What Uconnect is and why you might need a subscription

Uconnect is Stellantis's (formerly Chrysler) in-vehicle infotainment system that connects your car to your phone, navigation, and remote services. A subscription unlocks features beyond the basic system — things like remote start, vehicle diagnostics, emergency calling, and real-time traffic. Without a subscription, you get the touchscreen interface and Bluetooth connectivity, but not the connected services.

Whether you need a subscription depends on what your vehicle came with and what features matter to you. Some Uconnect services are included free for a limited time (usually three years), then require payment. Others are optional add-ons from day one. The subscription model is separate from your vehicle purchase — you are not locked in automatically, and you can decline or cancel at any time.

Key Takeaways

  • Uconnect subscriptions are optional services that unlock remote features like remote start, vehicle health reports, and emergency calling — the basic touchscreen system works without paying.
  • Most new Stellantis vehicles include a trial period (usually three years) before subscription fees begin, though some features require payment from purchase.
  • You manage your subscription through the Uconnect app on your phone or through your vehicle's touchscreen, and you can pause or cancel anytime.
  • Subscription costs and included features vary by vehicle model and subscription tier, so check your owner's manual or contact your dealer for your specific vehicle's pricing.
  • If you do not want a subscription, the core Uconnect system still provides navigation, phone pairing, and entertainment controls without paying extra.

What features come with a Uconnect subscription

The main features behind a Uconnect subscription are remote vehicle services and real-time data. Remote start lets you start your engine from your phone — useful in cold weather or to warm up the cabin before you get in. Remote lock and unlock gives you control over your doors from anywhere. Vehicle health reports alert you to maintenance needs like low oil or tire pressure before they become problems.

Emergency calling (sometimes called SOS) connects you to a live operator if your airbags deploy or you press the emergency button. Real-time traffic feeds live congestion data into your navigation so you can avoid delays. Stolen vehicle tracking allows authorities to locate your car if it is reported stolen. Some subscriptions also include roadside information — towing, lockout help, fuel delivery — though this may be a separate add-on depending on your plan.

Not all features are included in every subscription tier. Some vehicles offer a basic tier with remote start and vehicle health, and a premium tier that adds real-time traffic and stolen vehicle tracking. Check your owner's manual or the Uconnect app to see which features your subscription includes.

How long the free trial lasts and when you start paying

Most new Stellantis vehicles (Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler) come with a complimentary trial period for Uconnect services. This period is typically three years from the vehicle's in-service date, though it can vary by model year and subscription tier. During the trial, you can use all included features without paying anything.

When the trial ends, you will receive a notice through the Uconnect app and on your vehicle's touchscreen. At that point, you have the choice to purchase a subscription, decline it, or let it lapse. If you do not subscribe, the remote features stop working, but your basic Uconnect system (Bluetooth, touchscreen, standard navigation) continues to function.

Some features, like emergency calling or roadside information, may require payment even during the trial period — check your specific vehicle's documentation. Dealers sometimes offer extended trial periods as part of a sales promotion, so if you are buying used, ask the dealer or previous owner how much trial time remains.

Subscription costs and payment options

Uconnect subscription pricing is not published as a single fixed rate — it varies by vehicle model, subscription tier, and how long you commit. Monthly plans typically cost between $8 and $15 per month, while annual plans are usually discounted and may range from $80 to $150 per year. Some dealers bundle subscriptions into financing or lease agreements, which can change the effective cost.

You can pay for your subscription through the Uconnect app, your vehicle's touchscreen, or by contacting your Stellantis dealer. Payment methods include credit card, debit card, and sometimes PayPal. You can switch between monthly and annual billing, pause your subscription for a period, or cancel anytime — there are no early termination fees.

If you are unsure of the exact price for your vehicle, contact your dealer or log into the Uconnect app, which will show you available plans and their costs. Prices may change, and promotional offers (like discounted first-year rates) are sometimes available to new vehicle owners.

How to manage your subscription through the app and vehicle

The Uconnect app is the primary way to manage your subscription. read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play, then sign in with your Stellantis account (or create one if you do not have one). The app shows your current subscription status, which features are active, your trial expiration date, and options to upgrade, downgrade, or cancel.

You can also manage your subscription directly from your vehicle's touchscreen. Go to Settings, then Account or Subscription, and you will see the same options as the app. Some vehicles allow you to pause your subscription for up to three months at a time — useful if you are storing the car or do not need remote features for a while.

To cancel, open the app or vehicle menu, select your subscription, and choose Cancel. You will be asked to confirm, and the cancellation takes effect when ready. You will not be charged for the next billing period. If you change your mind later, you can reactivate the same subscription or choose a different tier.

What happens if you do not subscribe or let your subscription lapse

If your trial ends and you do not purchase a subscription, or if you cancel an active subscription, the remote features stop working when ready. You will no longer be able to use remote start, remote lock/unlock, vehicle health reports, or emergency calling through the Uconnect system. Your vehicle's basic functions — starting, locking, driving — are not affected.

Your Uconnect touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and standard navigation continue to work. You can still pair your phone, play music, make calls, and use built-in maps. The only loss is the connected services that require a subscription. If you decide you want those features back later, you can reactivate a subscription at any time through the app or your dealer.

Some features like emergency calling may be critical to you, especially if you drive frequently or in remote areas. Others, like real-time traffic, are nice-to-have but not essential if you use your phone's navigation app instead. The choice is yours, and there is no penalty for declining or canceling.

Troubleshooting common subscription issues

If your subscription features are not working, first check that your trial has not expired and that your payment method is current. Log into the Uconnect app and verify your subscription status. If the app shows an active subscription but features are not working, try restarting your vehicle — turn off the engine, wait 30 seconds, and restart.

If you are having trouble logging into the Uconnect app, make sure you are using the correct email and password for your Stellantis account. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login screen. If you are still unable to access your account, contact Stellantis customer support through the app or your dealer.

If you were charged for a subscription you did not authorize, or if you see duplicate charges, contact your dealer or Stellantis customer support when ready. Provide your account details and the transaction dates. Charges are usually reversed within one to two billing cycles if an error is confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my Uconnect subscription to a new vehicle?

No, subscriptions are tied to the vehicle identification number (VIN), not to your account. If you buy a new Stellantis vehicle, it will have its own trial period and separate subscription. You will need to cancel your old subscription and set up a new one for the new vehicle through the Uconnect app.

Does Uconnect work if I do not have a cell phone plan?

Uconnect uses your vehicle's built-in cellular connection, not your phone's data plan. However, you need a smartphone with the Uconnect app to manage your subscription and use some remote features. The vehicle itself has its own cellular modem that communicates with Stellantis servers independently.

What if I buy a used Stellantis vehicle — do I get a new trial period?

No, the trial period is tied to the vehicle's in-service date, not the owner. If you buy a used vehicle, the remaining trial time depends on how long the previous owner had it. Ask the dealer or previous owner how much trial time is left, or check the Uconnect app after you take ownership.

Can I pause my subscription instead of canceling?

Yes, most Uconnect subscriptions allow you to pause for up to three months at a time through the app or your vehicle's menu. You will not be charged during the pause, and you can resume whenever you want. After three months, you must either resume or cancel.

Is Uconnect subscription the same as OnStar or other GM services?

No, Uconnect is Stellantis's system (used in Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler vehicles). OnStar is General Motors's equivalent. Ford uses FordPass. Each manufacturer runs its own subscription service with different features and pricing, so they are not interchangeable.