How much does it cost to replace a Honda actuator?
Actuator replacement costs on Hondas vary widely by type and model year, but you’ll typically pay from about $125 to $2,500, depending on whether it’s a door lock, trunk, HVAC blend door, or ABS actuator.
The following sections break down the most common Honda actuator replacements, typical price ranges, and the factors that influence what you’ll pay. Use this as a guide when requesting quotes from shops.
Door Lock Actuator
Below are typical cost ranges you might encounter when replacing a door lock actuator on a Honda. Actual prices depend on the door (driver vs passenger), model year, and whether the part is OEM or aftermarket.
- Parts: $40–$150
- Labor: $75–$150
- Typical total: $125–$300
Actuator failures in door locks are a common reason for replacement, and labor time is usually modest unless wiring or a door panel needs extra work.
Trunk/Hatch Actuator
Trunk or hatch actuators follow a similar pricing pattern to door lock actuators, with costs affected by the vehicle’s year and whether the hatch is power-operated.
- Parts: $30–$150
- Labor: $70–$150
- Typical total: $105–$300
Some Honda models place the trunk actuator behind upholstery or panels, which can slightly raise labor time and cost.
HVAC Blend Door Actuator
HVAC blend door actuators control the mix of hot and cold air inside the cabin. Replacing these can be more labor-intensive, especially if the part sits behind the dashboard.
- Parts: $30–$120
- Labor: $150–$400
- Typical total: $180–$520
Prices vary with model year and how much dashboard disassembly is required. Some blends doors are accessed from the glove box or under the dash, which can affect labor time.
Power Window Actuator (including some ABS-related window modules)
Power window actuators can fail independently of door lock actuators, and replacement costs reflect the door’s complexity and accessibility.
- Parts: $40–$150
- Labor: $80–$180
- Typical total: $120–$330
If a shop consolidates multiple window or door repairs in a single visit, they may adjust labor charges or offer a bundled rate.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Actuator / Hydraulic Control Unit
ABS actuator replacements are among the costliest Honda actuator jobs. This component controls hydraulic pressure to the brakes and is critical for safety.
- Parts: $350–$1,800
- Labor: $250–$700
- Typical total: $600–$2,500
Replacement often requires dealer-level parts or specialized diagnostic tools. The price can rise for newer models or if additional brake system components are involved, and some vehicles may show ABS-related warning lights until the system is reprogrammed.
What Influences the Price?
Several factors determine the final cost when replacing a Honda actuator. The following list explains the most influential variables.
- Type of actuator (door, trunk, HVAC, ABS, etc.)
- Model year and trim level of the Honda
- OEM vs aftermarket parts (OEM parts tend to be pricier)
- Labor rate in your region and shop specialization
- Accessibility and required disassembly (dashboard, doors, or trunk)
- Warranty on parts and labor
Knowing these factors can help you interpret quotes and decide between OEM replacements, aftermarket parts, or refurbished units.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
To ensure you’re getting a precise estimate for your specific Honda, follow these steps.
- Identify the exact actuator and the model year of your Honda.
- Ask the shop to itemize parts and labor separately, and confirm whether OEM or aftermarket parts are used.
- Request quotes from at least two independent shops and, if possible, from a Honda dealership for comparison.
- Inquire about potential additional costs (diagnosis fees, door panel removal, or dashboard disassembly).
Look for shops that provide a warranty on both parts and labor. If you drive an older model, you might weigh the cost against potential future repairs and the availability of parts.
Summary
Actuator replacement costs on Hondas span a broad range—from about $125 to $300 for door lock or trunk actuators, to roughly $180–$520 for HVAC blend door replacements, and up to $600–$2,500 for ABS actuator replacements. Prices are driven by the type of actuator, vehicle model year, part choice (OEM vs aftermarket), labor rates, and how accessible the unit is. For the most accurate estimate, obtain multiple, itemized quotes and confirm warranty details before authorizing work.
What is the Honda VTC actuator lawsuit?
A 2023 class action lawsuit alleges that certain Honda models, including the 2012-2014 CR-V, 2012 Accord, and 2012-2015 Crosstour, have a defective variable timing control (VTC) actuator that can cause a rattling noise and potentially lead to catastrophic engine failure. While some claims were dismissed and others resulted in a partial verdict for Illinois-based owners, the case highlights potential engine damage from the defect, which can occur if the actuator causes the timing chain to stretch and fail.
Lawsuit overview
- What it is: A class action lawsuit alleging Honda knowingly sold vehicles with a defective VTC actuator.
- The alleged defect: The VTC actuator, specifically part number 14310-R44-A01, is prone to rattling on cold startups.
- The alleged consequence: The rattling can put stress on the timing chain and tensioner, leading to premature failure and potential catastrophic engine failure.
- Affected vehicles: Model year 2012-2014 CR-V, 2012 Accord, and 2012-2015 Crosstour with a 2.4-liter or L4 engine.
Lawsuit status and outcomes
- A jury found Honda not liable for the claims brought by California vehicle owners.
- A California federal jury awarded a partial verdict of $1.4 million to a class of Illinois vehicle owners who had paid for repairs.
- Despite the partial victory, the case's outcome is complicated and does not cover all claims or vehicle owners.
- Honda has since introduced a replacement actuator, though the lawsuit alleges the company knew about the defect prior to this.
What you can do
- If you own an affected vehicle: Save any repair receipts for VTC actuator or timing chain-related work, as they may be relevant for future claims.
- If you have experienced the issue: You may be able to pursue your own claim or join a future class action lawsuit.
How much does it cost to replace an actuator on a Honda Accord?
The cost to replace a Honda Accord actuator varies significantly, from around $218 to $269 for a door lock actuator, with parts averaging about $108 and labor around $110 to $161. Costs can be higher or lower depending on the specific part, year of the vehicle, and labor rates, with examples ranging up to $845 for a VTC actuator or under $200 for an AC blend door actuator.
You can watch this video to learn about the symptoms of a bad door lock actuator: 53sAuto Repair GuysYouTube · Jan 8, 2023
Door lock actuator
- Average cost: $218–$269
- Parts cost: ~$108
- Labor cost: ~$110–$161
- Notes: This cost is for a door lock actuator, but prices can vary based on the specific door and your location.
AC blend door actuator
- Average cost: ~$180–$190
- Parts cost: ~$140
- Labor cost: ~$40 (for a 0.4-hour job)
- Notes: This is for the AC blend door actuator and is often cheaper because the labor time is short.
VTC actuator
- Average cost: $585–$845
- Parts cost: Varies by part and brand
- Labor cost: Varies by shop
- Notes: This is for the VTC (Variable Timing Control) actuator.
Trunk lock actuator
- Average cost: $263–$300
- Parts cost: Varies by year and brand
- Labor cost: Varies by shop
- Notes: This cost is for a trunk lock actuator.
Is it expensive to replace an actuator?
Replacing a valve actuator can cost anywhere between $150 and $10,000, depending on the type, size, and features of the actuator.
How much is a Honda actuator?
The average cost for a Honda Accord HVAC Blend Door Actuator Replacement is between $282 and $315. Labor costs are estimated between $70 and $102 while parts are typically priced around $213.
