Mazda Mobile Start Reviews

by Rumpusmaster

This is a great feature to have, but it looks like Mazda has not been updated since it's release. There is no support for TouchID (or any other quick sign in option), the user interface is clunky and outdated, and the only information available is whether the car is running after being started using your login information.

This is in a time when most other automakers are including telematics in the base price of the vehicle, not charging extra as an add on, and are offering an updated, current app with better, more powerful features. I would appreciate being able to set climate controls, turn on the heated steering wheel and seats, and view current vehicle information such as door lock status, fuel level, and perhaps service information.

Ultimately this is a lackluster service that just gets the job done with no frills. Not what you would expect after an extraordinary install cost and an annual fee. Especially when so many other automakers are including these features with no extra hardware installed, and minimal annual fees.

by NataLew08

I should have read the reviews. I just upgraded my 2016 CX-9 Signature to a 2018 CX-9 Signature. I was so excited to get mobile start. My husband has it on his 2017 Ram and I had it installed on a Honda Civic many, many years ago when I lived in New York. After one day, I’m disappointed. The mobile start acts nothing like my husband’s or the ancient version I had on my 2002 Civic. Issues: the car shuts off as soon as you unlock the door, Mazda takes at most a minute to unlock the doors and start the car, there is an annual fee after your inaugural year (my husband and 2002 Civic me pay/paid nothing), Mazda does not integrate with touch or Face ID, Mazda does not keep you logged in and last but not least, the UI is for older versions of an iPhone. this app, I expected more. Developers, fix this crappy app. I can unlock my doors with my key quicker than Mazda can. I, and others, paid a lot for this feature and you all should deliver an appropriate level of quality. Mazda in its current state is INAPPROPRIATE! Please fix it. You owe it to your loyal this app fans and customers.

by Lizabeth5784

Seriously where do I begin? I started with the remote start fob and that was a bust - they gave me this chunky cheap piece of plastic with an antenna on it (looked like it was out of the 90s - think Inspector Gadget!) then I switch to the Mobile start and can’t get it to work at all! 1 minute to login in after typing my required complex password, 1 minute to start car.... oh wait APP CRASH! Log back in wait another minute... start car by the time I actually got to my car, opened it up and the car stopped running! What kind of joke is this? Aside from the fact that Mazda hasn’t been updated to integrate Touch ID or actually fit the size of new phones... I am highly disappointed in this app. Please get it together - this was SUCH a rip off. I hope others considering this feature do NOT waste their tile or money - it’s not worth it. I will be calling and complaining. Every sales person and finance person at Morrie’s this app RAVED about how well it works... based on these reviews I don’t know how anyone... ANYONE can say this thing is the greatest ever... I am so frustrated.

by Chreese

While Mazda does actually work to start my car I find the process of using Mazda irritating. You have to type in a password every single time you want to use Mazda . All the unnecessary typing is just a huge waste of time. On the list of concerns I would have if someone stole my phone and somehow gained access to my thumb print- having the thief start my car would be very low. Mazda absolutely needs to have finger print/facial recognition login like most normal apps.
Secondly, there is no way to set a default to start the car. You have to click on a menu and select start car from a list each and every time. Really strange for an app called mobile “Start”. While it is only an additional 5 seconds, that is five seconds of what feels like nails on a chalkboard every single time. On a cold winters day, when I am in a rush in the morning trying to get the kids ready for school, the last thing I want to do is add wastes time.
Get with the times and make this easier to use.

by Caramelmandana

I'm a long time this app fan. I don't get to though ... They're able to engineer awesome cars but we can't get a decent mobile start app? Mazda is extremely cheap and looks & feels like something someone made over a weekend while drinking a six-pack of cheap beer. Mazda is also extremely disappointing and almost insulting because with equipment and install it costs over $1000. Customers shouldn't have to pay that much money for a system that isn't properly supported. For instance, I shouldn't have to put in my password every time I open up Mazda. There are other security measures that can be used to log in like finger print or pin. I would agree with one of the other reviewers. Hyundai did a good job with their mobile start app. this app needs to take a page out of their book. If this app doesn't step up their game, I won't likely renew my subscription when my one year complimentary subscription is up. It is simply not worth it. Good thing I got this system and its install for free. Just. Awful.

by Dubhlaine

Edit: adding insult to injury; after 3 months it no longer connects to car!!! As several others have reported! Lovely!!!
Not even sure I will take to the dealer to have it 'fixed' as its a horrible design! And will definitely not be paying the 65$ annual fee until Mazda is updated and some of the issues below are addressed! Thanks this app! ☹

Very disappointed in this feature. $600 install ($65/yr after 1st yr)

I DO NOT LIKE the this app Mobile Start - because;

Mazda takes too long to sign in (requiring password and pin every time, up to 2 mins to sign in and connect!!!) Needs to allow fingerprint recognition as does my bank!!

'Remember me' does not work!!!!

After initiating remote start as soon as you open the door it shuts off the engine!! necessitating starting the car again!!! Whats up with that?? (As far a I know this app is the only one that intentionally does that!!!! )

If I have the key-less entry key with me and open the door then please do not shut down the engine!!! If somebody breaks in while the car is running and activates the anti theft system then by all means shut it down!!!!!!

Cannot see on Mazda whether or not the car is actually locked (as advertised)!!

At the very minimum Please update the system to allow fingerprint access in Mazda and not shut off the car when opened by the owner (with the key) and you will go along way to making me actually want to use it!

by Nick F Mazdalover

So to start, we have to pay $500 for this service. I expect it to run smoothly. As others mentioned, sales and mechanics raced about how wonderful of a function the mobile start is. Well I was heavily disappointed.

To start, the interface is god awful. Looks like it was last updated for the iPhone 4. Terribly small and does not fill the full screen.

Second, it takes a whole minute to log in, and a whole minute to start the engine. Now, that may not seem like a lot, and you may be saying “Just chill out, it is only a minute,” and I get that. However, the majority of the time I get to my car before logging in and starting it.

Next, I wish it was designed so it does not automatically turn off when you get in. I wish it would recognize your key fob and just stay on. Also, I wish that you could control the climate from Mazda . So that way I can boost the temp to high, when the last time I left the car I was at like 68. Again, this may be me being needy, but if I pay $500 for a mobile start app, I want that app to run smoothly and look at least halfway decent.

I am very disappointed with Mazda and if there is not an update by the time I need to renew the add on, I will simply request them to remove the technology. I should have went with the Navigation instead.

by Moykitfung

This is by far the biggest joke of an app ever designed for the consumer. I always get so excited whenever I see that there's an update for Mazda thinking that they will FINALLY optimize Mazda for face ID and the iPhone X, but nonetheless I'm always sadly reminded that the developers don't give a crap about Mazda. Also why does my car shut off once I open the door?! I want to be able to just get in, have it recognize my key fob, and I drive the hell away; instead I'm forced to turn on the car again once I get in. Please at least do us all a favor and make it easier for users to log in. Why do I need to enter a password every time to log in and then if I want to start my car I need to enter a PIN! You would think you're logging into the department of Homeland security based on all the work you have to do to start your car. Shame on you this app for doing such a terrible job on Mazda.

by Xensprite

I recently bought a this app CX-9 and got the mobile start option. The functionality is awesome. You can start the car. You can also find it in a parking lot using augmented reality, set off the panic alarm, lock and unlock doors! This is the good part.

The bad part overwhelms anything above. Mazda resolution and size was made for an iPhone 4 and looks clunky and tired on a newer phone. Ever use an iPhone app on an iPad? That’s how horrible it looks. You have to sign in every single time using your password. There’s no Touch ID or Face ID’s option! This is almost 2020, for crying out loud. You also have to enter a separate 4 digit passcode after you login to access any app features. Every single time. I can make purchases and transfer money using my bank app and Touch ID. I can’t use it on Mazda.

Bottom line: It’s ridiculous. It badly needs an update. Are you listening, this app?

by JFabulous

My mother's Hyundai Sonata had this feature when she bought the car YEARS ago. I set it up for her. It was a standard feature BUILT IN to the higher models that if you wanted to keep cost a higher annual fee than what this app charges (the only positive of this app's). Here are the other differences:

- On the Hyundai you don't have to wait 2 1/2 hours for the dealer to install it (IF they even have it in stock).

- With Hyundai, it's not setup as an expensive add-on accessory ($780 installed in NY).

- With Hyundai, the interface, even years ago, was MUCH cleaner and more thought-out. It still took a minute to start the car, but you didn't have to constantly enter your password and your PIN.

- There were no UGLY GPS/cellular antennas that needed to be stuck on to the passenger side windshield (TWO of them next to each other). Heaven forbid I need to ever replace the windshield for a crack. What a disaster that will be. Not to mention, EVERYONE asks what the heck those ugly stickers are destroying the otherwise beautiful look of my vehicle.

- Other than the "find my car" feature (which stopped working), there is nothing enticing about this interface. It's horrible ... even just to look at.

Please this app ... add touch. Update the interface and ditch the ugly antennas or don't bother.

by Ohnemus-Prime

Does what it’s supposed, slow but acceptable (barely); only reason it gets one star and not zero. But let’s be honest, Mazda is total garbage and seriously behind on integration with the iPhone. No Touch ID or Face ID. With the $500 hardware and +$60 annual service fee you’d think they’d use LTE to communicate with the car so it doesn’t take 45-60 seconds to log in and another 45-60 seconds to start the car, cause using the panic is pointless with how time consuming it is to login. Why can I not set a default login option? Every time I have to switch from refresh car info to start engine. Oh and if you get your windshield replaced you better tell the dealer to order new antennas, I got mine replaced for free after they started falling down with the new windshield.

by CarrieS248

I just bought the this app Mobile Start hours ago and finally got through the registration and the account set-up and the smartphone download and just tried it. Like another reviewer said, having to sign-on each time and type-in a pin number, then waiting up to 1 minute for it's functions to work are ittitating after paying $600 for the install. If it works from far, far away, however, I may appreciate it more in the winter months, while inside a building and my car is in a big parking lot! That will be nice... if it performs like it should. If it doesn't, then a traditional keyfob type is preferable, plus there are new devices planted on my windshield from the install that I'll have to avoid when cleaning the windshield glass.

by McRachel95

I recently bought a used this app that came with MMS. After reading the reviews I thought it was a useless feature, but after trying it I will continue to use it while in my free trial period. I’m not going to knock it for taking longer to start the car/login, considering it’s going to a satellite and back. However, the lack of updates in over a year is unacceptable, including graphics and login capabilities. I recently updated my iPhone to iOS 13 and haven’t had problems, which I was worried about.

Pros:
-Starts car from anywhere as long as you and your car can get a signal

Cons:
-Really sucky graphics and resolution
-Does not support password saves/fingerprint ID/Face ID
-No regular updates to fix anything stated above or other bugs
-Subscription cost of $65/yr after first year

End of the day, I will continue to use it since it came with the car, but wouldn’t have paid to have this installed as an accessory. Undecided if I will continue to use it once my free year expires.

by Jimw219

Any app that requires login every-single-time it’s used NEEDS to have touch id enabled and most do. Not this one. Why not? I’ve had it just over 24 hours, attempted to start the car about 8 times, (new toy), with 2 failures, probably due to cellular equivalent of a dropped call. Not a good percentage, so I hope that improves. My car has manual climate control so I have to remember to crank up the heat before exiting in case I want to remote start next morning. I got this one because I didn’t want to carry an extra fob. Too bad this app didn’t copy Nissan, or GM, with the function just built into the cars prox fob. I’d prefer the ease and speed of those over the “start from anywhere” function of the cell phone, but all in all not bad.

by Alex672210

Not really sure why people are bad talking this feature. I mean you need cell service for it to work which makes perfect sense. As for the log in, you dont need 2 long passwords, when you enter your password for the first time before you click the log in button just change the “upon login” below forgot user name to “start car” and you only need the one login. Takes me about 20-30 seconds to start which is quick considering it would never be an instantaneous process using cell service.

Overall well worth the cost, especially if you want to start your car from more than 50-75 feet away.