Key Fob Stolen high urgency

Key Fob Stolen? What to Do Now (2024 Ford Mustang, US)

If your 2024 Ford Mustang key fob was stolen, act quickly to reduce the risk of vehicle theft. The priority is securing the car, documenting the theft, and having the stolen fob removed from the vehicle’s system so it can’t start the car.

Understanding Your Situation

A stolen key fob may still be able to unlock and start your Mustang, especially if the thief knows where the car is parked. Until the vehicle is reprogrammed to delete the missing fob, your car may remain vulnerable.

🚀 Immediate Steps to Take

  1. Move the car to a secure location (garage if possible) and don’t leave it parked in the same spot where the fob was stolen; remove valuables and enable any available security features.
  2. File a police report and document the fob details (how many keys you had, which one is missing, approximate time/location, VIN, and photos/receipts if available).
  3. Schedule key service ASAP with a Ford dealer or qualified automotive locksmith to erase the stolen fob from the car and program replacement key fobs; if you can’t drive the car safely, arrange towing.

Your Options

Ford dealer: erase lost key + program new OEM key fobs

Cost: $250-$700+ Time: Same day / 1-3 days

The dealer verifies ownership, connects factory-level diagnostic equipment, removes the stolen fob from the vehicle’s authorized key list, and programs one or more new OEM key fobs to your Mustang. They can also cut/program any included emergency key blade if applicable to your fob style.

âś“ Pros:
  • Factory-correct parts and procedures for your exact Mustang configuration
  • Best chance of fully disabling the stolen fob in the vehicle’s system
âś— Cons:
  • Often higher cost than a locksmith
  • May require appointment, proof of ownership, and possible towing if you have no working key

Automotive locksmith: replace and program compatible fobs + delete stolen fob

Cost: $180-$500 Time: Same day

A qualified automotive locksmith can often come to you, confirm ownership, and use professional programming tools to add new fobs and (where supported) remove the stolen fob from the car’s memory. Quality and capability vary by provider and equipment.

âś“ Pros:
  • Mobile service can reduce towing and downtime
  • Often less expensive and faster than a dealer
âś— Cons:
  • Not all locksmiths can fully delete lost keys on every late-model vehicle
  • Aftermarket fob quality can vary; ask about warranty and OEM options

Insurance claim (comprehensive) for stolen key and rekey/reprogram

Cost: $0-$1,000+ (depends on deductible and coverage) Time: 1-7 days

If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurer may cover some of the cost to replace and program keys (and sometimes towing), minus your deductible. You’ll typically need a police report and receipts.

âś“ Pros:
  • Can reduce out-of-pocket cost for replacement and programming
  • May cover related services like towing
âś— Cons:
  • Claim processing can take time
  • You may still need to pay deductible and follow insurer’s repair/vendor process

Temporary security measures while waiting for service

Cost: $30-$250 Time: Same day

Use short-term steps to reduce theft risk until the stolen fob is deleted: park in a locked garage, use a steering wheel lock, add a visible deterrent, and consider a GPS tracker. These do not replace deleting the stolen key from the vehicle.

âś“ Pros:
  • Immediate risk reduction
  • Low cost compared with key replacement
âś— Cons:
  • Does not disable the stolen fob
  • Only mitigates risk; the car can still be vulnerable

⚠️ What to Avoid

✕ Waiting to reprogram the car—until the stolen fob is deleted, it may still unlock/start the Mustang.

✕ Buying cheap, unverified online fobs and assuming they’ll program or be secure; compatibility and reliability are common issues.

âś• Leaving the car parked where the theft occurred or in an easy-to-access location while the stolen fob is still active.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not deactivating stolen key
  • Delaying reprogramming
  • Not filing police report
  • Ignoring security risk

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a stolen key fob still start my 2024 Mustang?

Often, yes. If the fob is still authorized in the vehicle, it may unlock and start the car. The correct fix is to delete the missing fob from the vehicle and program replacement fobs.

Do I need to replace the whole lock system if the fob is stolen?

Usually not. In most cases, deleting the stolen fob from the car’s system and programming new fobs restores security. Physical lock rekeying may be considered if a mechanical key blade was also stolen or if there’s concern about forced entry.

What if I have one working key fob left?

You should still have the stolen fob removed from the vehicle’s authorized key list and add at least one replacement fob. Having two working fobs is strongly recommended to avoid being stranded if one is lost or fails.

What if I have no working key fob left?

You’ll likely need a dealer or a highly capable automotive locksmith. Be prepared to show proof of ownership and ID. The vehicle may need to be towed, or a mobile locksmith may be able to perform service on-site depending on equipment and availability.

Should I change my FordPass account password?

Yes, as a precaution—especially if your phone was also stolen or if you suspect account access. Update your password, enable any available security features, and review connected services/devices.

⏱️ Urgency Note: Treat a stolen key fob as urgent. Until the stolen fob is removed from your Mustang’s authorized keys, the vehicle may be at elevated risk of theft—especially if the thief knows where it’s parked.

Related Information

Need Detailed Information?

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

View Mustang Key Fob Guide →

Last updated: 2026-01-04