--- title: "Carmakers Can Just Disconnect Your ‘Connected’ Car Whenever They Feel Like It" date: "2025-05-29" modified: "2025-05-29" authors: - name: "Adam Ismail" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/adam-ismail" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/carmakers-can-just-disconnect-your-connected-car-whenever-they-feel-like-it" categories: - "Acura News" - "Car Tech" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "acura" --- # Carmakers Can Just Disconnect Your ‘Connected’ Car Whenever They Feel Like It ![2019 NSX dashboard]() *\Acura\* A few years ago, all major U.S. cell carriers began shutting down their 3G wireless networks, which subsequently took vehicles that [relied upon it offline](). This effectively ended remote start, location, and locking services for some of the earliest connected cars to hit the market. This week, an [Acura]() owner shared a letter they'd received on Reddit, announcing that a range of 2014-2022 model year vehicles would also be dropping support for AcuraLink, the automaker's connected car platform. It's a disappointing reminder that no matter how long a car remains on the road, the tech inside it often carries a much shorter shelf life. The letter identifies the following vehicles as ending AcuraLink support on July 21: - 2014-2020 Acura RLX - 2014-2020 Acura MDX - 2015-2020 Acura TLX - 2016-2018 Acura RDX - 2016-2022 Acura ILX - 2017-2022 Acura NSX Yes, every Acura NSX ever built, including the [one-last-bang Type S]() model from 2022, will lose its AcuraLink features, from roadside assistance to stolen vehicle tracking, remote locking, and concierge. Those who are currently subscribed to an AcuraLink term that runs beyond July 21 will receive a prorated refund. https://www.reddit.com/r/Acura/comments/1kwvc4n/acuralink_being_discontinued_on_older_cars/ It's unclear if this decision was prompted by a technical limitation, like the 3G shutdown, or some other reason. Nevertheless, the fact that vehicles up until 2022 are affected is a pretty tough pill to swallow for owners of new-ish Acuras. When asked for comment, and to find out if any associated HondaLink vehicles are affected, a Honda representative confirmed the list of vehicles above and told *The Drive* the following: *"As of July 21, 2025, AcuraLink services for certain Acura models will become inactive. This includes the ability of these vehicles to connect to the AcuraLink mobile app. While only a limited number of customers currently in a paid subscription are affected by this change, we apologize for the inconvenience and will provide them a pro-rated refund for any unused portion of their subscription."* ![2019 Acura NSX cockpit.]() *The interior of a 2019 Acura NSX. *Acura** This is, unfortunately, the modern reality of car ownership. The capabilities that rely on systems automakers have no control over, like data networks, are never guaranteed to be up and running forever, and there's no replacement for them once they go dark. Yes, you could argue that these owners got the service they paid for, for an established length of time they agreed to. But many people base their vehicle purchasing decisions on technologies like these (because carmakers advertise them), completely unaware that they won't last forever. Or even just three years! It's simply not a good situation for consumer confidence, and it's bound to frustrate people who purchased their vehicles intending to keep them for a good number of years. I mean, I probably have canned food products in my pantry that I bought in 2022 that still haven't expired yet. There had to be a better way Acura could've handled this situation, especially for the most recent models affected. It's frankly a surprising move from the same company that offered to [retrofit late-model Accords]() with Wireless CarPlay for a very reasonable price. If you happen to own one of the impacted vehicles and use AcuraLink, let us know in the comments if you've received a similar notice, and how you're feeling about all this. ***Update May 30, 2:30 p.m. Eastern:** Added statement from a Honda representative.* *Got tips? Send ’em to tips@thedrive.com*[]() ## Author Adam is a Senior Editor at The Drive, concentrating on curating and developing the site's slate of daily journalism, from initial pitch to final copy edit. When he's not at his desk researching leads and working with writers, he's testing vehicles or reviewing racing games, new and old. He joined The Drive in 2023, following seven years of covering consumer technology and cars. A car lover and gamer since his earliest memories, Adam came to know the automotive world through video games. First it was Daytona USA, Sega Rally, and Ridge Racer; then came Need For Speed, which inspired an encyclopedic knowledge of '90s supercars, and, of course, Gran Turismo. If not for them, he'd assuredly be doing something else right now. Adam is based in the suburbs outside Philly, where there are ample roads for his hot hatch to stretch its legs. In his car, he's probably listening to indie rock, drum and bass, or Yankees baseball. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()