What Uconnect is and why your car wants to connect

Uconnect is Stellantis's (formerly Fiat Chrysler) in-car system that connects your vehicle to the internet — it runs in Jeeps, Rams, Dodges, Chryslers, and some Fiats. When you connect, your car can send location data, driving patterns, fuel consumption, and diagnostic information to Stellantis servers. The company uses this data for navigation updates, remote services like unlocking your car from your phone, and vehicle diagnostics.

You do not have to connect. Your car will run without Uconnect active. But some features — like real-time traffic, emergency information, and remote start — only work when the system is online. The trade-off is that Stellantis collects information about where you drive, how often you drive, and how you drive.

Before you connect, understand what data flows where. Uconnect can transmit your GPS location, vehicle diagnostics, crash data, and driving behavior. Stellantis's privacy policy allows them to share this information with service providers, law enforcement (with a warrant), and in some cases with insurance companies or other third parties. You should read their actual privacy policy on the Stellantis website before deciding whether the convenience is worth the data cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Uconnect requires a working cellular connection and a Stellantis account; you set both up through the in-car touchscreen or the Uconnect mobile app.
  • Your vehicle will transmit location, diagnostic, and driving behavior data to Stellantis servers whenever Uconnect is active, and you cannot selectively turn off individual data streams.
  • Some features like emergency calling and remote services require Uconnect to be connected; others like basic navigation work without it.
  • You can disable Uconnect entirely by not creating an account or by turning off cellular connectivity in your vehicle settings, though this also disables the connected features.

Step-by-step: connecting Uconnect for the first time

Start with the touchscreen in your car. Go to Settings (usually a gear icon), then look for Connectivity or Uconnect. You will see an option to Create Account or Sign In. If this is your first time, select Create Account.

You will need an email address and a password. Stellantis will send you a verification link — check your email and click it. Once verified, return to the car's touchscreen and sign in with those credentials. The system will then ask you to accept the terms of service and privacy policy. Read these before accepting, because they describe what data Uconnect collects and how Stellantis uses it.

After you sign in, the car will connect to cellular service (usually through an embedded SIM card that Stellantis provides). This happens automatically — you do not need to set up a separate phone plan. The first connection may take a few minutes. Once connected, you will see a checkmark or "Connected" status on the Uconnect screen.

Using the Uconnect mobile app to manage your connection

read the Uconnect app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Sign in with the same email and password you created on the car's touchscreen. The app mirrors many of the car's features: you can see your vehicle's location on a map, lock or unlock the doors, start the engine remotely, and check fuel level and tire pressure.

The app also shows you which data Uconnect is collecting. Go to Account Settings in the app, then Privacy or Data Sharing. Here you can see what permissions you have granted. Some permissions are tied to specific features — for example, location sharing is required for the "Find My Vehicle" feature. If you turn off location sharing, that feature stops working, but Uconnect will still collect diagnostic data.

The app is also where you receive alerts: low fuel, maintenance reminders, or if someone tries to unlock your car. You can customize which alerts you receive in the notification settings.

What data Uconnect collects and where it goes

When Uconnect is active, your car transmits several types of data continuously. Location data is sent whenever you drive — Stellantis knows your GPS coordinates, the route you took, and how long you were driving. Diagnostic data includes engine performance, battery health, tire pressure, and fuel consumption. Driving behavior data includes acceleration patterns, braking, and speed — information that can be used to build a profile of how you drive.

Stellantis also collects crash data if your vehicle's sensors detect a collision. This is sent automatically and can be used for emergency response or for improving vehicle safety. Additionally, if you use voice commands or in-car search, Stellantis may record audio or search queries.

This data goes to Stellantis servers, where it is stored and analyzed. Stellantis shares it with service providers (like navigation companies), with law enforcement if they have a warrant, and potentially with insurance companies if you have enrolled in a usage-based insurance program. You cannot turn off individual data streams — it is all or nothing. If you want Uconnect's connected features, you accept all the data collection that comes with it.

Turning off Uconnect or limiting what it shares

If you decide you do not want Uconnect active, you have two options. The first is to straightforward not create an account. Without an account, Uconnect will not connect to the internet, and your car will not transmit data. You will lose remote features like app-based unlocking and emergency calling, but your car will still have local navigation, Bluetooth, and all other non-connected functions.

The second option is to disable cellular connectivity. Go to Settings on the touchscreen, find Connectivity or Cellular, and toggle it off. This disconnects Uconnect without deleting your account. You can turn it back on later if you change your mind. Some vehicles also have a physical switch or a menu option to disable the embedded SIM card entirely.

If you want to keep Uconnect but limit data sharing, your options are limited. You can turn off specific features — for example, disabling location services will prevent the "Find My Vehicle" feature from working, but Stellantis will still collect diagnostic data. There is no granular control that lets you keep navigation updates while blocking location tracking. The system is designed as a package: connected features require data sharing.

Troubleshooting common connection problems

If Uconnect will not connect, start by checking that your vehicle has cellular signal. Move to an open area away from buildings or tunnels. If you are in a rural area, Uconnect may not have coverage — check Stellantis's coverage map on their website to see if your location is served.

Next, verify that your account is active. Go to the Uconnect website (uconnect.stellantis.com) and sign in. If your account shows an error or expired status, you may need to update your payment method or re-verify your email. Some Uconnect services require a paid subscription — check whether your vehicle's plan is still active.

If the touchscreen shows "Connecting" but never completes, try restarting the system. Turn off the car, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. If that does not work, try signing out and signing back in through the touchscreen settings. As a last resort, you can factory reset the Uconnect system, though this will erase your account and settings — consult your owner's manual for the exact steps, as they vary by model year.

Understanding Uconnect's privacy policy and your rights

Stellantis's privacy policy is available on their website and is also displayed when you first create your account. The policy explains that Stellantis collects data to improve vehicle performance, provide navigation and emergency services, and develop new features. It also states that Stellantis may share data with affiliated companies, service providers, and law enforcement.

One important detail: Stellantis retains location and diagnostic data for a period of time (the exact length varies and is stated in their privacy policy). Even after you disconnect Uconnect, some data may remain on Stellantis servers. You can request that Stellantis delete your data by contacting their privacy office, though deletion requests can take weeks to process.

Your rights depend on where you live. If you are in California, you have the right to know what data Stellantis collects about you and to request deletion under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). If you are in Europe, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) gives you similar rights. For other states and countries, protections vary. Check your local privacy laws to understand what rights you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Uconnect without a data plan?

No. Uconnect requires a cellular connection, which Stellantis provides through an embedded SIM card in your vehicle. You do not pay a separate monthly bill, but the cost is built into the vehicle's price or into a subscription fee for certain services. Without cellular service, Uconnect cannot connect to the internet.

Does Uconnect work if my phone is not in the car?

Yes. Uconnect is a separate system from your phone's Bluetooth connection. The car has its own cellular modem and can transmit data even when your phone is not present. The Uconnect app on your phone lets you control the car remotely, but the car itself is always connected as long as you have an active account and cellular signal.

Can I see what data Uconnect is sending right now?

Not in real time. The Uconnect app shows you your vehicle's location, fuel level, and tire pressure, but it does not display a live stream of all data being transmitted. You can see what permissions you have granted in the app's privacy settings, and you can read Stellantis's privacy policy to understand what data types are collected, but there is no dashboard showing every byte of data leaving your car.

What happens to my data if I sell the car?

When you sell the vehicle, you should sign out of your Uconnect account on the car's touchscreen. This disconnects your account from that vehicle. The new owner can create their own account and connect the car to their profile. Stellantis may retain historical data associated with your account even after you disconnect — contact their privacy office if you want to request deletion.

Is Uconnect required to use my car's warranty?

No. Your vehicle's warranty is separate from Uconnect. However, some warranty services — like roadside information or remote diagnostics — may require Uconnect to be connected. Check your warranty documents to see which services are tied to connectivity. Basic warranty coverage does not depend on Uconnect being active.