Most 2012 Honda Accords did not come with factory remote start; if your car has remote start, it’s likely the result of a dealer-installed accessory or an aftermarket installation. To know for sure, check the key fob, review the owner's manual for any remote-start references, and contact a Honda dealer with your VIN to confirm how your specific car was equipped.
What remote start means for a 2012 Accord
Remote start lets you start the engine from outside the vehicle using a key fob or other remote interface. For a 2012 Accord, factory remote start was not standard across the lineup, and availability varied by market and trim. Some cars may have had a dealer-installed Genuine Accessory Remote Engine Start kit or an aftermarket system installed after purchase. These systems are designed to work with the car’s anti-theft features and typically require an automatic transmission.
How to tell whether your car has remote start
Use the following checks to determine if your vehicle is equipped with remote start or an installed kit.
- If your key fob includes a dedicated remote-start button or can start the engine by holding a button (such as the Lock button), you may have a remote-start system.
- Check the owner's manual for a section on "Remote Engine Start" or references to a dealer-installed remote-start accessory.
- Look for hardware beyond the stock configuration, such as an additional remote, a small control module under the dash, or a separate antenna that’s not part of the standard system.
- Ask a Honda dealer to check your VIN; they can verify whether a factory option or accessory kit was installed at purchase or afterward.
If you don’t find any of these indicators, you likely do not have remote start installed on your Accord.
What to do if your car does not have remote start but you want it
You have several paths to consider, depending on your region, budget, and preference for factory versus aftermarket solutions.
- Explore a factory-approved dealer-installed remote engine start kit, if Honda offers it for your market and model year. This option tends to integrate more smoothly with the car’s systems and warranty.
- Consider a reputable aftermarket remote start system, installed by a professional. Ensure the kit is compatible with your automatic transmission and that the installer can properly integrate it with the vehicle’s immobilizer.
- Be aware of warranty and insurance implications. Aftermarket installations may affect warranties or require separate coverage for the remote start system.
- Review local laws and safety considerations, such as how remote start behaves in enclosed spaces and during extreme weather.
Professional installation is advised to avoid electrical or security issues, especially with the 2012 Accord’s anti-theft system and wiring complexity.
Notes on safety and compatibility
Remote-start systems can interact with the vehicle’s immobilizer and security features. Automatic transmissions are typically required for safe remote starting. Always consult a qualified installer or a Honda dealer to ensure compatibility with your specific VIN and to preserve safety and warranty protections.
Summary
In short, a 2012 Honda Accord does not come with remote start as a universal feature. If you have remote start, it’s most likely from a dealer-installed accessory or an aftermarket installation. To confirm, check the key fob for a start function, review the owner’s manual, inspect for additional hardware, and contact a Honda dealer with your VIN. If you want remote start, you can pursue a factory option where available or opt for a reputable aftermarket system installed by a professional.
What year did Accord get remote start?
Remote start is available on the Touring and EX-L trims of the Accord. In the beginning of the generation, this feature was optional on the two top trims, while it became standard on both options during the 2016 facelift.
What billionaire drives a Honda Accord?
Jeff Bezos
Jeff Bezos was still driving a 1997 Honda Accord years after becoming a billionaire. Bezos's choice of car came to light in a “60 Minutes” interview with Bob Simon in 1999. At that time, Amazon was a 5-year-old company known mainly as an online bookstore.
How do you know if your Honda Accord has remote start?
If you're unsure whether your Honda has remote start, check your owner's manual or look for the circular button icon on your key fob with an arrowed “start” symbol.
Can you remote start a 2012 Honda Accord?
Button doors all lock. This has driver's door priority. So if I hit the door unlock button one time it unlocks the driver's door and then hit it again then the rest of the doors. Unlock.