r/Toyota • u/smnutting • 4d ago

WTF.....

Why in the shit do I have to pay a subscription to have auto start on a 50K vehicle, this is beyond greedy 😡🤬

177 Upvotes

85% Upvoted

114 comments sorted by

173

u/sciencevolforlife 4d ago

You should be able to remote start with your key. The subscription is for the cellular connection to your car

58

u/hvyhitter 4d ago

upvoted this needs to be higher. press lock three times and HOLD on the third lock

6

u/boosh_63 4d ago

I read somewhere that you even need a subscription to use the fob after your Toyota connect subscription runs out. Can you confirm the fob works after the sub runs out?

23

u/hvyhitter 4d ago edited 4d ago

hmm I must have a trial of something still active because (EDIT) What I do have is a 10 year trial of toyota connect if you opt out the keyfob stops working Which is batshit insane.

13

u/boosh_63 4d ago edited 4d ago

There it is...thank you.

EDIT: my son just told me that his 6-year-old Corolla starts fine with the fob and he has no subscription. 🤔

8

u/Klabastern 4d ago

This is something Toyota implemented only a few years ago, so older cars (pre 2022 I think?) are unaffected.

3

u/boosh_63 4d ago edited 4d ago

I don't mind the cost if they maintain/improve the service along the way. Worst case...I drop a needless streaming service.

Up here in northern Ontario, Canada... it's essential.

1

u/doodler1977 4d ago

i have a 2016 and can confirm. however the range on the fob is kinda stinky. i might go aftermarket at some point, esp if i can get a "roll all my windows down" option as well

1

u/Yoda_runner_26 4d ago

The prox stop working after the 6 years or 10 years

1

u/doodler1977 4d ago

can you re-enable if you have a techstream-installed computer?

3

u/hvyhitter 4d ago

it is a Radio frequency I turned it off in the spring summer and fall. I only need it for remote start in Cleveland winters.

4

u/boosh_63 4d ago

Yeah I know how they work but there's nothing stopping Toyota from having something in the truck's brain to not talk to the fob if a subscription is not in force. I just haven't been able to talk to anybody who has no subscription service and is still able to use their fob.

For example, my fob starts my truck but I still have the balance of the complimentary Toyota connect service when I purchased the vehicle.

3

u/Character_Sun1233 4d ago

Thats never been the case with my toyotas.... never ever. You can disconect everything and the physical button on your key fob will do it. My 22 camry does it. My 23 tundra does it. And all those subscriptions expired a long time ago.

1

u/boosh_63 4d ago

Good to know despite contradictory information from Toyota.

2

u/twosuperior 4d ago

This works while any subscription is active. Most come with 10year trial of service connect.

2

u/Willthisaccountlas 3d ago

Works after 

2

u/Scramschnits 2d ago

Not only that, you also need it for the traffic jam assist.

Look, I know everyone sees this as greed, but some of these services require satellite or cell service to work. In retrospect, $25 a month isn't terrible for a quality brand such as Toyota.

At least they're not charging a subscription for "heated seats".

2

u/Mayhem_Hellcat 2d ago

Never had a subscription and the FOB button trick does work, except the car shuts off as soon as you open the door, which makes it mostly useless. It’s pathetic that the capability is there but Toyota intentionally neuters it to encourage subscription sales.

1

u/HoweHaTrick 4d ago

It does. If you NEVER use the app it will stop working until you have the app even for just a month and you can cancel sub.

1

u/Plastic_Maize_2338 3d ago

Pushing the sequence of buttons sucks pretty bad. It's not a two-way remote and every time I do it 50% of the time it doesn't work. I literally have to be right in front of the car in the garage to make sure it starts. Otherwise I have to use my app on my 26 RX 350. So bunk.

0

u/reddit_and_forget_um 4d ago

And walk within 15 feet of your vehicle. 

The Fobs are complete and utter garbage these days. I literally can't get my key out of my pocket quick enough to lock it well walking away. I have to turn around and walk back before it works. 

Should be a lawsuit. 

8

u/Hungry-Broccoli-3394 4d ago

I went on a deep dive before picking up my new Toyota earlier this year...

Once you've had the subscription (free trial or paid) and you cancel it, it deactivates your DCM which is needed for remote start even with the fob. I was only able to find this information in the fine print of one of the privacy agreements, and it was vague enough that my sales rep was unsure and had to ask around to confirm. 

I ended up having my car left in delivery mode since I didn't want the subscription stuff anyways, and the dealership is pretty sure it will allow my fob remote start to continue working (no issues since pickup in February!)

3

u/Purple_Antelope_8338 4d ago edited 4d ago

It works but it’s a little janky. If you click too slow, doesn’t work. If you click too fast, doesn’t work. The only way that I found it to work reliably is to count the light blink on your car, but then it has limited use because you need to see your car. 

2

u/FrattyMcBeaver 4d ago

My Ford does mobile start for free. My Toyota does not.

1

u/Mainiga 3d ago

Pisses me off that ford does it for free basically. Dont understand why toyota cant.

1

u/FrattyMcBeaver 3d ago

If it makes you feel better I think it's paid on the new ones. Everyone is moving towards paid subscriptions because it is a constant revenue stream.

1

u/Mainiga 3d ago

Maybe it's time for someone to jailbreak this shit then

1

u/MrChewbrocca 4d ago

The range on newer Toyota cars is laughable. Fob only works 3-6ft away.

2

u/LNGRules 4d ago

Sounds like you need a battery replacement. The other trick you can do to extend the fob range is to hold the fob touching the bottom of your chin while pressing the buttons. I'm not sure of the physics, but it has worked for my current Toyota fob and my 2 prior Hyundai fobs. I do it with the fob for my 2024 Corolla Hybrid, and it extends the range 25 - 30 feet.

2

u/MrChewbrocca 4d ago

It was like that from new and battery has been replaced. No amount of chin holding is making any difference. My tin foil hat theory is that they want to push subs or curb the thefts or both. Shrug.

2

u/LNGRules 4d ago

Sorry to hear it doesn't work for you. If I learn of any other extender methods, I'll post them here in the Toyota topics.

1

u/[deleted] 4d ago

[deleted]

1

u/reddit_and_forget_um 4d ago

What year? I have a 26 BZ, it doesn't work through my work window from 30ft away. 

-1

u/reddit_and_forget_um 4d ago

This. It should be a lawsuit. I was sold a product that does not do what it says it will - namely "remote" start. 

1

u/origami_airplane 4d ago

Sounds like an easy win. Let us know when you file the complaint.

1

u/RadRokks 4d ago

Not to mention the DCM transmitting all your vehicle data so Toyota can sell it to data brokers and insurance companies 

22

u/moonlandingfake 4d ago

You can buy a remote starter kit for 200 bucks or less on Amazon for your model and install it in less than an hour easy, no need to pay subscriptions, should work with your existing key fob

2

u/Appropriate-Key-7554 4d ago

That’s what I did for my wife’s Toyota sienna. Uses the key fob. I pressed lock three times. It starts press lock three times it turns off.

1

u/lynwoodchino 4d ago

How about when you open the drivers door after remote started? Does it stay on or shut off? 

2

u/Appropriate-Key-7554 4d ago

It stays on until the 15 min timer runs out or I insert the key and turn it to on. I don’t know about cars that have push to start though.

1

u/lynwoodchino 4d ago

I see. Thank you. With standard remote start, when you open the driver door, it shuts off on its own.

1

u/moonlandingfake 4d ago

For push to start the car turns off when you open the door. I dont see it as a problem, if the car is warmed up youre not burning a starter on a hybrid, the battery is turning the engine over for a second time while its already warm

1

u/lynwoodchino 4d ago

Good to know.  Im considering to get a 3rd party kit to remote start the car in the winter time.

16

u/Cadet_Stimpy 4d ago

Everything in our lives is becoming subscription. Too many people are willing to pay for it I guess

1

u/doodler1977 4d ago

yeah, if we could just convience everyone to not pay for it, they might come around

11

u/Mountain-Loon3592 4d ago

Get rid of the Toyota app. It’s not required. Buy an aftermarket remote start and move on with your day.

I had the free for a year Toyota app and it was fine; but the aftermarket Compustar versions are vastly superior.

3

u/the2021 4d ago

The app is poor value. Toyota has fallen so behind in terms of technology as compared to competitors.

2

u/Babhadfad12 4d ago

It’s embarassing how far back Toyota is.  Teslas have come with free remote start and HVAC from your phone for a decade now, and you can use your phone as a key, and you can use a $20 keycard as a key.

3

u/pkmnBlue 4d ago

Let's just say with a Tesla, you don't pay with money

5

u/RestlessFlyer 4d ago

Be glad you aren’t in Germany where remote start stopped working because of environmental concerns:

https://www.gadgetreview.com/germany-forces-lexus-to-remotely-kill-car-heating-in-dead-of-winter

3

u/bLu_18 Harrier 4d ago

Keyfob remote start is free.

The app isn't free because someone has to pay to keep the cellular line active on the car.

2

u/Hungry-Broccoli-3394 4d ago

On new Toyotas, the keyfob remote start will also stop working once you cancel the subscription because it deactivates your DCM. 

I had to do some crazy research and ask multiple reps at my dealership to actually get this confirmed before I picked up my car. It's honestly ridiculous 😅 

1

u/bLu_18 Harrier 4d ago

If you leave Safety/Service Connect enabled, which keeps the DCM active, you will be fine.

1

u/Hungry-Broccoli-3394 4d ago

Yes, you just have to keep one service/subscription active!  It's still crazy, but better than nothing. 

I just had them leave my vehicle i n delivery mode since I didn't want the subscriptions anyways

1

u/OrphanKripler 4d ago

Free until it expires, and you can no longer rely on that method.

2

u/Salty_Touch_1170 4d ago

What vehicle?

I mean 10 years ago, vehicles never had remote start unless you added it aftermarket!

2

u/desertSkateRatt 4d ago

My 2006 tacoma has remote start...

...because I had it installed to precool the truck in the AZ summers for a couple minutes before getting in.

2

u/doodler1977 4d ago

yeah, we put a remote-start in my parents 2003 grand marquis. :)

1

u/Salty_Touch_1170 4d ago

Aftermarket?

1

u/desertSkateRatt 4d ago

"Had it installed" implies it didn't come as an OE option...

0

u/Salty_Touch_1170 4d ago

Not really… can imply you didn’t buy that option day one and wanted it later, however it was an OE option. Like higher end models have the feature.

2

u/desertSkateRatt 4d ago

Higher end 2006... Tacoma? Afraid to break it to you but 20 years ago the top trim model had a CD player and power locks/windows but not even power seats. Oh and also a 110V outlet in the bed, which is neat

2

u/Defiant-Wallaby3158 4d ago

Acuras had it standard ten years ago

1

u/smnutting 4d ago

26' taco

3

u/hvyhitter 4d ago

press lock 3 times.. HOLD on the third time.. .you gotta get the cadence down though.

1

u/doodler1977 4d ago

the only thing i don't like is that it dies the second you unlock your doors.

1

u/reddit_and_forget_um 4d ago

And be less then 15ft from your car. 2026 Fobs are hot garbage. 

2

u/boosh_63 4d ago

A 2026 should have a complimentary Toyota connect subscription for a few years.

I mean, I have a 2024 Tacoma and I still have about a year to go before I would have to consider paying.

2

u/markthelast 4d ago

Toyota needs the subscription money to pay for those V35A replacements in Tundras.

On a serious note, automakers want to make services money (highly profitable) like Apple's App Store. Nowadays, cars are a "platform" for software services to collect rent like Epic's Unreal Engine 5 or Adobe's software suite.

2

u/vastly101 4d ago

You bought it. I will not. Getting harder to find, but along with GM Google Nav built in with forced subscription and cars without spare tires, this goes on my list of do-not-buy.

1

u/curly_top54 4d ago

I went to a REPUTABLE after market shop and paid for a superior remote start system. One time, it's mine.

1

u/Oneofmany2001 4d ago

I have no subscription on our 2024 xle and the fob works for auto start

1

u/SwimWithNemo 4d ago

It comes with 10 years when the car is activated for the first time

1

u/Oneofmany2001 4d ago

lol it should be 10 years for the app after what we pay for these . But some people are saying the fob won’t work when the subscription ends with the ap 🤷‍♀️

1

u/SwimWithNemo 4d ago

Yea I don’t think any of cars they started adding the app functionality to have reached 10+ year mark yet

1

u/PM_ME_YOUR_DARKNESS 3d ago

I wonder if they'll push it out once the 10-year mark hits to avoid the negative publicity.

1

u/Glittering_Fee1523 4d ago

Yeah there’s a Trick with FOB works fine

1

u/AfellowchuckerEhh 4d ago

The more I hear about cars of the last few years has me dreading the day my cars time is up.

1

u/Speed211978 4d ago

😁🤣😁🤣

1

u/Short_Astronomer3251 4d ago

I waived all the trials on my 2025 RAV4, and I believe the remote start from the fob did work. I can't remember since the range sucks.

1

u/Chemtrail-Creator 4d ago

My truck’s DCM is physically disconnected using a aftermarket wiring harness, it has no cellular communication whatsoever to Toyota.

The key remote start works fine.

1

u/Ok_World_663 4d ago

So I didn’t download the app. The dealer showed me how to do it from my key fab on my 2026 4 runner

1

u/Spare_Pin305 4d ago

Toyota fans be like "just go buy and install an aftermarket remote start" on a 50k car.

1

u/Livid_Composer_5656 4d ago

If it's a service that needs Toyota to pay for an internet connection to the car then I can see it not being free forever. 5 years is generous.. of course to get you used to having it.

1

u/AggressiveHealth7050 4d ago

I hear you it’s stupid to have to pay this. And then that the new RAV 4 XSE already have a recall 2026 model

1

u/Free-Security7684 4d ago

Just use ur key.

1

u/RuntySkittle 3d ago

That'll be a subscription soon, too.

1

u/Free-Security7684 2d ago

I don’t doubt it

1

u/Own-Bet7310 4d ago

I have a 2026 RAV4 SE and reading through the comments, I tried the push the lock button 3 times and hold on the 3rd and it auto starts. I did this with the vehicle in my garage, so I don't know how far away it works, but it's not too relevant when walking up to the car in a parking lot anyway. Nice to know I learned a workaround for the Toyota app that I'm not using.

1

u/samsvoc 4d ago

If Toyota is incurring a cost to offer you mobile auto start, it's only fair they cover their costs. Now for something like heated seats, then I agree with you.

1

u/EvenCommand9798 4d ago

Remote start from the app can't be free, somebody needs to pay AT&T for connection. Toyota passes it to you, plus hefty premium as usual.

Remote start from keyfob has too short range and is leftover from old times, using the same cell connection dependent module that needs at least one subscription. Some trial subscriptions on some cars last 10 years, but then you are on your own.

1

u/Ecstatic-Mud-4453 4d ago

Press the lock button 3 times and hold on the third to remote start, subscription just allows you to lock doors, remote start and such from your phone. 

1

u/jan1of1 4d ago

All....don't bitch and complain on Reddit about Toyota - call Toyota USA or write a letter. I'm almost positive that no one in charge in the Toyota organization reads Reddit posts.

1

u/ra1271 3d ago

The FOB remote start is a joke
You have to be looking at the vehicle to use it and it doesnt allways work

1

u/Novel-Technician7129 3d ago

It's the same story everywhere. Car companies seem to be getting greedier by the day. First, it's becoming nearly impossible to find a decent new car for under $30,000. On top of that, manufacturers are increasingly pushing subscription-based features.

GM started down this path with app-based subscriptions, and now Toyota is doing something similar. BMW even tried charging customers $15 per month for heated seats, but the public backlash was so severe that it eventually backed off. Tesla, however, has taken the subscription model to another level.

There have been cases where owners paid thousands of dollars for Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability, only for Tesla to disable the feature when the vehicle was sold to a new owner and then charge the new owner again to regain access. If I were that buyer, I would seriously consider legal action. Remotely disabling a feature that was already installed and paid for feels no different than someone breaking into a car and removing the radio or seats.

I don't understand how Tesla continues to get away with this kind of behavior. At times, it feels like there are two sets of rules: one for Tesla and another for the rest of the automotive industry.

Tesla deployed FSD technology on public roads while it was still evolving, effectively using real-world drivers and vehicles to improve the system. Critics argue that this approach exposed motorists to unnecessary risks and contributed to crashes and fatalities. Meanwhile, traditional automakers such as GM and Ford have faced extensive regulatory scrutiny and were required to clear numerous hurdles to demonstrate that their autonomous driving technologies were safe and reliable before broader deployment.

Whether someone supports Tesla or not, it's fair to question why regulatory standards often appear inconsistent across the industry.

1

u/R50-Jake 3d ago

Thats the cellular option. The fob will indefinitely remote start the car, roll the windows diwn etc if you're within range of the car. No subscription required. My '21 and '24 model Toyotas are this way and have been since new. Never subscribed to a single thing.

1

u/kjfsub 3d ago

Don't feel bad I'll have to pay eventually and I paid 70k for the vehicle

1

u/3rivers3pedals 3d ago

This is true "enshittification" and it is disappointing. I refuse to buy an ongoing subscription for any vehicle related option or service just out of principle. I bought a car, and I expect it to do car things for as long as I can properly take care of it.

1

u/Blisket 3d ago

welcome to 2026. you will own nothing and be happy

1

u/freedawg72 2d ago

Yep, totally agree. The issue to me is not with the subscription model per se, it’s the fact that they could have done 3 years or 5 years. The fact that it’s only 1 year is beyond greed. I wish we could all tell them that!!!

1

u/CasualConstituion619 2d ago

You will own nothing and be happy

1

u/Dismal-Ant-1646 2d ago

Wait untell you have to pay a fee to use your heater its coming. 

1

u/jimfantazzia 1d ago

I just got a plug and play remote start that works with my existing key fob, press lock twice and hold down on third press, bam starts right up, like it's OEM, no extra fob.

0

u/slingshotcoyote FJ 4d ago

No you can use it on your fob. If you had actually bothered to do research before making a very expensive purchase you would know that.

2

u/Hungry-Broccoli-3394 4d ago

This is no longer true... Read the fine print on the agreements/vehicle information docs for new Toyotas. 

Once you cancel their subscription, your DCM is deactivated which is required even for keyfob remote start. 

I get it sounds ridiculous (it doesn't just sound it, it's fricking insane..), but maybe you should actually bother to do some research before leaving an unnecessarily rude comment with incorrect information 

1

u/slingshotcoyote FJ 4d ago

2021 mine still works and I never had the subscription. My comment isn’t rude. People need to do more research before making big purchases.

2

u/Suspicious_Plate_591 4d ago

Please. Most car buyers don’t know how many cylinders are under the hood and now you need a lawyer and a PhD to figure out how to get remote start?

1

u/hvyhitter 4d ago

it wont when 10 years is up from what I read. Which is a long time. but still yea I just pay for remote connect I leave my truck unlocked all the time and my wife demands I get the service so she can lock the doors when I dont lol

2

u/slingshotcoyote FJ 4d ago

Honestly I don’t even care about remote start. It’s not what I bought the truck for. You must live in a rural state like me.

1

u/Hungry-Broccoli-3394 4d ago

2021 is five years ago. Subscriptions have changed a lot since then.. 

People should definitely be doing more research for a big purchase like a new vehicle, but your comment is still rude and unhelpful when someone has already purchased a vehicle. 

Manufacturers are making it intentionally difficult to find the correct information I literally had to comb through every document and ask several people to get confirmation that cancelling a subscription will deactivate your keyfob remote start 

1

u/slingshotcoyote FJ 4d ago

Yup. That’s why I won’t be buying a newer vehicle than the ones I have for the foreseeable future. I don’t think vehicles need to have any sort of subscription. It’s dumb. Toyota doesn’t need my information.

2

u/Hungry-Broccoli-3394 4d ago

I honestly almost cancelled my vehicle earlier this year when I finally found all the information.. but it turns out all manufacturers are doing it, except for Volkswagen (for now). 

If I wasn't driving a 2013 Fiesta or if I could have found a decently priced 'newer' used vehicle, I definitely would not have gotten a new one 😂

1

u/OrphanKripler 4d ago

The fob method expires after the trial. Depending on when you got the car the trial is anywhere from 3 months to 5 years long. Then you can no longer remote start with the fob. My 2019 rav4 fob remote start trial ended a year ago.

I just went on Amazon and installed a module that lets me keep using remote start with my factory fob.

0

u/Last_Plastic7885 4d ago

lol that’s why I just bought an 87 no bs switches or microchips. Motor gas wheels ac and radio.

0

u/Maleficent-Body-4424 4d ago

Jedź do Europy tam zapłacisz więcej a zdalnego uruchamiania nie będzie...

0

u/sntnmjones 4d ago

Wait until you find out how much they're making off your data. That'll really grind your gears...

-1

u/Awkward-Address-7135 4d ago

It baffles me that people still don’t know they can remote start their cars with Toyota. Even if it may not be obvious, there’s bumps on the lock button and that made me realize there’s a remote start of some sort. Press and held it on the second click, nothing. Tried it with 3 clicks and it worked. Just gotta use your brain sometimes. What do you think those dots on the lock button are for? The blind??