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If you’ve ever lost or damaged your key fob, you’ll understand the feeling of panic and stress! I’ve been there a few times, and having a spare key fob is such a relief in these situations.
In my experience, buying a Mazda key fob replacement online is far cheaper than going directly to a Mazda dealership. So whether you’re looking for a spare key fob or need to replace one that is lost or broken, buying online is a good choice to save money.
But buying online obviously comes with risks: how can you know that a key fob will work with your particular vehicle? What features do you need, and how can you get them programmed to work with your specific car?
We’ll look at the technicalities a little later in this article. If you’re in a hurry, you can get my top recommendations in the next section, or you can keep reading to find out all the details you need to know about buying replacement Mazda key fobs.
Table of Contents
Bottom Line Up Front
Obviously, your pick will be based on your specific vehicle, but I recommend the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Smart Remote Key Fob. It’s a high-quality, genuine Mazda factory key fob, it looks great, and it’s still very affordable.
I’d also like to shout out to the KeylessOption Keyless Entry Remote Control Car Key Fob, which usefully contains two key fobs for a very low price, which is ideal if you need a spare! It can be programmed at home, too.
Visit CarAndTruckRemotes.com to find backup or replacement key fobs for any vehicle. Since 2003, they have been the go-to source for replacement key fobs, transponder keys, and keyless entry remotes at up to 75% savings.
Best Mazda Key Fob Replacements at a Glance
- 2011 Mazda RX-8 Smart Keyless Remote Key Fob– a high-quality official Mazda key fob with a good returns policy
- 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Smart Remote Key Fob – another genuine Mazda factory key available for various models
- KeylessOption Keyless Entry Remote Control Car Key Fob – a pack of two budget-friendly Mazda key fobs
- 2020 Mazda CX3 Intelligent Smart Remote Key Fob– a slimline, high-quality Mazda key fob
- Keyless2Go Replacement for Mazda 6 and 3– a budget-friendly key fob, ideal to use as a spare key in case of emergencies
- 2009 Mazda B-Series Truck Remote – a super-cheap but durable key fob for various Mazda vehicles
What to Look for in a Replacement Mazda Key Fob
Before I give you my recommendations, here are a few key things to look for if you’re buying a replacement Mazda key fob for the first time:
Models/Compatibility
The first thing you need to look for is compatibility when it comes to your Mazda key replacement. While a key fob may say ‘compatible with Mazda 6 and 3’, for example, it may not be designed to work with your vehicle. It should list compatible years in the product description, so it’s worth double-checking.
Some key fobs work with various vehicles, so it’s a good idea to closely read both the product name and description to ensure your model is listed.
Electronics
The electronics aren’t always included, so ensure your chosen key fob has them! Super-cheap models look almost exactly like regular key fobs, but if you look closely at the description or product name, it will say ‘case’ somewhere in there. That means it’s designed for you to place the original electronics from your current key fob into a new casing.
This is ideal if your current key fob is damaged in some way; if the electronics are fine, you can save money by popping them out of the old key fob case and into a new one. You may also find some interesting key fob cases in different colors, which a kind of fun accessory to invest in.
However, if you’re looking for a whole new spare key fob or you’ve lost your current key fob, you’ll need one with the electronics included.
Buttons
The four basic buttons you need to include on your car keys:
- Lock
- Unlock
- Trunk unlock
- Panic button
Some cheaper models may not have the trunk unlock button, but they’ll all have the other three included as standard. You may find extra buttons like left-side unlock, right-side unlock, etc, but these tend to be slightly more expensive.
Which one you pick will depend on the buttons you use. You may find that you only ever use the basic buttons anyway.
A quick note on quick-start vehicles: if your car has this, you may find that third-party key fobs won’t work. Instead, you’ll need an official replacement from a Mazda dealership.
Quality
You can get official factory Mazda key fobs from third-party websites. These are exactly like the ones you’d get from a dealership, logo included, and are usually made from high-quality materials (depending on the model of your car and the year it was made).
The good thing about factory key fobs is that they’re durable; you shouldn’t have to worry about the buttons wearing away or breaking, for example. The downside is that they tend to be more expensive than third-party key fobs, but they’re still cheaper than going to a dealership.
You can buy cheaper key fobs, too, which don’t have the Mazda logo and generally feel (and look) a little less expensive. These still work well when programmed and make excellent spare key fobs in case of an emergency.
Warranty/Returns Policy
Buying online comes with risks, of course. If your key fob doesn’t work with your car, or there’s something wrong with it, sending it back is made much easier if your retailer has a good returns policy.
You may also decide to purchase a further warranty for your key fob. I’d say this isn’t really worth it for cheaper key fobs, but absolutely worth investing in if you’re spending a couple of hundred dollars on a new car key.
Programming
Your key fob comes as a blank slate: it will have a blank key blade and basic electronics that need to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle.
A locksmith can cut the key blade, and this is a pretty quick and low-cost endeavor. However, programming can be slightly more expensive and must be done by an automotive locksmith. Alternatively, you can take it to a Mazda dealership.
You may also be able to program your key fob at home. This is a good skill to learn, and usually, you’ll be sent video instructions at the point of purchase. If not, there are tutorials on YouTube to explain the process.
I’ve programmed a key fob myself, and it’s way less complicated than it sounds – as long as you follow the instructions step-by-step, it should work well.
Not all key fobs can be programmed at home, however. The product description will make it clear if this is the case.
Top 6 Best Mazda Key Fobs
Here are six Mazda key fobs I’d recommend. In terms of criteria, I’ve selected these based on their quality, durability, and their price range. While some are more expensive than others, they’re still cheaper than buying a new key fob from a dealership, and some can be programmed at home, so you won’t have to pay to have it done professionally.
2011 Mazda RX-8 Smart Keyless Remote Key Fob w/Trunk
The 2011 Mazda RX-8 Smart Keyless Remote Key Fob is an official factory Mazda key fob. It’s a high-quality fob with the Mazda logo included, and it has all the buttons you need (lock, unlock, trunk unlock, and emergency alert button). It also has an uncut key blade.
While this particular key fob is for the 2011 model, they also sell key fobs for models between 2004-2010, so you should be able to find one that suits your car.
It is one of the more expensive key fobs on this list. You’ll also need to pay for programming and key cutting. However, this particular key fob is expensive to buy from a dealer, so you’ll still save money by ordering it online.
It comes with a 90-day return policy and an additional 1,2, or 3-year warranty if you want to pay a little extra. Each unit is tested before shipping, so it should get to you in perfect working order.
Pros
- High-quality
- Mazda logo included
- Comes with a good warranty/return policy
Cons
- Quite expensive compared to some of the others on this list
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Smart Remote Key Fob
The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Smart Remote Key Fob is a genuine factory key fob with the Mazda logo included. It has four buttons (lock, unlock, trunk unlock, and emergency alert button) and an uncut key blade included. It’s a high-quality key fob and should last for a long time, with robust buttons and a tough outer casing.
They also offer key fobs for the 2006-2021 models, so you should be able to find the right one for your particular car.
It’s kind of pricey but still way cheaper than buying from a dealership. You’ll need to have the electronics professionally programmed and the key blade cut, which is an extra cost to think about, but it’s still cheaper than going to a Mazda dealership for an official replacement.
This key blade comes with a 90-day returns policy, and you can buy an additional warranty (of 1, 2, or 3 years) for an extra cost. Each model is tested before they’re sent out, too, so you can be reassured that your key fob will arrive in full working order.
Pros
- High-quality, genuine Mazda key fob
- Available for models of the year 2006-2021
- Good returns policy
Cons
- A little pricier than some of the others on this list
Visit CarAndTruckRemotes.com to find backup or replacement key fobs for any vehicle. Since 2003, they have been the go-to source for replacement key fobs, transponder keys, and keyless entry remotes at up to 75% savings.
KeylessOption Keyless Entry Remote Control Car Key Fob
The KeylessOption Keyless Entry Remote Control Car Key Fob is a good option if you want something affordable but still durable. It doesn’t have the Mazda logo, but it does have all the buttons you need: lock, unlock, trunk unlock, and emergency alert button.
It’s compatible with the Mazda 6 2003, 2004, and 2005. The great thing about this fob is that it can be programmed at home by following their video instructions. This means you’ll save even more money, making this a super budget-friendly option.
While it’s a cheaper model, the quality is still good. However, it’s worth noting that the symbols on the button may start to wear away after a lot of use, which is something to keep in mind. It comes with a battery included, and the best thing is it comes with two key fobs in the pack. If you lose the first one, you can program them both and have a spare one at home.
Pros
- Budget-friendly option
- Two key fobs included in the pack
- It can be programmed at home
Cons
- Symbols on buttons may start to wear away after a lot of use
2020 Mazda CX3 Intelligent Smart Remote Key Fob
The 2020 Mazda CX3 Intelligent Smart Remote Key Fob is a good quality key fob and an ideal replacement version. It’s a slimline key fob made from high-quality materials, with the Mazda logo included. It has three buttons (lock, unlock, and panic alarm) and an uncut key blade included.
It’s compatible with the 2016-2020 models of the Mazda CX3. It requires programming by a professional, and the key blade will need to be cut. I’d say the pricing is mid-range; it’s not as cheap as some of the unbranded key fobs on this list, but it’s still cheaper than some of the official Mazda key fobs we’ve already looked at.
This key fob comes with a 90-day returns policy along with an additional 1, 2, or 3-year warranty that you can pay for at checkout. It will also be tested before dispatch, so you’ll know it will arrive in good condition.
Pros
- Slimline, high-quality official Mazda key fob
- Compatible with various models
- Good returns policy/warranty
Cons
- A little more pricey than some of the others on this list
Keyless2Go Replacement for Mazda 6 and 3
The Keyless2Go Replacement for Mazda 6 and 3 is a keyless entry remote flip key for certain Mazda 3 and 6 and Miata MX-5 vehicles. Compatible years are as follows:
- 2010 – 2013 Mazda 3
- 2009 – 2013 Mazda 6
- 2006 – 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata
These are budget key fobs, but the quality is pretty good. They have the four basic buttons (lock, unlock, trunk unlock, and panic button), but they won’t work if your car has the Smart Entry system, which is worth noting.
You’ll get a blank key blade with this key fob, along with electronics that can be programmed at home. Once you purchase a key fob, you’ll be sent video instructions. However, you will need two working keys in order to do this: if not, you’ll need to take them to an automotive locksmith or dealer.
While you’re losing out on quality a little and you don’t get the Mazda logo, it’s still a sturdy little key fob, and the pricing makes it great if you’re looking for a spare key fob in case of emergencies.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- It can be programmed at home
- Decent quality with durable buttons
Cons
- Doesn’t have the Mazda logo
- You’ll still need to take it to a dealer to be programmed if you don’t have an original key
2009 Mazda B-Series Truck Remote
The 2009 Mazda B-Series Truck Remote is an aftermarket key fob, which means it doesn’t have the Mazda logo.
It’s a durable little remote with three buttons (lock, unlock, and panic button), and it’s compatible with the 2009 B-Series Truck. They also have key fobs for other models from 1998-2008, so you should be able to find your truck!
It’s also compatible with a ton of other vehicles, including various Ford cars, the Lincoln Mark LT/Lincoln Navigator, and the Mazda Tribute.
The pricing is very good, at just under $13, and while you’ll need to get it programmed at a dealer or automotive locksmith, it’s still very affordable. It’s worth getting two so you can have a spare one hanging around in case of future emergencies.
Each key fob is tested before dispatch, and it has a 90-day warranty, so if there is something wrong or it’s not compatible with your car, you can return it. You can also purchase a further 1,2, or 3-year extended warranty at checkout.
Pros
- Durable remote
- Compatible with a lot of vehicles
- Very affordable
Cons
- No Mazda logo
FAQs
You can do this by following a YouTube video or the video instructions given to you by the retailer you bought the key fob from. In my experience, Mazda keys aren’t too difficult to program at home, and it’s another great car maintenance skill that you can learn.
Some key fobs can only be programmed if you have two key fobs already at home. If not, you’ll need to take it to a dealer or an automotive locksmith.
Any official key fobs are expensive to buy if you go straight to a dealership (although, having said that, sometimes older vehicles aren’t too bad in terms of cost). I’d say it’s absolutely worth buying online if you can. Some newer Mazda vehicles (like the Mazda MX-5 or the Mazda CX5) will have quite expensive key fobs, so you can save some cash by buying from a third-party website.
Absolutely! You can buy a new key fob and swap out the ‘insides’ of your current key fob. There are tons of tutorials about this online, and buying a new outer case will work out far cheaper than buying a whole new key fob.
The best way is to get recommendations from local people: Facebook is a good place to look if you’re on local groups. However, you can also use websites like Autolocksmith – they have locksmiths across the US, and you can easily get a quote online.
Best Mazda Key Fob Replacements: To Wrap Things Up…
I think that the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Smart Remote Key Fob is an excellent choice. It’s a high-quality key fob with the Mazda logo, and it has all the buttons you’ll need. It’s affordable compared to buying from a Mazda dealership, even with the costs of programming and key cutting.
If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, you can check out the KeylessOption Keyless Entry Remote Control Car Key Fob. It comes with two key fobs, and they’re super affordable. You can program them both at home, too. It would work well if you’re car-sharing with a new driver and need spare keys.
Visit CarAndTruckRemotes.com to find backup or replacement key fobs for any vehicle. Since 2003, they have been the go-to source for replacement key fobs, transponder keys, and keyless entry remotes at up to 75% savings.