2021 Hyundai Elantra Key Replacement in Los Angeles

The 2021–2022 Elantra uses the same key setup, so everything on this page applies to those years too. The full picture is on the Hyundai Elantra key guide.

2021 Hyundai Elantra: key facts

Key type: Mechanical (no chip)
Push-to-start: No
Transponder chip: None
Programming: NONE
All keys lost: We can originate new keys on site

CN7 generation, still on Hyundai's anti-theft list (through 2022): base SE turn-key cars built before November 1, 2021 have no immobilizer. Hyundai made immobilizers standard on vehicles produced after that date, so late-build 2022s do carry a chip — build date decides. Push-button trims use NXP Hitag-AES smart fobs (NYOMBEC5FOB2004) programmed via OBD, but fob listings disagree on the chip ID ('4A' vs '6A', one even lists ID49) — we identify the chip on the vehicle.

What kind of key does a 2021 Elantra use?

It depends on the trim, and that is the first thing we sort out on the phone. The base turn-key Elantra uses a mechanical key that you insert and turn. Push-button trims use a smart fob, and those are a different job with different parts.

The turn-key cars are the ones owners should understand best. On base trims there is no factory immobilizer, which means there is no chip in the key that the car has to recognize. A plain metal copy cut to the right pattern will start the car. That makes a spare cheap to think about and quick to make, and it also explains why these cars were a primary target of the 2021-2023 theft wave people call the 'Kia Boys' trend.

The push-button trims are different. They use an NXP Hitag-AES smart fob, and a replacement is programmed to the car through the OBD port. The fob also carries a mechanical backup key, so there is a physical blade inside it for when the battery dies or the fob stops responding.

Duplicate key or all keys lost: how we handle each

Both situations are workable on this car. The difference is mostly in how much we have to work out before cutting anything.

With a working key in hand, duplication is straightforward. The original key is needed as the pattern for the copy, and on a base turn-key car that is essentially all it takes. On a push-button car, the new fob also has to be programmed to the vehicle.

You call (213) 577-1366 and tell us the trim, whether the car starts with a turn-key or a push button, and where the car is.
We confirm the key type, using the VIN where we can, before we bring anything out.
If you have a working key, we copy it. If you have lost every key, we make one from the lock and the vehicle information instead.
For a smart fob, we program it through the OBD port and test every function before we leave.
We check that the mechanical key turns the door and, on turn-key cars, the ignition smoothly.

Damaged ignition after a theft attempt

A lot of the Elantra calls we hear about are not really key problems. When someone tries to steal a turn-key Elantra, they often break the ignition lock cylinder or damage the steering column. A new key will not fix that. The cylinder may need to be rebuilt or replaced, and then a key cut to match it.

If your car has been through an attempt, tell us when you call. It changes what we bring and how we quote the work.

One more thing we recommend alongside any key job: this Elantra is eligible for Hyundai's free anti-theft software update. Details are at hyundaiantitheft.com. It does not replace having your keys sorted out, but it is worth doing, and it costs nothing from Hyundai.

Locked out or need a locksmith now?

We answer around the clock, every day of the year.

Call (213) 577-1366

What affects the price of a 2021 Elantra key?

We do not quote numbers in a web page because the real cost depends on your car, but these are the things that move it:

Turn-key or push-button. A mechanical key is the lighter-cost job; a programmed smart fob involves a more expensive part and programming time.
Duplicate or all keys lost. Having a working key to copy is usually the more economical route.
Ignition or column damage. If the cylinder has to be rebuilt or replaced, that is separate work from the key.
Where you are and when you call. Mobile service to your location differs from coming to our Westwood storefront, and after-hours calls differ from daytime ones.
How many keys you want. Making two at once is usually more efficient than coming back for a second.

What we confirm before we cut or program

Here is the honest part. The fob listings for the push-button Elantra do not agree with each other. Parts sources list the chip as '4A' in some places and '6A' in others, and one even shows ID49. We know the fob is in the NXP Hitag-AES family, but we do not claim a specific chip ID from a catalog. We identify it on your vehicle, using the VIN and the car itself.

The immobilizer question also turns on build date. Hyundai made immobilizers standard on vehicles produced after November 1, 2021, and base turn-key cars built before that date have none. We check your car rather than assume, because a chip changes what key we cut or program.

If you want to talk it through first, contact us or call (213) 577-1366. You can also see other model years on the Elantra page, the wider Hyundai key page, or the full car key service overview.

Why call Wilshire Lock & Key

We have been in business since 1987, with a storefront at 10740 Wilshire Blvd in Westwood and mobile vans that serve 140 cities across Los Angeles and Ventura counties. You reach our own company, not a dispatch middleman, and David oversees the work as owner and lead technician. The phone is answered 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

California requires locksmith companies to hold a BSIS LCO license. Ask any locksmith you call for theirs before they start work.

Frequently asked questions

Does a 2021 Hyundai Elantra have a chip in the key?

It depends on the trim. Base turn-key cars have no factory immobilizer, so there is no chip the car checks. Push-button trims use an NXP Hitag-AES smart fob. We confirm which one you have by VIN.

Can a plain metal copy start my 2021 Elantra?

On a base turn-key trim, yes, because there is no immobilizer. That is also why these cars were targeted in the 2021-2023 theft wave. On push-button trims a copy of the blade will not start the car.

I lost every key to my 2021 Elantra. Can you still make one?

Yes, all keys lost is possible on this car. Call (213) 577-1366 with the trim and the car's location, and we will explain what the job involves for your setup.

Do you need my original key to duplicate it?

Yes, duplication starts from an original key. If you have none, that becomes an all-keys-lost job, which we can also do.

Is the 2021 Elantra fob chip a 4A or a 6A?

Listings disagree, and one even says ID49. We do not guess from a catalog. We identify the chip on your vehicle before we program a fob.

My ignition is damaged from a theft attempt. Will a new key fix it?

Usually not. A damaged lock cylinder or steering column often needs a rebuild or replacement, and then a key matched to it. Tell us about the damage when you call.

Should I get Hyundai's anti-theft software update?

We recommend it. Your Elantra is eligible for the free update at hyundaiantitheft.com, and it is worth doing alongside any key work.

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Reviewed by David, Owner & Lead Technician, Wilshire Lock & Key — in the locksmith trade since 1987.

Last updated 2026-10-11.