What brand brakes does Honda use?
Honda does not rely on a single brake brand. Most mainstream Honda vehicles use components from Nissin (now part of Hitachi Astemo) and Akebono, with Advics also appearing on some models, while high-performance models (such as the Civic Type R and NSX) feature Brembo systems. Actual fitment varies by model, trim, model year, factory, and market, and “Honda Genuine” service parts are often made by these same Tier‑1 suppliers.
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How Honda sources its braking systems
As a global automaker, Honda procures braking systems from several Tier‑1 suppliers rather than manufacturing every component in-house. Those suppliers design and build calipers, rotors, pads, hydraulic parts, and electronic brake control systems to Honda’s specifications, then Honda packages them as factory equipment or as Honda Genuine service parts.
Why there isn’t one “Honda brake brand”
Different performance targets, cost structures, and regional supply chains drive Honda to mix suppliers. Commuter models need quiet, low-dust pads and durable single‑piston sliding calipers, while flagship performance trims demand multi‑piston fixed calipers and higher‑temperature friction materials. This results in multiple reputable brands appearing across the lineup.
Primary OEM brake suppliers you’ll see on Hondas
The following list summarizes the most common original-equipment (OE) brake brands found on Honda vehicles and how they typically appear across the lineup.
- Nissin (Hitachi Astemo): Longtime Honda-affiliated supplier of calipers, master cylinders, and hydraulic parts; “NISSIN” is often cast into factory calipers on Civics, Accords, CR‑Vs, and many Honda motorcycles. In 2021, Nissin Kogyo became part of Hitachi Astemo, though legacy branding still appears on parts.
- Akebono: Major OE supplier of ceramic brake pads and shoes known for low noise and dust; frequently the factory pad on many Honda cars and crossovers, and commonly supplied in Honda Genuine packaging.
- Advics: Provides pads, rotors, calipers, and brake control components on select Honda applications, depending on plant and region. More common in some North American and Asian builds.
- Brembo: Used on high-performance models such as the Civic Type R (FK8 and current FL5, with front 4‑piston Brembo calipers) and the Acura/Honda NSX (with Brembo calipers and optional carbon-ceramic rotors). Also fitted to certain high-end Honda sport bikes.
- Bosch/Hitachi Astemo/Advics (electronic brake control): ABS/ESC modules and brake-by-wire components can come from these suppliers depending on model and market, integrated to Honda’s calibration.
Collectively, these suppliers cover the spectrum from daily-driver efficiency and refinement to track‑ready performance. Most owners will encounter Nissin castings and Akebono or Advics friction materials on mainstream models, while enthusiasts will recognize Brembo hardware on performance trims.
Examples by vehicle segment
While specifics can change by model year and region, these examples illustrate typical supplier patterns across Honda’s range.
- Civic, Accord, CR‑V, HR‑V, Pilot, Odyssey: Commonly use Nissin (Hitachi Astemo) sliding calipers with Akebono or Advics pads and matching rotors supplied regionally.
- Civic Type R (2017–2021 FK8; 2023–present FL5): Brembo front 4‑piston fixed calipers with performance-oriented rotors and pads tuned for track-capable braking.
- NSX (second generation): Brembo calipers standard; optional Brembo carbon‑ceramic rotors available on higher trims/packages.
- Honda motorcycles: Predominantly Nissin calipers and master cylinders across the range; select performance models (e.g., CBR1000RR‑R Fireblade SP) feature Brembo Stylema calipers and upgraded hardware.
These patterns are indicative, not absolute. Supplier mixes can vary with trim level (e.g., larger rotor and pad packages on Touring/Elite trims), mid‑cycle updates, and factory sourcing changes.
How to identify the brake brand on your Honda
If you want to know exactly which brand your specific vehicle uses, a few quick checks usually reveal it without guesswork.
- Look at the caliper casting: Many factory calipers have “NISSIN” or “BREMBO” cast or etched directly on the housing.
- Inspect pad backing plates: OE pads often carry supplier marks such as “AKEBONO,” “ADVICS,” or an abbreviated code tied to the maker.
- Check the parts catalog: Dealer EPC printouts and online OEM catalogs list the manufacturer behind Honda Genuine part numbers.
- Review the window sticker or build sheet: Performance trims may explicitly reference Brembo brakes.
- Consult service records: Dealer invoices for brake service often indicate the underlying supplier brand, even when sold as Honda Genuine.
These steps help confirm the exact supplier on your vehicle, which is useful when matching replacement parts or diagnosing performance differences.
What “Honda Genuine” means for brakes
Honda Genuine service parts are built to Honda’s specs and commonly come from the same Tier‑1 suppliers that produced your vehicle’s factory brakes. Packaging may carry Honda branding rather than the supplier’s logo, but the underlying part typically originates from Nissin/Hitachi Astemo, Akebono, Advics, or Brembo, depending on the application.
Key takeaways
Honda’s brake systems are sourced from multiple top-tier suppliers rather than a single brand. For everyday models you’ll most often see Nissin calipers paired with Akebono or Advics friction materials, while flagship performance vehicles use Brembo hardware. Exact fitment depends on model, trim, year, and market, and can be confirmed by inspecting the parts or checking OEM catalogs.
Summary
Honda uses multiple brake brands. Nissin (now within Hitachi Astemo) supplies a large share of calipers and hydraulics; Akebono and Advics commonly provide pads and rotors; and Brembo equips performance models like the Civic Type R and NSX. The specific brand on any given Honda varies by model, trim, year, and region, and “Honda Genuine” parts typically come from these same OE suppliers.
How long do Honda OEM brake pads last?
between 25,000 and 65,000 miles
Average Life Span of Honda Brake Pads
On average, Honda brake pads last between 25,000 and 65,000 miles.
Does Honda use Nissin brakes?
Over the decades, Nissin has worked with the world’s leading manufacturers, including Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki and MV Agusta. These strategic partnerships enable Nissin to equip numerous models as original equipment, reinforcing its position as a benchmark in the industry.
Who makes Honda OEM brake pads on Reddit?
I recall Honda uses Akebono as the maker for their OEM brake pads and from my experience with multiple Honda cars, the brake pads work well. I would continue to stick with Honda/Akebono brake pads.
Which brake pads does Honda use?
Ceramic Brake Pads
They are constructed from ceramic fibers, filler materials, and bonding agents. Ceramic pads are ideal for high-performance Hondas and sports cars, as they provide consistent braking performance and minimal brake dust.