In GM’s official Limited Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklets for 2025 and newer model-year vehicles, the automaker explicitly states that owners are responsible for installing OTA updates within 45 days of their availability.

The policy reads:

“Damage resulting from failure to install Over-the-Air software updates is not covered.”
In short, neglecting updates could leave owners without warranty protection if a related issue arises.

This stipulation applies across all four of GM’s U.S. brands (Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac).
If an OTA update is missed and a component fails due to outdated software, the resulting repair costs could fall entirely on the owner.

However,

GM also clarifies that “if an Over-the-Air software update causes damage to the vehicle, that damage will be covered for the applicable warranty coverage period,” which should provide at least some peace of mind for those owners who would otherwise prefer the “wait and see” approach.