When did Honda start using indirect TPMS?
There isn’t a single year that covers Honda’s entire lineup—indirect TPMS began appearing on some Honda models in the early 2010s, with broader adoption by the mid-2010s, varying by market and model. In the U.S., Honda historically relied more on direct TPMS, with indirect systems showing up later on select trims and regions.
Understanding indirect TPMS and Honda’s approach
Indirect tire pressure monitoring systems (iTPMS) rely on the car’s existing wheel-speed sensors and ABS software to infer underinflation, rather than measuring pressure with sensors in each tire. For Honda, the shift toward iTPMS was influenced by cost considerations and regulatory requirements, and the availability depended on model year, trim level, and regional market.
What is indirect TPMS?
Indirect TPMS uses differences in wheel speeds and other ABS data to detect when a tire is underinflated, without installing sensor-equipped valve stems in every tire. When the system senses a discrepancy that suggests low pressure, it triggers a warning on the dashboard.
The following timeline outlines the general industry trend and how Honda’s adoption tracked with it. It is not a universal, model-by-model prescription for every Honda vehicle.
- Early 2010s: Honda begins introducing indirect TPMS on select models in some markets as a cost-saving alternative to direct TPMS.
- Mid-2010s: iTPMS becomes available on a broader set of Honda models and markets, though availability varies by region and trim.
- Late 2010s to present: iTPMS appears more widely in Honda’s lineup in certain markets, while some models and regions continue to rely on direct TPMS depending on configuration.
Exact availability depends on the model year, market, and trim level. To confirm for a specific vehicle, check the owner's manual, the service bulletin for your VIN, or ask a Honda dealer.
How to verify which TPMS type your Honda uses
Before you check, note that methods to determine TPMS type can differ by model and year. The steps below help clarify which system your vehicle employs.
- Consult the owner's manual or tire and TPMS information label (often found in the door jamb) for details on TPMS type.
- Look at the wheels: sensor-mounted valve stems indicate direct TPMS; absence of such sensors, with only ABS-based monitoring, suggests indirect TPMS.
- Ask a Honda service advisor or reference the vehicle’s VIN-specific service documentation to confirm the TPMS configuration for your exact model and year.
Knowing whether your Honda uses indirect or direct TPMS is important for tire maintenance, sensor replacement costs, and ensuring accurate low-pressure warnings.
Summary
Honda’s adoption of indirect TPMS does not hinge on a single year; it emerged on various models in the early 2010s and expanded at different paces across markets and trims through the mid-to-late 2010s. For precise information, consult your vehicle’s manual or contact a Honda dealer with your VIN to confirm the TPMS configuration for your specific model and year.
