Forum Discussion
OnStar Module Failure
I, like apparently 1,000's of others have had my OnStar module fail. I took my purchased new, regularly dealer serviced 2023 GMC Yukon Denali in for a simple oil change and tire rotation as usual at the 45,000 mile mark. While I was returning home, I found I had no navigation, WiFi, voice activation, phone start, etc. After contacting OnStar support, they told me it seemed to be a hardware failure. The speed with which they were able to diagnose this over the phone led me to believe this was a common thing. Based on this message board, it seems so common that it's hard to believe that a recall hasn't been issued. This is blatantly bad part. I've also since learned after returning to the dealership that I'm on the hook for $800+ in repairs with no idea when the part will be available. Now, I've got a nearly $100k truck that doesn't do half of the things I paid for. This is a ridiculous issue that GM & OnStar need to correct. How can there be 1,000's of people out there with the same issue and no desire by the manufacturer to make amends or at least have the parts readily available when these things inevitably fail?
18 Replies
We understand your position, Drew. Thank you kindly for sharing this experience regarding your OnStar module. Please know, your certified GMC dealership is the best source for information related to your OnStar module. If you need an additional layer of assistance alongside them regarding parts, kindly email additional details to socialmedia@gm.com. We appreciate your ongoing patience in the meantime.
How does one actually get any useful help from OnStar? Oh that's right THEY DON'T! Took my vehicle in for service because I like thousands of others have a brand new Chevy Equinox EV that doesn't have a working OnStar Module. Infotainment screen also went back. Well, lo and behold, they fixed the infotainment screen, told me that GM was aware of ongoing problems and even put a memo out stating they are aware but have no resolution. Technician also told me that even though my OnStar DOES NOT WORK and OnStar themselves provided the error codes, that there was nothing wrong with it that the vehicle was operating as designed. Really? No charging status, no remote capabilities, No working OnStar button? ETC...That is how it is designed? Then why do I have a big ugly black box on my windshield? Get home from dealers - Try OnStar again to see if I can get any resolution. NO. NO I CAN'T!
So how did this problem end up for you? Seems I have the same issue with a back ordered part and $700 charge for me. When this was first diagnosed by on star phone support, they said the module would just need reset and is covered. However not the case according to Everett GMC.
That is because OnStar is a joke. A scam. Liars. and Useless!
We know how upsetting this concern with your OnStar module is, Tyler. While we are unable to expedite part delivery or repairs, our team would still be glad to connect and learn more about your concern. Please send us a private message to OnStar_Support so we can look into this further. Just select the envelope icon at the top right of your screen to get started.
I have a 2022 Yukon Denali and after today I'll have replaced the telemetrics module twice in three years. GMC has a single provide of these units and they are substandard to say the least. Must have been $5 cheaper than the other company. GM needs to use suppliers with a higher standard of reliability especially in today's environment. I'm hoping this third unit will be the lucky charm.
I too am on my second module in four months.
OnStar is a joke for sure, the stories I could tell of my four month journey...probably get banned.
We're sad to hear that you have not had a positive experience and appreciate you sharing your feedback. If you had any further feedback, questions, or concerns we could assist with, please feel free to send us another private message.
I’m currently dealing with this same issue now. My 2025 Buick Enclave was purchased outright in February, and it has already been in for service twice for the exact same problem. The first time, the dealership had my vehicle for over a month. Now it’s back in for the same issue — the battery continues to drain, and they still can’t determine the cause. It’s been almost two weeks this time, and it’s incredibly frustrating to be going through this with a brand-new vehicle!!! We are going to get lawyers involved this time!!
I have a 2022 Tahoe that is on it's third OnStar module and may be headed for the fourth.
The battery drain reminds me of a TSB I saw on my AllData subscription. For the 2022 Tahoe the battery drain came from an OTA updates. Resolution was to reprogram the Serial Data Gateway Module.
I honestly think dealers don't do any diagnostic troubleshooting anymore, they just pull codes and go from there. They don't actually think the process through and truly troubleshoot the issues.
WOW! You are absolutely right and I am sorry you are dealing with this as well. Very frustrating!
GM - This just happened to me this week. No GPS, no super cruise, no onstar, no WiFi… 2022 Sierra Ultimate, 41K miles. This truck has already left me stranded at a busy intersection with a bad fuel sensor six weeks ago. My favorite part, neutral doesn’t exist if the vehicle isn’t running. Awesome GM. Way to go. Now, just waiting for my 6.2 to experience catastrophic failure. My wife’s 2023 Yukon Denali was stuck at the dealership for three months over the summer with the transmission solenoid. Nothing but issues on both $100K vehicles. Unacceptable. This is our 10th high margin GM product and will be our last!
I don’t want apologies. I want solutions.
Sorry to hear this. My Tahoe has been at the dealership for the last 3.5 weeks AGAIN.
GM engineering wants to replace my dash cluster. Apparently the cluster is losing the VIN and that is causing my 2nd replace OnStar module to lose authentication and cause a red light.
I think there is a TSB regarding this that can cause other issues too. Maybe mention it to your dealer.
We understand how frustrating it can be to experience your Tahoe being in the dealership for 3.5 weeks. To help us look into this further and work toward a solution alongside your servicing dealer, please send us a private message by clicking the envelope at the top right of your screen. We’ll work with you directly to address these concerns.
We completely understand how frustrating this has been with your 2022 Sierra Ultimate and the issues you’ve experienced, Nick. We also recognize the challenges with your wife’s 2023 Yukon Denali being in the dealership for months due to a transmission solenoid. To help us investigate these concerns and work toward a solution, please send us a private message by clicking the envelope at the top right of your screen. We’ll work with you and your preferred dealer to address these issues.
