Are Honda parts expensive to replace?

Generally, no: most Honda parts are moderately priced and widely available, making routine replacements cheaper than many European brands and comparable to Toyota and Mazda. However, complex components—such as modern transmissions, advanced driver-assistance sensors, catalytic converters, and hybrid or EV batteries—can be expensive, and labor rates can push totals higher. Here’s how costs break down and what influences the bill.

Where Honda sits on parts pricing

Honda’s scale, reliability reputation, and large independent repair network keep prices in check for common wear items. You’ll usually pay less than you would for Audi, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz parts, and on par with Toyota. The exceptions are newer tech-heavy models with advanced safety features, turbocharged powertrains, or electrified drivetrains, where parts and calibration costs climb.

What drives the price of a replacement

Several factors determine whether a Honda repair is inexpensive or costly. Understanding these can help you anticipate bills and choose the most economical path without compromising quality or safety.

• Part type and complexity: Brake pads are cheap; transmissions, catalytic converters, and hybrid/EV components are not.
• OEM vs. aftermarket: Genuine Honda parts often cost 20–60% more than reputable aftermarket equivalents; for safety/ADAS or emissions components, OEM is often the safer bet.
• Model and trim: Performance trims (Civic Type R), turbo engines, and newer 10-speed automatics or CVTs can raise parts and programming costs.
• ADAS hardware and calibration: Honda Sensing cameras/radars add parts and mandatory calibration costs after repairs or windshield replacement.
• Labor and access: Some parts are cheap but labor-intensive (e.g., timing belts on V6 models), turning a low parts bill into a high total.
• Age and availability: Current and popular models have abundant parts; older or low-volume models may rely on pricier dealer stock or salvage.
• Region and market conditions: Prices vary with local labor rates and supply-chain fluctuations.
• Warranty coverage: Hybrid/EV batteries typically carry 8-year/100,000-mile coverage (10/150k in CARB states), taking major costs off the table for many owners.

In practice, smart parts selection and timing maintenance can keep most Honda ownership costs predictable, while reserving OEM components for systems where quality and compatibility are critical.

Typical Honda parts price ranges

The following ranges reflect recent U.S. retail parts pricing (before labor, unless noted). Actual costs vary by model, year, and region but illustrate what most owners can expect.

Common wear-and-tear components

These are the items you’ll most often replace during regular maintenance, and they tend to be reasonably priced for Hondas.

• Brake pads (per axle): $40–120; rotors: $40–120 each
• Engine air filter: $15–35; cabin filter: $15–40; oil filter: $5–12
• Spark plugs (iridium): $12–25 each
• 12V battery: $120–220
• Shocks/struts: $80–200 each
• Wheel bearing/hub: $90–220
• Oxygen/air-fuel ratio sensor: $80–200

Because these parts are common across large model volumes, aftermarket options are plentiful, and independent shops can usually source them quickly at competitive prices.

Higher-cost mechanical and emissions parts

These components are less frequently replaced but can meaningfully increase a repair bill when they fail.

• Alternator: $250–600; starter: $200–450
• Water pump: $80–250 (parts)
• Timing belt kit (select V6 models): $250–450 parts; $800–1,400 total with labor
• CVT replacement: $3,500–6,500 total; 10-speed automatic: $4,500–7,500 total
• Manual clutch kit (Civic/Si): $250–600 parts
• A/C compressor: $400–900
• Catalytic converter: $700–2,000 (theft risk can add replacement frequency and insurance involvement)

While these figures look high, they’re generally in line with segment norms; transmissions and emissions systems are expensive on most brands, and proper fluid changes can extend life.

ADAS and glass-related costs

Modern Hondas with Honda Sensing use cameras and radars that must be calibrated after certain repairs, adding cost.

• Forward camera: $300–900; radar sensor: $400–1,200
• Calibration (after sensor or windshield service): $200–400
• Windshield with camera mount: $400–900 glass + $200–400 calibration ($700–1,500 total)

Using OEM glass and maintaining calibration is important for proper safety-system performance and insurance compliance.

Hybrid and EV components

Electrified Hondas are efficient to run day-to-day, but select components are costly outside warranty—though failures are uncommon within coverage windows.

• Hybrid traction battery (Accord/CR‑V hybrid): $2,000–4,500 parts; $300–800 labor; reman options often $1,500–2,800
• Power electronics (inverter/DC-DC converter): $500–1,200
• Motor-generator units: $1,500–3,500
• EV battery packs (e.g., Prologue, co-developed with GM): five figures if out of warranty; typically covered 8yr/100k (10/150k CARB)

Most owners never pay out-of-pocket for traction batteries within the warranty period; confirming coverage by model year and state is key.

How Hondas compare to rivals

Against mainstream competitors, Honda’s parts and service costs are usually competitive, with the biggest differences showing up by vehicle class and technology level.

• Toyota/Mazda/Subaru: broadly similar parts prices; AWD or boxer-engine packaging can affect Subaru labor on some jobs.
• Domestic brands (Ford/Chevy): parts pricing comparable; availability can vary by region and model age.
• European brands (VW/Audi/BMW/Mercedes): Hondas are typically cheaper for both parts and labor, especially for electronics and emissions components.

For most owners, Honda sits in the “affordable mainstream” tier, with costs more impacted by equipment (ADAS, turbo, hybrid) than the badge itself.

Ways to keep Honda repair costs down

Smart maintenance and sourcing strategies can minimize surprises without sacrificing reliability or safety.

• Follow the maintenance minder and change fluids on time, especially CVT and 10AT fluids.
• Use reputable aftermarket for routine items; choose OEM for ADAS, emissions, and critical engine parts.
• Get two to three quotes, including from independent Honda specialists.
• Consider quality remanufactured or low-mile recycled parts for big-ticket items when appropriate.
• Protect catalytic converters (shields, secure parking) in high-theft areas.
• Verify warranty coverage, recalls, and service bulletins before paying out-of-pocket.

These steps typically deliver the best value while maintaining the performance and safety Hondas are known for.

Summary

Most Honda parts are not expensive to replace, and routine maintenance items are among the more affordable in the market thanks to broad availability and a strong aftermarket. Costs climb for complex systems—transmissions, ADAS components, catalytic converters, and hybrid/EV hardware—but those are either infrequent, preventable with good maintenance, or covered by long warranties. For mainstream models, Honda ownership remains cost-effective relative to peers, with the biggest price swings tied to technology level rather than the brand itself.

Are Honda parts more expensive?

No, Honda parts are generally not considered expensive; in fact, they are often cheaper than parts for other manufacturers due to Honda’s global standard parts and high-volume production, which makes them less costly to produce and purchase. While the initial cost of some OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Honda parts may seem comparable to other brands, their reliability and durability can result in lower long-term costs compared to frequent replacements of cheaper, lower-quality parts. 
Factors that Influence Part Costs

• Global Parts Standardization: Honda uses common, standard parts across its wide range of vehicles, which increases production volume and lowers costs for those parts. 
• Reliability: Honda parts are known for their high quality and consistency. This means that while the upfront price for a part might be similar to a less reliable brand, a Honda part will typically last longer, reducing the frequency of replacements and overall maintenance costs. 
• Maintenance vs. Repairs: The low annual maintenance and repair costs for a Honda (around $428 compared to the industry average of $652) reflect this quality. You spend less on repairs because key components are less likely to break down. 

Long-Term Considerations

• Cost-Effectiveness: . Opens in new tabThe lower cost of parts and fewer required repairs make Honda an economical choice for long-term ownership. 
• Warranty and Quality Assurance: . Opens in new tabUsing genuine Honda parts ensures proper function and can be essential for maintaining your vehicle’s warranty. 

How expensive are Hondas to repair?

According to RepairPal, you can expect an annual average maintenance cost of $428 when you choose a Honda. This is more than $200 cheaper than the industry average, which rests at $652 a year, making Honda cars cheap to maintain in comparison!

Which is cheaper to repair, Toyota or Honda?

Reliability Rankings: Toyota ranks 2nd, while Honda is 5th in 2025 industry reliability ratings. Maintenance Costs: Honda has slightly lower annual maintenance costs ($428 vs. Toyota’s $441), but Toyota has fewer severe repair issues (10% vs. Honda’s 12%).

Why are Hondas expensive to fix?

Supply Chain Factors: Global supply chain issues, including shortages of raw materials and shipping delays, can drive up costs. This has been particularly relevant in recent years due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Market Demand: High demand for Honda vehicles can lead to increased prices for parts.