Does my Honda HR-V have remote start?

Remote start on the Honda HR-V is not guaranteed across all years and trims. It may be available on some models via a dealer-installed option or through Honda’s smartphone app, but many HR-Vs do not include it by default. To know for sure, check your VIN with a Honda dealer or review your owner’s manual and build documents.

This article explains how to determine whether your HR-V has remote start, what to do if it doesn’t, and how you can add the feature if you want it—with attention to model-year differences and regional availability.

Understanding remote start for the HR-V

Remote start allows you to start the engine from outside the vehicle, typically to warm or cool the cabin before you get in. In Honda vehicles, this capability can be delivered through a dealer-installed kit, or via HondaLink, the company’s smartphone app, depending on year, trim, and market. Availability varies, and some setups require a subscription or activation through HondaLink.

How to tell if your HR-V has remote start

Use these steps to verify whether your particular HR-V includes remote start functionality.

• Check the key fob for a remote start symbol (often a circular arrow) or a dedicated engine-start button.


• Consult the owner’s manual for a section on “Remote Engine Start” or “Remote Start.”


• Inspect the HondaLink app on your smartphone for a “Remote Engine Start” or “Start Engine” option (requires the vehicle to be equipped with the service and the app to be activated).


• Look at the vehicle’s build sheet or window sticker for references to a remote start option or a Security System with Remote Start.


• Contact your Honda dealer and provide your VIN to confirm whether remote start is installed or available as an add-on for your exact vehicle.

If none of these indicators are present, your HR-V likely does not have remote start as built, or it might require a dealer-installed kit or an activation of a paid service through HondaLink.

What to do if your HR-V doesn’t have remote start (but you want it)

Several pathways can enable remote start on an HR-V, though availability depends on model year and market. Consider these options carefully and consult a dealer before making changes.

• Dealer-installed Remote Engine Start Kit (if offered for your year and trim).


• HondaLink Remote Start (if your model supports it and you subscribe to the required service).


• Aftermarket remote start system installed by a qualified installer (be aware this can affect warranties and may require compatibility checks with the vehicle’s immobilizer).

Before proceeding, verify warranty implications, local regulations, and installation requirements with a certified dealer or installer.

How to use remote start if your HR-V has it

Usage depends on whether the feature is delivered via the key fob or the HondaLink app. Here are the general approaches, with a note to consult your manual for the exact steps for your year and trim.

• Key fob method: If your fob supports it, you typically lock the doors and then use a specific sequence on the remote (often involving the engine-start button or holding a button) to start the engine remotely. The exact sequence varies by year and trim, so check the manual.


• HondaLink app method: Open the HondaLink app, sign in, and select Remote Start or Start Engine. The engine will run for a limited duration (commonly around 10 minutes) or until you cancel it, and it often requires the vehicle to be in Park with the parking brake engaged.

Important safety notes: Do not remote-start your vehicle in closed spaces or near pedestrians, and ensure the area around the car is clear. Local laws may restrict remote engine operation, and improper use can pose safety risks.

Bottom line and next steps

Remote start on the Honda HR-V depends on model year, trim, and regional offerings. If you’re unsure whether your specific HR-V has remote start, contact your Honda dealer with your VIN, review the owner’s manual, and check the HondaLink app if you have it. If it isn’t equipped but you want the feature, explore dealer-installed options, HondaLink activation (if supported), or a professional aftermarket system with attention to warranty implications.

Summary

In short, not every HR-V includes remote start by default. Confirm availability using your VIN, your owner’s manual, and the HondaLink app or dealer: if it’s not present, you have practical paths to add it, but each option has caveats related to warranty, cost, and compatibility.

How to turn on HR-V with key fob?

And then hold the button until it starts this is a great feature. Especially on those cold days because it will allow you to preheat your cabin.

Does my HR-V have remote start?

Yes, the Honda HR-V has remote start, but it depends on the model year and trim. Newer models like the 2023 and newer Sport and EX-L trims often come with it standard, and the 2025 model also has a cellular remote start option via the HondaLink app. To use it, you typically press the lock button on the key fob and then press and hold the engine start button to turn the engine on. You must still press the brake and start button to begin driving, as the engine will shut off if you try to shift gears without doing so.
 
This video demonstrates how to use the remote starter on a 2023 Honda HR-V: 39sAutomotiveWomanYouTube · Nov 29, 2022
For key fob remote start

1. Press the "lock" button on your key fob. 
2. Press and hold the "remote start" button (it has a circular arrow symbol) for a few seconds until you see the parking lights flash. 
3. To drive, get in the vehicle, press the brake pedal, and then push the start button. 
4. To stop the engine remotely, press and hold the remote start button again until the lights flash, or press the "unlock" button once and then hold the remote start button. 

For cellular remote start (2025 and newer)

1. Make sure your vehicle is registered and linked to your HondaLink account.
2. Download and open the HondaLink app.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to activate the remote start service. 

For older models (2016-2022)

• You may need to purchase and install an aftermarket kit.
• Installation may involve adding a button to the factory key fob or using a different sequence, such as pressing the lock button three times. 

How do I know if my vehicle is equipped with remote start?

You can tell if your car has remote start by checking the key fob for a circular arrow button, looking for a sticker under the hood, or consulting the owner's manual. If your fob has the button, press the lock button first, then press and hold the remote start button. Some manufacturers, like Toyota, may require pressing the lock button three times and holding on the third press to activate the feature, even without a dedicated button on the fob. 
Check your key fob

• Look for a specific button: Most key fobs with remote start have a button with a circular arrow symbol (⟳). 
• Test the button: If you find the button, try pressing the car's lock button once, then immediately press and hold the remote start button for a few seconds. 
• Note: If your fob doesn't have this button, your car likely doesn't have factory remote start, though it could have an aftermarket system with a separate key fob. 

This video shows how to check for a remote start button on a key fob: 55sSteven WelchYouTube · Jun 19, 2021
Use other methods to check

• Consult the owner's manual: This is the most definitive way to confirm if your car is equipped with remote start and to learn how to use it. A PDF version of the manual is often available online if you don't have the physical copy. 
• Check the vehicle's dashboard: Some cars show a message or indicator on the dashboard when the remote start is successful. 
• Look for a sticker: Check under the hood, often on the radiator core support, for a label indicating the vehicle has auto-start. 
• Check the driver information menu: Navigate through your car's infotainment or driver information display for an option to enable or disable "auto-start" or "remote start". 

This video shows how to check if your car has remote start by looking at the dashboard and other parts: 1mBabbling BooleanYouTube · Sep 7, 2021
If you still can't tell

• Ask the dealership: They can look up your vehicle's VIN to confirm if remote start was an original factory option. 
• Contact the manufacturer: Check the manufacturer's website or support pages for information on your model's features. Some brands may have a vehicle-specific app that confirms remote start capabilities. 

Which Honda models have remote start?

Many modern Honda models have remote start, including the Civic, Accord, CR-V, HR-V, Passport, Pilot, Odyssey, and Ridgeline. The availability can vary by trim level and model year, so it is important to confirm with the specific vehicle.
 
Cars

• Civic: Available on sedan, coupe, and hatchback models, often standard on higher trims. 
• Accord: Available on the sedan and hybrid models, frequently standard on the Touring and EX-L trims in recent years. 

SUVs

• CR-V: Available on the standard and hybrid versions.
• HR-V: Remote start is available on newer models.
• Passport: Available on this SUV.
• Pilot: Available on the three-row SUV. 

Trucks and minivans

• Odyssey: Available on this minivan.
• Ridgeline: Available on the pickup truck.