The Honda Accord first offered remote engine start in the U.S. around the 2013 model year, initially as a dealer-installed option rather than standard equipment. Since then, availability expanded over time, with factory-installed remote start appearing on higher trims during later refreshes and in different markets.
Background and timeline
Remote start in the Accord did not arrive all at once; it arrived in stages as Honda expanded convenience features across model years and regions. Below are the notable milestones commonly reported for the U.S. market.
What changed by year
Here are the major milestones in the U.S. market:
- 2013 model year: Remote-start capability began appearing on the Accord as a dealer-installed option; installation was done by the dealer and compatibility varied by trim.
- 2014–2018: Dealer-installed remote start continued to be available on various trims and through different aftermarket or dealer programs; availability depended on dealership and regional packaging.
- 2019 model year (around the mid-cycle refresh): Factory-installed remote start began to appear on higher-trim Accords in some markets, often bundled with other tech or navigation packages.
- 2020s: Availability broadened in many regions, with some trims offering built-in remote start via the original key fob or HondaLink app in certain markets, while others may still rely on dealer-installed options or regional packaging differences.
For buyers, the key takeaway is that remote start arrived gradually and is not guaranteed on every Accord or in every market. Checking the specific model year, trim, and regional packaging is essential to confirm whether a given car includes remote start.
Factory-installed vs. dealer-installed: a quick comparison
Understanding the difference helps in evaluating a used or new Accord. The following outlines typical distinctions between factory-installed and dealer-installed remote start as they have appeared in the Accord lineup.
How the two differ in practice
Here’s a concise comparison:
- Factory-installed remote start: Pre-installed by Honda as part of a factory option package or specific trim; typically integrated with the vehicle's electronics and may be compatible with HondaLink features depending on year and market.
- Dealer-installed remote start: Installed after purchase by an authorized dealer; may vary in integration and feature set, and could require specific trims or accessory packages.
If you’re evaluating a used Accord or shopping in a non-U.S. market, verify whether the vehicle has factory-installed remote start or a dealer-installed kit by checking the window sticker, consulting the dealer, or using the VIN to confirm options.
How to check if your Accord has remote start
If you’re unsure whether your Accord has remote start, use these checks to verify quickly.
- Inspect the key fob for a remote-start button (often a circular arrow) or a dedicated icon indicating start capability.
- Review the owner’s manual or the original window sticker for “Remote Engine Start” or related option codes.
- Explore the vehicle’s settings or infotainment menu for a “Remote Start” or climate-preconditioning option.
- Contact a Honda dealer and provide the VIN to confirm whether remote start was included from the factory or added via a dealer-installed kit.
Keep in mind that even with remote-start-capable hardware, the exact operation, app connectivity, and pre-conditioning features can vary by model year and market.
Summary
The Honda Accord’s remote-start journey began in the 2013 model year in the U.S. as a dealer-installed option, with factory-installed availability expanding on higher trims around the 2019 refresh and varying by market. Today, availability ranges from dealer-installed kits to factory options depending on the trim and region, withSome markets offering remote start via key fob or smartphone integration. Always verify the specific configuration for your model year, trim, and locale to know what remote-start capabilities you have and how to use them.
Summary: The feature appeared first in 2013 (dealer-installed) in the U.S., with broader factory installation emerging around 2019 on higher trims, and ongoing regional variations since then. If you’re shopping, confirm exact options with the dealer using the car’s VIN.