What year did Honda stop using timing belts?
There isn’t a single year when Honda stopped using timing belts; the shift happened gradually, and most new Honda engines have relied on timing chains since the early to mid-2010s.
Honda’s transition away from timing belts varied by engine family and market. While older models and certain regional variants still used belt drives, the mainstream lineup has moved to timing chains for durability and reduced maintenance. For any given car, the exact configuration depends on the model year and engine family, so checking the owner’s manual is the best way to confirm.
How the transition unfolded
To understand the timing belt transition, it helps to look at the broader pattern rather than a single calendar year. Below is a high-level overview of how Honda shifted from belts to chains across its popular engines and product generations.
- Over the late 1990s and into the 2000s, Honda began introducing more engines with timing chains as a standard configuration, moving away from belts on many new designs.
- By the 2010s, most new Honda engines—particularly the i-VTEC and Earth Dreams families—used timing chains rather than belts.
- Today, the vast majority of new Honda models employ timing chains, with belt-driven configurations largely found only on older model years or special-market variants.
In practice, this means that a given Honda model’s belt vs. chain setup depends on its exact year and engine family. Always verify the specific configuration for a used vehicle and follow the recommended maintenance schedule.
What this means for owners
Maintenance implications differ significantly between belts and chains. Timing belts require periodic replacement, typically somewhere around 60,000 to 100,000 miles depending on the model, while timing chains generally last longer and may require attention only if a tensioner or guides wear out. Knowing which system your car has helps you plan preventive maintenance and avoid unexpected engine damage.
Guidance for prospective buyers and owners
- Check the exact engine family and model year to confirm belt or chain configuration.
- Consult the owner's manual or a trusted service bulletin for replacement intervals if your vehicle uses a belt.
- For belt-equipped older Hondas, budget for periodic belt and water pump replacement as part of maintenance.
Understanding the belt vs. chain setup for your specific Honda helps ensure you follow the correct maintenance schedule and avoid costly repairs down the line.
Summary
There is no single year Honda stopped using timing belts. The shift from belts to timing chains occurred gradually, with most of Honda’s newer engines using chains by the early to mid-2010s. Today, belts are uncommon in new Hondas, but some older models or regional variants may still rely on belt-driven configurations. Always verify the exact setup for your vehicle and follow the recommended maintenance intervals.
Which Honda engines have timing belts?
2013-2017: V6 models have timing belts & 4-cylinder models have timing chains. 2008-2012: V6 models have timing belts & 4-cylinder models have timing chains. 2003-2007: V6 models have timing belts & 4-cylinder models have timing chains. 1997-2002: Honda timing belt on all engines.
Does a 1999 Honda Accord have a timing belt or chain?
If your Honda Accord dates back to 1997-2002, it has a timing belt. If you have a 4-cylinder model from 2003-2007, you engine has a timing chain; if you have the V6 model from those years, it's a timing belt.
When did Honda switch from timing belt to chain?
Honda began shifting many of its four-cylinder engines to timing chains around the early 2000s, with models like the Civic switching in 2006 and other models like the Accord following suit. However, many Honda V6 engines continued to use timing belts until much later, with some models not making the switch to timing chains until the 2018 model year.
- Early 2000s: Honda started to transition some four-cylinder engines to timing chains.
- 2006: The Honda Civic officially made the switch to a timing chain, replacing the timing belt for all models from this year forward.
- 2018: All Honda engines, including the V6, adopted timing chains for the 2018 model year and beyond.
Does a 2017 Honda Accord have a timing belt?
A 2017 Honda Accord has a timing belt if it is a V6 model, and a timing chain if it is a 4-cylinder model. All 2017 V6 models use a timing belt, while all 2017 4-cylinder models use a timing chain.
- V6 models: Have a timing belt that requires periodic replacement, typically around 100,000 miles, according to MotorBiscuit.
- 4-cylinder models: Have a timing chain that should last the life of the engine and does not require replacement under normal driving conditions.
