How much does a Honda timing belt cost?
A typical timing belt replacement for a Honda that still uses a belt generally costs about 600 to 1,000 USD including parts and labor. If a water pump is included, the total can rise to roughly 800 to 1,500 USD. Many newer Honda engines use timing chains instead of belts, which have a different maintenance and cost profile.
Understanding the price starts with recognizing that costs vary by model and engine, local labor rates, and whether the water pump or other components are replaced at the same time. This article outlines the main price drivers, typical ranges, and how to get accurate quotes for your specific vehicle.
What affects the price
Several factors influence the final bill for a timing belt replacement on a Honda. Engine design (belt versus chain), access and labor complexity, regional labor rates, and whether OEM parts or aftermarket equivalents are used all play a role. The sections below break down the common cost components and scenarios you’re likely to encounter.
Typical price ranges and components
Prices reflect standard scenarios and common components involved in a belt replacement. The ranges below give a practical sense of what people typically pay across the United States.
- Timing belt kit (belt, tensioner, idler pulley) — part prices typically about 60 to 250 USD, depending on engine and brand.
- Water pump — part prices about 40 to 160 USD, with OEM parts often at the higher end.
- Labor — depending on location and shop, usually 2 to 5 hours at roughly 75 to 150 USD per hour; total labor commonly 150 to 750 USD.
- Additional items — coolant flush, seals, bolts, and gaskets may add 20 to 100 USD.
Conclusion: The overall price is the sum of parts, labor, and any extras, and varies by model, location, and shop.
Cost ranges by scenario
Below are broad ranges you might see quoted by shops, depending on whether the water pump is included and whether the shop is a dealership or independent shop.
- Base belt replacement (belt kit, tensioner, idlers, no water pump) — commonly about 500 to 900 USD total.
- Base belt replacement with water pump included — commonly about 650 to 1,400 USD total.
- Dealership vs independent shop — dealerships tend to quote higher, often 10–30% more than independents, depending on location and parts used.
Conclusion: To get a precise estimate, request quotes for your exact model year and engine code, specifying whether the water pump and coolant are included.
Is your Honda using a belt or a chain?
Many newer Honda engines use a timing chain instead of a belt. Chains typically do not have a scheduled replacement interval like belts, and when problems arise, the repair approach and costs differ. If your vehicle has a belt, follow the manufacturer’s recommended interval in the owner’s manual; if it has a chain, the cost drivers are different (including potential tensioners, guides, and possible tensioner failures).
Why model-year and engine code matter
The exact replacement cost depends on your engine family and access to timing components. Some engines are easier to service, lowering labor costs; others require more extensive disassembly.
What to ask when getting quotes
Use this checklist to ensure you understand what each quote covers and to compare apples-to-apples across shops.
- Is the quote for belt kit only or belt kit with water pump?
- What is included in the labor estimate (coolant flush, new seals, timing belt tensioner, etc.)?
- Are OEM or aftermarket parts used, and what warranties apply?
- What are the hourly labor rate and estimated hours for my engine?
Conclusion: Clarity in quotes helps you compare options accurately and avoid price surprises.
Summary
For most Hondas that still use a timing belt, you can expect a typical out-of-pocket range of about 500–1,000 USD for belt-kit and labor. Including a water pump and related parts often pushes the total to roughly 700–1,500 USD, with dealer quotes generally higher than independent shops. If your engine uses a timing chain rather than a belt, the maintenance and repair cost profile changes. To get the most accurate price, obtain several quotes for your exact model, engine code, and whether additional items (pump, coolant, seals) are included in the service.
How much does it cost to replace a timing belt on a 2000 Honda Accord?
The average cost to replace the timing belt on a 2000 Honda Accord is between $409 and $919, but can be higher at a dealership. This price includes parts and labor, and it is recommended to also replace the water pump and tensioner at the same time to avoid future repairs, which could increase the total cost.
Cost breakdown and considerations
- Overall range: The national average is generally between $409 and $919, but local labor rates and specific shop can cause variations.
- Dealership vs. independent shop: Dealerships may charge more for this service, potentially ranging from $1,078 to $1,200, while an independent shop might be on the lower end of the average range.
- Parts and labor: The cost is split between parts (around $200 for the belt alone) and the labor to install it.
- Recommended related services: Since the water pump is often removed during a timing belt replacement, it is very cost-effective to have it replaced at the same time. This adds to the total cost, but prevents you from having to pay for labor twice for what would be two separate jobs.
- DIY option: If you are comfortable with car repair, you can purchase the timing belt yourself for under $35 and do the replacement yourself.
What to look for when replacing
- Ages: It is recommended to replace the timing belt between 80,000 and 120,000 miles or every 5 to 7 years, whichever comes first.
- Signs: Signs that the timing belt needs to be replaced include engine misfires, rough idling, a ticking or squealing sound from the engine, or a check engine light.
- Interference engine: The 2000 Honda Accord has an interference engine, meaning that if the timing belt breaks, the engine can be severely damaged. It is crucial to replace it on time to avoid a costly repair or engine replacement.
How long do Honda timing belts last?
60,000-100,000 miles
According to the Honda maintenance schedule, your Honda's timing belt and water pump generally needs to be inspected and/or replaced every 7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles traveled.
How do I know if my Honda timing belt is bad?
Some things to look out for that might signal it's time for a timing belt replacement include:
- Engine not starting/turning over.
- Strange ticking, clicking, or squealing sounds coming from the engine.
- Engine misfire.
- Low oil pressure.
- Rough engine running conditions.
How much does it cost to replace a timing belt on a 2013 Honda Accord?
The estimated cost to replace the timing belt on a 2013 Honda Accord (V6 engine) is between $409 and $919, which includes parts and labor. This job is labor-intensive, and it is highly recommended to also replace the water pump and other related components like the tensioner at the same time, which can increase the total cost.
Cost breakdown and important considerations
- Average total cost: Expect to pay anywhere from about $409 to $919 for the full service.
- Labor is the main cost: A large portion of the expense is due to the labor involved in disassembling engine parts to access the belt.
- Recommended additional parts: It is standard practice to replace the water pump, tensioners, and possibly the drive belt at the same time because they are often difficult to access after the initial replacement.
- Timing chain vs. timing belt: Be aware that the 2013 Honda Accord has a timing chain for its 4-cylinder engine, which does not require periodic replacement like a timing belt. The timing belt is only on the V6 models.
- Importance of professional replacement: A timing belt replacement is a complex job that requires a trained technician to ensure the timing marks are correctly aligned. A mistake can cause severe engine damage.
- Where to get a quote: To get the most accurate price, shop around and get quotes from several different mechanics.
