Do Hondas have shocks or struts?
In Honda's lineup, front suspensions are typically MacPherson struts, while the rear suspensions generally use independent dampers (shocks) with coil springs. So a Honda typically has front struts and rear shocks.
To understand how this plays out across models, it helps to look at how Honda designs its suspension today and what that means for maintenance, replacement parts, and the way the car handles on the road.
Front suspension: struts are standard in most models
The front suspension in most modern Honda cars is the MacPherson strut design. The strut combines a coil spring and a shock absorber into a single unit that connects the wheel hub to the chassis, which simplifies packaging and helps control handling.
- MacPherson struts are the common front suspension type on models such as Civic, Accord, CR-V, HR-V, and Passport across recent generations.
- The front assembly typically includes a top mount to the chassis and a lower control arm or knuckle at the wheel hub.
In practical terms, when you inspect a Honda’s front corner, you’ll usually see a single round strut with a coil spring around it rather than a separate coil spring and damper.
Rear suspension: shocks (dampers) plus springs are typical
The rear of most current Hondas uses an independent suspension with coil springs and separate shock absorbers (dampers). The exact layout can be multi-link or similar, but the dampers are separate from the springs, unlike a strut assembly.
- Independent rear suspension with coil springs and telescopic dampers is common on many Civics, Accords, CR-Vs, and HR-Vs in recent generations.
- Some older or base-spec trims may employ alternative layouts, but they are not common in the mainstream lineup today.
When inspecting a Honda’s rear corner, you’ll typically see a coil spring seated against a separate damper, not a single strut unit running through the wheel assembly.
How to tell on your own
Check the documentation for your specific model/year or visually inspect the suspension. A strut typically appears as a single unit with a coil spring around the damper integrated into one assembly at the wheel; a separate spring and damper indicate an independent rear setup with shocks.
Summary
In short, Hondas generally use MacPherson struts in the front and independent rear suspension with shocks in the back, meaning they employ both types of components within the same vehicle depending on location. For a specific model and year, consult the owner's manual or a service diagram to confirm the exact suspension configuration.
How long do Honda shocks and struts last?
Under normal conditions, you shocks and struts should last between 75,000 and 90,000 miles. If you often carry heavy loads in your vehicle or drive often on unpaved roads, your shocks and struts should last 40,000 to 50,000 miles.
Does a Honda CRV have struts or shocks?
About Honda CRV Shocks and Struts
They prevent tires from bouncing on the road so the wheels wear evenly and last much longer. If it's important to you to bring your outdoor toys along on the weekends, CRV struts give you greater stability. The internal valving consists of durable, high quality components that last.
Does the Honda Accord have shocks or struts?
A Honda Accord has struts, not separate shocks and struts. The front suspension uses a strut assembly, which is a combined part that provides both damping and structural support.
You can watch this video to learn how to replace front struts on a Honda Accord: 59sTRQYouTube · Oct 23, 2023
- Struts are a combined component: In the Accord, what you would replace are "struts" or "strut assemblies." These are a single part that includes the shock absorber and the coil spring, and they are a key structural part of the suspension system.
- They are essential for handling: The strut assembly holds the wheel to the chassis and is responsible for a large part of the car's steering and suspension functions.
- "Shock" is often used interchangeably: While technically they are struts, the terms "shocks" and "struts" are often used interchangeably by mechanics and in parts catalogs when discussing the Accord's suspension.
What suspension does Honda have?
Honda's dual axis strut suspension separates knuckles and dampers, increasing steering axis flexibility, thus solving the problems of conventional strut suspension.
