Lost Key Fob high urgency

Lost Key Fob for a 2024 Kia Telluride (US): What to Do Next

Losing a key fob for a 2024 Kia Telluride can leave you stranded—or worse, leave your vehicle vulnerable if the fob was lost near the car. The right next steps depend on whether you have a spare, where the fob may have been lost, and whether the vehicle can be moved.

Understanding Your Situation

A Telluride smart key fob is missing, so the vehicle may not start, unlock, or allow normal driving. Because smart keys can unlock/start the vehicle when nearby, it’s important to treat an unrecovered fob as a potential security risk.

🚀 Immediate Steps to Take

  1. Confirm whether you have a spare key/fob and move the vehicle to a secure location if you can (garage or well-lit area).
  2. Retrace steps and check common places (bags, coat pockets, under seats). If lost in public, contact the location’s lost-and-found and file a police report if theft is suspected.
  3. Schedule replacement and ask the provider to erase/disable the lost fob from the vehicle’s system (key deletion) so it can’t be used if found.

Your Options

Kia dealer replacement smart key fob (OEM) + programming

Cost: $350-$750 Time: Same day to 1-3 days (depends on parts availability and appointment)

The dealer supplies an OEM smart key fob matched to your Telluride and programs it to the vehicle. They can also delete the lost fob from the vehicle’s authorized key list. You’ll typically need proof of ownership and photo ID.

âś“ Pros:
  • OEM parts and correct compatibility for your specific trim
  • Dealer can reliably delete the lost fob from the vehicle
  • Often the smoothest path if all keys are lost
âś— Cons:
  • Usually the most expensive option
  • May require towing if the vehicle can’t be driven and no working key is available
  • Appointment/parts delays are possible

Automotive locksmith (mobile) replacement + programming

Cost: $250-$600 Time: Same day to 1-2 days

A qualified automotive locksmith comes to your location, provides a compatible smart key fob (OEM or high-quality aftermarket), programs it to the vehicle, and can typically remove the lost fob from memory. Service quality varies—verify experience with late-model Kia smart keys.

âś“ Pros:
  • Mobile service (often avoids a tow)
  • Typically less expensive than the dealer
  • Fast turnaround in many areas
âś— Cons:
  • Not all locksmiths can program 2024 Kia smart keys—availability varies
  • Aftermarket fob quality can vary if not OEM
  • May not be able to support every trim/package in every market

Replace only the emergency mechanical key blade (temporary access backup)

Cost: $30-$120 Time: Same day to 1-3 days

If you mainly need a backup way to unlock the door (not start the vehicle), you can have the emergency key blade cut to your VIN/key code. This does not replace the smart key fob and will not enable push-button starting by itself.

âś“ Pros:
  • Low-cost way to restore manual door access
  • Useful as a backup once you have a working smart fob
âś— Cons:
  • Will not start the vehicle without a programmed smart key fob
  • Does not address security risk of the lost fob

Insurance/roadside assistance support (reimbursement or towing)

Cost: $0-$200 out-of-pocket (plus key/fob replacement cost) Time: Same day for towing/lockout; reimbursement timelines vary

Depending on your policy or membership, you may get partial reimbursement for locksmith services or towing to a dealer. Some plans cover lockout/towing but not the fob itself—confirm coverage before authorizing work.

âś“ Pros:
  • Can reduce towing/lockout expenses
  • Helpful if all keys are lost and the vehicle can’t be moved
âś— Cons:
  • Often does not cover the full cost of a smart key fob
  • May require receipts, claims, or pre-authorization

⚠️ What to Avoid

✕ Don’t buy the cheapest online “compatible” fob without confirming FCC ID/part compatibility for a 2024 Telluride—many won’t program or will have poor range/reliability.

✕ Don’t skip deleting the lost fob from the vehicle if it’s not recovered—if someone finds it, they may be able to unlock/start the vehicle.

✕ Don’t share photos of your VIN, registration, or key codes publicly (or with unverified sellers)—it can increase theft risk.

⚠️ 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 I drive my 2024 Kia Telluride if the key fob is lost?

Only if you have another working smart key fob. If all fobs are lost, the vehicle typically can’t be started and may need mobile programming by a locksmith or towing to a dealer for replacement and programming.

Do I need to replace everything if I lost one fob but still have a spare?

Not necessarily. You can add a replacement fob and have the lost fob deleted from the vehicle’s system. Deleting the missing fob is strongly recommended if it wasn’t recovered, especially if it was lost near your home or the vehicle.

Will deleting the lost fob stop it from working if someone finds it?

In most cases, yes—once the vehicle is programmed to remove that fob from its authorized list, that fob should no longer unlock/start the vehicle. Keep in mind the physical emergency key blade (if someone also has it) could still mechanically unlock the door if it was cut to your vehicle.

How much does a replacement key fob for a 2024 Telluride usually cost?

Common real-world totals (fob + cutting/programming) are often in the $250–$750 range depending on whether you use a locksmith or dealer, whether it’s OEM, and whether all keys are lost (which can increase labor and towing needs).

⏱️ Urgency Note: If the fob was lost near your vehicle, home, or a place where someone could identify the car, treat it as time-sensitive. Arrange key deletion and replacement as soon as possible to reduce the chance of unauthorized entry or starting.

Related Information

Need Detailed Information?

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

View Telluride Key Fob Guide →

Last updated: 2026-01-04