Follow us today...
Hyundai has notified Blue Link subscribers come Dec. 31, 2021, the popular feature will be no more in used models. It’s a victim of the advancement of 5G across the nation.
In a message to subscribers, Hyundai says the wireless provider of the network behind Blue Link will discontinue 2G service. Without it, Blue Link becomes a shiny brick in the middle of your dashboard.
A Hyundai spokesperson told TorqueNews, “These cellular networks are maintained by wireless service providers outside the control of Hyundai and Hyundai Blue Link. We regret any inconvenience this may cause.” He added it’s due to changes in telecommunications technology over time.
The company wouldn’t say if there are any alternative out there for Blue Link customers in this situation. There appears to be no hardware or software that can fix the problem. Simply put, Blue Link’s time of death in older Hyundais appears to come New Year’s Day.
The cutoff appears to be 2016 models and older. Models from 2017 onward have the 3G service but it begs the question: when do those models become technologically obsolete?
On one Reddit forum, commenters expressed dismay over losing one of the Blue Link’s most popular features: the car finder feature. It’s not so much for the ability to find the car in a mall parking lot as it is to recover their Hyundais if stolen.
One Reddit poster said, “I live in Chicago where carjackings are significantly increasing so it was nice insurance to track the vehicle and have Blue Link cut the car off with a police report. It’s making me reconsider keeping the car now.”
That raises an important caveat for buyers and sellers of used Hyundais. This changes the value of used Hyundais. Factor that in when setting a price or making an offer. Unfortunately, it also affect trade-in value so that Chicago Reddit poster faces some issues beyond the lack of technology.
Blue Link turns 10 this year (and I wrote about it a decade ago). It’s been a popular feature. At its 5th anniversary, Hyundai said in its first years, Blue Link handled more than 90,000,000 requests from customers. Subscribers remote started their Hyundai’s more than 22 million times and remotely locked the doors more than 2.5 million times.
What do you think? Does losing Blue Link on older Hyundais make them less appealing? Do you use Blue Link? Comment below.
Keith Griffin covers Hyundai and Kia at Torque News. He has been writing continuously about cars since 2002. Keith used to be a researcher/writer for US News & World Report, as well as numerous car sites, including Carfax and Car Gurus, and a contributor to The Boston Globe. Most recently, Keith was the managing editor for American Business Media. Follow Keith at @indepthauto on Twitter, on @LinkedIn and on his Indepth Auto Facebook page.
Follow us today...
Comments
Yes I use Blue Link
Permalink
Yes I use Blue Link frequently. In KS the remote start is a great feature. The car won't allow you to start your car & lock the doors while started without using the remote lock. I've questioned Hyundai & they have no solutions/alternatives.
Hello, I have a solution for
Permalink
In reply to Yes I use Blue Link by Cherie D. Singletary (not verified)
Hello, I have a solution for you! Well, hopefully, as it works on my 2017 Elantra. I get in the driver seat, close the door, start car, and lock the doors. Then without unlocking, open the drivers door and get out with the keys. Close the door. It will beep for a few seconds. Remove key from the fob, and manually lock door to the left. I pull handle to double check. Good luck! It can take some practice.
I have another solution.
Permalink
In reply to Hello, I have a solution for by Grace hyundai (not verified)
I have another solution. Stop being a fucking douchebag.
The point is that people
Permalink
In reply to Hello, I have a solution for by Grace hyundai (not verified)
The point is that people bought a car and paid extra for a technology package that included not only being able to remotely open/lock their cars, etc but also included an emergency notification system similar to OnStar. (You clearly didn't purchase it for your Elantra for any of a variety of reasons and that's your business and I've got to wonder why you even bothered to comment if it doesn't pertain to you....maybe you thought you were funny....not). Everyone else on this forum will end up losing the service w/o a solution that could offer an alternative option which is really poor on Hyundai's part. It's also shortsighted, because more than likely the owners will at some point consider buying a new vehicle and based on this experience it won't be Hyundai.
I am highly disappointed in
Permalink
In reply to The point is that people by Vera S (not verified)
I am highly disappointed in Hyundai and their services. I bought a used Hyundai Sonata limited 2015. It took me 2 years to finally get bluelink even though I gave them everything they needed just for them to tell me bluelink will be obsolete on 12/31/22. I love my car I only have 62,222 miles as of today and I’m a pissed off consumer!!! How do they not have a resolution? Can this be a class action lawsuit?
I think it is a matter for a
Permalink
In reply to I am highly disappointed in by Blair Grimes (not verified)
I think it is a matter for a class action lawsuit. Many other manufactures of security systems and other systems that use 2G.3G.4 have provided up grade kits for their devices to keep them working. even simply safe is sending out free up grade cards to keep their security systems and the monthly fees they generate operational. Hyundai can do the same. worst case they could be linked to work with hotspots which should remain operational for some time. I bought a extended warranty that covers electronic systems on My Sonata for another three years and it is Hyundai's responsibility to keep the system working. car start. stolen vehicle locator. SOS. car finder and more regardless of the wireless network. They can fix it if they want to! I won't be buying another Hyundai / Kia vehicle even though I love My 2015 Sonata. Their Dealer network sucks in Houston. They want You to leave the car for a week before they will even look at it. No loaner cars or shuttle service like they promised and had when I bought the car. Sorry Sorry Sorry service.
Your comment is right on.
Permalink
In reply to I think it is a matter for a by Jim Davis (not verified)
Your comment is right on. Yep, I have a SimplySafe home alarm and last year they sent out a letter out to watch for a package to update my alarm system from a 2G to 4G/5G cellular connection (SimplySafe doesn't use hardline telephone connections to their Central Station Alarm Monitoring Center it's ALL CELLULAR). In the shipping box was a small 4"x1-1/2"x1/8 in. circuit board with a new SIM card installed. The instruction said open the Cylindrical Alarm Control 'Tube' slide out the old circuit board and slide in the new board, close up the Alarm Control 'Tube' then power the system back up. Within 2 mins my alarm was updated to the new Cellular system and it's been working perfectly ever since. Yes, it took a whole 2 min. to bring my SimplySafe from the 2G world to the 4G/5G world of today. I called SimplySafe about the upgrade and they told me they know for years 2G would go away and they engineered into their system to quickly update their system BY THE HOMEOWNER, not some tech (or mechanic). SimplySafe is just a small $1Billion company and Hyundai is a $1.93 TRILLION company and Hyundai didn't have the foresight, BULLSHIT. Here's what's true, Hyundai knew by not updating the cellular connection in BlueLink it would force owners to purchase a new car sooner. I am pursuing Hyundai for the fraud they perpetrated and I will keep you up to date on my results.
Will my maps and ability to
Permalink
Will my maps and ability to listen to YouTube and music through my phone still work? I am upset as I use it all the time and was never told It would be disconnected when purchasing my vehicle. I really love my Tucson but will probably purchase something else in the future because it seems like the problem will continue and with no compensation for vehicle owners
Hyundai should compensate the
Permalink
Hyundai should compensate the owner for whatever depreciation the vehicle gets because of bluelink getting deactivated. After all im sure the original price of the vehicle took into consideration having bluelink.
My wife's 2017 Elantra
Permalink
My wife's 2017 Elantra stopped working, and it's allegedly 3g. We've been through BlueLink support's suggestions on resetting the head unit. The service activation continually fails. What are the chances that providers in some parts of the country are already phasing out their 3g service? Or, when there's a problem, there's no urgency to fix an old network.
So in new vehicles do we get
Permalink
So in new vehicles do we get 5g blue link or will it still be 2g?
This totally sucks! I'm
Permalink
This totally sucks! I'm disabled and I rely on my Blue-Link for the ability to use my navigation by voice command, to remote start my vehicle, and other safety features that in the aftermath of a car accident a few years ago literally saved my life. The loss of my Bluelink is a huge loss to me.
The service will end 12/31
Permalink
The service will end 12/31/2022, not 2021.
Big disappointment. Maybe
Permalink
Big disappointment. Maybe Hyundai can create a phone app on 4G cell phones that simulates BL? (free)...it's not their fault...blame progress.
No, not their fault that the
Permalink
In reply to Big disappointment. Maybe by John Kelley (not verified)
No, not their fault that the technology is now obsolete. However, it is their fault that they basically said piss off to their older car customers and didn’t provide an alternative like MOST companies have that utilize a cellular connection.
If GM On Star is still able
Permalink
If GM On Star is still able to function then why can’t Hyundai BlueLink? My security system had a 2G cell card in it and the alarm company sent a 4G replacement so why can’t Hyundai ?
These assholes don’t want to deal with it that’s why! I have 2 of these Korean rice burners but my next vehicle will be American!
I believe GM cars with the…
Permalink
In reply to If GM On Star is still able by Tom (not verified)
I believe GM cars with the older version of OnStar got kicked out and discarded too.
I reached out to the
Permalink
I reached out to the manufacturer and was told to ask the dealer. The dealer said they didn't know about it, investigated it, and told me to ask Hyundai again. I did, and I was told Hyundai was going to do nothing about as it is a "Built-In" feature of the vehicle. BS. This ain't STEEL!. I asked what they were doing to prevent this from happening with future models and got no reply. I guess I need to ask that of the next vehicle's manufacturer I purchase, since it will not be Hyundai.
The support of 2G, 3G, 4G and
Permalink
The support of 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G are deemed functional by the FCC. The FCC has driven 2Gs demise and is driving the 3G sunsets. Hyundai contracts with an interface provider that has to conform to the wireless networks capabilities driven by the FCC. This is much like GM's onstar support for 2002 vehicles that quit working long ago. Blame the FCC rather than Hyundai, these issues will apply to more than just the Bluelink.
I understand what is driving
Permalink
In reply to The support of 2G, 3G, 4G and by Laura Terrell (not verified)
I understand what is driving the elimination of 2G and 3G technologies. And I understand that this is outside the vehicle manufacturer's control.
What I don't understand is how a manufacturer of a hard asset, such as a vehicle that has an expected life-span of 15 plus years, does not have a method to provide a modification to support eventual changes/upgrades for communications systems.
This is as simple as changing from one cell phone to another, not replacing an entire car.
If I have to replace my car as often as I have to replace my phone, then this is a failed approach, and the manufacturer that recognizes this will get my business in the future.
What if, perchance, the government were to suddenly decide that 5G is unsafe, and banned it for personal use? Suddenly, hundreds of thousands of vehicles would become similarly impaired if manufacturers had no method in place to provide a modular change to their vehicles.
Hyundai is shutting down 3g
Permalink
In reply to I understand what is driving by Eric Ewen (not verified)
Hyundai is shutting down 3g cars too! End of year due to Verizon shutdown. So infuriating
I bought s 2015 hyundai
Permalink
I bought s 2015 hyundai sonata limited precisely because of 3g for what i needed.
I drive alone(backseat never used) and depend on voice navigation.
It was the selling point of the vehicle. Surely some remedial fix could be found.
My family owns 3 hyundai sonatas,2 elantras,1 genesis om my recommcendation.
In essence they have sold me a car with limited functions. I know that Verizon is
responsible but Hyundai should have some leverage.
They most certainly are and
Permalink
In reply to I bought s 2015 hyundai by James Santinello (not verified)
They most certainly are and should be held accountable it is a huge selling point one of the reasons why I bought my car. I have a beautiful clean black on cream limited sonata 2015 it’s slick but I am beyond upset it took me two years to get it on and they told me that it deactivates in 12/31/22. There has to be another solution. Class action suit needs to be placed!!
I am OUTRAGED. INFURIATED.
Permalink
I am OUTRAGED. INFURIATED. Disgusted. And I want Hyundai to FIX this bullshit. I have a 2014 Hyundai Sonata Limited. It's a gorgeous car with only 70K miles and all the bells and whistles,,, well it USED to have the bells and whistles! Until now it had Navigation, it had Bluetooth. It had multimedia components and a beautiful large display screen I was so proud of. Until now,, I LOVED my Hyundai. But this is the end. I will NEVER BUY ANOTHER HYUNDAI PRODUCT AGAIN.
Now my beautiful display screen just shows a forever "BlueLink loading" screen saver. It's like having the blue circle of death on your computer screen. It's ruined my ownership satisfaction for this vehicle. I can't even see what my climate control settings are anymore. NOTHING is visible. I can't see any audio settings or adjust anything at all. I'm FUCKED and there is nothing HYUNDAI is going to do about it.
They have lost what WOULD have been a loyal customer. FUCK HYUNDAI
I have the exact same car!!!
Permalink
In reply to I am OUTRAGED. INFURIATED. by Jeremy Burrus (not verified)
I have the exact same car!!! I drove a Chevy Cavalier for 19 years and this is the nicest car I've ever had, or I thought. I bought it used but it had little miles and very clean. I was never told by the dealership much about it. I got it with several recalls I was unaware of. Engine blew 3 months later. Then the dealership claimed we needed a fuel pump for our turbo which cost $600 and then the dealership ran down my battery using our radio. (A worker finally admitted to it.) This is the first time I've had any kind of special screen or function. Heck, we are still paying on her. $14K for a car that now will have even less value because of this. The headache and disappointment. I've noticed some off and on error messages and lately Blue link doesn' t load at all. I'm so angry. Now all this economy bull crap and vehicles are higher and they're are not going to make me get an electric car. I will go and find an old truck and to heck with all these dealerships. It would have been nice after all these years of struggling and barely making it, to enjoy a nice car to it's fullest. They should have foreseen this and had a way to adapt. This is poor planning on the designers and management of these cars. Why is there not another company out there coming up with a solution or why doesn't Blue Link get their crap together and upgrade? I won't be buying another one after all this.
I can't believe that this isn
Permalink
I can't believe that this isn't a safety issue and should be addressed by the NTSB, there are a multitude of things that were to show on that screen, alerting me to operational issues. Now I have to guess at the temp, what vents are in use, there is no radio , All of the ABS lights were there. Isnt there something they should do!
I have an Azera Limited-2016.
Permalink
I have an Azera Limited-2016. 30,000 miles. Retiree. My plan was to keep my car until I went to the “home”. Furious with Hyundai.
As a retiree and owner of a
Permalink
As a retiree and owner of a 2016 Elantra GT with only 29K miles on it, I was planning to keep this car as the last one I'll ever need at this age. I use the remote start and the car finder frequently, and consider Hyundai is making a big mistake as a company to not to create a work-around. Since it's possible to install remote start and car finder with after-market kits, I would think that a key fob and receiver could be wired into the already-existing circuit board in the Elantra. Any hackers out there want a job??
It amazes me that people
Permalink
It amazes me that people actually pay to use the blue stink system. 1st, having remote start tied to it is moronic. I want my remote start to work via the key fob every time, not via an app that can't stay up half the time, and not that takes forever to complete the actions. The same holds true for the remote lock and unlock actions. The glitches are insane, and some of the features are dangerous. Example: the only way to leave your car on and running, maybe its a hot day and you want the car to stay cool, or perhaps you left your pet in the running cool car, is to use the app. The problem is, on e you use the app. Your stupid (smart) key fob no longer will unlock the doors, you have to use the app. If your phone dies, well, you fucked. Way to expensive, pyramid scheme pricing, and features like remote start that YOU paid for which they now double dip you on. FUK bluestink!
I bought a used 2014 Santa Fe
Permalink
I bought a used 2014 Santa Fe and was really looking forward to testing this service. I really find it hard to believe that Hyundai can’t come up with some kind of solution for its customers. Even my security system had 3g. All they had to do was send me out a small piece of equipment and boom, the system was on 4G. They even sent it out free of charge. Is Hyundai just being lazy about this?