When did the Honda Accord stop using timing belts?

The short answer: Honda Accord stopped using timing belts starting with model year 2003, shifting to timing chains across modern engines. This change has continued through today.

The switch reflects Honda's move toward long-lasting, chain-driven camshafts across the Accord lineup. Below is a concise timeline and what it means for owners and maintenance today, with notes on regional variations and typical engine configurations.

Timeline: belt to chain shift in North American Accords

Below is a simplified, model-year-based guide to when timing belts were used and when chains took over in typical North American Accords. Variants and markets may differ slightly.

• Pre-2003 models: Most four-cylinder Accords used a timing belt; V6 variants varied by year and market, with belts being common in some engines.


• 2003–2007 (seventh generation): Honda moved to timing chains for the 4-cylinder 2.4 L engine and generally used chains for V6 variants as well, reducing the need for belt-related maintenance.


• 2008 onward (eight generation and later): All commonly sold Accord engines in North America use timing chains, with no production model year featuring a belt-driven camshaft in the U.S. market.

Concluding note: The practical effect is that newer Accords no longer require timing belt replacement as part of routine maintenance, though owners should still follow oil-change intervals and address any chain-related issues as they arise.

Maintenance and implications for today’s Accord owners

With the shift to timing chains, routine maintenance for Accord engines focuses on oil changes and chain-drive components rather than belt wear. Here are the key points for today’s owners and buyers.

• Timing chains are designed to last longer than timing belts, often the life of the engine, provided regular oil changes and proper maintenance.


• Some older or region-specific models may differ; always check the service booklet or VIN-based build sheet for the exact engine type.


• Chain-related failures are uncommon but can occur if oil changes are neglected or if the chain guides and tensioners wear out; regular maintenance is essential.

In short, current Accords rely on timing chains rather than belts, reducing the need for belt replacement and aligning with Honda’s trend across newer models.

Regional variations and exceptions

While North American Accords have largely adopted timing chains since 2003, regional differences may apply in other markets, and occasional model-year or trim-specific variants may present exceptions. Always verify with the owner's manual or a dealer for your exact vehicle.

What year did Honda stop using timing belts?

Honda did not stop using timing belts entirely, but they have switched to timing chains in most of their models, particularly four-cylinder engines. For example, the Honda Civic switched to a timing chain in the 2006 model year, and the Honda Accord transitioned for all four-cylinder models by 2013, though some V6 engines continued to use timing belts. 

• Four-cylinder engines: Most four-cylinder Honda engines now use a timing chain. 
  • Civic: Switched to a timing chain for the 2006 model year and later. 
  • Accord: Four-cylinder models switched around the 2003–2007 and 2008–2012 model years, with all four-cylinder models featuring a timing chain by 2013. 
• V6 engines: Many Honda V6 engines continue to use a timing belt, although this varies by model and year. 
  • Accord: V6 models used timing belts from 1997 to 2017, and some sources indicate they may still be used in newer models depending on the engine configuration. 
  • Pilot: The V6 engine in the Honda Pilot uses a timing belt, with replacements recommended around 90,000–105,000 miles. 
  • CR-V: Switched to a timing chain starting with the 2002 model year. 

To know for sure which type of system your specific vehicle has, it's best to check the model year and engine type, or consult your owner's manual.

Does the 2018 Honda Accord have a timing belt or chain?

A 2018 Accord has a timing chain, regardless of engine type. Honda began using timing chains for all available engines in the Accord lineup starting with the 2018 model year.
 
You can watch this video to see the timing marks for a 2018 Honda Accord 1.5T: 59sCar Improvement timeYouTube · Feb 27, 2025

• Timing chain: The 2018 Accord uses a timing chain, which is generally more durable than a timing belt and is designed to last the life of the engine.
• Older models: Before 2018, timing belts were used on V6 engines, while four-cylinder models switched to timing chains around 2003. 

Does the Honda 2.4 have a timing belt or chain?

A Honda 2.4L engine uses a timing chain, not a belt. The switch from timing belts to chains on 4-cylinder Accords occurred around 2003. The timing chain is designed to last for the life of the vehicle, but requires regular oil changes to ensure its longevity and prevent premature wear. 
You can watch this video to learn how to replace the timing chain on a Honda 2.4L engine: 34sCloyes Gear & Products, Inc.YouTube · May 24, 2023
Key differences and maintenance

• Timing chain: The 2.4L engine has a timing chain, which is generally more durable than a belt. 
• Maintenance: Regular oil changes are crucial for maintaining the timing chain, as the oil pressure controls the tensioners. 
• Longevity: The timing chain is often considered a "lifetime" component, meaning it does not have a specific replacement interval and is only replaced if it fails or shows symptoms. 
• Failure symptoms: A failing timing chain can lead to a Check Engine Light and other engine performance issues. 
• Interference engine: The 2.4L engine is an interference engine, so a stretched or broken timing chain can cause severe engine damage if the valves and pistons collide. 

This video explains the symptoms of a failing timing chain: 1mMotorCarNutYouTube · Apr 24, 2024

Does the 2016 Honda Accord have a timing belt or chain?

A 2016 Honda Accord has a timing chain for its 4-cylinder models and a timing belt for its V6 models. The 4-cylinder engines, produced between 2013 and 2017, use a timing chain, which is generally designed to last the life of the engine with proper maintenance. The V6 models, on the other hand, use a timing belt that needs to be replaced at recommended intervals, typically between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. 
4-cylinder models

• Timing chain: All 4-cylinder Honda Accords from the 2013-2017 model years use a timing chain. 
• Maintenance: Timing chains are designed to be a long-lasting component and do not have a fixed replacement schedule like a belt. Regular oil changes are crucial to their longevity. 

V6 models

• Timing belt: All V6 Honda Accord models from 1997 to 2017 use a timing belt. 
• Maintenance: This belt requires periodic replacement. The typical service interval is between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, but you should always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific vehicle.