When did Honda stop using timing belts?
There isn’t a single year Honda stopped using timing belts. The shift away from belts happened gradually and varies by engine family and model year. In general, newer Honda engines rely on timing chains, while belts remain in use on some older designs and certain markets.
This article tracks how Honda’s timing-drive approach evolved, how to determine whether a given model uses a belt or a chain, and what that means for maintenance and ownership today.
Historical evolution: belts to chains, with important caveats
The following overview summarizes the broad trend over the past few decades, noting that belt vs. chain is often tied to the specific engine family and market. It helps explain why there isn’t a single stop date across Honda’s lineup.
- 1990s to early 2000s: Timing belts were common on many Honda four- and six-cylinder engines. Belt maintenance was a routine part of ownership, with replacement intervals typically specified in the owner's manual.
- Mid- to late-2000s: Honda began introducing more engines with timing chains in newer designs, especially in newer model lines and performance-oriented variants, while belts continued on several existing engines.
- 2010s to present: A broad shift toward timing chains became more noticeable in popular models and engine families, reducing the frequency of belt replacements. Belts still remained in some older designs or specific markets where belt-driven setups persisted.
In practice, the move toward chains has been gradual rather than absolute. For any given car, the best way to know is to check the engine code and the official maintenance schedule for that model year.
How to determine whether your Honda uses a belt or a chain
Before drawing conclusions about maintenance, verify the exact configuration for your car. The following steps help you confirm belt vs. chain for a specific vehicle.
- Check the owner's manual or service schedule for the phrase “timing belt” or “timing chain” to see what your model requires and when it should be serviced.
- Inspect the timing area or refer to the engine code in the vehicle documents; some engine families are historically belt-driven, while others use a chain-driven setup.
- Ask a dealer or trusted mechanic with access to Honda’s service data for your exact year and trim to confirm the timing mechanism.
Knowing the exact configuration is important because belt-driven engines typically require periodic belt replacement at specified intervals, while chain-driven engines generally do not require scheduled belt changes—though chains can still wear and may need inspection or tensioner service over time.
Maintenance implications for owners
Understanding whether your Honda uses a belt or a chain directly affects maintenance planning and potential costs. Belt replacements are a known service item with proactive intervals, whereas chains are designed to last longer but still require inspection, especially as vehicles age and accumulate mileage.
For owners of older Hondas or models with belt-driven engines, staying within the recommended belt replacement interval is critical to avoid the risk of belt failure and potential engine damage. For newer models with chains, the focus shifts to routine inspections, tensioners, guides, and oil quality to maintain chain health over time.
Summary
Honda’s transition from timing belts to timing chains has been uneven across its model lineup. While many of the company’s newer engines use chains, belts remain part of the design for some older models and specific markets. To know precisely for your vehicle, consult the owner’s manual or speak with a dealer or qualified mechanic to confirm whether your engine uses a belt or a chain and to follow the correct maintenance schedule.
Which Hondas use timing belts?
Here are the details:
- 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.
Does a 2017 Honda CRV have a timing belt?
No, a 2017 Honda CR-V does not have a timing belt; it is equipped with a timing chain. Timing chains are designed to last the life of the engine and generally do not require replacement, unlike timing belts which need to be changed at regular intervals.
- Timing chain: The 2017 CR-V's engine uses a timing chain, which is made of metal and is much more durable than a timing belt.
- Maintenance: The primary maintenance for a timing chain is regular oil changes, as a lack of proper lubrication can cause it to fail prematurely.
- Timing belt: Other Honda models with older or V6 engines may use a timing belt, which requires periodic replacement, typically between 60,000 and 100,000 miles.
Does a 2019 Honda Pilot have a timing belt or chain?
A 2019 Honda Pilot uses a timing belt. This is consistent with Honda's V6 engines, which have used timing belts for many years. The timing belt is recommended to be replaced at around 90,000 to 105,000 miles.
- Vehicle: 2019 Honda Pilot
- Component: Timing belt
- Recommended replacement interval: 90,000–105,000 miles or 7–10 years
