HondaLink is Honda's built-in connected-car service, not a car subscription

HondaLink is a smartphone app and in-vehicle system that connects your Honda to Honda's servers. It lets you lock and unlock your car remotely, start the engine from your phone, check fuel level and tire pressure, and get roadside information — all through the app or voice commands in the car. It is not a subscription service where you pay monthly to use a car; it is an add-on service for people who already own or lease a Honda.

HondaLink comes standard on most 2015 and newer Honda models, but the remote features require a paid subscription. The basic package costs money per month, though Honda occasionally offers trial periods or bundled deals with new vehicle purchases. Some features, like the ability to locate your car on a map or receive maintenance reminders, are free through the app.

If you arrived here looking for a way to rent or subscribe to a Honda vehicle month-to-month instead of buying it, you want a car subscription service, not HondaLink. Honda does not currently offer a branded subscription service in most U.S. markets, though some dealers participate in third-party subscription platforms.

Key Takeaways

  • HondaLink is a connected-car app and in-vehicle system for Honda owners and lessees, not a way to subscribe to a vehicle.
  • Remote features like engine start, door lock, and roadside information require a paid monthly subscription after any trial period ends.
  • Some features, including vehicle location tracking and maintenance alerts, are free through the HondaLink app.
  • HondaLink is included on most 2015 and newer Honda vehicles, but you must set up it and pay for the subscription tier you want.

What HondaLink subscription tiers include

Honda offers HondaLink in different tiers, and the features available depend on which one you choose. The entry-level tier typically includes remote door lock and unlock, engine start and stop, and the ability to honk the horn and flash the lights from your phone. You can also check your fuel level, tire pressure, and odometer reading, and receive maintenance reminders.

Higher tiers add features like automatic crash notification (the car contacts emergency services if you are in an accident), stolen vehicle tracking, and the ability to set speed and curfew alerts for drivers on your account. Some tiers also include concierge services and the ability to send destinations to your car's navigation system from your phone.

Pricing and exact feature lists vary by model year and region. You should check the HondaLink website or contact your Honda dealer to see what is available for your specific vehicle and what each tier costs in your area.

How to set up HondaLink on your Honda

If you own or lease a 2015 or newer Honda, HondaLink hardware is already in your vehicle. To use it, you read the HondaLink app to your smartphone, create an account, and link it to your vehicle using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and other identifying information.

The app will walk you through the setup process. You will need to verify your identity and confirm that you are the registered owner or authorized user of the vehicle. Once your account is set up, you can choose which subscription tier you want and begin your trial period or paid subscription.

If you have questions about setup or your account, Honda's customer service team can walk you through it over the phone or through the app itself. Your Honda dealer can also help you get your free guide.

Trial periods and what happens when they end

Honda often includes a trial period with new vehicle purchases or leases — commonly three months or six months of free HondaLink service. During the trial, you can use all the features of the subscription tier included with your vehicle at no cost.

When the trial ends, you will need to choose whether to pay for a subscription to keep using remote features. If you do not subscribe, the app will still work, but remote door lock, engine start, and other connected features will no longer function. You can resubscribe at any time.

Some dealers offer extended trials or discounted first-year rates as part of a vehicle purchase or lease deal. If you are buying or leasing a Honda, ask the dealer what HondaLink trial or discount they include.

HondaLink versus other connected-car services

Many other automakers offer similar connected-car apps — Toyota has Toyota Connected Services, Ford has FordPass, and Chevrolet has OnStar. These services work the same way: they come built into newer vehicles and require a paid subscription for remote features like engine start and door lock.

The main differences are in which features each service offers, how much they cost, and how long the trial period lasts. If you are comparing vehicles and connected-car services matter to you, check what each manufacturer includes in their base tier and what the monthly cost is after the trial ends.

If you are looking for a car subscription service — where you pay monthly to use a different car each month — that is a separate product category. Some subscription services use Hondas in their fleets, but the subscription service itself is not run by Honda.

What to do if HondaLink is not working

If the HondaLink app is not connecting to your vehicle, start by checking that your vehicle's cellular connection is active. Older models or vehicles in areas with poor cellular coverage may have trouble connecting. Restart the app and try again.

If the problem persists, check the HondaLink website for known outages or service issues. You can also contact Honda customer service through the app or by phone — the number is in your owner's manual and on the HondaLink website. They can check whether your subscription is active and whether your vehicle is properly registered to your account.

If you are having trouble with a specific feature — like remote engine start not working — make sure your vehicle meets the requirements for that feature. For example, some remote start features only work if your doors are locked or if the vehicle is parked in certain conditions. Your owner's manual and the HondaLink app both explain the requirements for each feature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for HondaLink if I buy a Honda?

No. The hardware is built in, but you only pay if you want to use remote features like engine start and door lock. Basic features like maintenance reminders and vehicle location are free through the app. Many new vehicle purchases include a trial period, so you can try it before deciding whether to subscribe.

Can I use HondaLink if I lease my Honda?

Yes. If your lease includes HondaLink, you can set up an account the same way. When your lease ends, your access to HondaLink ends with it. Check your lease agreement to see whether HondaLink is included and whether the dealer is covering the subscription cost.

What happens to my HondaLink data if I sell my car?

Your account and data stay with you, not the vehicle. When you sell or trade in your Honda, you should remove the vehicle from your HondaLink account through the app. The new owner can then set up their own HondaLink account using the vehicle's VIN.

Does HondaLink work if my phone does not have cellular service?

No. Your phone needs an internet connection to communicate with your vehicle through HondaLink. Your vehicle also needs a cellular connection to receive commands from the app. If either connection is down, remote features will not work.

Can I use HondaLink to find my car if it is stolen?

Yes, but only if you subscribe to a tier that includes stolen vehicle tracking. This feature lets you see your vehicle's location on a map in real time and can help you or law enforcement locate it. Not all subscription tiers include this feature, so check what your tier covers.