Home » FAQ » Honda » How much does it cost to replace a Honda horn?

How Much It Costs to Replace a Honda Horn in 2025

Expect to pay about $120–$300 at an independent shop or $180–$400 at a Honda dealership in the U.S. to replace a horn, depending on model, labor rate, and whether the front bumper needs to come off. If you do it yourself, parts typically run $20–$120. Prices rise if the issue isn’t the horn itself (for example, a bad relay, clockspring, or wiring).

Typical Price Ranges

The following ranges reflect common, out-the-door costs seen across most Honda models (Civic, Accord, CR‑V, Pilot, Odyssey, Ridgeline) in 2025. They include parts, labor, and typical shop fees/taxes, but your total can vary with location and vehicle access.

  • Independent repair shop: $120–$300
  • Honda dealership: $180–$400
  • DIY (parts only): $20–$120

These ranges assume the horn unit is the culprit and no major disassembly beyond normal front-end access is required. Costs skew higher if the bumper cover must be removed or if steering wheel components are involved.

What You’re Paying For: Parts and Labor

Parts: Typical Prices

Horn assemblies are relatively inexpensive, but the total can rise if you need a dual-tone pair or electrical components. Here’s what most owners can expect to see for parts pricing.

  • OEM Honda horn (single): $35–$90
  • OEM Honda horn pair (high/low tone): $70–$160
  • Aftermarket universal horn: $15–$40 each ($30–$70 for a pair)
  • Mounting bracket/hardware or pigtail connector: $5–$25
  • Horn relay: $10–$25; fuse: $2–$5

OEM parts tend to fit and sound exactly like stock. Aftermarket options can save money but may require minor wiring or bracket tweaks, especially on newer models.

Labor: Time and Shop Rates

Labor varies mainly by access. On some Hondas, the horn is reachable behind the grille; others require removing the front bumper cover. Steering-wheel-related faults push labor higher.

  • Easy access (no bumper removal): 0.3–0.6 hr
  • Bumper cover removal required: 1.0–1.5 hr
  • Steering wheel/airbag or clockspring work: 0.6–2.0 hr
  • Typical labor rates: $95–$150/hr (independent), $150–$215/hr (dealer)

Shop supplies and taxes usually add 5–12% to the subtotal. Metro and coastal areas often post higher labor rates than smaller markets.

When It Costs More

If the horn doesn’t sound, the horn unit itself is only one possibility. Electrical and steering wheel components frequently affect the final bill.

  • Horn relay, fuse, or ground repair: +$15–$60 parts, +0.3–0.6 hr labor
  • Wiring/connector corrosion or broken pigtail: +$10–$40 parts, +0.3–0.8 hr labor
  • Horn switch or wheel pad contact issue: typically +0.5–1.0 hr labor; small parts $20–$100
  • Clockspring (steering wheel spiral cable): $120–$300 part, +1.0–2.0 hr labor (total commonly $250–$600)
  • Bumper removal (access): adds roughly 0.5–1.0 hr to the job

A quick diagnosis can save money: replacing a horn won’t fix a blown fuse, weak ground, or a failed clockspring. Many shops will test the horn directly before quoting parts.

Quick Model Notes

Access and labor time can differ slightly by Honda model and generation. Here are typical patterns owners encounter.

  • Civic (most 2012–2025): Horns are behind the front bumper/grille; some trims need bumper cover removal.
  • Accord (2013–2025): Similar to Civic; access ranges from grille reach-in to bumper-off, depending on year.
  • CR‑V (2012–2025): Often behind grille; bumper or wheel-well liner removal may be needed.
  • Pilot/Odyssey/Ridgeline: Larger front fascias can mean more fasteners; wheel-well or bumper access common.

Your service advisor can check your specific VIN for labor time and whether one or two horns are fitted from the factory.

Sample Out-the-Door Estimates

The examples below illustrate common totals using mid-market U.S. labor rates, including typical taxes/fees. Actual costs vary with region and access.

  • Independent shop, easy access: $35–$90 parts + 0.5 hr at $120/hr ($60) + fees = $110–$210
  • Independent shop, bumper-off: $35–$90 parts + 1.2 hr at $120/hr ($144) + fees = $200–$300
  • Dealer, bumper-off: $35–$90 parts + 1.2 hr at $185/hr ($222) + fees = $260–$380
  • With clockspring replacement: $120–$300 part + 1.5 hr labor + fees = $300–$600+

If your quote is far outside these bands, ask for a written breakdown of parts, labor hours, and any diagnostic time billed.

DIY at a Glance

Many Honda horns are DIY-friendly if the bumper doesn’t need removal. If steering wheel components are involved, observe all airbag safety procedures or leave it to a pro.

  1. Confirm the fault: Test the horn directly with 12V; check the horn fuse and relay first.
  2. Disconnect the battery (negative terminal) before unplugging the horn or any steering wheel components.
  3. Access the horn behind the grille or via the wheel-well liner; remove fasteners as needed.
  4. Unplug the connector, remove the horn, transfer any bracket, and install the new unit.
  5. Reconnect, test the horn, and reassemble trim/fasteners.

Plan 20–45 minutes for easy access jobs; 1–2 hours if the bumper cover must be removed. Use dielectric grease on connectors to combat corrosion.

How to Save on the Job

A few simple steps can keep horn replacement costs in check without sacrificing reliability or sound quality.

  • Ask whether bumper removal is truly required—sometimes wheel-well access works.
  • Price OEM vs. reputable aftermarket; dual-tone aftermarket kits can be cost-effective.
  • Bundle work that already requires bumper-off access (e.g., headlights, A/C condenser cleaning).
  • Request a quick electrical check before replacing parts; fuses and relays are cheap fixes.
  • Compare one dealer and one independent quote; check for coupons or service specials.

Transparent estimates with itemized labor hours help you evaluate options and avoid surprise add-ons.

Summary

For most Hondas in 2025, a straightforward horn replacement runs about $120–$300 at an independent shop and $180–$400 at a dealer, with DIY parts typically $20–$120. Costs rise if access requires removing the bumper or if the fault is in the relay, wiring, horn switch, or clockspring. A quick diagnosis to verify the actual failure can prevent unnecessary parts spending and keep your total within expected ranges.

How much does a replacement horn cost?

Fixing a faulty car horn can cost anywhere from under £1 to over £200, depending on the fault and who carries out the repair. For example, it can cost as little as 80p to replace a blown car horn fuse yourself. On the other hand, if you need a new horn and go to a dealer it can cost £150 or more to fix your car horn.

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

The average cost for a Honda Accord Horn Replacement is between $146 and $180. Labor costs are estimated between $73 and $107 while parts are typically priced around $73.

How much does it cost to get your horn replaced?

The average cost for a Horn Replacement is between $184 and $232. Labor costs are estimated between $103 and $151 while parts are priced between $81 and $82. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location.

Can I replace my car horn myself?

Yes, you can change your car’s horn! Here’s how you can do it: Choose a Replacement Horn: Look for a horn that fits your vehicle. You can find options at auto parts stores or online. Consider the sound and style you prefer. Gather Tools: You’ll typically need a socket set, wrenches, and possibly a screwdriver.

T P Auto Repair

Serving San Diego since 1984, T P Auto Repair is an ASE-certified NAPA AutoCare Center and Star Smog Check Station. Known for honest service and quality repairs, we help drivers with everything from routine maintenance to advanced diagnostics.

Leave a Comment