OnStar

Corporate brand

OnStar is General Motors' connected-vehicle services brand, combining emergency response, vehicle security, diagnostics, navigation, remote controls, and mobile connectivity.

Last updated November 4, 2026

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Overview

OnStar is a General Motors connected-vehicle services brand and subsidiary that provides subscription-based telematics for automobiles. Its principal functions include automatic crash notification, emergency assistance, roadside assistance, stolen-vehicle recovery, turn-by-turn navigation, remote vehicle commands, vehicle diagnostics, location services, and in-vehicle wireless connectivity. The service is delivered through hardware embedded in compatible vehicles, cellular networks, GPS positioning, call centers, smartphone applications, and, in some cases, aftermarket plug-in equipment. The business was created in 1996 through a collaboration among General Motors, Electronic Data Systems, and Hughes Electronics. GM contributed vehicle integration, manufacturing scale, and dealer distribution; EDS supplied systems development and information-management expertise; and Hughes contributed communications and automotive-electronics capabilities. The first OnStar offering reached the market in the 1997 model year on selected Cadillac DeVille, Seville, and Eldorado vehicles. The service initially operated as a distinctive in-car communications and safety system, allowing occupants to speak with an advisor and enabling emergency personnel to receive information about a collision. A central differentiator has been the integration of vehicle sensors with human assistance. If a serious crash is detected, the system can transmit information such as vehicle location, crash direction, airbag deployment, rollover status, and impact severity to an OnStar response center. The service also supports stolen-vehicle tracking and, on selected vehicles, remote stolen-vehicle slowdown and ignition blocking after police confirm that a vehicle has been reported stolen. Other features have included remote door unlocking, diagnostic reports, maintenance notifications, hands-free calling, navigation assistance, and roadside support. OnStar expanded beyond Cadillac and General Motors vehicles through licensing arrangements with brands including Acura, Audi, Isuzu, Subaru, and Volkswagen between 2002 and 2006. It also developed regional variants, including Vauxhall and Opel OnStar in western Europe and ChevyStar in parts of Latin America. International operations were later established or expanded in China through Shanghai OnStar Telematics, in Mexico, and in South America. Vauxhall and Opel services ended after December 31, 2020, following the sale of those businesses by GM to Groupe PSA. The technology has evolved from analog and CDMA cellular communication to LTE-based connectivity and newer 4G and 5G arrangements. The shutdown of legacy cellular networks created compatibility problems for older vehicles. In the United States, GM supplied OnStar Link plug-in devices to certain affected owners, while some Canadian customers received hardware remedies. OnStar also broadened its addressable market through the OnStar Guardian smartphone app, launched for US and Canadian drivers in 2021. Guardian extends selected emergency and roadside features beyond an OnStar-equipped GM vehicle and can work with the OnStar Link device. Today, OnStar is positioned as a software-enabled safety, security, convenience, and connectivity layer within GM's vehicle ecosystem. Offerings may be sold as individual or bundled subscriptions and can include remote commands, diagnostics, emergency services, navigation, data connectivity, voice assistants, and smartphone-based assistance. GM has also made multi-year connected-services packages a standard, mandatory vehicle option on certain Buick, Cadillac, and GMC models, making OnStar part of the ownership proposition rather than solely an optional aftermarket subscription. The brand has faced recurring concerns about privacy, data retention, third-party access to location information, legacy-network shutdowns, and the value of mandatory connected-service packages. These issues reflect a broader tension in connected-car services:…

History

OnStar was established in 1996 by General Motors, Electronic Data Systems, and Hughes Electronics. The founding structure combined GM's vehicle engineering and distribution capabilities with EDS's information systems and customer-service expertise and Hughes's communications and automotive-electronics experience. GM executive Rick Wagoner introduced the service at the 1996 Chicago Auto Show, and it reached consumers in the fall of that year on selected 1997 Cadillac DeVille, Seville, and Eldorado vehicles. The original proposition was an embedded communications and safety service. Vehicle sensors, GPS, cellular communications, and OnStar call centers allowed drivers to contact an advisor for assistance. In a crash, the system could automatically send a notification and selected vehicle information to a response center. Advisors could coordinate emergency assistance, provide directions, arrange roadside help, and perform certain remote actions after verifying the customer's identity. During the early 2000s, OnStar expanded beyond GM through licensing agreements with Acura, Audi, Isuzu, Subaru, and Volkswagen. The brand also developed localized identities and operations. Shanghai OnStar Telematics began service in China in 2009 through a venture involving GM and SAIC-related entities. OnStar entered Mexico in 2013 and expanded in South American markets, including Argentina in 2016. Regional branding included Vauxhall OnStar and Opel OnStar in western Europe and ChevyStar in much of Latin America. A major technical transition began when US cellular networks retired analog service. In 2006 GM informed roughly 500,000 analog customers that their service would end, with limited equipment-upgrade options depending on vehicle age. The change caused customer dissatisfaction and was associated with attempted class-action litigation. OnStar subsequently relied heavily on digital cellular networks, including CDMA arrangements with Verizon Wireless in the United States and Bell Mobility in Canada. The service's security functions expanded during the 2009 model year. Selected vehicles received stolen-vehicle slowdown and remote ignition-blocking features, in addition to stolen-vehicle tracking. These functions were designed to be activated only after OnStar confirmed with law enforcement that a vehicle had been reported stolen. OnStar also added or promoted remote door unlocking, diagnostic reports, maintenance alerts, hands-free calling, navigation, and insurance-related benefits. Privacy became a significant issue in 2011. OnStar changed its terms in a way that allowed retention and possible sale of vehicle location and speed information to third parties. Privacy advocates and subscribers objected to the breadth and potential identifiability of the data. OnStar later reversed its decision to continue collecting information from units whose owners had unsubscribed. Separately, commentators raised concerns about the theoretical possibility of remote monitoring or unauthorized access. OnStar's stated privacy position was that occupants would be alerted when an advisor connected to the vehicle and that covert listening was not an intended capability. OnStar continued its move toward connected services during the 2010s. The company introduced LTE Wi-Fi on selected GM vehicles, provided services in additional countries, and offered the OnStar FMV aftermarket rear-view mirror in 2011. In Europe, however, the service's future changed after Groupe PSA acquired Opel and Vauxhall from GM. Vauxhall Motors announced in 2018 that Opel and Vauxhall OnStar operations would close after December 31, 2020. In the 2020s, OnStar increasingly operated as a broader software and subscription platform. The OnStar Guardian app, made available to US and Canadian drivers in 2021, uses smartphone sensors and location capabilities to provide selected crash-response, emergency, and roadside services regardless of the vehicle being used. The OnStar Link accessory similarly extends many services through an OBD-II-connected device, although it does not reproduce every embedded-vehicle function. Network modernization created another discontinuity. Owners of certain older US vehicles were notified in 2021 that 2G and 3G CDMA-based factory hardware would stop functioning after Verizon's network retirement. GM offered OnStar Link devices to affected US customers; Canadian remedies differed and included hardware updates in comparable cases. GM and TELUS also announced support for newer 4G and 5G mobility services. By 2022, GM had begun including a three-year prepaid premium OnStar and Connected Services subscription as a mandatory vehicle option on selected Buick, Cadillac, and GMC models. This strengthened the brand's role in the GM ownership ecosystem while also intensifying debate about subscription pricing and whether customers should pay for connected features they do not use. OnStar's contemporary scope therefore spans emergency response, vehicle security, diagnostics, remote control, navigation, data connectivity, smartphone assistance, and software-enabled ownership services.

2022
Premium connected services become standard on selected GM models
[1]OnStaren.wikipedia.org
GM includes a prepaid three-year OnStar and Connected Services package as a mandatory option on selected Buick, Cadillac, and GMC vehicles.
2021
Guardian app expands the service beyond GM vehicles
[1]OnStaren.wikipedia.org
OnStar Guardian becomes available to drivers in the United States and Canada through smartphone-based safety services.
2014
LTE vehicle connectivity expands
[1]OnStaren.wikipedia.org
OnStar offers LTE Wi-Fi connectivity in selected GM vehicles.
2011
OnStar FMV aftermarket product launches
[1]OnStaren.wikipedia.org
The OnStar FMV mirror brings selected OnStar functions to compatible aftermarket installations.
2009
Stolen-vehicle slowdown introduced
[1]OnStaren.wikipedia.org
Selected GM vehicles gain remote stolen-vehicle slowdown and ignition-blocking functions, subject to police confirmation.
2009
Shanghai OnStar begins Chinese operations
[1]OnStaren.wikipedia.org
Shanghai OnStar Telematics starts delivering OnStar services on selected vehicles in mainland China.
2006
Analog network transition announced
[1]OnStaren.wikipedia.org
GM announces that analog OnStar service will be discontinued for affected customers as cellular networks modernize.
2002
Licensing expansion begins
[1]OnStaren.wikipedia.org
OnStar becomes available on selected non-GM vehicles through licensing arrangements.
1996
OnStar is founded and introduced
[1]OnStaren.wikipedia.org
GM, EDS, and Hughes Electronics form OnStar, which GM presents at the Chicago Auto Show before launching the service on selected 1997 Cadillac vehicles.

Products and positioning

A safety-first connected-car platform that combines embedded vehicle technology, human advisors, emergency response, security services, remote controls, diagnostics, and subscription connectivity.

Connected-vehicle platform · 1996
Embedded OnStar telematics
The core OnStar system is integrated into compatible GM vehicles and connects vehicle sensors, GPS, cellular communications, call centers, and software services. It supports emergency communications, automatic crash notification, diagnostics, remote controls, security assistance, navigation, and selected connectivity features. Function availability varies by vehicle, model year, market, network technology, and subscription plan.
Safety service · 1996
Automatic Crash Response
Automatic Crash Response uses information from vehicle sensors and restraint-system events to notify an OnStar response center after a serious collision. Advisors may receive the vehicle's location and information such as impact direction, rollover status, airbag deployment, and impact severity, allowing them to coordinate emergency assistance when appropriate.
Vehicle security · 2009
Stolen Vehicle Assistance
Stolen Vehicle Assistance combines location tracking with selected remote interventions. Depending on vehicle capability, OnStar may provide police with location, speed, and direction information and may support remote vehicle slowdown or ignition blocking. OnStar requires confirmation from law enforcement that the vehicle has been reported stolen before activating intervention features.
Aftermarket hardware · 2011
OnStar FMV
OnStar FMV was an aftermarket rear-view mirror containing an OnStar module. Publicly offered in 2011, it reproduced selected factory-style features such as automatic crash response, stolen-vehicle tracking, turn-by-turn navigation, and roadside assistance for compatible vehicles.
Mobile application · 2021
OnStar Guardian
OnStar Guardian is a smartphone application that extends selected OnStar safety functions to users outside an OnStar-equipped vehicle. It uses phone sensors and location capabilities to support automatic crash response, emergency services, and roadside assistance. It became available to drivers in the United States and Canada in 2021.
Connected-car accessory · 2021
OnStar Link
OnStar Link is a compact device that connects through a vehicle's OBD-II port and communicates with the Guardian app over Bluetooth while using cellular and GPS capabilities. It can provide several traditional OnStar functions and may support a Wi-Fi hotspot, but it does not reproduce every embedded feature, including stolen-vehicle slowdown and some navigation or calling functions.

Controversies

2026
Montana attorney general sues General Motors and OnStar
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen sued General Motors and OnStar, alleging that they deceptively enrolled customers and sold their driving data to data brokers without consent. The source does not report a determination of the allegations.
Source
2011
Vehicle-location data privacy controversy
OnStar's revised terms concerning retention and possible sale of location and speed data drew criticism from subscribers and privacy advocates. The company later reversed its plan to retain data from unsubscribed units.
Source
2006
Analog-service cancellation dispute
The planned termination of analog OnStar service affected approximately 500,000 customers. Customers faced different upgrade options depending on vehicle age, and a Pennsylvania law firm sought class certification for claims related to the cancellation.
Source

2011Safety technology advocacy
United States · Canada
OnStar marketing positioned the service as a basic automotive safety technology, comparing its role with familiar protective equipment such as seat belts and airbags.
Outcome. Reinforced OnStar's safety and emergency-response positioning.
Source
1996Chicago Auto Show launch
United States
GM introduced OnStar at the Chicago Auto Show as a new embedded safety and communications service for Cadillac vehicles.
Outcome. Established the brand's safety-centered market identity.
Source

Brand decisions

2022
Make premium connected services a mandatory vehicle optionOther
Background
GM was increasing the role of recurring connected services in its vehicle ownership model.
Action taken
GM began including a prepaid three-year premium OnStar and Connected Services subscription as a mandatory option on selected Buick, Cadillac, and GMC models.
Aftermath
The move increased initial vehicle value and service penetration but also raised questions about paying for services that some owners may not use.
Stated value of three-year premium subscription. US$1,500 (From June 2022)
Source
2021
Launch Guardian app and Link-based accessProduct launch
Background
OnStar sought to extend its safety proposition beyond vehicles with factory-installed telematics.
Action taken
OnStar made the Guardian app available to US and Canadian drivers and supported the OnStar Link plug-in device.
Aftermath
The brand expanded from embedded GM hardware toward smartphone and aftermarket connectivity.
Source
2011
Change data-retention termsStrategy
Background
OnStar sought to retain vehicle location and speed information and potentially make it available to third parties.
Action taken
The company changed its terms and initially planned to retain data from vehicles even after service cancellation.
Aftermath
Following subscriber and privacy-advocate criticism, OnStar reversed the policy for unsubscribed units.
Source
2009
Add remote stolen-vehicle interventionProduct launch
Background
Vehicle theft recovery was an established OnStar use case, but GM sought to provide police with more than location information.
Action taken
GM equipped selected vehicles with stolen-vehicle slowdown and remote ignition-blocking functions, subject to law-enforcement confirmation.
Aftermath
The functions became part of OnStar's vehicle-security proposition while remaining dependent on compatible hardware and police verification.
Source

Recent events

2022
GM makes multi-year connected-services subscription standard on selected models[1]OnStaren.wikipedia.org
Pricing
GM began including a three-year prepaid OnStar and Connected Services premium subscription as a standard mandatory option on selected Buick, Cadillac, and GMC vehicles, with the subscription value included in the vehicle price.
2021
OnStar Guardian becomes available to US and Canadian drivers[1]OnStaren.wikipedia.org
Product launch
The Guardian app extended selected OnStar emergency, crash-response, and roadside features to users outside an OnStar-equipped vehicle.
2021
GM and TELUS announce newer mobile-network arrangements[1]OnStaren.wikipedia.org
Product generation
GM and TELUS announced an arrangement supporting newer 4G and 5G in-vehicle mobility services, particularly relevant to the Canadian market.
2021
Legacy OnStar equipment to become obsolete after network shutdowns[1]OnStaren.wikipedia.org
Other · Product generation
GM notified owners of certain pre-2015 US vehicles that factory-installed OnStar hardware using Verizon's older CDMA networks would stop working after December 2022. GM offered affected US customers an OnStar Link device.
2018
Vauxhall and Opel OnStar services scheduled to close[1]OnStaren.wikipedia.org
M&A
Vauxhall Motors announced that Opel and Vauxhall OnStar services would cease after December 31, 2020, following Groupe PSA's acquisition of the two vehicle businesses from GM.
2016
OnStar launches in Argentina[1]OnStaren.wikipedia.org
Product launch
OnStar began operations in Argentina, initially offering the service with the locally assembled 2016 Chevrolet Cruze.
2014
OnStar introduces LTE Wi-Fi in selected GM vehicles[1]OnStaren.wikipedia.org
Product launch · Product generation
OnStar began offering LTE-based in-vehicle Wi-Fi connectivity on selected General Motors models.
2011
OnStar FMV aftermarket mirror reaches consumers[1]OnStaren.wikipedia.org
Product launch
The OnStar FMV rear-view mirror brought selected OEM-style features, including crash response, stolen-vehicle tracking, navigation, and roadside assistance, to compatible non-factory installations.
2009
OnStar introduces stolen-vehicle slowdown and ignition-blocking capabilities[1]OnStaren.wikipedia.org
Product launch · Product generation
GM began equipping selected vehicles with remote stolen-vehicle slowdown and ignition-blocking functions. Activation requires confirmation from police that the vehicle has been reported stolen.
2009
Shanghai OnStar begins service in China[1]OnStaren.wikipedia.org
Product launch
Shanghai OnStar Telematics, a venture involving GM, SAIC, and Shanghai GM, began offering OnStar services on selected Buick, Cadillac, and Chevrolet vehicles in mainland China.

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