New cars come with missing features: What to look out for
Most people are aware that automakers have felt the brunt of the worldwide microchip shortage, resulting in understocked dealerships at a time when consumer demand is high. In an effort to expedite production, some automakers are limiting, or have stopped offering, certain popular features that they can’t produce because of the microchip shortage.
In this article, Edmunds’ experts take a deeper dive into why this is happening, what features might be missing, and what you need to know before taking delivery of your next vehicle.
Why is this happening?
Semiconductor chips are the brains of electronics. They control features such as infotainment systems, advanced driver aids and even heated seats.
The COVID-19 pandemic is largely the reason for the microchip shortage. Orders for chips were canceled when automakers temporarily shut down factories at the height of the pandemic. On top of that, the demand for chips increased at the same time in other industries because people were staying at home and needed additional electronics for work and play. The surge of microchip demand started when automakers restarted production, leaving chip manufacturers unable to keep up.
What items are being removed?
The missing features vary depending on the brand, although some fortunate automakers have been less affected by the chip shortage and aren’t eliminating features. General Motors has been hit hard by the shortage, resulting in a number of missing features on several models.
Automotive News reported in November that most GM SUVS and trucks will not come with heated seats and steering wheels and ventilated seats. Fortunately, GM says it can retrofit heated and ventilated seats to vehicles missing them at no cost starting in mid-2022, according to a Reuters report.
BMW has removed a popular feature from several models: touchscreen functionality on the infotainment screens. Last year, Tesla removed rear USB-C charging ports and wireless charging pad functionality from its list of features in Model 3s and Ys.
Mercedes-benz has been forced to delete some features as well. There have been reports of certain models missing features such as particular audio systems, massaging seats, headup displays and wireless charging pads. Nissan has also felt the effect of the chip shortage, and the automaker didn’t install navigation systems on thousands of vehicles in 2021.
Charged for missing features?
The good news is that buyers shouldn’t be charged for features missing from their new vehicles. Instead, manufacturers are issuing credits to buyers of vehicles with missing features. For example, BMW will give buyers who are missing touchscreen functionality a credit of $500 to spend on other options.
It’s not clear if other automakers are also issuing credits, but there will probably be some sort of compensation or retrofitting when supply is available again.
How to tell what’s missing
Dealerships and their sales staff should be aware of vehicles they receive with missing features and should be informing buyers accordingly. But it’s not a sure thing. Check dealership and manufacturer websites and even the window sticker for the full list of features your vehicle should have and confirm it in person or with a salesperson before signing off.
Edmunds says: It is difficult to predict when the parts shortage will end, but in the meantime, make sure to identify your must-have features when shopping for a new car and double-check that they are on the vehicle at the time of purchase.