Jeep® Owners Frustrated by Intrusive In-Car Ads

Jeep® owners are growing increasingly frustrated with pop-up ads appearing on their Uconnect infotainment systems, with many taking to social media to voice their complaints. The issue has drawn criticism for being disruptive and potentially dangerous, as drivers find themselves distracted by unexpected messages.

One post on 4xeForums.com highlighted one owner’s experience of receiving multiple warranty ads on their Uconnect screen during a short drive. “Short of smashing a brick through the screen, does anyone know how to stop the radio from displaying a damn Mopar Extended Warranty ad every time I come to a stop?” the user vented. “I can’t believe they’ve graduated from telemarketing phone harassment to actually displaying this crap on the screen in the vehicle while [you’re] driving.”

Other Jeep drivers quickly chimed in, echoing similar experiences. “It’s incredibly annoying and unsafe advertising,” one user wrote. “This could easily cause a crash if someone gets distracted trying to dismiss it.”

Stellantis Responds – 

Jeep puts an ad covering my entire screen, and it comes back every time you stop even if you hit ok.
byu/RahRahRasputin_ inassholedesign

The issue stems from Jeep’s parent company, Stellantis, which has been expanding its push into software-driven revenue. According to a company announcement during its EV Day 2021 presentation, the automaker aimed to generate $20.8 billion (€20 billion) annually from software-enabled services, including in-car advertisements.

A Stellantis spokesperson said the issue was due to “a temporary software glitch [that] affected the ability to instantly opt-out in a few isolated cases, though instant opt-out is the standard for all our in-vehicle messages. Our team had already identified and corrected the error, and we are following up directly with the customer to ensure the matter is fully resolved.”

However, Jeep’s initial response to a frustrated customer on social media only fueled the fire. “It should also be noted that ads are part of your contractual agreement with SiriusXM, but we are working on the frequency,” the Jeep Cares account replied.

How to Disable the Ads – 

For those looking to end these pop-ups, there is a way—though it’s not exactly straightforward. Owners need to visit the Jeep® Connect website and create an account, which requires an email, password, and acknowledgment of a disclosure statement.

After logging in, users must link their vehicle by entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Through Jeep Connect, they can manage various features, from remote start to premium services like Dynamic Range Navigation, which adjusts routes based on fuel level or battery charge.

To disable the pop-ups, users must dig through multiple menus and locate the setting to turn off “in-vehicle notifications.” While this provides a way to opt out, it’s a hassle, especially for those unfamiliar with their vehicle’s data collection and tracking capabilities.

The Bigger Picture: The Shift to Subscription Models – 

Jeep puts ads on the fucking screen in my car.
byu/Dunkinmydonuts1 inassholedesign

Automakers across the industry are looking for ways to monetize software features, often through subscriptions or in-car advertising. In 2022, BMW faced intense backlash when it attempted to charge $18 monthly for heated seats, eventually scrapping the idea due to customer outrage. 

What do you think about automakers pushing pop-up ads into vehicles? Do you see it as a minor inconvenience or a major overstep? Should companies like Stellantis rethink their approach, or is this just the future of in-car technology? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.