The Evolution of OnStar

OnStar was a twinkle in the eye of several engineers when they created the Driver Aid, Information and Routing system, better known as D.A.I.R. This high-tech system could send an emergency message from the car to a service center and featured an automatic message to notify the driver about certain road conditions.

Project Beacon was launched with the cutting-edge intention of marrying wireless communications with automobiles. Satellite and cellular technology was beamed right into your vehicle. This evolved into today’s OnStar — making road trips and commutes smarter and safer for all.

OnStar debuts as the industry’s first embedded telematics system and comprehensive automatic crash notification and security system. When air bags deploy, the built-in OnStar module immediately connects to an Advisor who relays the information to First Responders, helping them work more efficiently when they arrive on the scene.

OnStar was initially a Dealer-installed device offered in several 1997 Cadillac models. We eventually perfected the technology with the built-in system Members use today. Now everything you need is a button-push away.

OnStar introduces Remote Diagnostics, one of the first in the industry to take the guesswork out of your vehicle’s maintenance needs. Anytime, at the push of a button, Members can request an On-Demand Diagnostics check* via an Advisor.

With the advent of Vehicle Diagnostics,* OnStar can run hundreds of diagnostic and maintenance checks on your vehicle’s key operating systems and send a summary to your inbox every month. The diagnostics report keeps Members informed and gives them peace of mind.

Connecting with global positioning satellites, OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation* can save Members time by determining a vehicle’s location and sending voice-guided directions to the driver’s chosen location. This cloud-based system — equipped with voice recognition capability, integrated steering wheel controls and Bluetooth®* — was created before cloud-based systems became cool.

OnStar Stolen Vehicle Assistance* receives a new feature with Stolen Vehicle Slowdown®,* which uses satellites located more than 12,000 miles above the Earth and vehicle sensors to determine a vehicle's location. When conditions are safe, an Advisor can send a signal to slow the vehicle down — helping authorities get it back quicker and safer.

OnStar creates its first mobile app (now integrated into the vehicle mobile app)*, which lets Members use their smartphones to remotely control their vehicles from great distances. They can now lock or unlock the door, start their vehicles* (if properly equipped), or send destinations* to their vehicles from virtually anywhere.

From the computer to the car, OnStar becomes one of the first companies to sync the web with your vehicle’s navigation system. Members type in their destination, plan their routes and then send the directions right to their vehicles,* getting the fastest route possible.

Most Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac models are equipped with an available built-in Wi-Fi® Hotspot.* This means Members have a hotspot that lets them connect up to seven mobile devices at once.

Putting an end to parking lot pandemonium everywhere, Vehicle Locate* is added to the vehicle mobile app.* The app can pinpoint the Member’s vehicle on a map so they no longer have to wander through parking lots or up and down city blocks trying to remember where they parked.

OnStar 4G LTE is named “Best of What’s New” in auto by Popular Science. This revolutionary new hardware helps drivers stay connected on the road like never before with an available built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot* that can power up to 18 devices with a highly reliable and faster connection. 

OnStar celebrated its one-billionth Member connection in July 2015. Providing everything from an in-vehicle Wi-Fi® Hotspot* to automatic help in a crash,* OnStar helps drivers travel with the confidence of knowing where they’re going, what’s around them and that they’re never far from help if they need it.

OnStar introduces Theft Alarm Notification,* part of a suite of Stolen Vehicle Assistance* services. The new feature can immediately alert you via phone, text or email if your car alarm sounds after you electronically lock your doors. With Theft Alarm Notification, you can stay informed and connected to your vehicle — even when you’re nowhere near it.

OnStar launches Proactive Alerts* — technology that can predict potential issues with select key vehicle components and send Members real-time alerts via email and/or text. This enables drivers to deal with potential issues with their battery, fuel pump or starter motor before they become problems.

The Amazon Alexa you know at home is now available in your vehicle with Alexa Built-in.* When you're driving, you can keep your hands on the wheel and use your voice to control compatible smart home devices* — and do things like turn on a porch light or your home alarm system. You can even make idling time more productive by managing your to-do lists or make the commute more enjoyable by asking Alexa to play a specific song, artist, station or podcast.

The Maps+* in-vehicle app enhances the driving experience with a convenient and personalized navigation screen on the vehicle’s center display. Owners can enjoy easy access to their favorite In-Vehicle Apps,* stay informed with real-time traffic updates* and ask for directions with Alexa Built-in* — all while using Maps+.

After piloting the feature in 2020, OnStar Members can get OnStar safety services right from their smartphone with the OnStar Guardian app.* You and up to seven family members or friends* can share your locations* and use other services like Mobile Crash Response, Roadside Assistance*or Emergency Services, which gives you access to Emergency Advisors* 24/7.

OnStar and RapidDeploy, a public safety technology company working to accelerate Next Generation 911, launched a first-of-its-kind program to supply every 911 call center in California with OnStar Automatic Crash Response* notifications. These notifications are deployed without having to rely on a verbal relay of information and can provide the location, the make and model of the vehicle, and any available crash details.