Acura and Infiniti key replacement in San Diego runs $150 to $650, depending on the key type and how new the model is. Older transponder keys are the cheapest fix, smart proximity fobs cost the most, and a locksmith beats dealer pricing on nearly every job. The gap is real: dealers routinely charge $100 to $250 more for the identical fob.
Both brands share their platform mates’ immobilizer technology. Acura runs on Honda’s system, Infiniti runs on Nissan’s. That matters for how a locksmith approaches the job, and it’s worth understanding before you call around for quotes.
Cost by key type and make
What you drive and what year it was built decide the price more than the badge does. Here’s the honest range for each.
| Key type / make | Vehicles | Locksmith (San Diego) | Dealer estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acura transponder key | Older TLX, RDX, MDX (roughly 2005-2015) | $150 - $250 | $300 - $450 |
| Acura remote-head key | Various trims 2005-2018 | From $185 | $300 - $500 |
| Acura smart proximity fob | Newer MDX, RDX, TLX, Integra | $250 - $450 | $400 - $650 |
| Infiniti smart fob | Q50, QX60, QX50, QX80 | $200 - $450 | $400 - $650 |
These are ranges, not quotes. Your exact price depends on the model year, whether you have a working spare to clone from, and whether it’s an all-keys-lost job. Give a locksmith the year, make, model, and VIN over the phone and you’ll get a firm number before anyone shows up.
Dealer vs. locksmith
For most Acura and Infiniti models on the road today, a mobile locksmith gets you the same result for less money and less waiting.
Locksmith advantages: lower cost by $100 to $250 on most key types, on-site service wherever the car is parked, same-day appointments, and all-keys-lost jobs handled through the OBD-II port with no tow required.
Dealer advantages: current model-year vehicles where third-party tools haven’t caught up, active warranty coverage that includes key replacement, and a short list of 2022-and-newer models with encrypted hands-free entry where the proprietary tool may be required.
That last point matters more for these two brands than most others we cover. If you’re not sure which category your vehicle falls into, read our comparison on lost car keys: dealer vs. locksmith, or just call and describe your car. A locksmith who knows current tool coverage will tell you honestly if your vehicle needs the dealer.
How the immobilizer system works
Both brands use a rolling-code transponder system. The key or fob holds a chip that talks to the car’s engine control module every time you start it. If the codes match, the engine turns over. If not, it won’t start no matter how well the key is cut.
Acura’s system traces directly back to Honda’s architecture, since Acura is Honda’s luxury division. A locksmith with Honda tool coverage can generally program most Acura keys using the same equipment and the same OBD-II relearn process. Infiniti runs on Nissan’s immobilizer platform for the same reason. The programming logic and pairing sequence overlap closely with mainstream Nissan models.
The newest proximity systems are the exception. Acura’s hands-free MDX and RDX models from 2022 forward, along with certain Infiniti QX models, use encrypted pairing that can require a dealer-only tool for a window after launch. That window usually closes within a year or two. For anything from roughly 2005 through 2021, a locksmith clears this without issue.
Acura notes
Acura’s TLX, MDX, and RDX cover the bulk of what we see in San Diego, along with the newer Integra. On transponder and remote-head keys common through 2018, programming is straightforward, usually under an hour. Smart proximity fobs on newer MDX and RDX trims add a step to pairing but are still well within locksmith range for most model years. The one to watch is a 2022-or-newer push-button MDX with hands-free liftgate access. If you’re locked out of one and all keys are lost, call first and describe the trim so we can confirm tool coverage before dispatch.
Infiniti notes
Infiniti’s Q50 sedan and the QX-series SUVs (QX60, QX50, QX80) all use smart proximity fobs on nearly every trim sold in the last decade. Unlike Acura, Infiniti moved to push-to-start earlier, so you’re less likely to find an older transponder key on these unless you’re driving a much older G37 or M-series. Programming an Infiniti smart fob runs on the higher end of the range, since these systems pair both the proximity sensor and a backup transponder chip inside the same fob, and both have to be verified working before the job is done.
Spare key advice
If you’re down to one working key on either brand, get a duplicate cut now. Cloning from a working key is meaningfully cheaper than an all-keys-lost replacement, since the locksmith doesn’t have to derive a new key code from the VIN and relearn the immobilizer from scratch. It also means you’re never stuck without a backup if the one key you have gets lost at a trailhead or left behind at the airport.
For more on the difference between a basic transponder and a full smart key system, see our guide to transponder key vs. smart key. And if you’re already down to zero keys, our post on lost car keys with no spare walks through exactly what happens next.
What to have ready
Every reputable locksmith verifies ownership first. Have these ready before we arrive:
- Driver’s license matching the vehicle registration
- Current vehicle registration or title
- VIN, found on the driver’s door jamb sticker, the title, or through the windshield
Having the VIN ready in particular speeds things up. It confirms the exact trim and key system, which decides both the part and the programming sequence.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Acura key replacement cost in San Diego?
$150 to $250 for an older transponder key, from $185 for a remote-head key, and $250 to $450 for a smart proximity fob on newer models. Dealer pricing for the same jobs typically runs $300 to $650.
How much does an Infiniti key fob cost to replace?
$200 to $450 through a locksmith, depending on the model and whether it’s an all-keys-lost job. Dealer pricing for the same fob usually runs $400 to $650.
Can a locksmith program an Acura or Infiniti key?
Yes, for the large majority of models. Acura shares Honda’s immobilizer architecture and Infiniti shares Nissan’s, so a locksmith equipped for those platforms can generally program both brands’ keys. The exception is a small set of 2022-and-newer models with encrypted hands-free entry, where dealer tool access may still be required.
Do I need to go to the dealer for a newer MDX or QX model?
Not always, but it’s worth confirming first. The newest hands-free proximity systems on certain MDX, RDX, and QX trims can require a dealer tool for a period after launch. A straightforward call with your year and trim will tell you which side of that line your vehicle falls on.
What if I only have one Acura or Infiniti key left?
Get a duplicate made before you lose it. A clone from a working key costs noticeably less than an all-keys-lost job and takes less time on-site, usually 30 to 45 minutes for common models.
How long does the programming take?
Most transponder and remote-head key jobs take 30 to 60 minutes on-site. Smart proximity fobs run closer to 45 to 90 minutes, especially on all-keys-lost jobs where the full relearn sequence has to run through the car’s computer.
When to call us
Whether it’s a locked-out MDX in La Jolla or a lost Q50 fob in Chula Vista, a mobile locksmith is almost always the faster, cheaper option. We carry blanks and programming equipment for both platforms and typically have you back on the road within an hour. See car key replacement and key fob programming for the full scope of what we cover. Our Honda key replacement guide and Nissan key replacement guide cover the platforms these two luxury brands are built on, and our Chevy key replacement guide covers the domestic side of the market.
Call (858) 400-4082 for a same-day estimate anywhere in San Diego County.