Effects of the ongoing semiconductor-chip shortage on the new-car market can be seen in headlines across the world, but the problem encompasses more than just a reduction in the amount of new vehicles. When the chip supply tightened, some companies paused entire production lines for some vehicles, and decided to keep building others while removing some of the less-vital high-tech features that require chips. It kept production lines moving and people working. Not every automaker wanted to replicate the scenes of all of those new Ford and GM trucks that were built earlier this year and then had to be parked as they waited to be run through the factories a second time to get the various chip components installed. So, we decided to collect a list of models and technologies that will not (or did not) match the original spec sheet because certain components have been removed to reduce the number of chips needed per vehicle. This is not an exhaustive list, but it does show the breadth and depth of how the chip shortage is affecting the auto industry, even as new cars are built and sold.
BMW: Touchscreen
2021 bmw x7
BMW
In late October, BMW announced that it would remove touchscreen functionality from the Central Information Display in several models: the 3-series, 4-series coupe and convertible, 4-series Gran Coupe (excluding i4), Z4, and all variants of the X5, X6, and X7 (pictured). There's more bad news, in that any model that loses its touchscreen and was also ordered with the Parking Assistant package will now lose BMW's Backup Assistant technology.
2020 bmw x7 m50i
MARC URBANOCAR AND DRIVER
Luckily, buyers of these BMW vehicles will still be able to use alternate input methods—the iDrive controller and voice control—and, for what it's worth, anyone who can't get a touchscreen will get a credit of $500 to spend on other options. BMW said that this change will even affect people who have already ordered their vehicles, and said buyers should contact their dealer for confirmation and with other questions. "We are actively managing the situation and are working closely with our suppliers," BMW spokesperson Phil DiIanni told Car and Driver. A software update should be available soon, if not already, for affected vehicles.
Cadillac: Super Cruise (Now Resumed)
2021 cadillac escalade sport
JESSICA LYNN WALKER/CADILLAC
In September, Cadillac announced it would still build its flagship Escalade SUV, only without one of the vehicle's flagship features: the Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology. The company issued a statement to CNET at the time, saying Super Cruise is "an important feature for the Cadillac Escalade program. Although it's temporarily unavailable at the start of regular production due to the industry-wide shortage of semiconductors, we're confident in our team's ability to find creative solutions to mitigate the supply chain situation and resume offering the feature for our customers as soon as possible." the company said. Barnas confirmed to C/D that Super Cruise is once again available in new Escalades.
2021 cadillac escalade super cruise
CADILLAC
Two other models, the CT4 and CT5, which were supposed to be the next to get Super Cruise, were limited in getting technology, at least at first. While some of these sedans were built with Super Cruise, GM said the technology won't be widespread until the company starts building more 2022 model years vehicles in the first half of next year.
Chevrolet/GMC: HD Radio
2021 chevrolet silverado high country
MUELLER/CHEVROLET
Over the summer, GM said it would eliminate the HD radio option from its audio systems because it couldn't get the chip-dependent hardware it needed to offer this feature. Multiple trims of model year 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500s and GMC Sierra 1500s, as well as 2022 model year 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty pickups were affected by this change, according to The Drive. The affected trims include the Silverado LS, RST, LT, Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country and the SLE, SLT, Elevation, AT4 and Denali Sierras. As with other deleted options, GM will offer buyers of affected trucks a $50 credit.
Chevrolet/GMC: Heated Seats and Steering Wheels
2021 chevrolet silverado ltz
MUELLER/CHEVROLET
Starting the week of November 15, most GM SUVs and pickups will lose their heated and ventilated seats. This includes the Chevrolet Silverado (pictured), Traverse (except the High Country model), Blazer, and Equinox, and the GMC Sierra, Acadia (except the Denali), Canyon, and Terrain. Automotive News reported, relying on a GM letter to dealers, that this change is going to last throughout the 2022 model year. Heated steering wheels are on their way out, too, starting later in November, the paper reported. Customers will get a credit of $150 to $500 to help make up for the loss.
Ford: Satellite Navigation
2021 ford expedition
FORD
The chip shortage is obviously a global problem, so it's no surprise that Ford is dealing with problems in Europe. Details are hard to find, but Autocar said last month that Ford was building some models at its plant in Turkey without certain features, including satellite navigation.
2021 ford expedition
FORD
The good news, though, is that this option can be added back in later. "I think the issue will be around for a while—probably until Q1 next year," Ford fleet director Neil Wilson told Fleet News. "It will ease, but there will be challenges going forward and we have to be good at reacting to those challenges." Ford did not respond to C/D's request for more information.
GM: Wireless Charging
2021 chevrolet tahoe
CHEVROLET
Wireless charging spots for your mobile phone are becoming common in new cars, but don't tell that to General Motors, which announced this summer that the convenience technology would not be available in some versions of many of its vehicles. The list of affected models includes 2021 Chevy Tahoe (pictured), Suburban, and GMC Yukon SUVs as well as the 2022 Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse, and Cadillac XT5 and XT6.
2021 chevrolet tahoe high country diesel
MICHAEL SIMARICAR AND DRIVER
Anyone who buys one of these vehicles without the charging pad will get a $75 credit. When the change in features was announced, the expectation was that wireless charging would be missing for the rest of production of these model years.
www.caranddriver.com
BMW: Touchscreen
2021 bmw x7
BMW
In late October, BMW announced that it would remove touchscreen functionality from the Central Information Display in several models: the 3-series, 4-series coupe and convertible, 4-series Gran Coupe (excluding i4), Z4, and all variants of the X5, X6, and X7 (pictured). There's more bad news, in that any model that loses its touchscreen and was also ordered with the Parking Assistant package will now lose BMW's Backup Assistant technology.
2020 bmw x7 m50i
MARC URBANOCAR AND DRIVER
Luckily, buyers of these BMW vehicles will still be able to use alternate input methods—the iDrive controller and voice control—and, for what it's worth, anyone who can't get a touchscreen will get a credit of $500 to spend on other options. BMW said that this change will even affect people who have already ordered their vehicles, and said buyers should contact their dealer for confirmation and with other questions. "We are actively managing the situation and are working closely with our suppliers," BMW spokesperson Phil DiIanni told Car and Driver. A software update should be available soon, if not already, for affected vehicles.
Cadillac: Super Cruise (Now Resumed)
2021 cadillac escalade sport
JESSICA LYNN WALKER/CADILLAC
In September, Cadillac announced it would still build its flagship Escalade SUV, only without one of the vehicle's flagship features: the Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology. The company issued a statement to CNET at the time, saying Super Cruise is "an important feature for the Cadillac Escalade program. Although it's temporarily unavailable at the start of regular production due to the industry-wide shortage of semiconductors, we're confident in our team's ability to find creative solutions to mitigate the supply chain situation and resume offering the feature for our customers as soon as possible." the company said. Barnas confirmed to C/D that Super Cruise is once again available in new Escalades.
2021 cadillac escalade super cruise
CADILLAC
Two other models, the CT4 and CT5, which were supposed to be the next to get Super Cruise, were limited in getting technology, at least at first. While some of these sedans were built with Super Cruise, GM said the technology won't be widespread until the company starts building more 2022 model years vehicles in the first half of next year.
Chevrolet/GMC: HD Radio
2021 chevrolet silverado high country
MUELLER/CHEVROLET
Over the summer, GM said it would eliminate the HD radio option from its audio systems because it couldn't get the chip-dependent hardware it needed to offer this feature. Multiple trims of model year 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500s and GMC Sierra 1500s, as well as 2022 model year 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty pickups were affected by this change, according to The Drive. The affected trims include the Silverado LS, RST, LT, Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country and the SLE, SLT, Elevation, AT4 and Denali Sierras. As with other deleted options, GM will offer buyers of affected trucks a $50 credit.
Chevrolet/GMC: Heated Seats and Steering Wheels
2021 chevrolet silverado ltz
MUELLER/CHEVROLET
Starting the week of November 15, most GM SUVs and pickups will lose their heated and ventilated seats. This includes the Chevrolet Silverado (pictured), Traverse (except the High Country model), Blazer, and Equinox, and the GMC Sierra, Acadia (except the Denali), Canyon, and Terrain. Automotive News reported, relying on a GM letter to dealers, that this change is going to last throughout the 2022 model year. Heated steering wheels are on their way out, too, starting later in November, the paper reported. Customers will get a credit of $150 to $500 to help make up for the loss.
Ford: Satellite Navigation
2021 ford expedition
FORD
The chip shortage is obviously a global problem, so it's no surprise that Ford is dealing with problems in Europe. Details are hard to find, but Autocar said last month that Ford was building some models at its plant in Turkey without certain features, including satellite navigation.
2021 ford expedition
FORD
The good news, though, is that this option can be added back in later. "I think the issue will be around for a while—probably until Q1 next year," Ford fleet director Neil Wilson told Fleet News. "It will ease, but there will be challenges going forward and we have to be good at reacting to those challenges." Ford did not respond to C/D's request for more information.
GM: Wireless Charging
2021 chevrolet tahoe
CHEVROLET
Wireless charging spots for your mobile phone are becoming common in new cars, but don't tell that to General Motors, which announced this summer that the convenience technology would not be available in some versions of many of its vehicles. The list of affected models includes 2021 Chevy Tahoe (pictured), Suburban, and GMC Yukon SUVs as well as the 2022 Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse, and Cadillac XT5 and XT6.
2021 chevrolet tahoe high country diesel
MICHAEL SIMARICAR AND DRIVER
Anyone who buys one of these vehicles without the charging pad will get a $75 credit. When the change in features was announced, the expectation was that wireless charging would be missing for the rest of production of these model years.
Here Are Features Some New Cars Won't Get Because of the Chip Shortage
You might have to do without items from heated seats to infotainment screens on your new-vehicle purchase, but this won't last.
