Key Fob Stolen high urgency

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

If your 2024 Kia Telluride key fob was stolen, treat it as an immediate security issue—not just an inconvenience. A stolen fob may allow someone to unlock and potentially start the vehicle, depending on proximity and vehicle setup. Taking a few quick steps can reduce the risk of theft and speed up replacement.

Understanding Your Situation

A stolen key fob means an unauthorized person may have a working transmitter tied to your Telluride. Even if the vehicle can’t be started from far away, a thief could return to where the car is parked and use the fob to unlock it and attempt to drive it away. The safest response is to secure the vehicle and have the stolen fob removed (deleted) from the vehicle’s authorized key list, then replace and program new fobs.

🚀 Immediate Steps to Take

  1. Secure the vehicle now: move it to a locked garage or well-lit monitored area if possible, and remove valuables. If you can’t move it, consider a steering wheel lock and park with the wheels turned toward a curb.
  2. Report and document: file a police report and note the VIN, license plate, and where/when the fob was stolen. If the theft included your ID or documents with your address, consider additional precautions (the thief may know where the vehicle is kept).
  3. Contact Kia/locksmith for key deletion and replacement: schedule service to delete the stolen fob from the vehicle and program replacement fobs. If you’re stranded, request roadside/tow to a Kia dealer or a qualified automotive locksmith.

Your Options

Kia dealership: delete stolen fob + replace and program OEM fobs

Cost: $350-$900+ Time: Same day to 1-3 days (parts availability dependent)

A Kia dealer can verify ownership, remove the stolen fob from the vehicle’s memory, and program new OEM smart key fobs to your 2024 Telluride. This is the most straightforward route for ensuring the stolen fob no longer works with the vehicle.

âś“ Pros:
  • Highest confidence the stolen fob is fully removed from the vehicle
  • OEM parts and correct programming procedures for your exact trim/package
âś— Cons:
  • Often the most expensive option
  • May require towing or an appointment; fob stock can delay completion

Mobile automotive locksmith: delete/replace/program compatible smart keys

Cost: $250-$700 Time: Same day (if supported and parts are available)

A qualified automotive locksmith may be able to come to the vehicle, delete the stolen fob from the authorized list, and program replacement smart keys (OEM or high-quality aftermarket, depending on availability and your preference). Capability varies by equipment and vehicle security system.

âś“ Pros:
  • Convenient—often on-site service without towing
  • Can be faster than waiting for a dealer appointment
âś— Cons:
  • Not all locksmiths can perform key deletion/programming on newer models
  • Aftermarket fobs vary in quality; confirm warranty and return policy

Insurance claim (comprehensive): theft-related key replacement and rekeying support

Cost: $0-$500+ out-of-pocket (depends on deductible/coverage) Time: 1-7 days (claim processing dependent)

If your policy includes comprehensive coverage, it may help pay for stolen key fob replacement and related security measures. You’ll typically need a police report and will be responsible for any deductible.

âś“ Pros:
  • May significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost
  • Creates a documented record of theft and remediation
âś— Cons:
  • Deductible may exceed the cost of replacement
  • Claims can affect premiums depending on insurer and history

Temporary security measures while waiting for replacement

Cost: $30-$200 Time: Same day

Use short-term deterrents and monitoring until the stolen fob is deleted and replacements are programmed. This can include a steering wheel lock, parking in a secured area, and using available app/telematics features to monitor location/alerts (if equipped and active).

âś“ Pros:
  • Reduces risk while you arrange key deletion and replacement
  • Low cost and immediately actionable
âś— Cons:
  • Does not disable the stolen fob by itself
  • Deterrents can be bypassed; it’s not a substitute for reprogramming

⚠️ What to Avoid

✕ Don’t wait to “see if it turns up.” A stolen fob can be used later, especially if the thief knows where you park.

✕ Don’t buy the cheapest unverified fob online and assume it will program or be secure—confirm exact compatibility for a 2024 Telluride and the seller’s return policy.

✕ Don’t leave the vehicle parked at the theft location or at your home driveway if the thief may know the address (especially if your ID or registration was also stolen).

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone drive my 2024 Kia Telluride away with a stolen key fob?

Potentially, yes. If the stolen fob is still authorized and the thief can get close enough to the vehicle, they may be able to unlock it and start it like a normal driver. The best protection is to have the stolen fob deleted from the vehicle’s authorized keys as soon as possible.

Do I need to replace all keys, or can the stolen fob just be disabled?

In most cases, the stolen fob can be removed (deleted) from the vehicle’s key memory, and you can keep any remaining working keys. However, you’ll still want at least two working keys/fobs for convenience and backup, so many owners choose to program a replacement at the same time.

Will a new battery or putting the fob in a Faraday pouch stop a stolen fob from working?

A Faraday pouch can help prevent relay-style attacks against your own fob, but it won’t help if the thief already has the fob. Changing the battery doesn’t disable it. The correct fix is deleting the stolen fob from the vehicle and programming replacement keys.

Can I track my Telluride or disable it remotely?

If your Telluride has connected services enabled and you have an active subscription, you may be able to view vehicle location and receive alerts. Capabilities vary by model year/trim and service status. For immediate risk, prioritize deleting the stolen fob and contacting law enforcement rather than confronting a suspected thief.

What do I need to bring to the dealer or locksmith to get a replacement?

Typically: proof of ownership (registration or title), a government-issued photo ID, and the vehicle itself. Some providers may also request the VIN and may require all remaining keys/fobs to be present during programming so the system can re-learn authorized keys.

⏱️ Urgency Note: High urgency: A stolen smart key is a direct access credential to your Telluride. Aim to secure the vehicle immediately and schedule key deletion/reprogramming within 24 hours (sooner if the theft included your address or the vehicle is parked in a predictable location).

Related Information

Need Detailed Information?

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

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Last updated: 2026-01-04