Mazda is facing some backlash as the complimentary three-year trial period for its Connected Services is coming to an end for some customers. Owners have taken to social media to express their frustration at having to pay a $10 monthly subscription fee to continue accessing features like remote start after being notified that their free trial would expire in 60 days.
The automaker has been transparent about offering Connected Services as a free trial for new car buyers since 2019. While Mazda has extended the trial period in the past, it appears that those extensions are now coming to an end, leaving some owners hesitant to pay for features like remote start that were once included in key fobs.
Mazda has clarified that Connected Services include a range of features such as remote keyless entry, vehicle health information, service alerts, vehicle finder, automatic 911 calling, and more. The company has been advertising the service as a complimentary three-year trial that would require a subscription once it expires, including any extensions provided to customers.
This move by Mazda is part of a larger trend in the automotive industry where automakers are introducing subscription services for features that were traditionally included with the purchase of the vehicle. BMW faced backlash for attempting to charge for heated seats, while Toyota, Audi, and Mercedes have also ventured into subscription-based services for certain features.
The shift towards software and internet connectivity in vehicles has made it easier for companies to control the ownership experience and offer features as part of subscription packages. This trend raises questions about the accessibility of hardware features in new vehicles, especially when recurring fees are required to access certain functionalities.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how customers respond to these new subscription-based services and whether automakers will adjust their strategies based on consumer feedback. In the meantime, Mazda owners will need to decide whether to continue with the Connected Services subscription or explore alternative options for accessing remote start and other features.
