Toyota's Key Fob Remote Start Will Now Require a Subscription [View all]

Toyota owners enjoying the remote start feature on their 2018 or later car may be in for an unpleasant surprise. They may have to pay an unexpected subscription fee to keep the feature working.

On 2018 and later Toyotas, remote start is part of the Toyota Remote Connect suite of services. A Toyota spokesperson told the site, “the vehicle must be enrolled in a valid subscription in order for the key fob to start the car remotely.”

Buyers get a free trial of Toyota Remote Connect that ranges from three to 10 years on all new Toyotas, depending on the model. After the trial period expires, the service costs either $8 per month or $80 per year. Toyota Remote Connect includes other features that might make it worth the investment. It features in-vehicle Wi-Fi, a function to help you find your parked car, a system that lets you check the odometer and fuel level remotely from your phone, and certain teen driver controls for parents.

If you have a 2018 or newer Toyota and rely on Remote Connect to operate your car, you may want to check on the status of this subscription (or perhaps look to get out of your Toyota once the chip shortage has passed).

https://www.kbb.com/car-news/toyotas-key-fob-remote-start-will-now-require-a-subscription-fee/