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Can my car be tracked if I have OnStar?

Yes, your car can be tracked if you have OnStar installed. OnStar is a vehicle safety and security system that uses GPS technology to locate and track the vehicle. While OnStar provides valuable features like emergency assistance and stolen vehicle tracking, it also means your vehicle's location can be monitored.


How OnStar Tracking Works


OnStar is a subscription-based service that is installed in many new vehicles. It uses a combination of GPS and cellular technology to provide a range of services, including:



  • Automatic crash response: OnStar can detect when an accident has occurred and automatically alert emergency services with the vehicle's location.

  • Stolen vehicle tracking: If your car is stolen, OnStar can work with law enforcement to locate and recover the vehicle.

  • Remote diagnostics: OnStar can run diagnostics on your vehicle and provide maintenance information.

  • Turn-by-turn navigation: OnStar can provide directions and route guidance.


To enable these features, OnStar requires the ability to track the location of your vehicle at all times. This is done through the use of GPS technology, which pinpoints the exact location of the vehicle and transmits that information to the OnStar service center.


Privacy Concerns with OnStar Tracking


While the tracking capabilities of OnStar can be useful in emergency situations, they also raise privacy concerns. Some users may feel uncomfortable with the idea of their vehicle's location being constantly monitored, even if it is for their own safety and security. OnStar does have policies in place to protect user privacy, such as only sharing location data with law enforcement in certain circumstances, but the potential for abuse or misuse of this information still exists.


If you have concerns about the privacy implications of OnStar tracking, you can take steps to disable or limit the system's location-tracking capabilities. This may involve contacting OnStar directly or exploring alternative vehicle safety and security solutions that offer more control over your personal information.

Do repo companies use OnStar to track vehicles?


We do not monitor or otherwise track the location of OnStar-equipped cars, unless required to by a valid court order in criminal procedures or under exigent circumstances. Additionally, to prevent the possibility of abuse, we require police involvement for Stolen Vehicle Assistance and missing person requests.



Can you track a vehicle from my Chevy app?


With the MyChevrolet mobile app, you'll have peace of mind knowing that you can locate your vehicle at any time.



Does OnStar have cameras in cars?


Will highlight the areas of highest. Risk these videos are easy to download. And share so that you can use them to verify any claims.



How do I block GPS tracking on my car?


The Trick: It sounds like a myth, but wrapping a GPS tracker in aluminium foil can block its signals. This rudimentary method is surprisingly effective—and temporary. The Countermeasure: This method is usually a temporary fix, as drivers need to remove the foil for their own navigation purposes.



What happens if you disconnect OnStar?


If you disconnect the GPS antenna the car won't be able to get a GPS position to report via OnStar.



Can my vehicle be tracked by OnStar?


It's a question we hear a lot — “can OnStar locate my car?” We sure can.



How do I turn off OnStar location tracking?


Owners can enable or disable the location services feature in two ways:

  1. In the Settings menu, go to System > Privacy > Location Services and select On or Off.
  2. Press and hold the white button next to the blue OnStar button in the overhead console.



Can you see location on OnStar?


The mobile app Map experience allows you to see your vehicle's location in real time by having your vehicle's location data consistently refreshed.



Can police track you through OnStar?


If available, OnStar may supply vehicle location and contents of communications subject to: A warrant or court order supported by a showing of probable cause; or. Member consent.



Can cops disable your car with OnStar?


With the new technology, if the police request it, an OnStar operator will inform the occupants of the vehicle and then cut power. The engine will be slowed to idle speed, to allow the driver to move to the side of the road. Brakes and other electrical functions of the vehicle will still work.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.