I own a 2021 XSE, and I just don’t get why they even offer remote start. It’s so unreliable. I’m a drummer, so I’d say I have a decent sense of timing, but starting this thing feels completely random. Is it just me, or is this bad on purpose to push the Toyota app subscription? What’s going on with this thing?
You’re not alone. That feature is terrible. And to make it worse, the car shuts off the moment you open the door.
Darby said:
You’re not alone. That feature is terrible. And to make it worse, the car shuts off the moment you open the door.
And it doesn’t even run long enough to defrost the windows. It’s like the shortest coffee break ever.
I hate mine too. It just turns off when you open the door.
Cove said:
I hate mine too. It just turns off when you open the door.
I had a 2024 Grand Highlander with safety sense 3.0, and it didn’t shut off when I opened the door. Now I have a 2025 Sienna with safety sense 2.0, and it shuts off every time. What gives?
Cove said:
I hate mine too. It just turns off when you open the door.
It’s probably to stop someone from just walking up and driving off with it.
2024 XLE here, and yeah, it’s awful. I try pressing the button fast, slow, you name it. Nothing works consistently. I end up watching out the window to see if it even starts, and I have to try like 8 times.
It’s awful, and the app isn’t any better. No temperature controls? Even the Subaru app, which wasn’t great, was better than this.
Torrance said:
It’s awful, and the app isn’t any better. No temperature controls? Even the Subaru app, which wasn’t great, was better than this.
I recently got a 2015 Fusion Hybrid with a dedicated remote start button. It heats up and defrosts automatically. After using it, I realised just how bad the Sienna’s remote start is.
Mine works perfectly every time. Though the kick sensor can be hit or miss.
I also have a Tesla Model Y, and the tech and app are lightyears ahead of Toyota.
Rye said:
I also have a Tesla Model Y, and the tech and app are lightyears ahead of Toyota.
But isn’t Tesla’s reliability way behind Toyota?
Rye said:
I also have a Tesla Model Y, and the tech and app are lightyears ahead of Toyota.
But isn’t Tesla’s reliability way behind Toyota?
Not in my experience. I got my Model Y new in 2022, and so far, no issues. Maintenance has been just tire rotations and one alignment. My 2022 Sienna, with similar mileage, has needed two oil changes and four tire rotations. No other problems with either.
I’ve found that pressing the buttons right by the headlights works best for me.
Quinlan said:
I’ve found that pressing the buttons right by the headlights works best for me.
My trick is to try for 8 minutes straight, give up, and just start it from inside the van.
Thinking of getting an aftermarket one installed. Great… another giant keychain dongle.
ToyoLeez said:
Thinking of getting an aftermarket one installed. Great… another giant keychain dongle.
It’s so dumb since it’s already supposed to be a feature.
Yep, I’ve got a 2023 XLE. It’s less of a hassle to just go out and start the car myself.
I just learned today that the remote start on the fob only works if you have a subscription to Remote Connect through the Toyota app. If you had a trial or subscription before and it expired, the fob might still work for up to two years but will eventually stop.
Basically, they’re pushing people into paying for a subscription just to use remote start.
I found this out when I brought my 2021 XLE to the dealership because both fobs had low batteries and the remote start wasn’t working. A tech who handles Toyota’s connectivity features explained it, and I confirmed by calling Toyota Brand Engagement.
@Tarian
You don’t actually need the subscription, but you have to agree to share your car’s location data with Toyota. If you don’t, the system won’t work.