3G network shutdown might screw your car in 2022- Here’s why

The news has now given away all the conundrums about the 3G network shutdown. You might have heard about the 3G network shutdown in the US in the past year. The companies providing 3G network facilities are now switching to faster and tech-driven technologies leaving behind the old ones to free up the space for the latest bandwidth.

But this could be bad news for the vehicles using 3G for system navigation, car lock/unlock, and for Wi-Fi hotspot, voice assistance, smartphone apps connectivity to vehicles, and concierge services. It is also expected that once the network providers pull off the 3G plug, most of the said features will no longer work in most of the cars no matter if they had been manufactured in 2019 or later.

If you're driving certain models from Honda, Nissan or Volvo, you might need to act before AT&T's 3G shutdown date in Feb. Verizon-aligned brands like Toyota and Lexus might have more time: Verizon says its 3G shutdown will happen "no later" than Dec 31. https://t.co/7Z0L9XZp5L

— Gordon F Snyder Jr (@gsnyder) January 16, 2022

The 3G network shutdown is one of the emerging news in the tech industry right now. This is because it has the widest potential to impact millions of 3G-enabled cars manufactured under the name of major automakers across the United States.

It is expected to be completely shut by February, so if you have been using vehicles from Nissan, Volvo, or even Honda or any of the below-mentioned car models, then you may experience the glitch by Feb or any time later this year.

To cope with the 3G network termination, major auto companies have issued a list of models expected to be affected. They also have shared the guideline for the vehicle owners to follow once the bandwidth turns off to prevent losing important features (mentioned above).

Check out the list of car models expected to be affected and follow the guidelines if you have any of them.

Audi:

• A4/Allroad (2013-2018)
• A3 e-Tron (2016-2018)
• A6 (2012-2015)
• A5 (2013-2018)
• A8 (2012-2018)
• A7 (2012-2015)
• RS 5 (2019)
• Q7 (2012-2018)
• Q5 (2013-2018)
• Q3 (2015-2018)

Check Audi’s official website to know what features of these vehicles will be affected.

Acura:

• ILX (2016-2017)
• MDX models produced between 2014 and 2017
• RDX (2016-2017)
• RLX (2014-2016)
• RDX (2019-2021)
• NSX (2017)
• TLX (2015-2017)

BMW – The Company’s FAQ page does not specify the models who will be affected by the carrier shift. But as The Drive stated, people are safe with the models 2019 and later.

Honda:

• Insight Touring (2019-2020)
• Accord Touring (2018-2020)
• Passport’s Touring and Elite versions (2019-2021)
• Pilot’s Touring, Elite, and Black Edition versions (2019-2022)
• Odyssey’s Touring and Elite versions (2018-2020)

According to the Official Honda website, Feb 22, 2022, is the date when a handful of Honda’s model’s primary features will be affected. To sustain the loss, Honda is offering wireless software updates for its models.

Nissan:

• GT-R (2017-2018)
• 2017 Murano
• Altima (2016-2017)
• Maxima (2016-2017)
• 2017 Pathfinder
• Rogue Sport (2017-2018)
• TITAN (2016-2017) and 2017 TITAN XD
• Rogue (2016-2017)
• Sentra (2016-2018)
• Certain 2011-2015 LEAF electric vehicles with upgraded 3G telematics units

Porche:

• 718 (2017-2021)
• 918 Spyder (2014)
• 911 (2017-2019)
• Cayenne (2015-2019)
• Panamera (2014-2018)
• Macan (2017-2018)

Tesla:

Tesla made an announcement last July last year that Model S Luxury Sedan manufactured before June 2015 will be affected by the 3G network shutdown in February 2022. They suggested to the vehicle owners to visit Tesla dealers and install an upgraded software version with LTE – capable modem is $200.

Toyota:

• Avalon (2013-2018)
• Highlander (2014-2018)
• 4Runner (2010-2019)
• Camry (2013-2017)
• Land Cruiser (2011-2017)
• Prius (2010-2016)
• Mirai (2016-2017)
• RAV4 EV (2012-2014)
• Prius Plug-in (2012-2015)
• Sienna (2011-2017)

According to Toyota’s website, the affected models will have the connectivity break later in the year but not in February. The Company advises owners to visit dealers to have a software update before Dec 1^st.

Volkswagen:

• Arteon (2018-2019)
• Atlas (2018-2019)
• Beetle (2014-2019)
• Eos (2014-2017)
• CC (2014-2018)
• Multiple Golf editions (2014-2019)
• Passat (2014-2019)
• Jetta (2014-2019)
• Tiguan (2014-2019)

Volvo:

• V60 (2015.5-2018)
• S60 (2015.5-2018)
• V60 Cross Country (2015.5-2018)
• XC70 (2015.5-2016)
• XC60 (2015.5-2017)
• XC90 (2016)

Volvo has advised some vehicle owners to fill a form and get the information regarding software updates for their vehicle.