Do you have to pay for remote start on Honda?
In many Honda models, remote start can be free if your car already includes the feature on the key fob, but using remote start from a smartphone usually requires a paid HondaLink Connected Services subscription after a trial period. Availability and pricing vary by model year and region.
This article explains how remote start works on Honda vehicles, when you should expect to pay, and how to verify your own car’s setup. It covers both built-in key fob functionality and app-based remote start, plus tips to confirm costs with your dealer or the manual.
Ways to access remote start
There are two main pathways to remote start on modern Hondas: built-in remote start via the key fob and smartphone-based remote start through the HondaLink app.
Remote start with the key fob
Many Honda trims offer remote start directly from the key fob. In these cases, you can start the engine remotely without any ongoing subscription or monthly fee, provided your vehicle’s hardware supports the feature.
- Typically available on select trims and model years.
- Does not require a HondaLink subscription for use via the fob.
If your car supports this feature via the fob, it is generally included at no extra ongoing cost beyond the purchase of the vehicle.
Remote start via the HondaLink app
Starting your car from a smartphone usually uses HondaLink Connected Services. This pathway commonly includes a trial period at purchase, after which a paid subscription is often required to continue remote start from the app.
- Requires active HondaLink Connected Services on your account.
- Typically offered with a trial; ongoing use after the trial requires payment, with pricing varying by region and model year.
For users who don’t want to pay, the app-based option may not be available once the trial ends, depending on the vehicle and market.
Costs, trial periods, and how to verify
Costs and trial terms for Honda remote start can differ by country, model year, and trim level. It’s important to confirm what applies to your exact vehicle.
- Check your trim and model year to see whether remote start is built into the key fob.
- Look up HondaLink Connected Services status in your vehicle’s infotainment system or in the HondaLink app.
- Ask the dealership about current trial durations and ongoing subscription pricing for remote start via the app.
Understanding these factors will help you know whether you’ll pay after purchase and how much you should expect to spend for app-based remote start.
How to verify your specific Honda model
To determine exactly what applies to your car, use these steps. They help you verify whether remote start is free via the fob or requires a paid subscription for the app.
- Identify your vehicle’s trim level and model year, using the owner’s manual, window sticker, or VIN lookup.
- Inspect the key fob for a remote-start button (often a circular arrow) to see if fob-based remote start is supported.
- Open the infotainment system or the HondaLink app to check for a Connected Services/Remote Start status or trial offer.
- Contact your Honda dealership for the most current terms and pricing in your region.
- Review any trial expiration dates and renewal costs if you rely on the app-based feature.
By following these steps, you’ll know exactly what your car can do and what the ongoing costs would be, if any.
Summary
Remote start on Honda can be effortless and cost-free if your trim supports it via the key fob. If you prefer app-based remote start, expect a HondaLink Connected Services subscription after an initial trial, with pricing that varies by region and model year. Always check your specific vehicle’s manual, your infotainment system, and with your dealer to confirm which options apply to you.
