UPDATE: analog OnStar owners furious: Class Action Lawsuit

Posted January 30, 2008 at 12:23 PM by JG Mason

Section: Gadgets / Other, Transportation

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]