Understanding Your Situation

You want an extra working key/fob (and emergency metal key blade, if applicable) so you’re not stuck with only one key—because losing the last key typically costs more and takes longer.

🚀 Immediate Steps to Take

  1. Confirm what you have now: do you have at least one working smart key fob, and does the vehicle have push-button start?
  2. Gather essentials before calling: VIN, photo ID, proof of ownership/registration, and your current key (if you have one).
  3. Decide your priority (lowest cost vs fastest vs OEM parts) and contact a Kia dealer and a reputable automotive locksmith for quotes.

Your Options

Kia Dealer (OEM smart key + programming)

Cost: $300-$650 Time: Same day (if in stock) / 1-7 days (if ordered)

The dealer supplies an OEM Kia smart key fob (and cuts the emergency key blade if needed), then programs it to your Telluride’s immobilizer/security system using factory tools. This is the most straightforward route for guaranteed compatibility and warranty-friendly documentation.

âś“ Pros:
  • Highest compatibility likelihood (OEM parts and factory programming)
  • Can verify correct part number by VIN and document the work
âś— Cons:
  • Usually the most expensive option
  • May require an appointment and waiting for parts

Automotive Locksmith (aftermarket or OEM fob + programming)

Cost: $200-$500 Time: Same day / 1-3 days

A mobile automotive locksmith can often cut the emergency blade and program a compatible smart key to your Telluride on-site. Some locksmiths can supply OEM fobs; others use high-quality aftermarket fobs depending on availability.

âś“ Pros:
  • Often cheaper than a dealer
  • Convenient mobile service (home/work)
âś— Cons:
  • Quality varies—aftermarket fobs can be hit-or-miss
  • Some situations may still require dealer involvement if programming is restricted or parts aren’t available

Buy a fob online, then pay for cutting + programming

Cost: $180-$600 total Time: 2-10 days (shipping + appointment)

You purchase a smart key fob online (OEM or aftermarket) and then hire a dealer or locksmith to cut the emergency blade and program the fob. This can work well if you source the exact correct part, but it carries the most compatibility risk.

âś“ Pros:
  • Potential savings if you find a correctly matched OEM fob
  • You can choose OEM vs aftermarket pricing
âś— Cons:
  • Wrong part numbers and incompatible frequencies are common
  • Some dealers/locksmiths won’t program customer-supplied fobs, or won’t warranty the result

Add an emergency key blade only (not a full spare smart key)

Cost: $25-$75 Time: Same day

If your Telluride smart key includes a removable mechanical/emergency key, you can have only the blade cut as a low-cost backup for door access. Note: this typically will not start a push-button vehicle without a programmed smart key present.

âś“ Pros:
  • Low cost backup for lockout situations (door access)
  • Fast and simple at many locksmiths/hardware key cutters (if they can cut the correct blade type)
âś— Cons:
  • Usually does not provide a way to drive the vehicle
  • Not all shops can cut the correct high-security blade

⚠️ What to Avoid

✕ Waiting until you’re down to zero keys—last-key situations are typically more expensive and may require towing or longer scheduling delays.

✕ Buying a used/unknown fob online without confirming it’s new/virgin or reprogrammable and the exact correct part number/frequency for a 2024 Telluride (US).

✕ Using a low-quality aftermarket fob or DIY programming claims that don’t match modern Kia immobilizer systems—failed attempts can waste time and money.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Waiting until emergency
  • Not testing spare immediately
  • Buying incompatible aftermarket
  • Overpaying at dealership

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a spare key for a 2024 Kia Telluride if I still have one working key?

Yes. Having at least one working smart key usually makes the process faster and cheaper because the vehicle can be programmed with less risk and fewer recovery steps. A dealer or qualified automotive locksmith can add an additional smart key and cut the emergency blade if applicable.

Do I need to tow my Telluride to the dealer to make a spare key?

Usually no—if you have at least one working key and the vehicle is accessible, you can drive it to the dealer. A mobile locksmith can often do the work at your location. Towing is more common when all keys are lost or the vehicle can’t be started/moved.

Will a cheaper online key fob definitely work?

Not always. Compatibility depends on the exact fob type, part number, and the vehicle’s security system requirements. Even if the shell looks identical, the internal electronics may not match. Confirm details by VIN with a dealer or a locksmith before buying.

Can I just cut a metal key and call it a spare?

A cut emergency blade can help you unlock the door, but most 2024 Tellurides with push-button start still require a programmed smart key to start and drive. For a true spare you can rely on, you typically want a programmed smart key fob.

⏱️ Urgency Note: Low urgency if you still have two working keys, but moderate urgency if you only have one—getting a spare now can prevent a much more expensive and stressful last-key emergency later.

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