U.S. drivers keep cars longer, but software support may not keep up

April 4, 2025 – The average age of vehicles on U.S. roads has climbed to a record 12.6 years, according to the latest S&P Global Mobility data. Yet as millions of Americans keep their cars longer to stretch budgets, a growing disconnect is emerging: automakers are not matching that longevity with sustained software support.

The trend is driven by pandemic-era supply chain shortages, rising new-car prices, and improved mechanical reliability. But the shift toward software-defined vehicles means that “keeping a car longer” now includes more than oil changes and brake pads. It means relying on over-the-air updates for infotainment, navigation, safety features, and even powertrain tuning.

The software gap widens

Unlike physical components, software updates are not mandated by law to be available for a specific number of years. Automakers typically guarantee updates for 3–5 years from the model’s launch, with some extending to 7–8 years for critical safety fixes. After that, owners are often left with a frozen system.

A recent analysis by Consumer Reports found that among 2020 model-year vehicles with embedded connectivity, only 38% still received non-security software updates as of early 2025. For models from 2018 and earlier, that figure drops to under 10%. The result: drivers who bought a car six years ago may now face a degraded user experience, missing features like real-time traffic, voice assistant improvements, or app integration.

Safety implications

The lack of updates can also affect vehicle safety. While recalls for hardware defects are federally enforced, software fixes for non-critical issues are not. Some automakers have voluntarily patched security vulnerabilities for older models, but the industry is inconsistent.

“If a vulnerability is discovered in a 2019 model’s telematics unit, the manufacturer may decide it’s too costly to patch,” said Dr. Elena Marquez, automotive cybersecurity researcher at MIT. “That leaves the car at risk for remote exploits, even if the mechanical parts are fine.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued guidance but no binding rule requiring automakers to support software for a minimum period. Consumer advocates are pushing for a “software maintenance disclosure” similar to the existing window sticker for fuel economy.

Automaker responses vary

Tesla, known for its frequent over-the-air updates, has supported vehicles as old as 2012 Model S with new features, though some older hardware limits functionality. Ford has committed to update support for at least 8 years for its SYNC 4-equipped vehicles. General Motors offers a similar promise for its Ultifi platform, but only for vehicles sold after 2024.

Smaller manufacturers and legacy brands with older architectures often lack the infrastructure to back-port updates. “It’s not just about writing new code; it’s about testing on a wide range of hardware configurations, which gets exponentially harder as the platform ages,” explained James Liu, VP of Software at a Tier-1 supplier.

What this means for used-car buyers

The software gap is becoming a critical factor in the used-car market. Kelley Blue Book reports that vehicles with known software obsolescence are seeing 5–8% lower resale values compared to models with active update support. Some dealers now ask about software history during trade-in appraisals.

Consumers are advised to check a vehicle’s software update policy before purchasing, especially for models from 2018–2022. Websites like Car Software Check have started aggregating update histories for popular models.

A call for industry standards

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, an industry trade group, has formed a working group to develop voluntary guidelines for software support durations. However, no timeline has been announced. In the meantime, independent repair shops are beginning to offer aftermarket software updates for infotainment systems, though these are not certified by automakers.

Conclusion

As U.S. drivers embrace longer vehicle ownership, the industry must adapt its software lifecycle to match. Without regulation or industry-wide commitment, millions of cars will become “digitally orphaned” years before their mechanical end. For now, the best advice for consumers is to ask: “How long will my car’s software be supported?” – and factor that answer into the purchase decision.

This article was updated on April 4, 2025, with new data from S&P Global Mobility and Consumer Reports regarding software update coverage for older vehicles.