Toyota Now Charging Subscription for Key Fob Remote Start

It was explained to me that you can either disable via app or press the SOS button and speak to someone to remove the master consent.

Not sure if this actually stops the ability for the truck to communicate with Toyota or just removes your access via the connected services.

To your point about privacy/spying: I do feel a bit weird/uneasy that there’s the ability for a cell phone signal to disable our trucks -perhaps even with the consent revoked.

 

I pressed the button today and got a message saying something like I wasn't connected and to call a number. I might just do that and make sure I'm totally disconnected. That and review the privacy policy.

 

Please keep the thread posted as to what you find and out!

 

A Toyota spokesperson confirmed to The Drive that if a 2018 or later Toyota is equipped with Toyota's Remote Connect functions, the vehicle must be enrolled in a valid subscription (whether it be a free trial period or otherwise) in order for the key fob to start the car.
It's become more common in recent years for automakers to charge for apps that allow drivers to monitor, lock, or start their cars with their smartphones. But as far as we can tell, Toyota's the first company to charge for full use of your physical key fob—either $8 a month or $80 a year at the Remote Connect plan's current price.

Though the thread on Reddit was eventually labeled "Potentially Misleading" by moderators after garnering hundreds of comments, Toyota's response to The Drive was unequivocal: A paid subscription will eventually be required for the key fob's remote start function to work for every single model.
https://www.thedrive.com/news/43329/toyota-made-its-key-fob-remote-start-into-a-subscription-service

 

That’s total bullshit

 

I think we knew that for the app but to require it for the fob is unreasonable. Toyota seems to want to be the new GM, at least as far as the Tundra is concerned.

 

The app kind blows anyway. Half the time it won’t connect with remote start or door locking. I wouldn’t renew it (or pay for it). Far different experience than I had with my BMW remote connect.

 

This is not for the app. This is for the fob.

 

The way I read it is only to use remote start fob function, otherwise all other functions such as lock/unlock work without a subscription. I have zero use for remote start but I gladly pay for the service because it allows me to track my Tundra from anywhere, gives me instant mileage/DTE/trip odometer, and I can lock/unlock my truck without the fob. But I guess I am in the minority by thinking it is a service and have no problem paying for it…

 

Yeah, definitely the minority. I would never be OK being charged a subscription to start my car with the key fob.

 

But it really does much more that. I have never used the remote start function.

 

Fuck that. I'll spend the $500 - $600 and have a better aftermarket remote start installed.

 

Well next up is heated seats, and being from NY I’m sure you use those lol

 

My app subsription has rolled off and my fob still works, when I bought the truck there was some documentation stating that the packages my truck came with means my key fob wireless start should work for 10 years.

 

You live in NY and never use remote start, even in winter?
You like getting into a freezing cold truck with a freezing cold engine?

 

Nope…LOL. I am the guy that wears winter coats in my vehicle and will only turn the heater on to get a slight edge of the chill. I detest being in a hot vehicle. I barely let my vehicles warm up. I usually only wait about 20 seconds at most to put the vehicle in gear. Ice cold steering wheel and all.

*EDIT* So if I understand correctly…are you saying to control the Tundra through the app (limit speed/lock and unlock/start/ track speed and location) requires no connection to Toyota? It an honest question nothing loaded in there…

 

Nope…don’t like it but I hate wasting gas in all honesty.

 

well the key works when it wants to as well

 

I don’t think anyone has a problem with Toyota charging to use the app. Charging to use your key fob is insane

 

I honestly may be missing something because I never not have the service since the free trial ended. What exactly doesn’t work on the key fob if you don’t subscribe? Does the entire key fob not work anymore? Cause that I can agree is absolutely BS.

 

If you do not maintain an active subscription with Toyota, they will disable your key fob remote start ability

 

Had a small epiphany today. Realized that I honestly don't see myself owning another Toyota after my current 2.5 gen. The company's shift in direction no longer seems to align with my needs.

This article didn't help change my mind either.

 

And you’ll have to pay a subscription to remote start it off your phone , they all charge that monthly/ yearly

 

No. Using the app requires a paid subscription after the first year.

The three button press remote start on the FOB is the only function that is affected by the claims in the article. Is also something that has been discussed previously on here regarding whether it will or won’t work if you don’t maintain a subscription. For some people, it seems to continue to work. For others, it does not. Obviously at some point in the future, Toyota can change that behavior on vehicles that have the DCM system because that is what connects the vehicle to the “cloud” for the app to work.

 

Well that sucks

 

I don't need an app to start my truck off my phone. The article is talking about paying to use remote start from your fob, not your phone. My aftermarket 2 way remote fob has a 1 mile range and I don't need to pay a monthly subscription for it.

 

My Hyundai has this option, for free.

 

My 2020 works fine from the fob with no app purchased… I guess we will see if this ever happens

 

$50-60k for a new vehicle and want to nickel & dime us over something like this?
May be time to switch back to my 65 Ford Custom. The subscription ran out on it a long time ago!

 

My 2017 Ford F-150 (Just sold it last month) had the Phone App - Free. I could unlock and start it from Accross the country if need be. There have been times where I had to let someone into my truck and I could easily unlock it or unlock it from work, from home, from my damn boat. Always - Totally free. The FOB remote start the same thing.

I am one that likes my truck running when I get in it, if it is freezing out. Or hot as hell out. Charging for the remote start option on the FOB is ridiculous. I have not heard of any manufacturer doing so.

Someone please send me an aftermarket Key-Fob that allows remote start. Thank you