Honda Maintenance Cost
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Last Updated: December 27, 2022
For decades, car lovers have chosen Honda vehicles for their solidity, safety, and reliability. Undoubtedly, Honda vehicles carry an attractive price tag and are inexpensive to maintain compared to similar brands. Nevertheless, these vehicles still need typical maintenance, such as oil changes, battery inspection, and tire rotation, to run smoothly on roads.
I have had a few Honda vehicles in my lifetime, and both treated me very well. The largest repair I had to pay for was a timing belt repair on my 2010 Honda Ridgeline that had me stranded on the side of the road in a freezing Michigan winter. That adventure alone set me back a little over $1800.
Before making a final purchase, it is vital to check the annual maintenance costs of Hondas to understand better what kind of financial commitment you're getting yourself into. Scroll down to learn how much Honda maintenance costs. This article will also discuss the common mechanical and electrical repairs your Honda vehicle may encounter.
Average Honda Maintenance Cost
Compared to other brands, Honda vehicles are less expensive to maintain. According to RepairPal, Honda owners may have to pay up to $428 to keep pristine of their cars. This maintenance cost is less than the average industry auto maintenance cost of $652.
The average Honda tune-up cost may vary depending on your car model. Below we have compared some popular Honda models to give you a clearer picture of Honda maintenance costs.
| Model | Est. Annual Maintenance Cost | Reliability Score |
|---|---|---|
| Civic | $368 | 4.5/5.0 |
| Fit | $390 | 4.5/5.0 |
| Accord | $400 | 4.5/5.0 |
| CR-V | $407 | 4.5/5.0 |
| Odyssey | $547 | 4.0/5.0 |
RepairPal gives Honda 4.0 out of 5 stars due to its dependability and reliability. Above this, the brand ranks first out of 32 car brands for its reliability. RepairPal considers numerous factors, such as repairs' severity, frequency, and cost, to determine the reliability of Honda.
Honda set itself apart from the competition in the following ways:
- The replacement parts of Honda vehicles are easier to repair and replace compared to the cost of other luxury vehicle brands.
- Hondas are less likely to encounter a severe mechanical breakdown than other vehicles, resulting in reduced maintenance costs.
- Honda drivers must take their vehicles less frequently to repair facilities than the industry average.
Although Honda maintenance costs are affordable, you should set a budget aside for your vehicles' scheduled services and repairs. Maintaining a Honda is much cheaper than what you would have to fork out for BMW maintenance cost for example.
Honda Maintenance Schedule
Following a Honda maintenance schedule is vital to limit the expensive auto repair bills. Unfortunately, the more frequently you get your car to a repair shop, the higher the Honda maintenance cost. Unlike other cars, Honda vehicles have a computerized maintenance system that will let drivers know when it is time for scheduled maintenance. This digital system is known as Maintenance MinderTM. The system includes specific repairs that you need to perform at particular mileage intervals.
The services included in the Maintenance Minder cover the following items:
- Fuel lines
- Fluid levels
- Cooling hoses
- Exhaust system
- Driveshaft
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Engine
Below we have shared an example maintenance schedule to help you better understand the annual maintenance services of your Honda vehicle.
| Maintenance Interval | Service Items | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Every 7.500 miles | Tire rotation and oil change | $179 to $200 |
| Every 15,000 miles | Oil change, oil filter change, and tire rotation | $448 to $534 |
| Every 30,000 miles | 15,000 miles repairs plus replacement of spark plugs and air filter | $666 to $768 |
| Every 45,000 miles | Change brake fluids and coolant system | $507 to $608 |
| Every 90,000 miles | Change brake fluid and transmission services | $949 to $1086 |
| Every 150,000 miles | Change coolant, spark plugs, and timing belt | $595 to $705 |
Apart from the services mentioned above, the fuel system, air conditioning, brakes, and suspension will also be inspected at different mileage intervals to ensure they are working well. Remember that the scheduled maintenance services may change depending on your driving habits. For example, if you drive too often, you may need to replace the oil, brake pads, and transmission fluid. Unexpected repairs may also increase the annual maintenance cost of Hondas.
For example, according to RepairPal, Honda vehicles may encounter the following sudden mechanical and electrical repairs:
- Electric sliding doors malfunction
- Air conditioning failure
- Ignition switch failure
You can consult your Honda's ownership manual or visit the official Honda website to learn more about your vehicle's maintenance services. The maintenance Minder of your Honda vehicle will let you know if a maintenance service is due. But it is good to learn about the general maintenance services the Honda vehicles.
The computerized system of Honda will display the recommended maintenance services in different principal codes. The following chart will help you understand the meaning of principal codes and subcodes on the Honda maintenance Minder.
Honda Maintenance Main Codes
| Code | What Does it Mean? |
|---|---|
| A | Engine oil change |
| B | Replace the engine oil and oil filter, check the parking brake adjustment, and inspect the front and rear brakes |
| C | Check the suspension components, inspect the front and rear brakes, and the other specific parts of your vehicle. |
Honda Maintenance Sub Codes
| Code | What Does it Mean? |
|---|---|
| 1 | Tire rotation |
| 2 | Check the drive belt, replace the pollen filter, and air cleaner element. |
| 3 | Replace transfer fluid and transmission fluid |
| 4 | Replace the timing belt, replace the spark plug, inspect valve clearance, and check the water pump |
| 5 | Replace your car's engine coolant |
| 6 | Change the rear differential fluid |
Common Honda Repairs
Hondas have a high-reliability score, but they still encounter some common repairs. You can limit the frequency of these general repairs by ensuring the routine maintenance of your Honda vehicles. Below we have detailed some of the common repairs different Honda models may experience (data is collected from RepairPal).
| Model | Repair | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Honda CR-V | Transfer care replacement | $1,438 to $1,478 |
| Honda CR-V | Replacement of brake master cylinder | $445 to $574 |
| Honda Civic | Camshaft seal replacement | $191 to $240 |
| Honda Civic | Replace of air conditioning pressure switch | $158 to $179 |
| Honda Accord | Suspension strut replacement | $776 to $880 |
| Honda Accord | Water pump replacement | $566 to $708 |
The above-mentioned common repairs will not occur during the first few years of purchasing a new Honda vehicle. These problems will arise when your car's factory warranty expires. You have to cover these repairs out of your pocket. After a specific mileage interval, your service light will also illuminate for Honda a1 service. This service includes tire rotation and oil change, which are essential to keep your cars running well on the road.
Prepaid Honda Maintenance Plans
Like other reputable brands, Honda also offers a prepaid maintenance plan called Honda Care maintenance. This carefree plan can help you save on your annual Honda maintenance cost. The prepaid Honda maintenance plan ensures that standard maintenance services will be affordable. In addition, this plan lets you immediately take your car to a repair facility when the service lights illuminate.
Can Extended Warranties Reduce Honda Maintenance Cost?
Honda vehicles are economical to maintain. But once the factory warranty has expired, you may pay costlier auto repair bills. The best way to reduce Honda maintenance costs is to ensure regular maintenance and stick to the manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule. Lack of proper care can develop severe vehicle problems, resulting in higher maintenance costs.
An
extended car warranty is also ideal for saving on your yearly Honda maintenance cost. With an extended warranty, you only have to pay a small amount for deductibles and the fee of your selected contract.
Honda Extended Warranty
All new Honda vehicles come with a limited factory warranty that can last only for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is one of the shortest factory warranties in the automotive industry. The brand also offers a powertrain warranty lasting up to 5 years per 60,000 miles.
In addition to a limited factory warranty and powertrain warranty, Honda also offers an extended warranty called Honda Care. This extended warranty has a few varieties for all new, used, certified pre-owned (CPO) Honda vehicles.
Honda Care can extend your factory warranty for up to 120,000 miles. However, Honda requires car owners to go to a Honda dealership for auto repairs. It means you can't choose your certified car mechanic, which can be a downside of the Honda extended warranty. In addition, you can expect to pay more at Honda dealerships than at local repair facilities.
Third-Party Honda Extended Warranties
You can get Honda extended warranty from an independent warranty provider. Third-party vehicle protection contracts can match Honda Care in covered repairs and can last longer than this. You can get your vehicle to any certified repair shop with a third-party Honda extended warranty.
It is always wise to compare quotes from multiple warranty providers if you are considering getting a Honda extended warranty. It will help you get the best coverage for your Honda vehicle at the best rates. You can also compare the extended warranty provider's coverage options and pricing plans. Our top recommendations for getting a Honda extended warranty include the following:
Extended Warranty for a Honda from an Independent Provider
If you want to avoid buying a Honda extended warranty directly from the manufacturers, you can get it from an independent provider. In addition, purchasing an extended car warranty from an independent provider can allow you to choose a certified repair facility.
My top recommendations for an extended car warranty include:
· CARCHEX
· Olive
· Autopom!
Honda Maintenance Cost Bottom Line
Hondas are robust and reliable vehicles that require less expensive repairs to maintain their structural integrity and optimal performance. The Honda owners may have to pay up to $428 to maintain their cars, which is far less than the industry average of $652.
The Car Data Review Methodology
Our expert review team is committed to providing honest and objective information. Based on consumer data, we identified the following rating categories and did extensive research to determine the top extended auto warranty providers.
- Affordable: Many factors influence the cost of a service, making it difficult to compare prices between providers. Our secret shopper team analyzes different vehicles, mileages, and warranty plans to give you this rating.
- Coverage - Each consumer has different needs. Every car warranty company must offer a variety of coverage options. We consider the number of plans available, terms limits, exclusions, and additional benefits.
- Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB), ratings, availability, years in business, and other factors when determining this score.
- Customer Services: Trusted extended car warranty companies provide a level of customer care. We consider customer reviews, BBB complaints, and responsiveness to customer service.
Steven Dillon
Author
Steven is the founder and product tested for The Car Data, that has extensive knowledge in automotive industry. While most of his free time he participates in typical "car guy" activities, his passion for cars, data analytics, and tech, always has his looking for the next cool tool, software, trend, etc. to share with his audience on The Car Data or on his Instagram.
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