Remember back in 2021 and 2022 when new cars were incredibly hard to find? Dealerships had empty lots, and wait times were long. While that widespread shortage has eased up for most makes and models in 2023, a new, more specific frustration has emerged for some car buyers: the number of key fobs they receive with their new vehicle. You might be surprised to learn that you may not automatically get two key fobs, and this is especially true if you are buying a Toyota.
For many car owners, the key fob is an essential part of daily life. It’s something most of us take for granted – until we don’t have the expected number. Just ask Jill and Shawn Threm from Ohio. When they purchased a brand-new Toyota Camry, they were surprised to only receive a single key fob. The dealership informed them that the second fob would follow in approximately eight weeks due to supply issues.
Those eight weeks stretched into months. “They told us then that it would be about 8 weeks…until we would have the second key fob,” explained the Threms. But as the initial wait time passed, updates became less promising. “I contacted Toyota and they said it will be March 2023,” Shawn Threm recounted, “and then after March it was April.”
Typically, new cars come standard with two key fobs. This is a practical measure, acknowledging that key fobs are easily misplaced. Having a spare ensures you’re never locked out of your vehicle or unable to start it. However, with just one key fob, the Threms have had to become hyper-vigilant. “It’s in a very specific spot in my purse,” Jill Threm said, highlighting the constant awareness now required. The thought of losing their sole key fob, especially during travel, adds considerable stress.
The Key Fob Shortage: A Semiconductor Issue
The Threms are far from alone in this situation. Toyota acknowledged that starting in October of last year, they began to limit key fob distribution to just one for nearly two dozen of their Toyota and Lexus models. This decision was a direct consequence of the ongoing global semiconductor chip shortage that has impacted numerous industries. Modern key fobs are sophisticated devices relying on these chips for their remote locking, unlocking, and starting functionalities.
In a public statement, Toyota addressed the issue and offered a glimmer of hope: “Toyota is preparing a Service Campaign to provide customers with a second key as the supply of semi-conductors improves. The Service Campaign is currently estimated to launch in phases starting in the summer of 2023.” This means Toyota intends to eventually provide the missing second key fobs to affected customers once chip supplies stabilize. The exact timing, however, remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, dealerships like the Threms’ are in a holding pattern, waiting for updates from Toyota to pass on to their customers. Until the promised service campaign begins and second key fobs become available, buyers in this situation are left to manage with just one.
What Can You Do If You Only Received One Key Fob?
If you find yourself in a similar situation, having purchased a new car with only one key fob, there are a couple of steps you can take. Firstly, confirm with your dealer if you are eligible for Toyota’s service campaign to receive a second key fob in the future. Stay in contact with them for updates on when this program will be implemented.
Secondly, and more immediately, inquire about receiving a basic mechanical key from your dealership. Many Toyota dealerships are providing these basic keys as a temporary measure. While it won’t offer the convenience of remote functions, a mechanical key will at least allow you to manually unlock your car door should you misplace your primary fob. This offers a degree of security and prevents you from being completely locked out of your new vehicle.
For now, patience and extra caution are key. Treat your single key fob with care, knowing that a replacement might not be readily available. And remember to follow up with your dealer about the second key fob – it is something you are entitled to and should eventually receive.
