- (214) 717-6398
- info@dfwkeys4cars.com
- Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 18:30
Subaru Forester Key Replacement
Subaru Foresters have been on Dallas–Fort Worth roads since the 1998 era, and across 5 key generations this model has used 3 different key systems — transponder key; transponder / remote head; smart proximity (push-to-start). Whichever yours is, DFW Keys 4 Cars cuts and programs it at your location, 24/7: spare keys, lost-everything replacements, fob programming, and lockouts. Call (214) 717-6398.
About Forester Keys
The table below is our verified key reference for the Subaru Forester — model years, key types, and the transponder/immobilizer family each generation uses. Generations overlap at boundary years, and trim levels (keyed vs. push-to-start) can differ within the same year, so we always confirm the exact part by VIN before dispatching.
| Model / Generation | Years | Key Type | Transponder / Immobilizer | Blade / FCC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester | 1998–2003 | Transponder key | Texas Crypto 4D / ID4D60 | older Subaru keyway |
| Forester | 2004–2007 | Transponder key | Texas Crypto 4D / ID4D62 (DST80) | older Subaru keyway |
| Forester | 2008–2013 | Transponder / remote head | 4D62 (DST80) | DAT17 high-security |
| Forester | 2014–2018 | Smart proximity (push-to-start) | DST-4D “G” board | DAT17 emergency insert |
| Forester | 2019–2026 | Smart proximity (push-to-start) | 8A / DST-AES | DAT17 emergency insert |
Security System & Immobilizer
Subaru moved through 4D62 and G-chip transponders to H-chip keys and proximity smart fobs on current models — all field-programmable with the right tools.
On the Forester specifically, the immobilizer families we see are: Texas Crypto 4D / ID4D60, Texas Crypto 4D / ID4D62 (DST80), 4D62 (DST80), DST-4D “G” board, 8A / DST-AES. A key that is cut correctly but not programmed to this system will turn the locks and never start the engine — programming is the half of the job that matters.
Which key does your year have?
- 1998–2003: Transponder key — Texas Crypto 4D / ID4D60 (older Subaru keyway)
- 2004–2007: Transponder key — Texas Crypto 4D / ID4D62 (DST80) (older Subaru keyway)
- 2008–2013: Transponder / remote head — 4D62 (DST80) (DAT17 high-security)
- 2014–2018: Smart proximity (push-to-start) — DST-4D “G” board (DAT17 emergency insert)
- 2019–2026: Smart proximity (push-to-start) — 8A / DST-AES (DAT17 emergency insert)
Our Forester Key Services
- Key replacement — lost, stolen or broken Forester keys cut from code and programmed on-site, including all-keys-lost by VIN
- Spare key duplication — the cheap insurance; most Forester spares are done in one short visit
- Fob & transponder programming — remotes, fobiks and smart keys paired to the immobilizer, including proximity fobs
- Lockout service — damage-free entry when the keys are inside, 24/7
- Ignition repair — worn cylinders and keys that won’t turn
Subaru Forester Key FAQ
I lost the only key to my Forester. What now?
We come to the vehicle, verify ownership, cut a new key from the VIN, and program it on-site. No tow, no dealer wait — this is our most common Forester call.
My Forester is push-to-start. Can you really program that outside the dealer?
Yes. Late-model Foresters (2019–2026) use a proximity smart key on the 8A / DST-AES system — our trucks carry the fobs and the programmer. We cut the emergency blade too.
My Forester is older — do you still stock keys for it?
Yes. We carry blanks and chips going back to the 1998–2003 generation (transponder key), and a code-cut fresh key usually turns a worn lock better than any copy of your worn key.
How fast can you reach my Forester in DFW?
We dispatch the nearest mobile unit across the whole metroplex, 24/7. Call (214) 717-6398 with your location and we’ll give you an honest ETA.