2014 Toyota Highlander Key Replacement

The 2014–2019 Highlander uses the same key setup, so everything on this page applies to those years too. The full picture is on the Toyota Highlander key guide.

2014 Toyota Highlander: key facts

Key type: Remote-head key
Push-to-start: No
Transponder chip: H (128-bit DST-AES)
Programming: OBD
All keys lost: We can originate new keys on site

Key-start trims use H-chip bladed/remote-head keys (TOY44H-PT family, catalog fitment 2014-2019); smart-key trims use the 8A smart system with push-button start.

What kind of key does a 2014 Highlander use?

The key-start trims of the 2014 Highlander use a remote-head key. That is a metal blade with a plastic head that holds the lock, unlock and panic buttons, and a transponder chip inside. The chip family is H, a 128-bit DST-AES chip, and the key is in the TOY44H-PT family. The car will not start unless the chip in the key is programmed to the vehicle's immobilizer.

For you, that comes down to a few practical points. A plain hardware-store copy cuts the blade and turns the lock, but it has no programmed chip, so the engine will not start. The key also has to be the right chip type, not just the right blade shape. This year has a mechanical backup key as part of its setup, which is worth knowing if the remote battery dies.

The usual wear problems on these keys are:

Cracked remote-head shells, often where the key ring hole is
Worn or peeling buttons
Remote battery failure, which can stop the buttons working even when the chip still starts the car

Spare key or all keys lost: how we handle each

For this setup, the manufacturer data says a duplicate needs an original key to work from. If you still have one working key, making a spare is the more straightforward job. If you have none, all keys lost is still possible on a 2014 Highlander. It just takes more work, because the car has to be told to accept new keys without an existing one present.

Programming on this year is done through the OBD port under the dash. The data lists no NASTF SDRM requirement for this key, so it is not a job that depends on special registry access.

You call (213) 577-1366 and tell us the year, model and whether you have any working key.
We confirm your trim by VIN, since the 2014 Highlander was built with more than one key system.
We cut the blade to your door and ignition, or to the vehicle's key code if no key is available.
We pair the H-chip key to the vehicle through the OBD port and check the buttons and starting.
We test every key you have, including any older ones, so you know what works before we leave.

What affects the cost of a 2014 Highlander key?

We don't quote numbers in a web page, because the real answer depends on your situation. These are the things that move the cost:

Whether you have a working key. A spare from an existing key is usually the more economical route compared with all keys lost.
How many keys you need programmed at one visit.
Whether the remote head is a fresh key or whether your existing shell can be repaired. Sometimes a cracked shell or dead battery needs only a repair, not a new key.
Where the car is. A van visit to your location is a different job from bringing the car to our storefront in Westwood.
Whether your Highlander turns out to be a smart-key trim, which uses a different part entirely.

Locked out or need a locksmith now?

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

Call (213) 577-1366

What we confirm by VIN rather than assume

Our verified data covers the key-start Highlander, which uses the H-chip remote-head key with catalog fitment from 2014 to 2019. It also notes that the smart-key trims use a different system, the 8A smart key with push-button start. Those are not the same key, and the year alone does not tell us which one you have.

That is why we ask for your VIN, or look at the key and ignition in person, before we cut or program anything. If you have a push-button start, say so on the phone. If you are not sure, the VIN settles it. We would rather spend a minute checking than sell you a key that will not work.

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. When you call, you reach us, not a dispatch middleman who sends the job to whoever is free. David, the owner and lead technician, oversees the work. The line, (213) 577-1366, is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

California requires locksmith companies to hold a BSIS LCO license, and you should ask any locksmith for that number before they start work. If you want the wider picture first, see our Toyota key service page or the Highlander overview. To describe your situation in writing, use the contact page.

Frequently asked questions

Can a hardware store copy start my 2014 Highlander?

No. A non-transponder copy may turn the lock, but it has no programmed H-chip, so the engine will not start. The key has to be programmed to the vehicle.

Can you make a key if I have lost all of them?

Yes, all keys lost is possible for this setup. It takes more work than copying from an existing key, so tell us on the phone that you have none.

Do you need to take the Highlander to a dealer?

Not for the key-start H-chip key in our data. We program it through the OBD port, and the data lists no NASTF SDRM requirement. If your VIN shows a different system, we will tell you plainly what that means.

My Highlander has a push-button start. Is it the same key?

No. Smart-key trims use the 8A smart system, which is different from the H-chip remote-head key. Give us your VIN so we can confirm which one you have before anything is cut or ordered.

My remote buttons stopped working but the car still starts. What is wrong?

That usually points to the remote battery, which is a common failure on this key. The chip that starts the car works separately from the buttons. Worn buttons or a cracked shell can also be the cause.

Is there a backup key inside the remote head?

This year's setup includes a mechanical backup key. We can show you how it works on your key when we look at it in person.

We cover all these cities

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

Last updated 2026-10-11.