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Lost Key Fob for a 2024 Honda Pilot (US): What to Do Next

Losing the key fob to a 2024 Honda Pilot can leave you stranded and create security concerns, especially if the fob was lost near your vehicle or home. The good news: replacements are available through Honda dealers and qualified automotive locksmiths, and you can reduce risk quickly with a few immediate steps.

Understanding Your Situation

The 2024 Honda Pilot uses a proximity “smart key” fob that communicates with the vehicle for keyless entry and push-button start. When the fob is lost, the vehicle can’t verify an authorized key—unless the missing fob is still nearby (or found by someone else), in which case it may still unlock/start the vehicle until it’s removed from the car’s memory and replaced.

🚀 Immediate Steps to Take

  1. Confirm it’s truly lost: retrace steps, check bags/pockets, and look inside the vehicle (including under seats and in the center console).
  2. Secure the vehicle and your location: park in a well-lit area, remove valuables, and if you suspect the fob was lost near the car/home, consider moving the vehicle to a secure place if you still have a spare.
  3. Contact a Honda dealer or a reputable automotive locksmith to arrange a replacement and ask about deleting/“erasing” the lost fob from the vehicle’s system.

Your Options

Use your spare key fob (if you have one) and replace the lost one

Cost: $250-$600 Time: Same day to 1-3 days

If you still have a working spare, you can keep driving while arranging a replacement fob. A dealer or qualified locksmith can program a new smart key and, if requested, remove the lost fob from the vehicle’s authorized key list.

âś“ Pros:
  • No towing typically needed
  • Fastest and least disruptive way to get back to normal
âś— Cons:
  • Security risk remains until the lost fob is deleted from the vehicle
  • Cost varies widely based on parts availability and programming fees

Honda dealer replacement smart key fob (OEM)

Cost: $350-$800 Time: Same day to 1-3 days

A Honda dealership supplies an OEM smart key fob and programs it to your 2024 Pilot. They can also delete the missing fob from the vehicle’s memory so it no longer works for entry/start.

âś“ Pros:
  • OEM parts and factory-level programming capability
  • Best option if you want the lost fob reliably removed from the system
âś— Cons:
  • Usually the highest cost
  • May require an appointment and proof of ownership

Mobile automotive locksmith replacement (where available)

Cost: $250-$650 Time: Same day

A licensed automotive locksmith comes to your location with compatible smart key equipment, supplies a replacement fob (OEM or aftermarket depending on availability), and programs it to the vehicle. Many can also remove lost keys from the vehicle’s system, but capability varies by toolset and model year.

âś“ Pros:
  • Convenient on-site service (often no tow needed)
  • May be faster than waiting for a dealer appointment
âś— Cons:
  • Not all locksmiths can program the newest model years
  • Quality varies—must verify licensing, reviews, and warranty

Tow to dealer (if no working key is available)

Cost: $450-$1,000+ Time: 1-3 days

If all keys are lost and you can’t start the vehicle, you may need towing to a dealer for key generation/programming. The dealer will verify ownership, cut/provide a new key fob, program it, and delete missing keys from memory.

âś“ Pros:
  • Works even when all keys are lost
  • Dealer can typically handle full key replacement and key deletion
âś— Cons:
  • Added towing cost and downtime
  • More logistics (appointments, ID/title/registration requirements)

Insurance or roadside assistance reimbursement (if covered)

Cost: $0-$800 (out-of-pocket varies) Time: Varies (replacement same day to 3 days; reimbursement days to weeks)

Some auto insurance policies, extended warranties, or roadside plans may reimburse part of key replacement costs or towing. You still arrange replacement through a dealer/locksmith, then submit receipts per your plan’s rules.

âś“ Pros:
  • Can reduce out-of-pocket cost
  • May include towing assistance
âś— Cons:
  • Coverage is not guaranteed and may have limits/deductibles
  • Claims process can take time

⚠️ What to Avoid

✕ Don’t buy a random used fob online without confirming it’s new/virgin (many used smart keys can’t be re-registered, and you may waste money).

✕ Don’t delay deleting the lost fob if it may be in someone else’s hands—until removed from memory, it could potentially unlock/start the vehicle if brought close enough.

✕ Don’t share your VIN or proof-of-ownership documents with unverified sellers or scammers offering “cheap programming” remotely.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Calling dealer first without getting quotes
  • Not checking insurance coverage
  • Rushing to tow to dealership
  • Not considering mobile locksmiths

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone drive my 2024 Honda Pilot if they find my lost key fob?

If they have the fob and can access the vehicle, it may be possible to unlock and start the Pilot (proximity systems work when the fob is nearby). To reduce risk, have the lost fob removed from the vehicle’s authorized key list as soon as possible and keep the vehicle secured.

Do I need to tow my Honda Pilot to get a replacement key fob?

Not always. If you still have a working key fob, you can usually drive to a dealer or have a mobile locksmith come to you. If all keys are lost and the vehicle can’t be started, towing may be required depending on the service provider’s capabilities.

What do I need to bring to the dealer for a replacement key fob?

Typically a government-issued photo ID plus proof of ownership (registration and/or title). Requirements vary by dealer, and they may verify the VIN and ownership before ordering/programming keys.

Is an aftermarket key fob okay for a 2024 Honda Pilot?

Sometimes, but compatibility and reliability vary. Newer model years can be picky about parts and programming. If you choose aftermarket, use a reputable supplier and confirm the fob is compatible with the 2024 Pilot and that the provider offers a clear warranty/return policy.

⏱️ Urgency Note: If the fob was lost near your vehicle, home, or with identifying information (address, registration, gym tag), treat it as urgent: secure the vehicle and arrange key deletion and replacement as soon as possible to reduce theft risk.

Related Information

Need Detailed Information?

Get vehicle-specific key fob compatibility, part numbers, and a complete price comparison for your 2024 Honda Pilot.

View Pilot Key Fob Guide →

Last updated: 2026-01-04