Netflix. Spotify. And now your car?
One Volvo owner shared on TikTok that she was shocked to learn that she had to pay a subscription to use the remote start system for her SUV, a feature that used to be standard on much cheaper vehicles. Her husband’s fix turned into a viral moment, revealing the extent to which the “pay-to-play” trend has crept into modern cars.
The clip from The Vegan Mom (@theveganmom), which has been viewed more than 201,000 times, delves into the trend toward subscription services for anything digital. As a mother of young children who need to be pushed into the car during cold winters, she explained that remote starting is a must-have and something car companies take advantage of to earn more revenue.
“I love this car. It was winter last year. She said, ‘Well, how do I start the car remotely?'” (My husband) looks at it…and says, “Oh, we have to pay.” “I’ll pay them money every month for a car that we already own and that’s paid off.”
Volvo Remote Start subscription model
According to official documents from Volvo, The Volvo Cars app is free to downloadBut “some digital services incur an additional cost.” For US vehicles equipped with Volvo’s Sensus Connect telematics module, the connected services renewal period costs approx. $200 for 12 months. In other words, after purchase, you own the car, but some remote control features still require a recurring payment.
In user forums, Many owners express frustration. “$200 a year is the standard price in the US…” one owner wrote on Reddit. Others wonder, “Does everyone think it’s worth it?” When the feature being used is Remote Start or Lock/Unlock only.
Volvo itself says so New vehicles may include a free service periodBut once this expires, the renewal cost applies, and the agreement is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Possible alternative solution for remote start
The TikToker’s husband, a mechanic, refused to accept payment for the subscription. Instead, he installed an aftermarket remote start kit that bypasses the app subscription entirely, turning the owner’s keychain or smartphone app into a one-time paid solution instead of a monthly fee.
The device referred to by the TikToker is believed to be DroneMobile X1 LTE Module Or something similar, allowing remote start/lock/unlock via smartphone, without the need for an ongoing subscription beyond a one-time hardware purchase. Official Aftermarket Reseller List Compatible groups For XC90 and other Volvo models.
At the same time, Official renewal route for Volvo Stay active. For owners who choose to stay within the manufacturer’s ecosystem, the convenience and potential remote support may justify the annual fee.
What does this mean for drivers
What’s happening here is emblematic of a changing trend: so are the automakers Increasingly Treat features like remote start, pre-conditioning, lock/unlock, location tracking, and IT as services, rather than just purely hardware options. This raises issues around ownership, resale value and consumer perception.
For this owner with a paid-for SUV, young children, and dealing with seasonal weather, the idea of paying month after month just to get the car running seems unreasonable. I expressed this frustration: “For a car we already own… in order to be able to use one feature on it, I have to pay a subscription?” Meanwhile, her husband’s workaround highlights the DIY/aftermarket path that many are exploring to avoid recurring fees.
From the manufacturer’s side, the business case is clear: Telematics services cost money For cellular data, server infrastructure, and cybersecurity, recurring support and revenue are more attractive than one-time upgrades. still, Consumers may refuse When legacy features, such as remote start via keychain that were previously included, no longer exist or are locked behind subscriptions.
If you own (or plan to buy) a Volvo equipped with Remote Start via the Volvo Cars app, check it out These things:
- Is the free subscription period still on your car or has it expired?
- What is the cost to renew for your model year and region (usually $200 per year in the US)?
- What features Remains possible without subscribing? For example, emergency SOS and fault notification, versus features that are disabled, such as remote start, locking, and unlocking.
- Are the aftermarket solutions compatible with your vehicle and remote control? As the forums indicate, some of the owners Successfully installed modules such as SKSXC For XC90 with key fob activation.
- Consider the cost of installation, warranty implications, and whether an aftermarket solution meets your functional needs.
What started as a conversation on TikTok about unexpected subscription fees for the 2017 Volvo Because cars are more connected and interconnected than ever before Software knowledgeThe question for buyers is not just what car they own, but what ongoing costs are hidden behind it.
Engine1 The creator was contacted via direct message and posted a comment. We’ll be sure to update this if they respond.
