Stellantis, the parent company of brands like Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler, has once again faced criticism over unwanted pop-up advertisements appearing on vehicle infotainment screens. While the company insists these instances were initially due to software errors, recent reports suggest the issue persists, prompting a fresh response from Stellantis regarding its in-vehicle messaging system.
Recurring Complaints & Company Response
Over the past year, vehicle owners have repeatedly reported seeing advertisements while driving. One recent example, shared on Reddit, showed a Ram truck owner receiving an ad for Mopar parts directly on the infotainment display. Despite previous claims of unintentional errors, the ads continue to surface, fueling skepticism among customers.
Stellantis now acknowledges the existence of these “In-Vehicle Messages” (IVM) as a feature designed to keep owners informed. According to the automaker, the IVM system delivers critical updates like recall notifications, vehicle health alerts, and subscription reminders. The company stresses safety by stating these messages only appear when the vehicle is stationary or at startup, automatically disappearing when driving or after 15 seconds unless dismissed manually.
Opting Out: A Complicated Process
While Stellantis offers an opt-out mechanism for marketing content, the process is far from seamless. Drivers cannot disable ads directly from the infotainment screen. Instead, they must either:
- Contact Customer Care at 1-800-777-3600 and explicitly request to opt out of in-vehicle messaging.
- Navigate to their brand’s website (e.g., Connect.ramtrucks.com, connect.chrysler.com, connect.jeep.com ), access their profile, adjust message settings, and toggle off in-vehicle messaging.
The company claims to be continuously refining its communication tools based on customer feedback, but the cumbersome opt-out process remains a point of frustration for many drivers.
The Larger Implications
The debate over in-car advertising raises broader questions about data privacy and the monetization of vehicle technology. Automakers are increasingly integrating connected services, creating new revenue streams through targeted ads and subscription models.
“Stellantis is committed to delivering a seamless, informed, and personalized vehicle experience for our owners.” — Stellantis statement.
While Stellantis insists its goal is to provide value and convenience, the current system leaves many drivers feeling exploited. Although the company states that the specific ads seen in recent reports are no longer being pushed, the potential for future pop-ups remains.
Ultimately, the incident highlights the tension between automakers seeking new revenue streams and customers demanding control over their in-car experience. Whether Stellantis will prioritize transparency and user agency remains to be seen.
