How Long a Honda Accord Suspension Typically Lasts

Most Honda Accord suspension wear items—especially struts/shocks and key rubber bushings—last about 60,000 to 100,000 miles under normal driving, while sturdier parts like control arms, ball joints, and springs can often reach 120,000 to 150,000 miles or more. Lifespan varies widely with road conditions, driving style, climate, load, and maintenance, so inspections matter as much as mileage.

Contents

What “suspension life” really means
Typical lifespan by component
Factors that affect longevity
Symptoms that your Accord’s suspension needs attention
Inspection and service schedule
Costs and what to expect
Generational notes for recent Accords
Bottom line
Summary

What “suspension life” really means

The Accord’s suspension is a system of components that wear at different rates. Modern Accords use a MacPherson-strut front and a multi-link rear design; the damping (struts/shocks) and rubber components (bushings, mounts) are the first to degrade, long before metal arms or springs typically need replacement. Rather than expecting the entire suspension to “expire” at once, plan around the most common wear items and verify condition during routine service.

Typical lifespan by component

The following ranges reflect common outcomes for Accords driven on mixed city/highway roads and serviced on schedule; severe roads, heavy loads, and performance driving shorten these intervals, while mostly highway miles can extend them.

Front and rear struts/shocks: 60,000–100,000 miles (some last 120,000–150,000 miles on smooth highways, though performance degrades gradually)

Front lower control arm “compliance” bushings: 60,000–100,000 miles (fluid-filled designs on many Accords are known to crack/tear over time)

Other control arm bushings (front/rear): 80,000–150,000 miles

Ball joints (where serviceable or integrated in arms): 90,000–150,000 miles

Sway bar links and bar-to-chassis bushings: 50,000–90,000 miles (often the first to clunk on rough roads)

Upper strut mounts/bearings: 80,000–120,000 miles

Coil springs: 150,000+ miles (may sag slightly with age; breakage is uncommon unless exposed to corrosion/impacts)

Wheel bearings/hubs: 100,000–150,000 miles (not strictly “suspension,” but closely related to ride/noise)

Because damping fades gradually, you may not notice how much control you have lost until new struts/shocks restore ride and handling. Rubber bushings, by contrast, tend to fail more abruptly with cracking, tearing, or fluid loss.

Factors that affect longevity

Real-world life depends on use and environment. These are the influences that most often shorten or extend suspension service life.

Road quality: Potholes, speed bumps, washboard surfaces, and unpaved roads accelerate wear on bushings, links, and struts.

Driving style: Aggressive cornering, curb strikes, and hard braking load components more severely.

Vehicle load: Frequent passengers, cargo, or towing increase stress on dampers, springs, and bushings.

Climate: Extreme heat ages rubber; road salt and moisture promote corrosion and seized hardware.

Wheels/tires: Larger, heavier wheels and low-profile tires transmit more impact to suspension parts.

Maintenance: Regular alignments, timely tire rotations, and balancing reduce uneven loads and wear.

Accidents/impacts: Even minor hits can bend arms, tweak alignment, or damage mounts and bearings.

Addressing these factors—especially alignment, tire care, and avoiding road hazards—can push many components well beyond the lower end of typical ranges.

Symptoms that your Accord’s suspension needs attention

Many owners wait for obvious noises, but subtle handling changes and tire wear often show up first. Watch for these signs and inspect sooner rather than later.

Increased body motion: Nose-dive when braking, excessive squat on acceleration, or a “floaty” highway ride

Clunks/rattles over bumps: Frequently sway bar links/bushings or worn strut mounts

Uneven or cupped tire wear: Often indicates weak struts/shocks or misalignment from worn bushings

Steering pull or wandering: Can stem from compliance bushing wear or bent/loose components

Leaking strut/shock: Visible oil on the damper body signals failure

Vibration or humming that changes with speed: Possible wheel bearing or tire issue

Failed bounce test: Car continues to oscillate after pushing down on a corner and releasing

If you notice any of these, a suspension inspection and alignment check can prevent accelerated tire wear and restore confidence in handling and braking.

Inspection and service schedule

A preventive schedule helps catch wear early and keeps your Accord tracking straight and riding quietly.

Every 12 months or 15,000 miles: Visual inspection of struts/shocks (for leaks), bushings (cracks/tears), sway links, mounts, and tires.

Every 24 months or 30,000 miles: Alignment check (sooner after pothole hits or steering pull); rotate and balance tires.

At 60,000–100,000 miles: Plan for strut/shock evaluation and likely replacement if ride control has degraded.

Replace in axle pairs: Do both fronts or both rears together; follow with a four-wheel alignment.

Use new hardware as required: Torque rubber-bushed components at ride height to prevent premature bushing twist.

Following these intervals preserves tires, reduces noise/vibration, and extends the life of pricier components.

Costs and what to expect

Pricing varies by region, parts brand, and whether arms are rebuilt or replaced complete. These ballpark installed costs reflect typical U.S. shop rates in 2025.

Front struts (pair), with mounts and alignment: $650–$1,200

Rear shocks/struts (pair) and alignment if needed: $450–$1,000

Front lower control arm compliance bushings (or complete arms): $350–$900 per side (bushing-only) or $500–$1,200 per side (complete arm)

Sway bar links/bushings (per axle): $180–$400

Ball joints (where serviceable or via control arm): $300–$700 per side

Wheel bearing/hub (per corner): $300–$650

Combining related services (for example, struts plus mounts and links) can save labor time and reduce repeat alignments.

Generational notes for recent Accords

2008–2017 (8th/9th gen)

Owners and technicians commonly report front lower control arm “compliance” bushing wear between roughly 60,000 and 100,000 miles, showing up as clunks, instability under braking, or steering wander. Struts often feel tired by 80,000–120,000 miles, depending on roads.

2018–2022 (10th gen)

Continues MacPherson front/multi-link rear design. Similar compliance bushing and sway link wear patterns appear with mileage. Many examples maintain good damping past 90,000 miles on highway-heavy use.

2023–2025 (11th gen)

Refined chassis with familiar architecture. Early ownership data suggests typical Honda wear trends: bushings and links before major arms or springs; strut replacement often considered near the 80,000–100,000-mile window based on ride feel.

Across generations, wheel size and tire profile strongly influence impact harshness and component life; larger wheels with low-profile tires increase stress on suspension parts.

Bottom line

Expect to service an Accord’s struts/shocks and key rubber bushings somewhere between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, with many other components lasting well past 120,000 miles when driven gently and maintained. Regular inspections, alignments, and sensible wheel/tire choices can extend life and keep the car riding and handling as intended.

Summary

A Honda Accord’s suspension doesn’t wear out all at once: dampers and rubber bushings typically need attention first at around 60,000–100,000 miles, while arms, joints, and springs often run 120,000–150,000+ miles. Road quality, driving style, climate, and maintenance are the biggest determinants. Look for clunks, uneven tire wear, leaking struts, and degraded ride/handling, and plan inspections every 12–24 months with alignment checks to maximize longevity and safety.

What is the most common problem with a Honda Accord?

The Honda Accord is generally known for its reliability, but some common problems include transmission issues, brake problems, and electrical system malfunctions. Specifically, transmission problems can involve slipping gears, rough shifting, or complete transmission failure. Brake problems can include warped rotors and vibration when braking. Electrical issues may involve the radio/climate control display, door lock actuators, and warning lights on the dashboard.
This video discusses common problems with Honda Accords from 2013 to 2017: 50sRB The MechanicYouTube · Apr 23, 2025
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Transmission Issues:

Slipping Gears: Gears may slip or fail to engage properly, causing the car to hesitate or jerk.
Rough Shifting: Shifts between gears can be jerky or uneven.
Transmission Failure: In severe cases, the transmission may completely fail, requiring costly repairs or replacement.
Torque Converter Issues: Problems with the torque converter, often due to low transmission fluid, can contribute to transmission problems.

Brake Problems:

Warped Brake Rotors: Warped rotors can cause vibration when braking.
Brake Vibration: This can be a symptom of warped rotors or other brake system issues.

Electrical Issues:

Radio/Climate Control Display Problems: The radio or climate control display may go dark.
Faulty Door Lock Actuators: The power door locks may not work properly.
Dashboard Warning Lights: Various warning lights may illuminate on the dashboard.

How long does suspension last on a Honda Accord?

between 50,000 and 100,000 miles
On average, Honda shocks and struts last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles, but this lifespan can vary significantly based on several factors. Aggressive driving habits, such as hard braking or taking corners at high speeds, can lead to faster wear and tear.

What is the lifespan of a car suspension?

Generally, they have a lifespan of 50,000 – 100,000 miles. Still, this will depend on road conditions and driving habits.

How much does it cost to replace the suspension on a Honda Accord?

The average cost for a Honda Accord Suspension Shock or Strut Replacement is between $918 and $1,337. Labor costs are estimated between $351 and $515 while parts are priced between $567 and $823. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location.