Where to get a replacement Subaru key and what it costs

You have three main routes to replace a Subaru key: a Subaru dealership, a locksmith who works with cars, or an online key retailer paired with a local locksmith for cutting and programming. A dealership will charge the most — typically $200 to $400 depending on whether your key has a remote fob — but they have your vehicle's records on file and can usually complete the work the same day. A local automotive locksmith usually costs $100 to $250 and can often cut and program the key while you wait. Online retailers sell unprogrammed key blanks for $20 to $60, but you'll still need to pay a locksmith to cut and program them, so the total cost ends up similar to going to a locksmith directly.

The exact price depends on your Subaru's year and model. Older Subarus with straightforward metal keys cost less than newer models with proximity fobs or push-button start systems. If you need the key programmed to your vehicle's computer — which is required for any key made after the early 2000s — that programming step adds $50 to $150 to the total.

Key Takeaways

  • Subaru dealerships charge $200 to $400 but have your vehicle information ready and can often finish the same day.
  • Automotive locksmiths typically charge $100 to $250 and can cut and program most Subaru keys on the spot.
  • You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) and proof of ownership to get a replacement key from any source.
  • Newer Subarus with proximity fobs or push-button start require computer programming, which adds to the cost and time.
  • If you have a spare key at home, you can use it to start the vehicle while you arrange for a replacement.

What information and documents you need before you go

Bring your vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on your registration, insurance card, or the driver's side dashboard near the windshield. You'll also need a form of photo identification — a driver's license works — and your vehicle's registration or proof of ownership. The dealership or locksmith will use the VIN to pull up your vehicle's specifications and confirm you own the car.

If you're going to a locksmith rather than a dealership, call ahead and ask whether they work with your Subaru's year and model. Some locksmiths specialize in older vehicles or have limitations on the newest models with advanced security systems. Having this conversation before you arrive saves a wasted trip.

How dealership key replacement works

Call your local Subaru dealership's service department and tell them you need a replacement key. They'll ask for your VIN and phone number. When you arrive, bring your ID and proof of ownership. The service advisor will verify your information against Subaru's records, order or cut the key blank, and program it to your vehicle's computer system. Most dealerships can complete this work within a few hours, though some may need to order a blank if they don't stock your specific key type.

The dealership route is slowest in terms of scheduling — you may need to wait days for an appointment — but fastest once you're there. It's also the most reliable if your vehicle has a complex security system or if you've lost all your keys and need the vehicle unlocked first.

How to use an automotive locksmith instead

Search online for "automotive locksmith near me" or ask your insurance company or roadside information provider for a referral. When you call, describe your Subaru's year, model, and what you need — a replacement key, a spare, or both. Ask whether they can cut and program the key on-site, and what they charge. Many locksmiths can meet you at your vehicle or at their shop.

Bring your ID, VIN, and proof of ownership. The locksmith will verify your ownership, cut the key blank to match your vehicle's lock, and then program it using specialized equipment connected to your Subaru's computer port. This usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. Locksmiths are often faster to reach than dealerships and cost less, but not all locksmiths have the equipment for every Subaru model year, so confirming their capability before you commit is important.

Programming a key you ordered online

If you buy a key blank online, you'll receive an unprogrammed blank that matches your Subaru's lock but won't start the engine. You still need a locksmith or dealership to cut it to your specific lock and program it to your vehicle's computer. The cost savings from buying the blank online are usually small once you add the locksmith's labor, so this route makes sense mainly if you want to order ahead or if your local locksmith is booked out.

When the blank arrives, take it to a locksmith along with your ID and proof of ownership. They'll cut it and program it the same way they would if you'd bought the blank from them. The total time is the same as going to a locksmith directly, but you've paid less upfront.

What to do if you've lost all your keys

If you have no working keys, you cannot start the vehicle yourself. Call a locksmith or the dealership and explain that you've lost all keys. They'll ask you to prove ownership — bring your registration, insurance card, and photo ID. The locksmith or dealership will unlock the vehicle, cut a new key, and program it. This takes longer than a straightforward replacement because of the extra verification step, and some locksmiths may charge a higher rate for a lockout call.

If your vehicle is locked and you're stranded, call roadside information through your insurance or a service like AAA. They can dispatch a locksmith to unlock the vehicle, and then you can arrange for key replacement. Do not attempt to break into your own vehicle — it can damage the locks and electrical system.

Timeframe and what happens next

A dealership typically needs one to three business days to schedule an appointment, then completes the work the same day. A locksmith can often see you within 24 hours and finish the key in under an hour. Online key blanks arrive in three to seven business days, then you still need to schedule locksmith time to cut and program them.

Once your new key is programmed, test it in the ignition and with the remote fob (if your model has one) before you leave. Make sure the doors lock and unlock, the trunk opens, and the engine starts. If anything doesn't work, tell the locksmith or dealership when ready — they can reprogram or remake the key while you're still there. Keep your receipt and any paperwork they give you, in case you need to return for adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I program a Subaru key myself?

Most Subarus from the 2000s onward require specialized computer equipment to program a key, which you cannot do at home. Older Subarus with straightforward metal keys don't need programming. A locksmith or dealership has the equipment and can tell you whether your model year requires it.

How much does a Subaru key fob cost to replace?

A key fob replacement costs $150 to $350 at a dealership, depending on your model. A locksmith may charge $100 to $200. The fob itself is the remote control part; if you only need the metal key blade replaced, that's cheaper. Ask whether you need a new fob or just a new blade.

What if my key breaks in half?

If the blade breaks but the fob still works, a locksmith can sometimes extract the broken piece from your lock and cut a new blade to fit the same fob. If the fob is damaged, you'll need a full replacement. Either way, a locksmith can assess the damage and tell you the cost before starting work.

Do I need both keys to get a replacement?

No. You need proof of ownership and your VIN, but you don't need an existing key. If you have one working key, bring it so the locksmith or dealership can match the cut, but it's not required. They can cut a new key from your VIN alone.

Will the dealership charge more if I lost my key versus if it broke?

No. The dealership charges the same replacement fee regardless of why you need a new key. The cost is based on your vehicle's year and model and whether the key has a remote fob, not on the reason for replacement.