-guardian-app-gm-cars/7546541002/|title=GM offers OnStar service to drivers of any vehicle in US, Canada|last=LaReau|first=Jamie L.|work=[[Detroit Free Press]]|date=2021-06-07|accessdate=2021-06-09}}</ref> The Guardian app uses sensors in the phone, such as the accelerometer and the GPS receiver, to provide some traditional OnStar services (e.g., automatic crash notification), regardless of the vehicle in which the user is riding.

The Guardian app also serves as the user interface, via Bluetooth, to the OnStar Link plug-in device,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.onstar.com/us/en/link-adapter/faq/|title = Frequently Asked Questions &#124; Link Adapter &#124; OnStar}}</ref> if it is installed. OnStar Link is a miniature GPS receiver and 4G LTE [[Internet of things|IoT]] interface that plugs into the vehicle's [[OBD-II]] connector. It can provide most traditional OnStar services, including a [[Wi-Fi hotspot|WiFi hotspot]] (additional data plan required), though not Stolen Vehicle Slowdown, Hands-Free Calling, Turn-by-Turn Navigation, or Send-to-Navigation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.onstar.com/us/en/link-adapter/faq|title = Frequently Asked Questions &#124; Link Adapter &#124; OnStar}}</ref> Voice communication with an OnStar Advisor requires a Bluetooth-paired cell phone.

In September 2021, GM notified owners of certain pre-2015 model-year vehicles in the United States that their factory-installed OnStar equipment will become obsolete and non-functional after December 2022. These vehicles use [[Verizon (mobile network)|Verizon Wireless's]] 2G/3G CDMA network for communication, and Verizon has announced plans to sunset this network.<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 March 2021|title=3G CDMA Network Shut off date set for December 31, 2022|url=https://www.verizon.com/about/news/3g-cdma-network-shut-date-set-december-31-2022|website=Verizon|access-date=29 September 2021|archive-date=7 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307002401/https://www.verizon.com/about/news/3g-cdma-network-shut-date-set-december-31-2022|url-status=dead}}</ref> Unlike GM's remedy under similar circumstances for Canadian customers, where the vehicle hardware was updated,<ref>{{Cite web| title=Service Bulletin | url=https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10166666-9999.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130054832/https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10166666-9999.pdf | archive-date=2020-11-30}}</ref> customers in the United States will be provided an OnStar Link plug-in at no additional charge.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.onstar.com/us/en/link-adapter/faq|title=Site Maintenance|website=www.onstar.com}}</ref>

==China==
In December 2009, Shanghai OnStar Telematics Co. Ltd., a joint venture between General Motors, SAIC Group and SGM (Shanghai GM), began offering its services in China. It is available on select Cadillac, Buick and Chevrolet vehicles and China Telecom is the wireless network provider throughout China. The service will be available throughout mainland China and will be first launched in Mandarin Chinese.

==Mexico==
In June 2013, OnStar announced its entry to the Mexican market. The first vehicles which obtained the system were the 2014 [[Chevrolet Silverado|Chevrolet Cheyenne]] and the 2014 [[GMC Sierra]]. Currently it is available in nearly all of General Motors vehicles available in the country with the [[Chevrolet Beat]], [[Chevrolet Aveo]], [[Chevrolet Montana|Chevrolet Tornado]] and [[Chevrolet S10]] being the only exceptions.

==Brazil==
OnStar is available in Brazil in the Chevrolet vehicles such as the [[Chevrolet Cobalt#Second generation (2011)|Chevrolet Cobalt]], [[Chevrolet Cruze]], Onix, Onix Plus and [[Chevrolet Colorado#Second generation|Chevrolet S-10]].

==Argentina==
OnStar started operations in Argentina on May 5, 2016, with the 2016 [[Chevrolet Cruze]] being the first vehicle to include it. The same vehicle is being assembled in [[Rosario]], Santa Fe.

==Advocacy==
Advocates promote OnStar as an essential safety tool. GM commercials have compared it to [[seatbelts]] and airbags, as the next major technology for safe driving. The benefits, they say, include its ability to aid police in tracking down stolen vehicles; contacting [[emergency medical services]] in case of an accident (should the driver request this or be non-responsive); notifying drivers of potentially dangerous mechanical problems; emails are sent to owners that give a diagnostics of their vehicle every month if subscribed to; and unlocking doors for drivers (after verifying authorization over the phone) should their keys be misplaced or locked inside their car. OnStar's basic subscription also includes Roadside assistance, as well HFC (Hands Free Calling) which is integrated into the OnStar system and operates in the same way as a regular cell phone does except that it is operated through voice recognition. Automatic Crash Response allows emergency advisors to provide emergency medical services (EMS) with additional crash information such as rollover status, direction of impact, which airbags have deployed (front, side etc.,) and the Delta-V (change in velocity) Force which is a medical measure of the intensity of an impact. All this information allows EMS to respond to the crash with appropriate equipment.

In September 2011, OnStar has changed its terms and conditions to allow sale of vehicle location and speeds to interested third parties including law enforcement agencies, which has been criticized in the [[Comp.risks|comp.risks forum]].<ref>{{cite journal|url = http://catless.ncl.ac.uk/Risks/26.58.html#subj3|journal = The RISKS Digest|volume = 26|issue = 58|title = OnStar Begins Spying On Customers' GPS Location For Profit |date = 27 September 2011|last1 = Neumann|first1 = Peter G.}}</ref>

==Use as surveillance device==
OnStar is theoretically susceptible to remote activation by malicious third parties or government agencies. This activation would enable third parties to track the location of the car, along with the ability to listen to the contents of any conversations carried on by the occupants within the car without their consent. However, the [[FBI]] has denied the ability to use this as it disables OnStar's safety features, as determined by the [[Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals]].<ref>[http://news.cnet.com/2100-1029_3-5109435.html "Court to FBI: No spying on in-car computers"] CNet News, November 19, 2003. Retrieved on June 7, 2010.</ref> In its document of privacy practices, OnStar states that it is not possible for them to listen to or monitor conversations in a car without the knowledge of the occupant. The hardware is designed so that when an advisor calls into a car, a light flashes, a ring tone is heard, and the radio will mute.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our Privacy Practices - Notice of Privacy Statement |url=http://www.onstar.com/en/web/portal/privacystatement |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20101207004735/http://www.onstar.com/en/web/portal/privacystatement |archive-date=December 7, 2010 |access-date=February 10, 2011 |website=OnStar.com}}</ref>

In 2011, OnStar said that it would start retaining all the [[Vehicle location data|information collected by the GPS and internal system]] so that it could be sold to third parties (possibly insurance companies).<ref>{{cite web |date=September 24, 2011 |title=OnStar Changed Privacy Statement |url=https://www.chevymalibuforum.com/threads/onstar-changed-privacy-statement.8453/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |website=chevymalibuforum}}</ref> Although this data is supposed to be "anonymized", exactly what OnStar means by anonymizing GPS data remains unclear, and it may be impossible to make the data actually anonymous.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.zdziarski.com/blog/?p=1270 |title = OnStar Begins Spying On Customers' GPS Location for Profit? |last = Zdziarski|first = Jonathan|date = 20 September 2011|website = Zdziarski's Blog of Things}}</ref> A few weeks later, after outcry from subscribers and privacy advocate groups,<ref>{{cite web|date=September 22, 2011|title=Changes to OnStar's Privacy Terms Rile Some Users|url=https://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/22/changes-to-onstars-privacy-terms-rile-some-users|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925071533/https://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/22/changes-to-onstars-privacy-terms-rile-some-users|archive-date=September 25, 2011|website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> OnStar reversed the decision<ref>{{cite web     |website=ConsumerReports.org |date=September 27, 2011
    |url=https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2011/09/gm-reverses-decision-on-onstar-privacy-policy/index.htm
    |title=GM reverses decision on OnStar privacy policy}}</ref> to continue collecting information from unsubscribed units.

A 2019 experiment hacking into the data collected by a 2017 Chevrolet Volt revealed that the car stored logs of calls made from the user's cell phone, as well as location and driving data, which could then be sold to third parties.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2019/12/17/what-does-your-car-know-about-you-we-hacked-chevy-find-out/|title=Perspective {{!}} What does your car know about you? We hacked a Chevy to find out|last=Fowler|first=Geoffrey A.|date=2019-12-17|newspaper=Washington Post|language=en|access-date=2019-12-22}}</ref>

==Advertising campaigns==
[[File:Onstar Batmobile.jpg|thumb|Batman Onstar Exhibit at the Dallas Auto Show]]
In 2000, GM produced a series of [[Batman OnStar commercials]] that featured [[Batman]] (using the [[Batmobile#Burton films|Batmobile]] and props from the [[Batman (1989 film)|1989 film]]) using the service to call people, access his mail, navigate to certain locations, and to unlock the Batmobile.<ref>Raymond, Joan. "Holy Toledo!" ''American Demographics''. March 2001, Volume 23, Issue 3.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=OnStar/Batman Ad Campaign Includes Sweepstakes With Movie Walk-On As Prize |url=https://www.theautochannel.com/news/2001/05/31/022151.html |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=www.theautochannel.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Linder |first=Brian |date=2000-02-10 |title=Batman to Pitch "OnStar" for GM? |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/02/10/batman-to-pitch-onstar-for-gm |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> These were discontinued in favour of radio commercials.

GM promoted the service with radio commercials demonstrating how it would work through "Real Call" advertising.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Buss |first=Dale |title=OnStar Goes Back To Safety In Rebranding, Leaving Digital Services To GM's Vehicle Marques |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/dalebuss/2018/03/30/onstar-goes-back-to-safety-in-rebranding-leaving-gm-vehicle-brands-to-pick-up-digital-services/ |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> It provided the recording of someone interacting with OnStar in various scenarios designed to show its utility. The commercials stated that these were recordings of actual instances of customers using the services, and gave the date on which they occurred.

From 2004 to 2009, OnStar was a sponsor for guest appearances on [[ESPN Radio]] programming, dubbed the "OnStar Hotline".

In September 2010 under then-President Chris Preuss, OnStar relaunched its brand with a series of commercials with the theme of "Live On". According to Chief Marketing Officer Sam Mancuso, the campaign was designed to change how people view OnStar, "It's not about waiting for something to happen but something people can use every day." Newer campaigns focus on safety, security, and connected devices.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Naughton |first=Nora |title=OnStar refocusing on safety with new ad campaign |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/general-motors/2018/03/26/onstar-safe/33285107/ |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US}}</ref>

Since 2008, OnStar has offered "[[Santa Claus|Santa]] tracking" in all equipped vehicles around the festive period. This has allowed children worldwide to see Santa's location on Christmas Eve. Each time this feature is used, OnStar also made donations to various charities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gmauthority.com/blog/2015/12/onstar-will-track-santa-for-the-seventh-consecutive-year/|title=OnStar Will Track Santa For The Seventh-Consecutive Year|website=GM Authority|date=15 December 2015|access-date=2020-04-02}}</ref>

==Hardware==
The OnStar hardware is fundamentally a [[Telematic control unit]] (TCU) that integrates the necessary communication and processing components for the service to function. GM is currently deploying OnStar Generation 10 hardware that includes enhanced services and diagnostics and the ability to use the mobile application RemoteLink, which allows a subscriber to perform many functions without the need for calling into the OnStar center. Functions include remote start, remote lock and unlock, flashing lights and horn as well as viewing up-to-date diagnostics data from the subscriber's iPhone or Android-powered mobile phone. As of 2011 OnStar hardware is currently only manufactured by [[LG Electronics]], although early models were made by [[Hughes Electronics|Hughes]] for Gen 1, [[Delphi Corporation|Delphi]] for Gen 2, and [[Motorola]] for Gen 4 to Gen 6.

===Analog===
The Gen 1 to Gen 4 models were analog. All were for Class 2 bus. Gen 5 models were a transition period. Some Gen 5 models actually contained both analog and digital cellular phone modules. Also, there were both Class 2 and [[Controller Area Network|CAN]] bus models.

===Digital===
The Gen 6 and up models are [[CDMA]] digital. Some were Class 2 bus and some were [[Controller-area network|CAN]] (Controller Area Network) bus.

===Compatibility===
Some Gen 5 and Gen 6 models were compatible with each other providing some upgrades to some customers to digital. [[Advanced Mobile Phone System|Analog]] cellular was turned off in February 2008. Customers who had the Gen 1 through Gen 4 models were unable to upgrade to the digital Gen 6.

There is no compatibility in Gen 1 and 4 with other models, while there is some compatibility with Gen 2 and Gen 2.6 ([[Delphi (auto parts)|Delphi]] TCU and [[Motorola]] cellular transceiver).

===OnStar FMV (For My Vehicle)===

In 2011, OnStar introduced the '''OnStar FMV''' system. The system, which embedded both the OnStar system, as well as [[Bluetooth]] hands-free connectivity, into an automatically dimming rear view mirror that replaced the existing rear view mirror in nearly any vehicle that was not equipped from the factory with the OnStar system. The system was able to provide all of the features of OnStar, except for those services which required integration of the vehicle's computer (such as '''Stolen Vehicle Slowdown''' and '''Automatic Airbag Deployment Notification'''). Instead, the system included sensors that detected irregular movement of the mirror and triggered a call to the OnStar emergency response center. Wireless service was provided through [[Verizon Wireless]]. The system was compatible with most vehicles manufactured from [[model year]] 2000 to 2014, as long as the vehicle was not equipped from the factory with the OnStar system, however, OnStar noted that the system "should not be installed in vehicles such as the [[Jeep Wrangler]], [[Toyota FJ Cruiser]], [[Hummer]], [[Recreational Vehicle]] (RV's), or Semi Truck" due to the "extreme windshield angles and/or excessive size" and therefore had the "inability to detect a crash".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www2.onstar.com/tunnel-web/webdav/fmv/document_library/us_english/downloadable/Copy-of-2000-2014-FMV-Compatibility.pdf|title=https://www2.onstar.com/tunnel-web/webdav/fmv/document_library/us_english/downloadable/Copy-of-2000-2014-FMV-Compatibility.pdf|access-date=2021-12-19|archive-date=2015-05-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514021638/https://www2.onstar.com/tunnel-web/webdav/fmv/document_library/us_english/downloadable/Copy-of-2000-2014-FMV-Compatibility.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Professional installation from an OnStar FMV retailer, such as select automotive dealerships and electronic retailers (such as [[Best Buy]]), was recommended. An annual OnStar subscription for the FMV cost US$299.00.

On March 3, 2014, OnStar announced that they would be discontinuing production and sales of the OnStar FMV system. While not citing a reason for the discontinuation of the FMV, OnStar said that they "have gained a number of key insights by launching OnStar FMV that will be very valuable as (we) investigate future ventures in the retail space".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gmauthority.com/blog/2014/03/onstar-quietly-discontinues-fmv-program-exclusive/|title=OnStar Quietly Discontinues FMV Program: Exclusive|website=GM Authority|date=3 March 2014|access-date=2020-04-02}}</ref> However, owners of the OnStar FMV would continue to receive service for their device as long as they continued to subscribe. Similar services are offered from the factory on more vehicles, with the initial service cost being included for a trial period, as well as offering more features, such as in-vehicle [[Wi-Fi]] connectivity via [[3G]] or [[4G]] [[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]], enhanced accident response systems, remote ignition disabling, and remote control services of the vehicle.

==Vulnerability to hacking==
On July 30, 2015, [[Samy Kamkar]] introduced OwnStar - a small electronic device that could be concealed on or near a General Motors vehicle to interpose itself between the vehicle's OnStar link and the driver's OnStar RemoteLink [[Mobile app|app]]. In this classic [[man-in-the-middle attack]], Kamkar, or any unauthorized user, could substitute his OnStar commands to locate, unlock, or start the vehicle. By August 11, General Motors had released upgrades to the OnStar server software and RemoteLink app to block such attacks.<ref name="AutoNet">{{cite news|last=Woodcock|first=Glen|date=2015-08-11|title=OnStar Plugs Hacker Attacks|work=[[Autonet]]|url=http://www.theautonet.com/en/2015/08/11/onstar-plugs-hacker-attacks|url-status=dead|access-date=2015-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109131907/http://www.theautonet.com/en/2015/08/11/onstar-plugs-hacker-attacks|archive-date=January 9, 2016}}</ref>

==Discontinuation of CDMA Service==
{{unreferenced section|date=February 2025}}
Following the announcement that [[Verizon Wireless]] would no longer provide [[2G]] or [[3G]] [[CDMA2000|CDMA]] [[Cellular communication networks|cellular]] service after 2022, OnStar announced that all OnStar-equipped [[General Motors]] vehicles built prior to the 2015 [[model year]], as well as select 2015 and newer General Motors vehicles not equipped with the newer [[4G]] [[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]] service provided by [[AT&T]], would lose access to OnStar services by the end of the year. Customers who subscribed to OnStar services would continue to receive the services until the end of 2022, and new subscribers would not be able to activate their OnStar services. Affected customers with pre-2015 model year certain vehicles would be able to obtain an [[OBD II]] adapter that could provide 4G LTE cellular service for select OnStar services that are accessible via the OnStar [[mobile application]] (such as unlocking and locking the vehicle's doors, and locating the vehicle via [[Global Positioning System]]), however, would no longer be able to access OnStar services such as Destination Download (the ability to send a GPS destination directly to the vehicle's OnStar system, or, if equipped, the GPS navigation system, from a [[smartphone]] or computer) and emergency services. The 4G LTE adapter would also provide a wireless [[Wi-Fi]] [[Internet]] connection, similar to that of the embedded OnStar systems found in newer General Motors vehicles. Owners of certain vehicles not compatible with the 4G LTE adapter would lose access to all OnStar services, though they would be able to download the OnStar Guardian mobile application onto their [[iOS]] or [[Google Android|Android]] smartphone that would provide similar functionality to their vehicle's CDMA-based OnStar system.

OnStar also announced that, effective February, 2022, the built-in [[hands-free]] cellular telephone functionality, which allowed drivers to make and receive voice-activated, hands-free phone calls over their vehicle's [[car audio system]], and assigned the vehicle a unique [[telephone number]], would be discontinued, citing the increased popularity of [[Bluetooth]] connectivity in most vehicles. This affected all OnStar-equipped vehicles, regardless of [[Cellular communication networks|cellular]] technology or [[model year]].

Certain early [[AT&T]] 4G LTE-equipped OnStar vehicles would be required to install a [[Firmware Over The Air]] (FOTA) software update that would allow their vehicles to connect to an updated 4G LTE cellular network. Affected vehicles must have had active OnStar services in order to install the software update.

==See also==
* [[Advanced Automatic Collision Notification]]
* [[Dashtop mobile]]
* [[eCall]]
* [[Ford SYNC]]
* [[GPS tracking unit]]
* [[Lexus Link]]
* [[LoJack]]
* [[MVEDR]]
* [[MyLink]]
* [[Vehicle tracking system]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons cat}}
* {{official website}}
* [http://www.automoblog.net/2009/01/13/the-truth-about-onstar/ The Truth About OnStar] - An OnStar Review
* [http://auto.howstuffworks.com/onstar2.htm howstuffworks.com]

{{Telematics}}
{{General Motors}}
{{Telecommunications}}
{{Fleet digitalization|state=expanded}}

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[[Category:Vehicle safety technologies]]
[[Category:Automotive Emergency Communication Systems]]
[[Category:Automotive technology tradenames]]
[[Category:Companies based in Detroit]]
[[Category:General Motors subsidiaries]]
[[Category:Vehicle telematics]]
[[Category:Wireless]]