Skipping Over-The-Air Updates For Your Car Could Be A Costly Mistake

Read your warranty’s fine print or be prepared for a hefty bill

Over-the-air updates have drastically changed how we interact with our cars. Not only can existing features be improved over time, but software updates can add all-new features or even resolve a recall-related fault, eliminating the need for you to waste time by visiting a dealer.

But as with most new technologies, there are new pitfalls to be aware of. GM Authority highlighted a key section of the warranty coverage for brands like Chevrolet and Cadillac. Quite simply, ignoring new over-the-air (OTA) updates could result in damages not covered by the manufacturer.

Related: Dodge, Ram, And Jeep Vehicles Just Got A Major Tech Upgrade

At GM, OTA Updates Must Be Installed Within 45 Days

Once a new OTA update becomes available, owners of GM vehicles have 45 days to install the update. After this date, the company will not cover any damages or issues that are caused by ignoring the update.

“Damage resulting from failure to install over-the-air software updates is not covered,” states the warranty booklet for 2025 and 2026 models. This same rule applies to all GM’s brands in the USA: Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, and GMC.

However, if the software update itself causes any component damage, that will be covered by the warranty. Owners coming from older GM vehicles will have to adapt as the company continues to implement its Global B electronic architecture on newer models, which relies heavily on OTA updates.

Tesla Has A Similar Stipulation

The OTA update requirement isn’t unique to GM. In the owner’s manual for the Model Y, we found the following note:

“Install a software update as soon as possible. Any harm resulting from failure to install a software update is not covered by the vehicle’s warranty. Failure or refusal to install updates can cause some vehicle features to become inaccessible or digital media devices may become incompatible.”

For most people with a variety of devices, delaying a software update or ignoring it completely is possible, for whatever reason. An owner of a modern car that’s new to OTA updates could easily try the same tactic, or perhaps find that the new software update’s features don’t appear essential, and put off the update. But clearly, doing so could have significant financial consequences.

Software-defined vehicles are here to stay, even if some of them have far more tech glitches than they should—just ask Volvo.

We recommend always installing new updates as they come along, while also familiarizing yourself with the fine print in your warranty booklet.