How long do struts last on a Honda?

Most Honda struts generally last about 60,000 to 100,000 miles under normal driving conditions, though actual life can vary widely based on model, road quality, and driving style.

Understanding struts and why their life varies

Struts are a central part of a vehicle’s suspension, combining a shock absorber with a coil spring and mounting hardware. In Hondas, wear is influenced by the vehicle’s design, how it’s driven, and the roads it traverses. Front struts tend to wear differently than rear shocks, and models with stiffer suspension or larger wheels can experience different lifespans. Regular inspection helps determine when a replacement is truly needed rather than relying on a fixed mileage interval.

Lifespan expectations across Honda models and usage

The ranges below reflect typical experience across common Honda vehicles (such as Civic, Accord, CR-V, and Pilot) while noting that actual results will vary. Use these as guidance rather than guarantees.

• Normal, mild driving on well-maintained roads: roughly 80,000–100,000 miles


• Mixed driving with urban potholes and uneven streets: about 60,000–80,000 miles


• Heavy use, frequent rough roads, or aggressive driving: around 40,000–60,000 miles


• Vehicles with aggressive loads, off-road use, or harsh climates may fall toward the lower end

Keep in mind that the front and rear suspensions can wear at different rates, and weather, maintenance, and tire alignment all influence longevity. If you notice handling changes, it’s wise to inspect both sides and potentially replace in pairs for balanced performance.

Signs your Honda’s struts may be worn

Recognizing wear early can prevent further suspension damage and uneven tire wear. Look for these indicators:

• Excessive bouncing or a floaty ride after bumps


• Visible fluid leaks around the strut housing or shaft


• Nose-dive during braking or poor steering response


• Unusual noises such as clunks or squeaks when going over potholes


• Uneven or cupped tire wear on one or both axles


• Inconsistent vehicle height or sagging on one corner

If you notice these symptoms, an inspection by a qualified technician is recommended to confirm whether struts or related components (mounts, springs, or bushings) require replacement.

Replacement options and costs

Replacing struts can involve OEM parts, aftermarket options, or complete strut assemblies. Prices vary by model, region, and whether you replace a single axle or both. The figures below provide a general sense of typical ranges, but you should get a personalized quote for your specific Honda.

• OEM replacement struts (single or paired) and labor: parts typically $80–$250 per strut; labor often $150–$350 per strut. A single axle replacement might run roughly $350–$900; replacing both axles can reach $700–$1,800+


• Aftermarket strut assemblies (often sold as complete front or rear assemblies): similar price ranges to OEM, sometimes cheaper or more expensive depending on brand; installation may be simplified and can affect labor time


• Full-strut assembly kits vs. separate shocks and springs: full assemblies cost more upfront but offer quicker installation and balanced performance; separate components can be cheaper but may require more labor and realignment

Note that many technicians recommend replacing in pairs (both front or both rear) to maintain even handling and ride height. Always request a front-to-rear inspection and an itemized quote that includes alignment after installation.

Tips to extend strut life

Maintenance and driving habits

Regular inspections, timely alignment checks, proper tire maintenance, and avoiding severe potholes or off-road abuse when possible can help extend strut life. If you frequently encounter rough roads, consider choosing tires with better dampening or stepping down to a more forgiving suspension setup where appropriate.

Shopping and installation considerations

When comparing parts, weigh the benefits of OEM versus aftermarket options, warranty coverage, and the reputation of the brand. For performance and reliability parity, many owners opt to replace with a matched pair and have the alignment checked or adjusted by a professional after installation.

Summary

In short, Honda struts typically last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles under normal conditions, with life shortened by rough roads or aggressive driving. Watch for signs of wear such as leaks, bouncing, nose-dive braking, and unusual noises, and replace in pairs when possible to preserve handling balance. Replacement costs vary, but most jobs fall into a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars depending on parts, labor, and whether you choose OEM or aftermarket assemblies. Regular inspections and timely maintenance help maximize strut life and overall ride quality.

How long do Honda 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.

Can struts last 200,000 miles?

It is highly unlikely for original struts to last 200,000 miles; they typically need replacement between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. While it's possible for some struts to last longer depending on driving conditions, it's more common for them to wear out well before 200,000 miles. Signs of worn struts include excessive bouncing, poor handling, and a bumpy ride. 
Factors affecting strut life

• Driving conditions: Driving on rough roads, frequent potholes, and speed bumps will cause struts to wear out much faster than driving on smooth highways. 
• Driving style: Aggressive driving habits, such as high speeds, quick turns, and harsh braking, also shorten the lifespan of struts. 
• Vehicle age: Even without high mileage, time can cause components to degrade, making a 10-year-old vehicle a candidate for inspection even with lower mileage. 

Signs of worn-out struts

• Bouncing: The vehicle continues to bounce after hitting a bump instead of settling down after one bounce. 
• Poor handling: The car sways, leans, or dives during turns and lane changes. 
• Instability: There is a noticeable instability during braking. 
• Uneven tire wear: Worn struts can cause uneven wear on your tires. 
• Leaking fluid: Visible fluid leaks around the strut assembly are a clear indicator of a problem. 

What to do if you suspect worn struts

• Have a qualified technician inspect your suspension, especially if you notice any of the signs mentioned above. 
• It is often recommended to replace struts in pairs (both on the same axle) to ensure balanced performance. 
• If your vehicle has high mileage and the struts have never been replaced, it is wise to have them inspected and potentially replaced, even if you haven't noticed any obvious symptoms. 

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

The cost to replace Honda struts varies significantly by model and location, but a typical range is $800 to $2,800, with most estimates falling between $1,200 and $1,500 for a pair. This price includes parts, labor, and is often higher for front struts than rear ones, and should always include replacing struts in pairs for safe and even handling.
 
This video explains the cost of replacing car struts: 1mAuto V Fix YouTube · Sep 30, 2022
Factors affecting cost

• Model and year: Different Honda models have different strut assemblies and labor times, so prices will vary significantly (e.g., a 2012 Civic will cost less than a 2018 Civic). 
• Front vs. rear: Front strut replacement is often more expensive than rear strut replacement. 
• Parts: The cost of replacement parts can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on whether you use OEM or aftermarket parts. 
• Labor: Labor costs will vary depending on the shop's hourly rate and the complexity of the job. Expect to pay more for front struts, which can be harder to access. 
• Replacing in pairs: Struts should always be replaced in pairs (both front or both rear) for even, predictable handling. Replacing all four is recommended, and the cost will be higher. 
• Wheel alignment: It is essential to have a wheel alignment after replacing struts, which will add to the total cost. 

What to expect

• Parts: The price of parts can range from approximately $250 to $600 for a complete strut assembly for many vehicles, but could be over $1,000 for some models, especially OEM parts. 
• Labor: The estimated cost for labor alone can range from $378 to $554 for a Honda Ridgeline, but this will vary based on vehicle and location. 
• Total cost:
  • Honda Civic: $835 to $1,654 is a common estimated cost for replacing the strut assembly. 
  • Honda Ridgeline: $1,173 to $1,376 for a shock or strut replacement. 
  • For a full set of four, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $2,800 or more. 

This video explains how much it costs to replace shocks and struts: 59sAuto V Fix YouTube · Sep 5, 2024

What are the signs of a bad strut?

Symptoms of a bad strut include a bouncy or uncontrolled ride, excessive vehicle body roll or sway when cornering, and the vehicle nose-diving during braking. Other signs are visible fluid leaks from the strut, unusual noises like clunking or grinding, and uneven tire wear (cupping or scalloping).
 
Ride quality 

• Excessive bouncing: The vehicle continues to bounce up and down more than once after hitting a bump. 
• Body roll: The car leans or sways excessively when making turns. 
• Nose-diving: The front end dips down significantly during hard braking. 
• Rear squat: The back end of the vehicle squats or dips down when you accelerate. 

Handling and performance

• Poor handling: The vehicle feels unstable or wobbly, especially at higher speeds. 
• Longer stopping distance: It takes longer for your car to come to a complete stop. 
• Vibrating steering wheel: A slight vibration may be normal, but a noticeable shake when driving on bumpy roads can indicate bad struts. 

Visual and auditory signs 

• Fluid leaks: Look for oil or fluid leaking from the strut's exterior, which can cause dirt and debris to accumulate around it. 
• Unusual noises: Listen for sounds like clunking, knocking, grinding, or creaking, especially when going over bumps or turning. 
• Uneven tire wear: Check your tires for signs of "cupping" or "scalloping," which can be caused by the tire bouncing on the road. 
• Visible damage: Inspect for any visible dents or damage to the strut itself.