Acura has announced it will discontinue its AcuraLink telematics service for several older models, effective July 21, 2025. The affected vehicles include the 2014-2020 RLX, 2014-2020 MDX, 2015-2020 TLX, 2016-2018 RDX, 2016-2022 ILX, and 2017-2022 NSX.
Background and Impact
The decision affects vehicles that are as young as three years old, sparking frustration among owners who feel that Acura is abandoning features they paid for. The AcuraLink service provided various benefits, including stolen vehicle tracking, remote locking and unlocking, security alarm alerts, and automatic collision notification.
Acura has stated that customers with active subscription plans expiring after July 21, 2025, will receive a prorated refund for the unused portion of their service. However, owners are concerned that this move undermines the long-term value proposition of Acura vehicles, known for their durability and longevity.
Owner Reactions
Many owners have taken to Reddit to express their disappointment, citing Acura’s reputation for building long-lasting vehicles. Some have questioned the decision to discontinue support for relatively new cars, with one owner noting that they keep their Acura vehicles for 8-10 years due to their historical reliability.
The discontinuation of AcuraLink services is not an isolated incident, as the automotive industry has seen similar cases, particularly with the sunset of 3G networks. However, the decision to end support for LTE-connected vehicles is less common and has caught some owners off guard.
Industry Context
While some owners are upset about losing these features, others have pointed out that the services provided by AcuraLink, such as automatic emergency calls, can be replicated by modern smartphones. The debate highlights the complex relationship between automotive manufacturers, technology providers, and consumers regarding connected car services.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, manufacturers must balance the costs of maintaining legacy services with the expectations of owners who have come to rely on these features. Acura’s decision to discontinue AcuraLink services for older models serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the terms and limitations of connected car technologies.
