To Keep C8 Warranty You Must do OTAs

teamzr1

Supporting vendor
In GM’s official Limited Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklets for 2025 and newer model-year vehicles, the automaker explicitly states that owners are responsible for installing OTA updates within 45 days of their availability.

The policy reads:

“Damage resulting from failure to install Over-the-Air software updates is not covered.”
In short, neglecting updates could leave owners without warranty protection if a related issue arises.

This stipulation applies across all four of GM’s U.S. brands (Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac).
If an OTA update is missed and a component fails due to outdated software, the resulting repair costs could fall entirely on the owner.

However,

GM also clarifies that “if an Over-the-Air software update causes damage to the vehicle, that damage will be covered for the applicable warranty coverage period,” which should provide at least some peace of mind for those owners who would otherwise prefer the “wait and see” approach.
 

Chevrolet

CCCUK Member
I'm guessing that OTA software updates (via Onstar?) don't apply/aren't available in the UK (or mainland Europe?) as GM withdrew/"canned" Onstar in Europe/UK a few years back?
 

teamzr1

Supporting vendor
Two other OTA paths

1. Via going to a dealer
2. Having a wireless network at home that connects to the internet

I would think, a dealer in the UK would be required to have both of the paths for themselves and their customers ?
Clearly to support GM warranty they would have those functions or at the least GM diagnostics tools they could load
the updates and then flash those into the vehicles controllers as needed
 

Chevrolet

CCCUK Member
Thanks Team. I just emailed Arnold Clark and asked what process they have in place.
As you know Stuart, the most "chat" from UK spec C8s owners is (I think) on the Facebook page started by Craig at Ian Allan. Can't see any discussion about it on there? They might be interested?
 

Mr. Cricket

Committee Member
As you know Stuart, the most "chat" from UK spec C8s owners is (I think) on the Facebook page started by Craig at Ian Allan. Can't see any discussion about it on there? They might be interested?
Hi Pete.

Yes I'll see what AC say about it and share if necessary.
 

teamzr1

Supporting vendor
Thanks Team. I just emailed Arnold Clark and asked what process they have in place.

You're Welcome

There has been a ton of USBs as related to the C8s
Use this website to read and know about, change year on there for yours
and recheck this website in future if newer TSB software updates


Early on there were bugs with the OTA process that ended up as after OTA done the software was not
turning off all on-board controllers and that would drain the battery and then no starts
With newer updates done that issue is mostly corrected

Really best for those with C8s to assure all TSB updates are done
Review owners manual on the different ways to do OTAs and find what dealers you have that
have a OTA update network that would even allow parking outside and doing updates
assure before doing OTAs that the car battery is fully charged

If doing this from your home wireless network that is connected to internet, make sure C8 is located
to the best path to that network
and if many of the TSBs have not been done will take longer for OTA process so at least have a battery tender on battery
 
Top