How much does it cost to replace a control arm on a Honda Pilot?
Replacement of a single control arm on a Honda Pilot typically runs about $300 to $600, depending on parts and labor, with higher ranges when OEM parts or dealership services are used. Replacing both front control arms can reach roughly $600 to $1,200 or more. Costs vary by arm type (upper or lower), model year, region, and whether you choose aftermarket parts or OEM from the dealer.
What affects the cost
Costs are driven by multiple factors, including the type of control arm, parts choice, number of arms replaced, labor rates, and any required follow-up services.
- Arm type (upper vs lower) and whether you replace one or both sides
- Parts choice: aftermarket/used vs OEM/dealer parts
- Vehicle model year and current wear on related components
- Labor rate and shop type (independent shop vs dealership)
- Need for additional components (ball joints, bushings, tie rods)
- Necessary wheel alignment after installation
- Geographic region and local price norms
Understanding these factors helps set realistic expectations for quotes and plan accordingly.
Typical price ranges
Here are the general ranges you’re likely to see in the current market, reflecting common configurations in the United States as of 2024–2025.
Parts options
Prices differ by whether you choose aftermarket parts or OEM parts from the dealer.
- Single control arm (aftermarket/non-OEM): roughly $40–$150 for the part
- Single control arm (OEM/dealer): roughly $120–$350 for the part
- Remanufactured or lightly used arms: roughly $25–$100
Part quality and source have a meaningful impact on the total job cost, especially when factoring in labor and potential additional components.
Labor and related costs
Labor time and rate are the other major drivers of total cost.
- Labor time: typically 1.0–2.5 hours per arm at independent shops; longer if complications arise
- Labor rate: about $75–$150 per hour at independent shops; $100–$180 per hour at dealerships or specialty shops
- Wheel alignment: typically $75–$120 after replacement
- Additional parts if needed (ball joints, bushings, tie rods): $20–$350 depending on parts and if they’re replaced
Combined, a single arm replacement commonly falls in roughly the $300–$700 range with aftermarket parts, and $450–$900 or more with OEM parts. Alignment and any extra components push the total higher.
Cost by scenario
To illustrate how prices can vary, here are typical scenarios you might encounter when getting quotes for a Honda Pilot.
- One lower control arm replacement (aftermarket parts): approximately $250–$500 total
- One lower control arm replacement (OEM parts): approximately $450–$800 total
- One upper control arm replacement (aftermarket parts): approximately $300–$550 total
- Both front control arms replaced (aftermarket parts): approximately $500–$1,000
- Both front control arms replaced (OEM parts): approximately $900–$1,700
- Alignment after replacement: add $75–$120 if not included in the service package
These figures reflect typical quotes from independent shops and dealerships and will vary by region, shop, and exact parts chosen. Always ask for an itemized estimate that separates parts, labor, alignment, and any auxiliary work.
What to ask your mechanic
For an accurate quote, ask these questions and request a written, itemized estimate:
- Is the estimate for one arm or both sides?
- Are you using OEM parts or aftermarket equivalents? Are remanufactured options available?
- Does the price include a wheel alignment?
- Will you replace only the arm or also the ball joints/bushings if worn?
- What is the warranty on parts and labor?
- Can you provide an itemized breakdown of parts, labor hours, and tax/fees?
Getting multiple quotes and asking for a shareable parts/labor breakdown helps ensure you’re comparing apples to apples and budgeting accurately.
Summary
Replacing a control arm on a Honda Pilot is a mid-range auto-maintenance cost that varies widely based on arm type (upper or lower), number of arms replaced, and parts choice (OEM vs aftermarket). Expect roughly $250–$500 for a single arm with aftermarket parts and $450–$900 with OEM parts, with two-arm replacements typically doubling these ranges. Add alignment ($75–$120) and any necessary extra components, and you can see why quotes vary. To get the best value, obtain multiple, itemized estimates from independent shops and dealers, and confirm the parts source, warranty, and whether a wheel alignment is included.
