Your Car's Features Have an Expiration Date: Here's How to Stay Connected

Imagine making a substantial purchase, only to have part of its functionality become obsolete within three years, destined for the big technology graveyard in the sky.

Now, picture buying a car from a brand known for its reliability, then receiving a letter years later informing you that the safety and convenience features you rely on will suddenly stop working, due to the expiration of just such technology. Even in this era, when consumers are willing to tolerate some level of planned obsolescence, this seems like a bridge too far.

For thousands of Acura owners, these scenarios aren’t hypothetical. They recently went through this experience with models as recent as 2022, when the automaker announced it was deactivating its AcuraLink connected services.

This move has left many customers feeling frustrated and betrayed. As one owner said on Reddit, "The whole appeal of buying an Acura, at least for many of us, is the long-term reliability. I don't buy these cars planning to ditch them in three years... It completely undercuts the value proposition for people like me who buy into the brand for the long haul.”

Is this the new reality of car ownership, where the digital features you pay for can have a hidden expiration date? Let’s dig into the AcuraLink scandal to find out, and learn what you can do about it.

What’s Happening to Acura Owners?

Starting July 21, 2025, Acura began deactivating AcuraLink services for an extensive list of models, including the MDX, TLX, RDX, and even the 2022 NSX supercar. This means owners will lose access to these critical GPS-based features:

• Automatic collision notification
• Emergency call
• Stolen vehicle locator
• Enhanced roadside assistance
• Remote lock/unlock
• Find My Car

Perhaps most troubling is the loss of critical safety functions. Amidst the uproar about the services preparing to sunset, one owner shared a story about being in a crash where AcuraLink automatically contacted emergency services, calling it "something I don't see being able to do without now." 

Now, that safety net is being taken away.

A Troubling Trend in the Auto Industry

This isn't the first time connected car features have been unplugged. In 2022, the entire auto industry was shaken by the so-called 3G sunset, when cellular carriers shut down their older 3G networks to make way for 4G and 5G networks.

Millions of vehicles from nearly every major automaker lost connectivity, as the 3G modems built into them became obsolete overnight.

But the Acura shutdown is different, and arguably more troubling. The 3G sunset was caused by a broad technology shift across the entire telecom industry that happened much faster than expected. 

This time, problems seem to be caused by internal business decisions. The AcuraLink service itself isn't shutting down. It will remain active for newer models. On top of that, the list of affected vehicles includes models with modern 4G modems. In other words, there’s no clear technical reason for the cutoff.

The whole situation points to a troubling trend in the automotive industry: a new kind of digital planned obsolescence where automakers can unilaterally decide to stop supporting features for business reasons. The affected models are all relatively new, and all examples on the road are likely still mechanically sound. But owners are left with diminished value and functionality.

Take Back Control With a Smarter, Independent Solution

What if your car’s connectivity wasn’t dependent on the automaker? What if you could ensure your safety and convenience features would last for the life of your vehicle?

This is all possible with Bouncie.

As an independent OBD GPS tracking and vehicle monitoring device, Bouncie puts you back in control. It’s a simple, plug-and-play OBD-II GPS device that works in nearly all vehicles made since 1996. Bouncie also operates its own servers, making it immune to the whims of automaker decisions.

Upgrading Lost Features

For Acura owners losing their features, Bouncie isn't just a replacement; it's an upgrade.

Instead of Acura’s collision notification, Bouncie's sensors detect accidents and automatically notify your designated emergency contacts. The Acura stolen vehicle locator and Find My Car features are clunky. Bouncie gives you the ability to see your car’s exact location on a map. If your vehicle is ever stolen, you can track its movements instantly. 

Bouncie monitors your car's health, alerting you to battery issues and explaining what your "check engine" light means, which is more than what the AcuraLink app offers in its vehicle health information. And then there are other features Acura has never offered, including:

• Alerts for unsafe driving habits, such as speeding, hard braking, and rapid acceleration, are perfect for coaching a teen driver or simply improving your own habits.
• Geo-Zones allow you to define virtual boundaries around locations like your home, school, or workplace, and receive notifications whenever your vehicle enters or leaves these zones.
• The flexibility to get these features in any modern car. Bouncie plugs directly into your car's OBD-II port in minutes, no tools or technical know-how needed. 

Don't Let Your Car's Features Expire, Get Bouncie

Your car's mechanical parts may last for a decade or more, but its built-in digital features could be gone in just a few years. That is the unfortunate reality in today’s world. Automakers have shown they are more than willing to leave customers behind in the name of profits, and it’s hard to imagine things will improve on this front any time soon.

Bouncie offers a practical, long-lasting alternative to built-in GPS functions. It’s a simple and affordable device that comes packed with the features you need, while providing you with more control and flexibility than the automakers.

Don't get left in the dark. Visit the Bouncie website to learn more today.