Remember back in 2021 and 2022 when finding a new car on dealership lots felt like searching for a needle in a haystack? While those widespread new car shortages have largely subsided in 2023, a new and equally frustrating issue has emerged for Toyota buyers: a shortage of key fobs.
For most car owners, the key fob is an afterthought – a convenient tool we rarely give a second thought to, until it’s missing. But for people like Jill and Shawn Threm from Ohio, purchasing a brand-new Toyota Camry six months ago came with an unexpected caveat: only one key fob.
“They told us then it would be about 8 weeks until we would have the second key fob,” explained Shawn Threm. Like many new car buyers, the Threms were accustomed to receiving two key fobs with a vehicle purchase, providing a crucial backup. However, those initial eight weeks stretched into months. “I contacted Toyota, and they said it would be March 2023, and then after March it was April,” Threm continued, highlighting the uncertainty and prolonged wait time many customers are facing.
The inconvenience of having only one key fob is significant. It requires constant vigilance, as Jill Threm describes: “It’s in a very specific spot in my purse. It’s never in a pocket, so it can’t go through the wash, or fall out.” The worry of losing their sole key fob, especially during travel, adds considerable stress to what should be the excitement of owning a new car.
The Frustration of the Single Key Fob
The Threms’ situation is far from unique. Thousands of Toyota customers across the country are experiencing the same frustration of receiving only one key fob with their new vehicles. This unexpected inconvenience has left many wondering why this is happening and what they can do about it. Imagine the daily anxiety of managing a single point of access to your new car, the heightened risk of being locked out, and the general feeling of incompleteness with a major purchase.
Why the Toyota Key Fob Shortage? The Semiconductor Chip Issue
The root cause of this Toyota Key Fob Shortage, like many disruptions in the automotive industry recently, is the ongoing global semiconductor chip shortage. These tiny but critical components are essential for manufacturing a wide array of car parts, including the chips that power key fobs.
Toyota officially acknowledged the issue last October, stating they began issuing only one key fob for nearly two dozen Toyota and Lexus models due to the semiconductor supply constraints. This decision was a temporary measure to keep production lines moving and vehicles available for purchase, albeit with a less-than-ideal customer experience. The chip shortage, impacting industries worldwide, has forced automakers to make tough choices, and in Toyota’s case, it meant prioritizing vehicle delivery over providing the standard two key fobs at the point of sale.
Toyota’s Promise: A Second Key Fob is Coming
While the single key fob situation is undoubtedly inconvenient, Toyota has announced a plan to rectify the issue. According to a company statement, “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 commitment offers a light at the end of the tunnel for affected Toyota owners, indicating that the missing second key fob is not forgotten and will be provided eventually.
What Can You Do While Waiting for Your Second Key Fob?
If you are among the Toyota or Lexus customers who received only one key fob, here are some steps you can take:
- Contact Your Dealer for Updates: Stay in communication with your Toyota dealership. They are your primary point of contact for information regarding the service campaign and the availability of second key fobs. As the Threms’ dealer mentioned, they should keep you informed as soon as they receive updates from Toyota.
- Ask for a Physical Metal Key: In the interim, inquire about receiving a basic, metal key from your dealer. Many Toyota dealerships are providing these as a temporary solution. While it won’t offer remote locking/unlocking or push-button start functionality, a metal key can at least provide a backup for physically opening your car door should you misplace your primary fob.
- Practice Key Fob Safety: Treat your single key fob with extra care. Keep it in a secure, consistent location to minimize the risk of loss or damage. Consider a key fob protector to guard against accidental damage.
- Be Patient and Stay Informed: The semiconductor supply chain is gradually improving, and Toyota’s service campaign is expected to roll out. While waiting is frustrating, knowing that a solution is in progress can provide some reassurance. Keep an eye on official Toyota announcements and updates from your dealership.
The Toyota key fob shortage is a temporary inconvenience stemming from larger global supply chain issues. While managing with a single key fob requires extra caution, Toyota’s commitment to providing a second key fob through a service campaign offers a resolution on the horizon. In the meantime, taking proactive steps like requesting a metal key and practicing key fob safety can help mitigate the challenges of navigating this shortage.
