How long do Honda engine mounts last?
Honda engine mounts typically last about 60,000–100,000 miles (roughly 5–7 years) under normal driving. Extreme use or conditions can shorten that lifespan.
Engine mounts secure the engine and drivetrain, dampen vibrations, and help keep the engine in proper alignment. Over time, rubber bushings deteriorate and hydraulic mounts can leak or lose stiffness. A variety of factors—oil leaks, heat, hard driving, and model-specific mount designs—affect how long they last. When mounts wear out, you’ll feel more vibration, hear clunks, or notice the engine shifting during acceleration or braking. Replacing failing mounts can prevent further damage to the drivetrain and reduce noise and vibration.
What determines the lifespan of Honda engine mounts
The following factors commonly influence how long engine mounts last on Honda vehicles:
- Mount type (hydraulic, passive, or solid) and mounting location (front, side, or transmission mount).
- Driving conditions and style (city driving with frequent stops vs. highway cruising, rough roads).
- Oil leaks or contamination from the engine or transmission that reach the mount.
- Engine torque, power output, and any modifications that increase vibration or load.
- Maintenance history and how often mounts are inspected or replaced when needed.
In practice, life can vary widely based on these factors. Some mounts last longer in well-maintained cars, while others fail sooner due to issues like oil leaks or hydraulic wear.
Understanding these factors helps Honda owners anticipate wear and plan for replacement before vibrations or noises become problematic.
Signs your Honda engine mounts may be failing
Look for a combination of vibration, noise, and movement that suggests mounting wear:
- Increased engine vibration at idle or during acceleration, especially at low RPMs.
- Clunking, banging, or thumping noises when starting, shifting gears, or accelerating.
- Visible engine movement or tilting of the engine during hard acceleration or braking.
- Oil leaks or fluid around mount points indicating hydraulic mount failure.
- Exhaust or drivetrain components contacting other parts due to excessive engine movement.
If you notice any of these signs, have a qualified mechanic inspect the mounts and related components to prevent additional engine or drivetrain damage.
Replacement options and typical costs
Costs can vary by model and region; here are typical ranges to plan for:
- Parts: OEM or dealer mounts commonly cost more; aftermarket options can be cheaper but quality varies. Expect roughly $60–$320 per mount depending on hydraulic vs. rubber design.
- Labor: Professional labor is typically $150–$350 per mount, depending on accessibility and shop rates.
- Total per mount: Roughly $210–$670 when including parts and labor. Replacing two mounts at once can range from about $500–$1,400; three mounts can exceed $1,000–$2,000 in some cases.
Shop estimates vary; ask for a full quote including parts, labor, and any related work such as transmission or subframe inspection. Replacing multiple mounts at once can save on labor costs.
Tips to extend the life of Honda engine mounts
Small steps can help extend service life. Here are practical tips:
- Address oil or coolant leaks promptly to prevent mount contamination.
- Avoid aggressive driving that causes excessive engine torque and vibration.
- Follow maintenance schedules to prevent overheating and undue stress on mounts.
- Ensure engine and transmission mounts are torqued to the correct specifications after service.
- Have mounts inspected during major services or when replacing related components (timing belt, transmission mounts, etc.).
Regular inspections and timely repairs help maximize the life of Honda engine mounts while preserving ride quality and drivetrain integrity.
Summary
In brief, Honda engine mounts generally last about 60,000–100,000 miles under normal use, with variation by model, driving conditions, and maintenance. Watch for vibration, noises, or engine movement and have mounts inspected at the first signs of trouble. Replacement costs vary but planning for several hundred dollars per mount is prudent. With careful driving and prompt maintenance, you can extend their life and avoid further damage.
Is it safe to drive with worn engine mounts?
You can likely drive with bad motor mounts for short distances, but it's risky and not recommended, as continued driving can cause more damage and lead to dangerous situations. The longer you wait to fix them, the greater the chance of causing additional, costly damage to the engine, transmission, and other connected components. It is best to get the mounts inspected and replaced as soon as possible.
This video explains the symptoms of bad engine mounts and how to locate them: 46sMake It Easy MechanicYouTube · Dec 8, 2023
Risks of driving with bad motor mounts
- Increased vibration and noise: You will likely feel more vibrations, especially when accelerating, and hear loud clunks or grinding noises.
- Damage to other components: The excessive engine movement can cause other parts to shift, potentially damaging or breaking hoses, vacuum lines, brake lines, and electrical harnesses. In severe cases, this could lead to a fire or loss of power brakes.
- Accelerated wear: Driving with bad mounts puts extra stress on the remaining good mounts, potentially causing them to fail sooner.
- Engine failure: In the worst-case scenario, the engine could shift dramatically and fall out or cause other catastrophic damage.
What to do
- Drive minimally: If you must drive, do so as little as possible until you can get it fixed.
- Get a professional diagnosis: A mechanic can properly assess the damage and advise on the best course of action.
- Replace all mounts: When one mount is bad, it is often recommended to replace all of them at the same time to avoid future problems.
This video explains how to diagnose bad motor mounts: 57sAuto Repair GuysYouTube · May 18, 2021
What is the average life of engine mounts?
Engine mounts typically last between 5 to 7 years or 60,000 to 100,000 miles, but this can vary depending on factors like material, driving style, and maintenance. Signs of failure include increased engine vibration, knocking noises, and a visibly sagging or tilted engine.
You can watch this video to learn about the signs of engine mount failure: 53sLearnToDIY360YouTube · May 10, 2025
Factors that influence lifespan
- Material: Rubber mounts, the most common type, degrade over time and with exposure to oil leaks. Polyurethane mounts are more durable and can last longer.
- Driving habits: Aggressive driving, such as over-revving, can accelerate wear.
- Environmental factors: Age, stress, and exposure to road incidents or leaks will shorten a mount's life.
- Maintenance: Regular checks can help identify issues early. If one mount is failing, the others may be close to failing as well, so it's best to inspect them all.
Signs of failure
- Excessive vibration: You may feel more vibration in the cabin or notice it when starting the car or shifting into gear.
- Loud noises: Listen for clunking, knocking, or other unusual noises, especially when accelerating or changing gears.
- Physical signs: The engine may appear to be lower or tilted to one side. You can also check for cracked or torn rubber on the mounts themselves.
How do you know if your Honda motor mounts are bad?
Signs you need to check or replace the motor mounts are clunking or knocking noise when shifting from park to reverse or park to drive, vibration at idle, vibration at the brake pedal, engine movements, fluid leaks from engine mount, cracked or missing rubber on mount.
How much do Honda engine mounts cost?
The average cost for a Honda Accord Engine Mount Replacement is between $592 and $654. Labor costs are estimated between $101 and $149 while parts are priced between $491 and $505.
