How Much Is a Distributor for a Honda Civic?

For Honda Civic models that use a distributor (generally 1988–2000 in the U.S.), a complete aftermarket or remanufactured distributor typically costs $130–$300, a used unit runs about $50–$150, and a genuine Honda (OEM) assembly—when available—often ranges from $650 to over $1,000. Installed by a shop, expect $250–$550 with aftermarket parts or $800–$1,300 with OEM. Note that 2001-and-newer Civics are distributorless and instead use coil packs, so the pricing below applies mainly to older model years.

What Drives the Price of a Civic Distributor

Several real-world factors influence the total you’ll pay for a distributor assembly on a Honda Civic. The items below explain why quotes can vary widely between parts stores, dealers, and online sellers.

• Model year and engine: 1988–2000 Civics (D-series and B-series like D15/D16/B16A2) use distributors; 2001+ Civics do not. B-series Si models often command higher prices.
• OEM vs. aftermarket: Genuine Honda units are costly and increasingly scarce; aftermarket or remanufactured units (Cardone, WAI, Spectra Premium) are much cheaper.
• New vs. remanufactured vs. used: New aftermarket costs more than reman; used salvage-yard units are cheapest but riskiest.
• What’s included: A “complete” distributor usually includes the housing, shaft, sensors (CKP/CYP/TDC), ignition coil, igniter/ICM, cap, and rotor; some assemblies omit internal electronics.
• Warranty length: Longer warranties (e.g., limited lifetime from some reman brands) can add to price but reduce risk.
• Availability and region: Some OEM part numbers are discontinued, pushing buyers to aftermarket sources and affecting price.

Taken together, these factors mean two visually similar distributors can differ by hundreds of dollars depending on brand, completeness, and application specifics.

Typical Price Ranges by Model Years

The Civic’s ignition system evolved, and that determines whether you’ll even need a distributor. Here’s how price ranges generally map to model years and engines.

• 1988–2000 Civic (distributor-equipped, e.g., D15/D16; 1999–2000 Civic Si B16A2): Aftermarket/reman distributors typically $130–$300; OEM Honda often $650–$1,000+ if still available; used $50–$150.
• 2001–2011 Civic (no distributor; coil packs or coil-on-plug): Instead of a distributor, individual coils usually cost $40–$120 each aftermarket or $100–$180 OEM per coil.
• 2012–present Civic (no distributor; coil-on-plug): Similar coil pricing to 2001–2011, with total ignition costs depending on how many coils you replace.

If your Civic is 2001 or newer, you won’t be shopping for a distributor; you’ll be pricing coils or related ignition components instead.

Example Retail Pricing (as of 2025)

While exact prices change with promotions and local availability, these ballpark figures reflect typical U.S. pricing from common sellers.

• Aftermarket/remanufactured complete distributors (Cardone, WAI, Spectra): about $150–$260 online; some applications as low as ~$130 or as high as ~$300.
• Genuine Honda distributor assemblies (select 1988–2000 part numbers): frequently $650–$1,000+ at dealers if not discontinued; many OEM units are now limited or NLA.
• Used/salvage: $50–$150 depending on mileage and tested status; warranties vary widely.

Always confirm whether the assembly includes the igniter (ICM), coil, and sensors; cheaper listings sometimes omit these, changing the true cost.

Related Costs You Might See

Beyond the distributor itself, there can be additional parts and labor related to restoring proper ignition function.

• Cap and rotor: $25–$60 if not included or if your existing ones are worn.
• Ignition coil: $40–$90; may be included in a “complete” unit.
• Igniter/ICM: $70–$140; often the culprit in no-spark situations.
• O-ring/seal: $3–$8; replace to prevent oil leaks at the distributor base.
• Labor: 0.5–1.0 hour typical; at $100–$180/hour that’s ~$75–$180. A base timing check/adjust with a timing light may add a small charge if billed separately.

All-in, many owners spend $250–$550 installed with an aftermarket/reman distributor, or $800–$1,300 with OEM parts where available.

How to Verify Your Civic Uses a Distributor

Before buying, confirm whether your car actually has a distributor and match the correct part to your engine and emissions generation.

1. Check your model year: Most U.S.-market Civics 1988–2000 use a distributor; 2001+ do not.
2. Look under the hood: A distributor is a round-ish unit on the end of the camshaft with a cap and spark plug wires attached; coil-on-plug engines have individual coils atop each spark plug.
3. Match engine and emissions type: D-series (D15/D16) vs. B-series (B16A2) units differ; OBD1 (1992–1995) and OBD2 (1996–2000) connectors/sensors are not interchangeable.
4. Use VIN/engine code: Cross-check with a parts catalog to ensure correct sensor configuration (CKP/CYP/TDC) and connector shape.

Correct identification avoids returns and ensures the internal sensors and wiring match your ECU’s expectations.

Buying Tips

A few practical considerations can help you balance price, reliability, and downtime.

• Prioritize reputable brands or sellers offering clear warranties; many reman units carry limited lifetime coverage.
• Confirm “complete” vs. “housing-only” listings so you’re not surprised by missing coil/ICM/sensors.
• Check core charges on reman units and keep your old distributor for return credit.
• If OEM is discontinued, consider high-quality aftermarket plus a fresh cap, rotor, and O-ring.
• If only the ICM or coil failed, replacing just that component can be cheaper—provided the distributor shaft and sensors are healthy.

Doing a quick compatibility check and reviewing the return policy will save time and money, especially if shopping online.

Summary

For distributor-equipped Honda Civics (roughly 1988–2000), expect $130–$300 for a complete aftermarket/reman distributor, $50–$150 used, and $650–$1,000+ for OEM if available. Installed, that’s typically $250–$550 with aftermarket parts or $800–$1,300 with OEM. Civics from 2001 onward don’t use distributors; they rely on coil packs instead, with different costs. Verify your model year and engine, ensure the part is complete and compatible, and factor in minor extras like a new O-ring and a timing check.

How long does a Honda Civic engine last?

A Honda Civic engine can last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles, or even more with proper maintenance, due to high-quality materials and robust design. Factors like consistent oil changes, routine servicing, and smooth driving habits are crucial for achieving maximum engine life. The ease and affordability of parts for older Honda Civics also contribute to their long-term durability.
 
Factors influencing engine longevity

• Routine Maintenance: Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and spark plug replacements significantly extend an engine’s life. 
• Driving Habits: Gentle driving, including smooth acceleration and braking, puts less stress on engine components and helps them last longer. 
• Quality Materials and Design: Honda engines are known for using high-grade materials and incorporating designs like minimal interference mechanisms, which reduce internal friction and wear. 
• Affordable and Accessible Parts: The availability and lower cost of parts for older Civic models make it more cost-effective to perform necessary repairs and keep the vehicle on the road. 

Achieving maximum mileage

• Follow the maintenance schedule: outlined in your owner’s manual. 
• Address minor issues: promptly before they become major, expensive problems. 
• Drive with a gentle foot: to reduce wear on the engine and transmission. 
• Expect to perform key service items: like timing belt or chain replacement, depending on the model, to prevent catastrophic engine failure. 

How much does it cost to replace a distributor on a 2000 Honda Civic?

Car	Service	Estimate
2000 Honda CivicL4-1.6L	Service typeDistributor Replacement	Estimate$730.41
1996 Honda CivicL4-1.6L	Service typeDistributor Replacement	Estimate$730.41
1993 Honda CivicL4-1.6L	Service typeDistributor Replacement	Estimate$715.99
1995 Honda CivicL4-1.5L	Service typeDistributor Replacement	Estimate$861.98

How much does a distributor cost to fix?

The average cost for distributor replacement ranges between $190 and $915. This includes: Parts: $50 to $615.

How much does it cost to replace a distributor on a Honda?

The average cost for a Distributor Assembly Replacement is between $372 and $726 but can vary from car to car.