Are Hondas Expensive to Maintain?
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A popular choice among all car buyers is Honda, as this Japanese manufacturer usually offers vehicles at an affordable price. Although Hondas are known for their reliability, it's important to consider the cost of owning a Honda.
So, are Hondas expensive to maintain?
Table of Contents
- Are Hondas Reliable?
- Are Hondas Expensive to Maintain? (Average Honda Maintenance Cost)
- Honda Maintenance Minder
- The Honda Recommended Maintenance Plan
- Honda Repair Costs Vs. Other Popular Brands
- Determinants of Honda Maintenance Costs
- Can a Car Warranty Lower Your Honda Maintenance Cost?
- How to Protect Your Honda from Damage and Breakdowns
- Best Car Deals by Category
Are Hondas Reliable?
Honda cars are known for their reliability and they don't require as much maintenance compared to other cars on the road.
According to RepairPal, Honda drivers tend to take their cars to the repair shop less frequently for unscheduled maintenance compared to the average vehicle.
It’s also worth noting that less than 10% of Honda vehicle visits are for severe issues, which is significantly less than the average for other major brands.
Are Hondas Expensive to Maintain? (Average Honda Maintenance Cost)
The average cost of maintaining a Honda vehicle is around $428 annually, which includes regular services and repairs.
This makes Hondas very affordable compared to other brands as the average cost of maintaining a car is around $652.
Let’s look at how reliable they are and how much the popular Honda models cost to maintain.
Honda Civic
Over the years, there were 16 different recalls for the Civic due to various issues.
Some of the issues that have been reported include the low-level noises caused by the engine mounts ($110), power window switch failure ($250), and windshield wiper issues.
Despite these issues, the Honda Civic is still considered one of the most reliable cars on the road.
Honda Accord
In 2021, the Honda Accord had an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Unfortunately, there are still some issues that have been reported with the Accord.
Some of these include the car not starting, engine lights going dark, air conditioner malfunctions, and climate controls not working correctly.
In 2021, the Accord was recalled due to a software error that caused inconsistent communication between the various parts of the car's engine. It was estimated that almost 800,000 vehicles were affected by this issue.
Honda CR-V
Though it’s one of the highest-selling vehicles in the country, like the Civic, the CR-V has experienced various issues like the lack of air conditioning and transmission problems when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear.
Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is a reliable mid-sized SUV that's ideal for people looking for a low-maintenance vehicle.
Some of the problems that have been reported with the vehicle include water leaks ($250), warped brake pads ($400), and a knocking noise from the suspension stabilizer ($150).
Honda Maintenance Minder
Honda cars have a computerized maintenance system called the Maintenance Minder, which displays two types of codes: the main code for the oil change, and the subcode for the filter and other systems.
The main code indicates that the engine oil must be changed, while the subcode shows the various systems that need to be inspected.
The Honda Recommended Maintenance Plan
Although your specific vehicle model will vary, a maintenance schedule will typically include the following:
Every 10,000 Miles
Getting an oil change and filter check is recommended at 10,000 miles including other regular services like checking the tire pressure, topping off the engine coolant, and checking the integrity of the windshield wipers.
Every 30,000 Miles
Every 30,000 miles you’ll need to take your car to the shop to perform various additional maintenance procedures like checking the engine's temperature and cleaning the brake pads.
Every 60,000 Miles
The 60,000-mile vehicle check-up is one of the most important maintenance milestones that a car can have.
A certified repair facility or service professional should inspect your vehicle's major components during this period as well as the maintenance required at 10,000 and 30,000 miles.
Honda Repair Costs Vs. Other Popular Brands
The average cost of repairs for Honda cars varies depending on the model.
For instance, according to RepairPal, the average cost of repairs for the Honda Accord is around $400 annually, while the cost of repairs for the Honda Civic is about $368.
Honda cars are typically cheaper to repair than their counterparts. Here are the average costs for repairs on other manufacturers for comparison.
- Toyota costs $441 annually.
- Nissan costs $500 annually.
- Acura costs $501 annually.
Determinants of Honda Maintenance Costs
According to RepairPal, Honda cars are considered to be some of the most reliable cars on the market.
The company uses a combination of factors to calculate its overall reliability score, which is based on reported costs and frequency of repairs.
Though the average number of times a Honda owner will need to take their car to the shop is lower than the industry average, Hondas are still prone to needing severe repairs. According to RepairPal, many Honda drivers experience problems with their cars like ignition switch failures, electric sliding door malfunctions, and issue with air conditioning.
Luckily, the company's replacement parts are more affordable than those found in luxury vehicles, cutting down on ownership costs.
Can a Car Warranty Lower Your Honda Maintenance Cost?
With an extended warranty, you can lower the impact of these repairs by paying a little at a time for a warranty. Instead of paying for all of the repairs , you'll only be responsible for a portion of the cost.
Honda Extended Warranty
Honda's extended warranty can provide you with up to eight years or 120,000 miles depending on the model.
You can choose from four different plans and a prepaid maintenance program, and the company's mechanics will perform the repairs.
Extended Warranty from a Third-Party Provider
Several companies offer more affordable and flexible options than Honda. Third-party service contracts come with varying coverage levels and can be customized to meet your needs.
Most of these plans are valid at any facility licensed by the ASE, which means you can choose the mechanic you're most comfortable with.
If you're looking to reduce the cost of your extended warranty, a third-party contract might be more cost-effective than the one offered by the manufacturer. In our research, we found that plans from leading providers typically cost around $70 to $100 a month.
How to Protect Your Honda from Damage and Breakdowns
Maintaining your Honda can help keep its maintenance costs low. Here are a few tips to prevent excessive wear and damage:
- Avoid carrying over the stipulated weight. Going over the recommended weight limit will exert too much pressure on critical components like engines and brakes.
- Avoid driving driving too fast, starting the vehicle and suddenly stopping, et cetera, as these can cause significant damage to the vehicle.
- Use the recommended unleaded gas with the required octane rating.
