How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Head Gasket on a 2018 Honda Accord?
Expect to pay roughly $1,900–$3,200 at a reputable independent shop and $2,800–$4,200 at a Honda dealership in the U.S. for a head gasket replacement on a 2018 Honda Accord, assuming no major cylinder-head or turbo damage. Prices vary by engine (1.5L or 2.0L turbo, or the Hybrid’s 2.0L Atkinson), local labor rates, and whether machining or additional repairs are needed. Below is a detailed breakdown of what drives the cost, typical line items, and how to get a precise estimate.
Contents
What Drives the Price
Head gasket jobs are labor-intensive, and modern turbocharged engines add complexity. The final bill reflects hours of teardown and reassembly, plus parts, machine work, and any knock-on repairs from overheating or coolant intrusion.
- Labor time: Typically 12–18 hours depending on engine and shop procedures.
- Labor rates: Commonly $120–$200 per hour in 2025, varying by region and shop type.
- Parts: Head gasket set, new head bolts (torque-to-yield), seals, and fluids.
- Machine shop: Cylinder-head inspection/pressure test and resurfacing if needed.
- Turbo-related gaskets/lines (1.5T/2.0T): Additional seals and hardware can add cost.
- Additional repairs: Thermostat, hoses, sensors, or, in severe cases, cylinder-head replacement.
Taken together, these factors explain why estimates span a wide range and why shops often provide a preliminary quote that can change after inspection and teardown.
Estimated Costs by Engine and Shop Type
The 2018 Accord was sold with a 1.5L turbo (L15B7), a 2.0L turbo (K20C4), and a 2.0L Atkinson-cycle engine in the Hybrid. Here’s what owners typically see in the U.S. market today, assuming the head is serviceable and no major extras are needed.
1.5L Turbo (L15B7)
- Independent shop: About $1,900–$3,100
- Honda dealer: About $2,700–$4,000
- Labor time: ~12–16 hours
Parts are relatively modest, but turbo plumbing and tight packaging add time. Costs skew higher in major metros.
2.0L Turbo (K20C4)
- Independent shop: About $2,100–$3,300
- Honda dealer: About $2,900–$4,200
- Labor time: ~13–17 hours
The 2.0T’s additional hardware and performance focus can push labor slightly higher; expect similar parts pricing to the 1.5T with potential for extra turbo-related seals.
Accord Hybrid (2.0L Atkinson)
- Independent shop (hybrid-capable): About $2,200–$3,500
- Honda dealer: About $3,000–$4,200
- Labor time: ~14–18 hours
Shops must be comfortable with high-voltage safety procedures, which can influence labor time and rates. Otherwise, the mechanical head gasket scope is similar.
Typical Cost Breakdown
Line items vary by vendor and engine, but most estimates include the following components and services.
- Head gasket set (OEM or high-quality aftermarket): $150–$300
- New head bolts (required, torque-to-yield): $40–$80
- Turbo/manifold and ancillary gaskets (as applicable): $25–$120
- Fluids (coolant, oil, filters, sealants): $60–$150
- Machine shop (pressure test, resurface if needed): $150–$400
- Labor: 12–18 hours × $120–$200/hr = $1,440–$3,600
- Misc. shop supplies, taxes, disposal fees: $25–$80
Adding these together yields the common $1,900–$4,200 range, with the upper end reflecting higher labor rates and more machine work.
When a Head Gasket Isn’t the Only Repair
Overheating or prolonged driving with a failing gasket can damage other components, which raises the total bill.
- Warped or cracked cylinder head: Resurfacing ($150–$300); replacement can add $1,200–$2,500+ parts/labor.
- Turbocharger impact (1.5T/2.0T): Oil/coolant contamination may require cleaning or turbo service.
- Cooling system parts: Thermostat, hoses, radiator cap, or water passages addressed to prevent recurrence.
- Ignition and emissions: Fouled plugs, O2 sensors, or catalytic converter stress from coolant burning.
- Contaminated lubricants: Extra oil changes or coolant flushes beyond the standard refill.
Shops typically confirm these needs after disassembly and inspection, which is why quotes can change once the engine is opened.
How Long It Takes
Plan for 2–4 business days: one to two days for teardown and reassembly, plus time for machine shop work if resurfacing is needed and any parts delays. Hybrid safety procedures or additional repairs can extend timelines.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
Because head gasket jobs are complex, a thorough estimate helps avoid surprises. Asking the right questions ensures you know what’s included.
- Provide your VIN and engine to confirm the correct parts and labor time.
- Request a line-item estimate: gasket set, bolts, fluids, machine shop fees, labor hours, taxes/fees.
- Ask if the cylinder head will be pressure-tested and resurfaced if out of spec.
- Confirm new torque-to-yield head bolts and any required turbo/manifold gaskets are included.
- Discuss related maintenance (thermostat, spark plugs) while access is open.
- For Hybrids, verify high-voltage safety procedures and technician certification.
- Get the warranty terms in writing (parts and labor), common ranges are 12 months/12,000 miles at independents and up to 24 months at dealers.
With these details, competing quotes can be compared apples-to-apples and adjusted for regional labor rates.
Signs Your 2018 Accord May Have a Blown Head Gasket
Catching issues early can reduce collateral damage and cost. These symptoms warrant immediate diagnosis.
- Persistent white exhaust smoke after warm-up and sweet coolant smell.
- Coolant loss with no obvious external leak; frequent top-ups.
- Milky oil on dipstick or oil cap, or rising oil level from coolant mixing.
- Overheating, pressurized hoses when cold, or bubbling in the reservoir.
- Rough cold starts, misfires, or engine codes tied to misfire/temperature.
A shop can confirm with a cooling-system pressure test, chemical block test, and compression/leak-down tests before teardown.
Bottom Line
For a 2018 Honda Accord, budget about $1,900–$3,200 at an independent shop or $2,800–$4,200 at a dealer for head gasket replacement under typical conditions, with additional costs if the cylinder head or turbo components are damaged. Given the labor intensity, choose a shop that provides a detailed, written estimate and stands behind the work.
Summary
Head gasket replacement on a 2018 Accord commonly runs in the low-to-mid thousands, driven mainly by 12–18 hours of labor and necessary parts like a gasket set, head bolts, and fluids. Turbo engines and hybrids may add complexity and cost. Verify machine work, warranty, and included parts in a line-item quote to avoid surprises and ensure a durable repair.
How long does it take to replace a head gasket on a 2018 Honda Accord?
14.2 hours of labor is required for a head gasket replacement.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Honda Accord?
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
- In-car Electronics. Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
- Climate System.
- Electrical Accessories.
- Exhaust.
- Fuel System/Emissions.
- Noises/Leaks.
- Brakes.
- Engine Major.
Are Hondas known for head gasket problems?
It doesn’t exist. No Honda has ever blown a head gasket with normal use. It’s one of those things that is so rare only . 1% of mechanics will ever see one.
Is it worth fixing a blown head gasket?
Whether it’s worth fixing a blown head gasket depends on several factors, including the age and condition of the vehicle, the cost of repair, and the potential for further engine damage. If the car is relatively new, in good overall condition, and the repair cost is less than the vehicle’s market value, it’s likely worth fixing. However, if the car is old, has high mileage, or the repair cost is excessive, it might be more economical to replace the vehicle.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Factors suggesting it’s worth fixing:
- Relatively new vehicle: Newer cars, especially those with low mileage and good overall condition, are good candidates for head gasket repair.
- Low mileage: If the car’s mileage is relatively low, it suggests that the engine is still in good condition and can be brought back to life with a head gasket replacement.
- Engine damage is minimal: If the head gasket failure hasn’t caused extensive damage to the engine (e.g., warped cylinder head or block), the repair is more likely to be successful and cost-effective.
- Repair cost is less than vehicle value: If the repair cost is significantly less than the car’s market value, it’s generally a good investment to fix it.
- You love the car: If you have a strong emotional attachment to the vehicle, the sentimental value may outweigh the cost of repair.
Factors suggesting it’s NOT worth fixing:
- High mileage vehicle: Older vehicles with high mileage are more prone to other issues, and a head gasket repair may not be the only problem.
- Extensive engine damage: If the head gasket failure has caused significant damage to the engine (e.g., warped cylinder head, cracked block), the repair costs could be prohibitive.
- Repair cost exceeds vehicle value: If the repair cost is more than the car’s value, it’s usually wiser to replace the vehicle.
- Other major issues: If the car has other significant problems (e.g., transmission issues, rust), it might not be worth investing in head gasket repair.
- “Band-aid” solutions: Some quick fixes like head gasket sealers may provide a temporary solution, but they may not be a long-term fix and could lead to further complications.
Additional Considerations:
- Seek professional advice: Get a professional mechanic to inspect the vehicle and provide an accurate estimate of the repair cost.
- Compare repair costs with vehicle value: Before committing to the repair, compare the estimated cost with the car’s market value to make an informed decision.
- Consider potential for future issues: Even with a successful head gasket repair, there’s a possibility of other engine problems developing later on, especially in older vehicles.
In conclusion, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether a blown head gasket is worth fixing. It’s crucial to carefully weigh the factors mentioned above and make an informed decision based on your specific circumstances.
