by Unexpected advertising behind the wheel
Owners of Stellantis group vehicles are increasingly encountering an unusual phenomenon: when starting the engine, advertising pop-up windows appear on the multimedia system screen. The automaker has repeatedly stated that this is not an intentional advertising campaign, but a consequence of software bugs or incorrect notification system settings.
Recent events and manufacturer’s response
Following a new case posted by a Ram owner on Reddit, where an advertisement for Mopar parts appeared, Stellantis officially announced that the issue has been fixed. The company also detailed how the in-vehicle messaging system is supposed to work.
Source: Jeep’s Pop-up Ads Are Driving People Mad At Every Stoplight
Complaints about advertising in Stellantis vehicles have appeared over the past year on social media and automotive forums, causing outrage among owners.
Stellantis’s official position
The company provided a detailed statement regarding the operation of the Uconnect system.
“Stellantis strives to provide a seamless, informative, and personalized experience for our owners. The In-Vehicle Messaging (IVM) function in the Uconnect system plays a key role in informing customers throughout the entire vehicle ownership period. This technology allows us to send timely notifications, such as recall information, vehicle status updates, and Sirius XM subscription data.
To ensure safety, all messages are designed with minimal distraction:
1. Messages appear when the engine is started and when the vehicle is stationary.
2. Messages automatically close when the vehicle begins to move, when the driver presses ‘X’, ‘No’, or after 15 seconds.
3. The message will reappear on the next engine start only if the driver selects ‘Remind me later’ or does not close it.
How to opt out of marketing messages
Stellantis acknowledges that not all owners wish to receive advertising content. It is possible to opt out of marketing messages, but not through the car’s screen. To do this, you need to:
1. Contact customer support at 1-800-777-3600 and request to disable in-vehicle messages.
2. Visit the official website of your brand (for example, Connect.ramtrucks.com) and in the profile settings, turn off the corresponding option.
Stellantis continuously analyzes customer feedback to improve our communication tools and ensure the best experience. Our goal is for every interaction, on the road or through technology, to add value, safety, and convenience for our owners.
Summary and prospects
So, it is impossible to quickly opt out of advertising directly on the car’s screen. Sources report that specific advertising announcements, like in the Reddit case, are no longer being sent to Stellantis vehicles. However, it cannot be ruled out that similar situations will not recur in the future. Customer reaction to the company’s current policy and the further evolution of digital services in cars remain issues that require attention. The growth of vehicle connectivity inevitably leads to discussions about the boundaries of acceptable intrusion into the driver’s space and how to maintain a balance between useful services and intrusive commerce.
