Kia Key Replacement in Milwaukee

Kia keys for Forte, Soul, Sportage, and Sorento

Kia key replacement in Milwaukee starts with the year more than the model. A 2012 Forte, a 2019 Sportage, and a 2023 Telluride use three different keys, and each one is made differently. We see Forte, Rio, Optima and K5, Soul, Sportage, Sorento, Seltos, and Telluride, and we make the key at the car. The Optima became the K5 from the 2021 model year, and a K5 key is not the same as the key for an older Optima.

Chip or no chip: the Kia years that matter

Some 2011–2022 Kia base models with a turn key have no immobilizer chip in the key. Every Kia built since November 2021 has one, either a chip key or a smart key. This changes how the key is made, but not what it costs. A key without a chip is still cut by code, and the code for a Kia is often bought from the maker, so it is not a lower-priced job. Send us the year and model, and we tell you which kind your Kia uses.

Kia flip keys and smart keys

From the early 2010s many Kias, including the Optima, Sorento, Sportage, Soul, and Forte, use a flip key: the remote and the key in one piece, with a blade that folds into the fob. A flip key starts at $129. Push-to-start smart keys are on the Telluride and on many K5, Sorento, Sportage, Seltos, Soul, and Forte trims. A smart key starts at $159 (smart keys). Two Kia smart keys can look identical and still not work in the same car, so we ask for the trim and match the part number.

The 6-digit PIN

Kia and Hyundai are sister brands, and their key programming works the same way: a 6-digit PIN stored in the car opens the key list. Often the tool pulls it straight through the diagnostic port. When it cannot, the maker hands it out for the VIN once the paperwork checks out. More on the PIN is on the Hyundai keys page.

Spare Kia key

With one working key, a spare starts at $69 (spare car key). Count on 15 to 60 minutes at the car. One detail to plan for: many recent Kias empty their list of keys and remotes during programming and then learn only the ones in front of them. A key left at home will not start the car afterward, so bring every one you want to keep.

All Kia keys lost

With no key left, the first step is opening the car (car lockout). The blade is cut from a decoded door lock or from the Kia key code for the VIN, then the PIN step, then programming. The keys you lost are gone from the car when we finish. All keys lost for a chip key starts at $119, and a Telluride or other smart key costs more (lost car keys).

Kia remotes

Older Kias have a separate remote on the key ring. A lost or broken remote is programmed from $119 (key fobs). If the buttons stopped working but the key still starts the car, the remote part may only need programming.

Before the visit

• The year, model, and trim, and whether the car has a start button.
• How many keys and remotes you still have.
• A photo of the key if you have one, and the address.

At the car, we ask for a photo ID and the title or the registration in your name.

For other makes, see car keys by make.