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It's perfect weather for a remote start, but I can't use it.

That's what Adam (@adamoftoyota) says about his new Toyota Tundra truck. He said this on his TikTok video before the social media platform was banned in the US. Update: Good news for users, Tik Tok has been restored.   

Picture working for a Toyota dealer, purchasing a new Toyota Tundra truck, and then the remote start won't work. Especially as the Arctic blast hits most of the U.S., it's nice to click your Tundra truck key fob three times and have your truck start to warm it up.

You can start your truck, warm it up, and have it toasty when you leave for work or are ready to go home after a long day at the Toyota dealer. 

However, when you go to start your truck, the remote start won't work. You try to remote start your Tundra from inside the showroom, step outside thinking it doesn't work through the glass, walk ten feet from the truck, and finally stand next to the Tundra truck. Still, after four tries, it doesn't work.

This is Adam's dilemma.  

"Perfect weather for remote start. Watch this," Adam says as he holds his Tundra key fob to the camera. Next, he aims the fob at his truck in a snow-covered parking lot and presses it three times. However, the vehicle's remote start function fails. "One, two, three. Ahh," he says in disappointment.

"Sorry, it doesn't work through glass; I got it." He says with a frown on his face. Adan walks towards the dealership's front door and slightly cracks it open because it's cold. 

After opening the door further, still staying inside, he aims the key fob again at the big Tundra sitting in the snowy lot. "All right, one, two, three," he says, pressing the fob button three more times. The pickup truck's lights blink twice, and then there's nothing again.

Adam is even more frustrated now, and he attempts the remote start protocol for the third time. "One, two, three," he says, counting as he clicks the fob button. 

The truck's lights blink twice again, but the truck doesn't start again. Adam shakes his head and walks closer to his truck as he tries the Tundra's remote start feature again. Again, the truck lights blink on and off and fails to start the engine. 

Adam isn't about to give up yet. He walks over to Tundra, stands next to his truck, and tries to start it remotely yet again. But it fails for the fourth time. Adam can't believe it. 

Adam gets so close that he is right next to the passenger-side front fender. He bends over, gets eye level with the Tundra's right headlight, and tries the remote start sequence again. "One, two, three," he says; the remote start fails again, causing him to hang his head, admitting defeat.

Does the Toyota Tundra have a factory remote start issue? 

Reddit users say yes. 

One Reddit user expresses their frustration, "I just got my hands on the new 2024 Tundra and I've been using the app for remote start. But here's the thing: it shuts off immediately when I unlock the door with the key fob. Wondering what's the point of remote start if it does this?"

CajunReeboks - This has been a "feature" by Toyota since at least 2010; 100% of the people ever asked have disliked this function. Toyota has failed to listen to this complaint.

Checks-Out- - Good news, fellow Tundra owners! I just got a 2024 Corolla, and they changed the remote start. I can unlock the Corolla when it starts. I then have to get into the car, press the brake, and push the Start/Stop button. It stays running!

I can only imagine it'll cross over to the Tundra soon enough. Doesn't change this on my 2021, but for 2025?

drkidkill expresses their inconvenience, "I have a 2017 Tundra with a cheap aftermarket start, it behaves correctly. It's a shame that Toyota can't get this right."

dropdeadtek shares their disappointment, "My Subaru doesn't do this, but my Tundra does, and it ticks me off. For example, for a $50K plus truck, they can't fix this minor inconvenience."

Others on the Toyota Tundra Forum are saying the same thing.

Aryl - The Toyota remote start is so pathetic, especially from the fob, that it is inconsistent, slow, short range, etc., that I will almost certainly go aftermarket at some point. I want a long-range 2-way fob-based remote start like I put in my Tacoma way back in 2009. This Tundra setup just totally sucks by comparison.

Venture 1 - I have a 2022 SR5, which has a remote start as long as I keep Toyota's remote connect subscription service. Push the lock button on the key fob 3 times and hold it down on the third push. It takes a few seconds for it to kick in. 

Csteppe - I've tried the three presses and it doesn't work. Do I have to have a subscription service?

Rcflyersd - I understand that if you don't renew/pay for the remote connect subscription after the trial period expires, the remote start feature goes away.

That brings up the question: does the Tundra remote start stop working after the trial period?

The standard trial period for Toyota's Drive Connect with remote start for most vehicles is one year.  However, customers can opt for a pre-purchased option for up to three years. So, it depends on which plan you chose when you purchased the Tundra. 

Toyota says that for Tundra's Remote Connect, once your Remote Connect trial ends, your Remote Connect service will continue with the purchase of either the Go Anywhere, Premium, or Music Lover subscription plan. 

How much does the app cost?

Toyota subscription plans cost $15–$25 per month, depending on your chosen plan. 

Conclusion.

Tundra owners are not thrilled with the truck's remote start, and Adam's free trial period likely ran out on his 2024 Tundra pickup. All Toyota Drive Connect services were disconnected one year after he purchased the truck. 

You would think that he knows this, working for a Toyota dealer. I'm sure he does. He was likely making fun of Toyota's Drive Connect, thinking it should be included for free. 

How about you?

Have you experienced being cut off from Toyota's Connected services on your Tundra or another Toyota model only to find out you must pay extra for it? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my Toyota Tundra story titled; My Toyota Tundra Suddenly Lost Power and I Need a New Engine, I’ve Been to the Dealer Countless Times, Now They Say My $60,000 Truck Is Only Worth $35K

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Adam