Question 1

What is the cheapest way to replace my Subaru key?

Accepted Answer

Call a mobile locksmith before you call the dealer. Subaru owners who go straight to the dealer pay $300 to $500 or more for a single add-a-key fob. One owner was quoted about $1,700 at the dealer and had a locksmith do the job for about $200 in the dealer parking lot. A 2023 Outback owner found dealer pricing around $300 while Tom's Key offered two fobs plus a programmer for $135 on compatible models. With EZ Car Keyz, a Key for the 1998 Subaru Outback is around $95, and that includes everything. No towing, no module shipping, no multi-week wait.

Question 2

How much more does all-keys-lost cost vs a spare?

Accepted Answer

Significantly more, on any Subaru. When you still have one working key, adding a spare is a quicker programming job. When all keys are lost on a newer Subaru with push-to-start, the immobilizer needs to be fully reset, which can involve removing and shipping security modules to Subaru. A 2020 Forester owner was told losing both smart keys would require replacing the computer, sync box, and two other components for around $2,000. A WRX owner saw dealer quotes of $2,400 for one key out the door with module work. The best advice is to get a spare made while you still have a working key.

Question 3

Are aftermarket Subaru keys cheaper and do they work?

Accepted Answer

Aftermarket keys are cheaper upfront, but on Subarus the results depend on the model year and key type. Older transponder Subarus like a 2013 Forester work fine with quality aftermarket chip keys. On newer push-to-start models like the 2020 Crosstrek and Forester, one owner reported that a locksmith could not program aftermarket fobs and they were told only the dealer could handle keyless fobs. Cheap aftermarket shells are also criticized for thin plastic, poor seals, and buttons that fail within months. We carry keys that are verified for your specific Subaru model so you are not gambling on compatibility.

Question 4

How many buttons does the 1998 Subaru Outback key have?

Accepted Answer

Your 1998 Subaru Outback key has 3 buttons. The button count helps identify exactly which fob your vehicle uses, since Subaru uses different remotes across trim levels and model years. Higher trims with remote start use fobs with more buttons than base models. When you call us, having this detail helps us confirm the right key before we head out.

Question 5

Are there hidden fees I should watch out for?

Accepted Answer

Not with us. Our price is our price: key, cut, program, mobile service, all in. But Subaru dealers stack charges. Owners report separate line items for the fob ($270 to $450), programming ($70 to $100), and security access fees that get built into the bill. Subaru charges locksmiths and dealers $2.80 per immobilizer request just to access their database, and key code lookups can run up to $100. On all-keys-lost jobs, some dealers add $480 in labor to remove and ship a module to Subaru. With EZ Car Keyz, $95 is the total. Period.

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