Owners of Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler vehicles in the United States are facing a new frustration: unsolicited advertisements appearing directly on their in-car touchscreens. The issue, first reported by The Autopian, has sparked outrage as drivers are forced to interact with pop-up promotions while using critical vehicle functions.
The Problem: Ads Interrupting Drivers
The ads, which appear on the Uconnect infotainment system used across Stellantis brands (including Jeep, Ram, and Alfa Romeo), interrupt drivers mid-operation. Unlike physical controls, many modern vehicle functions rely entirely on the touchscreen, making these interruptions particularly disruptive. Affected owners report being forced to dismiss the ads before accessing navigation, climate control, or other features.
The ads aren’t third-party intrusions either; they originate directly from Stellantis itself. Customers have been directed to call customer care to have the ads disabled, a cumbersome solution for a problem the automaker created. One recent promotion offered a $1,500 “retail cash bonus” toward a new vehicle purchase.
Stellantis’ Explanation: “Minimizing Intrusions”
Stellantis defends the practice, claiming the “In-Vehicle Message” (IVM) system is intended for “important messages” such as sales offers, recalls, and vehicle health alerts. The company insists the ads appear only at startup, disappear when the vehicle moves or the driver dismisses them, and won’t reappear unless the “Remind Me Later” button is pressed.
However, this isn’t the first time Stellantis has faced backlash over in-car advertising. In February 2025, owners reported being unable to remove similar ads, which the automaker then attributed to a “glitch” and subsequently fixed.
The Bigger Trend: Monetizing Driver Attention
The Stellantis case is part of a broader trend toward monetizing in-car attention. Automakers are increasingly exploring ways to generate revenue from drivers beyond the initial vehicle sale.
- In 2021, Ford patented technology to display external ads (like billboards) on the in-car screen using a front-mounted camera.
- In 2024, Ford patented a more invasive system to listen to in-car conversations and serve targeted ads based on what occupants discuss or where the vehicle is located.
Ford Australia has stated it has no current plans to implement these technologies locally.
Why This Matters: The Future of Automotive Interfaces
The rise of in-car advertising raises questions about the future of automotive interfaces. As vehicles become more reliant on touchscreens, the line between essential controls and advertising space becomes increasingly blurred. The practice also highlights the growing tension between automakers and consumers over data privacy and user experience.
Automakers have a clear incentive to monetize driver attention, but aggressive tactics risk alienating customers and eroding trust in the vehicle experience.
The issue is still not known to be present in Australian markets, but owners should be aware of the potential for similar disruptions.
