Losing your car keys is a stressful experience, and it can become even more complicated and costly with modern vehicles like the 2017 Subaru Outback. Gone are the days of simple key duplication at your local hardware store. Today’s key fobs, including those for the 2017 Subaru Outback, incorporate sophisticated technology to deter theft, which also means replacement and programming are more involved.
The 2017 Subaru Outback Key Fob uses an 80-bit “G” encryption chip. This chip is crucial for communicating with your vehicle’s immobilizer system. This advanced security system requires a specific pairing process between the key fob and the car’s computer (ECU). If you still have a working key for your 2017 Subaru Outback, adding a spare is relatively straightforward. The existing key can communicate with the car’s modules and authorize the programming of a new key fob. Alternatively, some locksmiths might offer a cloning service where they copy the chip data from your existing key to a new blank chip, which is then inserted into a new key fob body.
However, the situation becomes significantly more complex if you lose all your 2017 Subaru Outback key fobs. In this scenario, you’ll likely need to involve your Subaru dealership and potentially Subaru of America (SOA). Without a working key, dealerships typically need to connect specialized equipment to your vehicle to communicate with the immobilizer system. In some cases, if Subaru has the security coding for your specific vehicle on file, they might be able to provide it to the dealership to program a new key. If not, replacing parts related to the transponder system might be necessary, leading to a considerably higher expense.
Starting around 2015, Subaru Outbacks, including the 2017 model, and other Subaru vehicles adopted security systems that require specific software and equipment, generally only available to authorized Subaru dealers. This means that unlike older vehicles, your local locksmith or general mechanic likely won’t have the tools to program a new key for your 2017 Subaru Outback.
For owners of a 2017 Subaru Outback, or similar models, the key takeaway is clear: never rely on a single key fob. Proactively obtaining a spare key fob is a wise investment. While the upfront cost of a replacement key fob and programming at a dealership might seem considerable (potentially around $200 or more, including the blank key and programming fees), it is significantly less expensive and less inconvenient than dealing with a complete key loss situation. Having a spare 2017 Subaru Outback key fob provides peace of mind and can save you significant time, money, and hassle in the long run.
