Automakers Can Simply Disconnect Your 'Connected' Vehicle Whenever They Choose.

Automakers Can Simply Disconnect Your 'Connected' Vehicle Whenever They Choose.

      Acura

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      Several years ago, major U.S. cell carriers began decommissioning their 3G wireless networks, which caused vehicles dependent on it to lose functionality. This halted remote start, location tracking, and locking services for some of the earliest connected cars on the market. Recently, an Acura owner posted a letter on Reddit revealing that a range of 2014-2022 model year vehicles will no longer support AcuraLink, the automaker's connected car platform. This serves as a disappointing reminder that while cars may stay on the road for a long time, the technology within them often has a significantly shorter lifespan.

      The letter lists the following vehicles that will lose AcuraLink support on July 21:

      - 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 means that every Acura NSX ever produced, including the 2022 Type S model, will no longer have access to AcuraLink features such as roadside assistance, stolen vehicle tracking, remote locking, and concierge services. Owners with an AcuraLink subscription that extends beyond July 21 will receive a prorated refund.

      It remains unclear whether this decision was due to a technical limitation, such as the 3G shutdown, or another reason. Nonetheless, the fact that vehicles as recent as 2022 are affected is certainly disappointing for owners of newer Acuras. The Drive has contacted the company for further insights and to determine if any corresponding HondaLink vehicles will also be affected. We will update this story with any new information we receive.

      Unfortunately, this reflects the current reality of car ownership. Features dependent on systems over which automakers have no control, like data networks, are not guaranteed to remain operational indefinitely, and there's no alternative once they cease functioning. One could argue that owners received the services they paid for during the agreed duration. However, many buyers choose vehicles based on such advertised technologies, often without realizing that these features may not have long-term viability—sometimes not even lasting three years!

      The interior of a 2019 Acura NSX. Acura

      This situation does not foster consumer confidence and is likely to frustrate those who intended to keep their vehicles for many years. To illustrate, I probably still have canned goods in my pantry from 2022 that haven't even expired yet.

      There must have been a better way for Acura to manage this issue, especially concerning the more recent models impacted. It's quite surprising coming from a company that previously offered a reasonably priced retrofit for late-model Accords to incorporate Wireless CarPlay. If you own one of the affected vehicles and utilize AcuraLink, feel free to share in the comments whether you received a similar notice and your thoughts on the situation.

      Got tips? Send them to [email protected]

Automakers Can Simply Disconnect Your 'Connected' Vehicle Whenever They Choose. Automakers Can Simply Disconnect Your 'Connected' Vehicle Whenever They Choose.

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Automakers Can Simply Disconnect Your 'Connected' Vehicle Whenever They Choose.

Car manufacturers often promote their connected car capabilities, but Acura's recent statement highlights the importance of not purchasing a vehicle solely based on these features.