Carmakers will charge for anything, including your safety

January 16, 2025

By Kim Komando

New cars are basically snazzy computers on wheels, packing 1,000 to 3,000 processors. That means we get all kinds of great features, but that’s not all — the more complex our cars get, the more at risk we are. I’m not talking about theft; I mean remote carjacking … or worse.

Picture this: Someone with enough skill and bad intentions could stop your car while you’re driving it. Want a car with all the features, security, safety and otherwise? Get ready to shell out cash on top of your lease or car payment.

🚗 Pulling one over on you

Paying extra for add-ons when you buy a car is nothing new. But these subscription costs will have you laughing, groaning or rolling your eyes.

• BMW offers a dashcam function for $19 monthly or $430 for the vehicle’s life. You can buy a pretty sweet dashcam for 40% off.
• Cadillac’s hands-free driving system will run you $25 a month or $250 a year.
• Ford’s BlueCruise driving system is even pricier, at $49.99 monthly or $495 annually. Unless you drive lots on highways, don’t waste your money.
• Mercedes charges you $60 per month or $600 yearly to get from 0 mph to 60 mph one second faster.
• Porsche will help protect your vehicle from theft … for $280 annually.
• Toyota wants $80 a year or $8 a month just for remote start.

Do you really own your car if you’ve gotta pay a subscription to unlock its features? It isn’t just the fancy bells and whistles.

They put a price on protection

Charging a subscription to go faster is one thing, but charging for an important safety feature? That’s shady.

Automatic crash notification, or ACN, uses your car’s built-in communication tools or a paired phone to notify emergency services in case of a crash. This can save your life if you’re knocked unconscious or otherwise unable to make the call yourself.

Some manufacturers include ACN for free, while others expect you to fork over as much as $180 a year. If you don’t pay, you lose it. Despicable.

• One-year free trial or less: Acura (Security package tier), Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Nissan (2023 and older) and Toyota.
• Three-year free trial: Genesis, Nissan (2024 and newer) and Subaru.
• Five-year free trial: Kia, Mitsubishi, Ram and Volkswagen.
• Free: Audi, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes, Polestar (active warranty), Porsche (active warranty) and Volvo.

Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Lexus and Ram give you 10 years without charges — not bad. Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC all offer eight years free.

The next thing you know, there’ll be an upcharge to deploy your airbags.

🚘 This is important info for anyone who’s eyeing a new car or just bought one. Share this article with your family and friends so they stay in the loop.

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