Skipping This Software Update Can Void Your Car's Warranty

According to GM’s warranty documents, failing to install an over-the-air (OTA) software update within 45 days could cost you. Any damage linked to missed updates won’t be covered under warranty.

Yes, you read that correctly: if your car develops a problem that could have been prevented by a software patch you ignored, the repair bill is now yours.

The policy applies to all of GM’s U.S. brands, Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick, reflecting the automaker’s growing shift toward digital infrastructure. 

With the rollout of GM’s Global B electrical architecture (also known as the Vehicle Intelligence Platform), OTA updates have become a standard feature. 

Instead of scheduling a service appointment or waiting at the dealership, your car can receive critical performance fixes, safety enhancements, or new features while parked in your driveway.

GM’s warranty fine print puts the responsibility squarely on the owner. “The owner is responsible for ensuring all [GM-provided] Over-the-Air software updates are installed within 45 days,” the 2025-2026 warranty documents state. “Damage resulting from failure to install Over-the-Air software updates is not covered.”

To be fair, GM does offer some protection. If an OTA update causes damage to the vehicle, that issue is covered for the duration of the warranty. 

So you don’t need to worry about bricking your car with a patch pushed by the automaker. The problem only arises if you skip it entirely.

This might seem like a new expectation, but it’s not exclusive to GM. Tesla’s warranty policy also clearly states that owners are expected to install updates promptly, and other automakers are likely to follow suit as digital systems become more deeply integrated into vehicle operation.

Of course, it’s easy to understand why someone might hesitate. Software updates on our phones or laptops can sometimes bring more bugs than fixes, and it’s natural to want to wait it out. 

However, unlike a sluggish app or a frozen screen, cars operate at high speeds and interact with the real world. 

A delayed update could mean more than just inconvenience; it could result in system failures that affect your safety or cost thousands in repairs.

While this GM policy may only affect specific models for now, the lesson applies to anyone driving a modern vehicle. 

If your car has OTA capability or alerts you about available updates, it’s worth checking your manufacturer’s stance. That information is usually tucked inside your warranty guide or owner's manual.

Yes, it’s another thing to keep track of. However, with more vehicles operating like computers on wheels, ignoring software updates is starting to carry the same risks as ignoring oil changes or warning lights.

The upside? These updates often include more than bug fixes. Some add new features, from improved battery range to better driver-assistance systems. So installing them could enhance your driving experience and not just prevent a problem.

So, if an update alert pops up on your dashboard or app, take a few minutes to review it and install it. 

It might save you a trip to the dealership. Or, more importantly, from footing a bill your warranty won’t touch.