Full FeedUPDATE: analog OnStar owners furious: Class Action Lawsuit
Looks like many are attempting to “stick it the man”. In this case, the man is car manufacturers who continued to sell and install analog OnStar units in vehicles despite being aware of an FCC ruling that would render the devices useless in the very near future (Feb 18 2008 looks to be the date analog dies). With no options for a complimentary upgrade or heck, even a paid upgrade, OnStar owners are understandably furious.
“It is outrageous”
“I think this is a complete scam!”
It seems many customers bought their vehicle with the expectation the system would last at least as long as the car does. Not to be the case thanks to the FCC’s ruling that allows cell carriers to drop analog compatibility. For many, it was the tipping point of buying that particular make and model.
It upset so many, that class action became a chant in many online forums. So Robert and Sarah Gordon are petitioning for class status in court which will open the door for a class action lawsuit. They believe GM promised owners they would not be left in the lurch by OnStar and have ceded the point citing “incompatible technology”.
“In their lawsuit, the Gordons are asking the court to certify a nationwide class of OnStar subscribers, owners, and lessees, and for the court to award damages and for injunctive relief to order OnStar and GM to provide repairs, upgrades or other means of obtaining OnStar service.”
At the site, you can register for updates on the matter. This is one to watch.
Site [onstarclassaction]
Original Story from Dec. 2006 [Say “Buy-bye” to analog OnStar in 2008]
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I am pleased to see that there is a class action suit being attempted for GM owners.
on January 30, 2008 at 09:48 PM - LINKI own a 2004 Audi A8L. Has there been any similar activity by Audi owners?
Hi Terry - Thanks for the comment.
It looks like there is an attempted class action lawsuit against Audi and OnStar by “Chimicles & Tikellis LLP”. You can find their contact information and more information about the lawsuit at the following URL:
http://www.chimicles.com/audi_onstar/
I’m sure others will chime in this thread as well, so stay tuned.
Sincerely,
Doug
on January 30, 2008 at 10:53 PM - LINKI called GM & Chev and asked to upgrade, they said NO, buy a new truck or car to get the new On Star. Im disabled and bought this Veh for the On Star, it was great, now what do we do? a new Chev/Sub/ LT priced out like the one I have cost over 48,000 dollars, I just checked , thanks GM
on March 17, 2008 at 07:53 PM - LINK“It is outrageous”
on April 2, 2008 at 05:27 PM - LINK“I think this is a complete scam!”
that’s all right..
I would like to hear your legal thoughts on the practicality of suing for damages or replacement of the “defective"OnStar system in our vehicles.
on June 5, 2008 at 08:14 PM - LINKi would like to hear a legal opinion on the chance of getting any damages for the termination of our service.
on June 5, 2008 at 08:18 PM - LINKI cannot believe this, I just purchased a 2000 Tahoe with OnStar hoping to have the system I always liked/wanted and now to find out I cant! This SUCKS! I hope GM does something about it. Any news since January?
on August 1, 2008 at 03:53 AM - LINKI want to know when was this law passed. I believe GM knew about this law with ample time to have installed digital instead of analog. If the judge certifies this as a class action suit, I want in.
on August 9, 2008 at 10:06 PM - LINKI bought an Acura 3.5RL on 10/2/2008. It came with ONSTAR whic i was not able to set up. I was told by Acura company and on star that i am out of luck because of its analog equiotment. Anyone know of any suits against Acura? Furthermore, does anyone have any information on lawsuit filed against onstar?
on September 28, 2008 at 08:22 AM - LINKI purcased a 2005 BUICK Park Ave. NEW in May of 2005 - one of the main features I was purchasing was the OnStar, because my wife and I are getting up in age (I’m 79)- now they have turned it off and we feel insecure.
on February 9, 2009 at 01:34 PM - LINKI purchased a USED 2003 Chev.Silverado pickup, with OnStar, in Jan.2007 and they have upgraded it to digital. I thought I was buying one of the best cars that GM had in 2005 and it turns out the 2003 pickup was better equiped with the upgradeable system and my 2005 Buick was not. I am not a happy Buick customer.
I own a 2002 Cadillac Eldorado. I was told the OnStar system could be updated from analog to digital. I went to the local Cadillac dealer to upgrade. When they check the VIN, I was then told it was a model that could not be upgraded. Is there an option I can pursue?
on June 17, 2009 at 09:26 AM - LINKa different matter and was wondering if anyone had any info on my rights as i have been treated as ignorant and “blown off ” by onstar. my wife was in a near fatal auto accident where someone t-boned my car as she was passing through an intersection , in my car equipped with onstar. she has had 2 surgeries on her neck and multiple injuries to her spine and legs. i never recieved a crash notice, or any email regarding this accident. finally , a year later i persued my rights with onstar and they informed me they dont have record back that far, only 3 months or so. purchasing a new car, equipped with onstar, i informed gm that i do not want onstar as it did nothing for us.. her accident was only 2 blocks from where we reside.. any info or direction would be very appreciated..my wife is permanantly disabled and i am self employed. a neighbor who witnessed the accident phoned me when it occured. our life has been permanently changed as a result and all i see are onstar automatic crash response commercials on tv. kind of turns my stomach.. the most onstar had to offer was a year fee service as they would like to regain my trust and confidence.. i declined as i have no trust in their service and i think people should be aware. any info or direction would be greatly appreciated..thanks
on December 14, 2009 at 01:36 PM - LINKAfter purchasing our 2002 GMC Yukon with one of the main selling features being the promised safety of having the ON STAR system in my vehicle. I felt extremely deceived upon receiving the letter of cancellation for ‘08. After calling and questioning the failure to offer the option of an upgrade; I was informed the only option being that I purchase yet ANOTHER new vehicle to get a years worth of digital ON STAR. My explanation that we had just felt the financial relief of paying on a $40,000 vehicle for 4 years and were in no position to add a $600.00 plus car payment at that time (and this is before the crisis REALLY took hold) was met with little concern. Shortly after, I locked my keys in the vehicle, once again. Only THIS time my young daughter and I were left to our own accord—even after explaining to her that it was not only late here in Indiana, but we were in the middle of a cold snap. Basically, I was left with…too bad, call the police! We opted to seek shelter and wait on my husband’s rescue. Wasn’t this the situation that I was promised by ON STAR to prevent??? The ironic thing is that I purchased the GM product to use a $1000.00 settlement coupon from the LAST settlement that they managed to turn into nothing more than a marketing gimmick. Anyone remember the unprotected gas tank which were prone to exploding on side impact and resulted in at least one death—-a 16 year old boy? When the coupon was sent to the dealer the response was that it couldn’t be applied. I should’ve pursued that but just let it go. Now I feel like I’ve been scammed twice…NOT a good feeling to leave with your most loyal customers. Last I heard GM is trying to recover from bankruptcy. How many disgruntled customers have they left in their wake? Count me in on this. Sad that, once again, big business is blind to something so basic as customer service!
on January 29, 2010 at 03:00 AM - LINK