Chevrolet Cruze Key Replacement in San Diego

A 2011 to 2015 Cruze flip key is $165 at your car, and 2016 to 2019 push-start cars take a $229 smart key. Chevrolet dealers usually quote about $300 and $440.

The Cruze sold in the US for the 2011 to 2019 model years, and its key depends on two things: which body you have and, on the 2016 and newer car, whether the dash has a start button.

The first-generation car, including the 2016 Cruze Limited, takes a flip key on the HU100 blade, milled into each flat face so an ordinary key machine cannot copy it. We mill it on site and program the chip and the remote during the same visit. Each Cruze key we fit meets OEM or OEM-grade spec under a one-year warranty. A $145 HU100 key without the remote works as a second key.

Chevrolet Cruze keys by model year

Find your year, and the row shows the key it takes, what the dealer charges and what we charge at the car.

Prices as of 2026-09-30. Every price includes the drive to you anywhere in San Diego County. There is no trip fee and no after-hours rate inside our open hours. All keys lost adds $60.
Model years	Typical dealer	Value Car Keys	You keep
2011 to 2015: Remote head keyFlip key on the HU100 blade; many cars also have remote start on it. The 2016 Cruze Limited, the carryover first-generation car, uses this key as well.	~~$300~~	$165	$135
2016 to 2019: Smart key for push-to-start (Usually the top trim and LT cars equipped with keyless start; most L, LS and other LT cars kept a turn-key flip key at $165)Covers the second-generation sedan and the hatchback that joined for 2017. Push-start and turn-key keys for this car can share a similar shell, so we match yours using the VIN or FCC ID.	~~$440~~	$229	$211

The new key next to the original.

Lost every Cruze key?

With no Cruze key left, the HU100 blade is milled to GM's code for the VIN, then the chip and remote, or the push-start fob, go in over the diagnostic port at the car. GM's security access can hold the programmer on a timer, commonly about ten minutes and on some cars repeated, so allow more time than a spare-key visit.

Losing the last key adds $60 to either price: a flip key becomes $165 plus $60, a fob $229 plus $60. Have a license in the owner's name next to the title or current registration. When the Cruze starts on the new key, the missing one is cleared from the car, so it will not start the engine for anyone who picks it up.

Chevrolet Cruze key questions

Which 2016 to 2019 Cruze trims have push-button start?

Usually the top trim, with the option available on the LT, while most L and LS cars kept a turn-key ignition with an HU100 flip key. A dash start button points to the $229 smart key, and a key slot to the $165 flip key. The VIN settles any doubt before we drive.

Is the 2016 Cruze Limited key the same as the 2016 Cruze key?

Usually not. The 2016 Cruze Limited is the first-generation car sold alongside the new one that year, and it takes the 2011 to 2015 HU100 flip key at $165. The redesigned 2016 Cruze takes either a push-start fob at $229 or its own turn-key flip key, depending on trim. The VIN tells us which one to bring.

Why won't my Cruze start when the key turns and the security light is on?

Usually the car is not reading the chip in the key. The chip may be damaged, or the key may be a copy whose chip was never programmed. Try the spare if you have one. If the spare starts it, the first key needs replacing, $165 for a flip key. If neither starts it, tell us on the call, because the fault may sit elsewhere.

How does a dealer Cruze key compare with yours?

Roughly $300 for a flip key and $440 for a smart key at a Chevrolet dealer, against our $165 and $229. Their figure includes $100 to $180 for programming time, and ordering the key may add one to three days. A Cruze with no working key reaches their bay on a tow truck, $125 to $200 more.

Is it worth making a spare Cruze key now?

Yes, when only one key remains. A spare HU100 flip key is $165 while a working key exists, or $145 without buttons. Once the last key is gone, that job carries $60 more and a longer stay at the car. The spare is cut and programmed during one visit and warrantied for a year like every key we make.

Other Chevrolet models

Text us your Chevrolet Cruze year and trim

Call or text (619) 340-1518 with the car's year, make and model. If a dealer already quoted you, send that quote over for our answer on the same key.

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