Is a Honda emissions system problem covered under warranty?

Yes, in many cases, issues with a Honda's emissions system are covered under the vehicle's warranty. Honda provides comprehensive warranty coverage for emissions-related components, ensuring customers are protected against defects or malfunctions that impact the vehicle's emissions performance.

Understanding Honda's Emissions System Warranty Coverage

Honda's emissions system warranty is designed to comply with federal and state regulations, which require automakers to cover certain emissions-related parts for a specified period. The length of the emissions warranty can vary depending on the component and the vehicle's age or mileage.

• Emissions Control System Warranty: This covers the vehicle's emissions control components, such as the catalytic converter, engine control module, and oxygen sensors, for 8 years or 80,000 miles, whichever comes first.


• Emissions Performance Warranty: This covers the cost of repairing or replacing any emissions-related component that causes the vehicle to fail an emissions test for 2 years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.


• Emissions Defect Warranty: This covers any defects in emissions-related parts for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.

It's important to note that the emissions warranty is separate from the vehicle's overall warranty, which may cover a broader range of components and systems.

Common Emissions System Issues Covered by Honda's Warranty

Some of the most common emissions system problems that are typically covered under Honda's warranty include:

• Catalytic Converter Failure: The catalytic converter is a critical emissions control component that converts harmful pollutants into less toxic substances. If the catalytic converter fails prematurely, it is usually covered under the emissions control system warranty.


• Oxygen Sensor Malfunction: Oxygen sensors monitor the air-fuel mixture in the engine and provide feedback to the engine control module. If an oxygen sensor fails, it may be covered under the emissions control system warranty.


• Engine Control Module (ECM) Issues: The ECM is responsible for managing the engine's emissions-related systems. If the ECM experiences a defect or malfunction, it may be covered under the emissions defect warranty.


• Evaporative Emissions System Leaks: The evaporative emissions system prevents fuel vapors from escaping the fuel system and being released into the atmosphere. Leaks or malfunctions in this system may be covered under the emissions control system warranty.

It's important to note that the specific coverage and exclusions may vary depending on the vehicle's age, mileage, and the nature of the emissions system problem. Customers should consult their Honda dealer or refer to the vehicle's owner's manual for more detailed information on the emissions warranty coverage.

Is an emission system covered under warranty?

Yes, emission systems are covered under warranty, but the specifics depend on the type of warranty, the component, and location. Federal and some state emission warranties cover a range of parts for specific periods, with major components like the catalytic converter and engine control unit typically covered for longer durations (e.g., 8 years or 80,000 miles). 
Types of emission warranties

• Federal Performance Warranty: Covers repairs needed to pass an emissions test during the first 2 years or 24,000 miles. 
• Federal Design and Defect Warranty: Covers defects in materials or workmanship that cause the vehicle to fail emissions standards. 
• California Emissions Warranty: California and other states with similar regulations have their own, often more extensive, warranties for vehicles sold and registered there. 

What is covered

• Major components: Catalytic converters, engine control unit (ECU), and the onboard diagnostic (OBD) device are often covered for longer periods (e.g., up to 8 years or 80,000 miles). 
• Other components: A wider range of parts like oxygen sensors, evaporative emissions control systems (including the charcoal canister and fuel cap), and exhaust pipes are also covered, but their coverage periods may be shorter. 
• Repairs: The warranty will cover the cost of repairs to make the vehicle meet emissions standards. This can include labor and parts. 

What may not be covered

• Normal wear and tear: Components that fail due to normal wear and tear may not be covered. 
• Abuse or neglect: If the vehicle's emission system was damaged due to abuse, neglect, or improper maintenance, the repair may not be covered. 
• Aftermarket parts: Aftermarket parts may not be covered by the warranty and could potentially void the warranty for related components. 

Important considerations

• Check your VIN: The specific details of your vehicle's warranty depend on its make, model, and year. Check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) with the manufacturer to get precise information. 
• State regulations: Emission warranty laws can vary by state. If you are in a state with strict emissions regulations, like California, it's important to check if the state-specific warranty applies to your vehicle. 
• Extended warranties: If you have purchased an extended warranty, check its terms to see what emissions components are covered. 

What does it mean when my Honda says emissions system problem?

The 'emissions system problem' warning usually relates to the oxygen (O2) sensors or catalytic converter. First, use an OBD-II scanner to read error codes. Common causes include faulty O2 sensors, exhaust leaks, or a failing catalytic converter. To reset, clear codes with the scanner after repairs.

What is the Honda emissions warranty?

Honda's emissions warranty covers defects in the emissions control system for specific periods, generally three years or 36,000 miles for most parts, and eight years or 80,000 miles for key components like the catalytic converter. The warranty ensures the vehicle conforms to federal emissions standards and covers necessary repairs or replacements at no cost to the owner. Coverage can be affected by the state where the vehicle is registered, with specific rules for states like California. 
Warranty periods

• Short-term: Most emissions control components are covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. 
• Long-term: Key components, such as the catalytic converter, have extended coverage for 8 years or 80,000 miles. 
• California and other states: Vehicles registered and normally operated in states like California, Connecticut, Maine, and others have additional, sometimes longer, warranty protections. 

What is covered

• The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship that cause the vehicle to fail to meet applicable emissions requirements. 
• Honda will perform all necessary adjustments, diagnoses, repairs, and replacements to bring the vehicle into compliance during the warranty period. 
• A list of covered parts is available in the warranty booklet, with key components marked for longer coverage. 

What is NOT covered

• Failures caused by owner abuse, neglect, improper maintenance, or unauthorized alterations are excluded.
• Normal maintenance items, like spark plugs and filters, are not covered once their first scheduled replacement has occurred.
• Consequential damages, such as loss of time or commercial loss, are also excluded. 

What is not covered by the Honda warranty?

Honda warranties do not cover routine maintenance, wear-and-tear items, accident or collision damage, theft, vandalism, and environmental damage. Examples of non-covered parts include tires, brake pads, batteries, and wiper blades, as well as damage from neglect or improper maintenance. 
Routine maintenance

• Oil changes, tire rotations, and filter replacements
• Brake pad and rotor replacements
• Wiper blade and insert replacements (except for the first 6 months for original inserts)
• Spark plugs 

Wear-and-tear items 

• Tires
• Brakes (pads, linings, and rotors)
• Batteries (for example, the 12-volt battery)
• Clutch components
• Exhaust system components
• Upholstery and interior trim 

Damage and misuse 

• Accidents, collisions, and theft
• Vandalism
• Environmental damage, such as from hail or floods
• Damage from neglect or failure to follow the recommended maintenance schedule
• Damage caused by improper maintenance or modifications
• Any damage from use outside of the contiguous United States, Alaska, or Hawaii