How Much Does an Alternator Cost for a 2013 Honda Accord?

Expect to pay about $170–$420 for an aftermarket alternator or $550–$900 for an OEM Honda unit for a 2013 Honda Accord, depending on engine type. Installed totals typically run $350–$800 for the 2.4L four‑cylinder and $500–$1,000 for the 3.5L V6, with regional labor rates and parts choice driving the difference.

What Determines the Price

The 2013 Accord was sold with two main engines: a 2.4L inline‑four (most models) and a 3.5L V6. Alternator output and packaging differ by engine, which affects both parts pricing and labor time. Choosing OEM vs. aftermarket, new vs. remanufactured, and local labor rates also influence the final bill.

2.4L Inline‑Four (Most 2013 Accords)

Parts: Aftermarket new or remanufactured alternators from reputable brands (including Denso, the OE supplier) typically list around $170–$320. OEM Honda units generally run $550–$750 at dealers. Labor: About 1.0–1.5 hours at prevailing shop rates ($120–$180/hr in many U.S. metros). Installed total: Roughly $350–$800 depending on parts choice and shop rate.

3.5L V6

Parts: Aftermarket units commonly range $250–$420; OEM Honda is often $650–$900. Labor: Usually 1.5–2.0 hours due to tighter packaging. Installed total: Approximately $500–$1,000 based on parts and labor market.

Typical Cost Breakdown

The following breakdown shows the common line items you’ll see on a quote and how they add up for a 2013 Accord alternator replacement.

• Aftermarket alternator (new or reman): About $170–$420 (2.4L on the low end, V6 toward the high end).
• OEM Honda alternator: About $550–$900, depending on engine and dealer pricing.
• Labor: Around 1.0–1.5 hours for 2.4L; 1.5–2.0 hours for V6, commonly $120–$180 per hour.
• Core charge (reman units): Typically $30–$60, refunded when you return the old alternator.
• Optional/related: Serpentine belt ($30–$60), battery testing or replacement ($0–$150 for test, $120–$220 for a new battery), and diagnostic fees ($0–$150 if not applied to repair).

Tallying these items produces most real‑world totals: mid‑$300s to under $800 for the 2.4L and roughly $500 to $1,000 for the V6, with OEM parts and high labor rates pushing prices to the top end.

Where to Buy and What to Ask

Dealer parts counters, national auto parts chains, and reputable online retailers all stock 2013 Accord alternators. Verify the engine (2.4L vs. 3.5L), amperage rating, and fitment by VIN before ordering. Ask about warranty length (many aftermarket units carry limited lifetime warranties; OEM often 12 months), whether the price is for new or remanufactured, and the core charge and return policy. If you’re having a shop install it, confirm whether they accept customer‑supplied parts and how that affects warranty coverage.

Signs Your Alternator May Be Failing

If you’re still diagnosing, these common symptoms can help confirm that the alternator—not the battery—is the culprit.

• Battery/charging system warning light or voltage warning on the dash.
• Dim or flickering headlights and interior lights, especially at idle.
• Electrical gremlins: erratic infotainment, power window slowdown, or instrument cluster anomalies.
• Whining or grinding noises from the alternator area, or a burning smell from overworked components.
• Low charging voltage: with the engine running, a healthy system typically shows about 13.7–14.7 volts at the battery; readings well below 13V (or consistently above ~15V) suggest alternator/regulator issues.
• Repeated dead battery or stalling after a jump start once the jumper cables are removed.

A quick charging system test and belt inspection can separate alternator issues from a weak battery, poor connections, or a slipping serpentine belt.

Money‑Saving Tips

These practical steps can help keep costs down while maintaining reliability on a 2013 Accord alternator replacement.

1. Choose reputable brands: Denso, Bosch, and Remy are common quality picks; Denso often matches OE spec for Honda.
2. Compare quotes: Get at least two shop estimates itemizing parts and labor; ask about warranties.
3. Bundle maintenance: Replacing the serpentine belt while the alternator is off can save future labor.
4. Return the core: Bring back your old alternator to recover the core deposit on reman units.
5. Test first: Have the battery and charging system tested before replacing parts to avoid unnecessary costs.
6. Consider mobile mechanics: They can be competitive on labor, though warranty terms vary—confirm in writing.
7. Verify no outstanding bulletins: While there’s no widespread alternator recall for 2013 Accords, it’s worth checking your VIN for any applicable service bulletins.

Balancing a quality part with a fair labor rate and doing related maintenance proactively can lower total cost over the life of the repair.

Bottom Line

For a 2013 Honda Accord, plan for $170–$420 for a quality aftermarket alternator or $550–$900 for OEM, plus 1–2 hours of labor—landing most installed totals between $350 and $1,000 depending on engine, parts choice, and local rates. Confirm fitment by VIN, compare warranties and quotes, and consider replacing the belt at the same time to maximize value.

How much does it cost to replace an alternator in a 2013 Honda Accord?

The 2013 Honda Accord alternator replacement cost varies by vehicle build, but it could be between $350 and $800 for the part itself. Addressing issues promptly can help prevent a breakdown, and you can change it on your own or have a mechanic do it for you.

How long do alternators last on Honda Accords?

A Honda Accord’s alternator typically lasts between 80,000 to 150,000 miles, or about seven years, though this can vary depending on driving conditions, usage of electronics, and the quality of the component. Factors like harsh driving environments and a high demand from electrical accessories can shorten its lifespan, while driving in ideal conditions and limiting electronic use can help it last longer. 
Signs your alternator might be failing:

• Dashboard warning lights: A battery light or other electrical warning light may illuminate. 
• Flickering or dimming lights: Headlights, interior lights, or dashboard lights may dim or become overly bright. 
• Malfunctioning accessories: Electrical components such as the radio, windows, or air conditioning may not work properly or may fail. 
• Dead or weak battery: Repeatedly needing to jump-start the battery can be a sign the alternator isn’t charging it adequately. 
• Unusual noises: You might hear growling or whining sounds, which could indicate worn bearings in the alternator. 
• Burning smell: An overheating alternator or failing wires can create a burning rubber or electrical smell. 

How much does it cost to replace an alternator on a Honda Accord?

A Honda Accord alternator replacement typically costs between $640 and $920 on average, with parts ranging from about $494 to $706 and labor costing an estimated $146 to $214, according to RepairPal estimates. However, prices vary significantly by model year and location, with estimates for newer models potentially ranging up to $1,000-$1,100 and older models potentially costing less. 
Factors influencing the cost:

• Vehicle Year and Model: Costs vary depending on the specific year and trim of your Honda Accord. 
• Parts (OEM vs. Remanufactured): The cost of the alternator itself can vary, with new OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts being more expensive than remanufactured alternatives. 
• Labor Costs: Labor rates differ by mechanic and location. 
• Shop Location: Prices for parts and labor can vary depending on whether you use an independent shop or a dealership. 

Where to get an estimate:
To get a precise cost for your specific vehicle, you can use online estimators like RepairPal or Kelley Blue Book and input your vehicle’s year and model.

How do I know if my Honda Accord alternator is bad?

How to Tell if Your Alternator or Battery is Failing

1. Wait until your car will not start without a jump.
2. Jump-start the engine. Remember to remove the jumper cables.
3. If your vehicle dies immediately after the jump, it’s most likely the alternator.