In most cases, a 2013 Honda Accord did not come with factory remote start. If your car does have remote start, it’s usually the result of a dealer-installed accessory kit or an aftermarket system. You can verify by checking your key fob, looking for an installed remote-start module, or confirming with a Honda dealer using your VIN.
What remote start means for a 2013 Accord
Remote start is a feature that lets you start the engine from outside the vehicle using the key fob or a compatible app. For the 2013 Honda Accord, a factory-equipped remote start was not standard across most US trims. Some vehicles may have received a dealer-installed accessory kit or an aftermarket installation, which means the capability exists but not as part of the original factory specification.
Factory vs aftermarket remote start in the 2013 Accord
Understanding the source of remote start is important for safety, warranty, and compatibility. A factory/official dealer-installed kit is designed to integrate with the car’s anti-theft system and climate controls, while aftermarket systems vary in quality and may affect warranties. If you’re unsure which path applies to your car, a quick check with a Honda dealer using your VIN can confirm whether a remote-start option was installed when new.
How to tell if your car has remote start
Use these checks to determine whether your 2013 Accord already has remote start installed, and if so, how it’s activated.
- Look at your key fob for a dedicated remote-start button (often a circular arrow symbol) or a specific sequence described in the owner’s manual. If present, remote start is installed on your vehicle.
- Inspect under the dash or near the steering column for a small electronic module, wiring harness, or a siren/activator box that may indicate an aftermarket or dealer-installed remote-start system.
- Check the owner's manual or any service or owner documentation for remote start instructions. If the manual mentions remote start and you can trigger it, your car has the system installed.
- Ask a Honda dealer to look up your VIN to see whether a factory or dealer-installed remote engine start option was ordered with the vehicle.
If you don’t see a dedicated remote-start button on the fob, no obvious under-dash module, and there’s no remote-start instruction in the manual, your Accord may not have remote start installed.
How to add remote start if you don’t have it
If your 2013 Accord doesn’t currently have remote start, you have a few routes, each with its own considerations for warranty and compatibility.
- Factory/Dealer-installed remote start: Contact a Honda dealer about the official Remote Engine Start accessory kit for your exact trim and VIN. A dealership installation is typically designed to preserve safety features and warranty terms.
- Reputable aftermarket system: If you choose an aftermarket remote-start kit, work with a professional installer who has experience with Honda immobilizer systems. Ensure the installer uses a kit compatible with your model year and that the installation won’t inadvertently disable airbags or other security features.
- Avoid DIY installations that bypass security: While some DIY kits exist, improper installation can create safety and security risks, and may void warranties or interfere with vehicle electronics.
Before proceeding, consider warranty implications, potential impacts on resale value, and the need to maintain compatibility with the car’s climate controls and immobilizer system. A dealer or qualified installer can provide guidance tailored to your VIN and trim level.
Summary
Most 2013 Honda Accords did not include a factory remote-start option, but some cars may have a dealer-installed accessory or an aftermarket system. To confirm, check the key fob for a remote-start button, look for installed hardware, review the owner’s manual, or contact a Honda dealer with your VIN. If you don’t have remote start and want it, pursue a dealer-installed kit or a reputable aftermarket installation, while weighing warranty and security considerations.