Which Honda Accords have a timing chain?
Most Honda Accords use a timing chain rather than a belt. In practice, all engines available in the current generation rely on a chain-driven timing system, and the previous generation followed the same pattern for its main four- and six-cylinder options.
Over the past two decades, Honda has largely moved away from timing belts in the Accord lineup. Modern engines—from the latest 10th generation back through the 9th generation—use timing chains, including the various turbocharged and hybrid powertrains. This means that for most buyers, a timing belt is not a concern when servicing an Accord, though maintenance for chains (like tensioners and guides) is still important. Verify the specific engine code for your exact model year if you’re unsure.
Current generation (10th) Accords: engines and timing chain status
Before listing the engines, note that every current 10th-generation Accord uses a timing chain. These are the powertrains you’ll find in recent models, all chain-driven.
- 1.5L turbocharged inline-4 (L15BA/L15B variants) — timing chain
- 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 (K20C1) — timing chain
- 2.0L Atkinson-cycle hybrid powertrain (paired with electric motors) — timing chain
In short, the 10th-generation Accord’s entire engine lineup uses a timing chain, aligning with Honda’s broader shift away from belts in modern models.
9th generation Accords (2013–2017): engines and timing chain status
For the 9th generation, Honda offered a more conventional lineup with four- and six-cylinder engines, all of which use timing chains, including any hybrid variant that was available during this period.
- 2.4L i-VTEC DOHC four-cylinder (K24) — timing chain
- 3.5L V6 (J35) — timing chain
- 2.0L Atkinson-cycle hybrid powertrain (if equipped) — timing chain
Across the 9th generation, there were no timing belt configurations in the Accord’s primary engine options, reinforcing Honda’s chain-driven approach during this era.
Maintenance considerations and what to check
Timing chains are designed to last longer than timing belts, but they are not maintenance-free. Chain wear typically affects tensioners, guides, and oil condition. Symptoms of chain-related issues can include rattle noises on start-up, a slipping timing chain, or diagnostic trouble codes related to the variable timing system. Regular oil changes at the interval recommended in your owner’s manual help prevent excessive wear. If you’re unsure about your specific model, check the engine code or consult a Honda technician to confirm whether your Accord uses a chain and to understand any model-year-specific maintenance recommendations.
Summary
Across both the 9th and 10th generations, Honda Accord engines have predominantly used timing chains rather than belts. The current lineup—1.5L turbo, 2.0L turbo, and the hybrid—rely on chain-driven timing, as did the major engines offered in the 2013–2017 period. If you’re buying used or performing maintenance, verify the exact engine code for your model year to confirm the timing system, but for most modern Accords, a timing chain is the standard setup.
What year did Honda switch to timing chains?
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 the 2017 Honda Accord have a timing chain or belt?
An Accord from 2008-2012 with a 4-cylinder engine will have a timing chain, whereas the V6 engine models have a timing belt. From 2013-2017, the 4-cylinder models still have a timing chain and the V6 models have a timing belt. Starting with the 2018 model year, all the available engines come with a timing chain.
Do Honda Accords have timing chains?
Yes, many modern Honda Accords have timing chains, but older models and those with V6 engines may have timing belts. Specifically, all 4-cylinder Accords from 2003 to 2017 use a timing chain, while all engines, including the V6, use a timing chain as of the 2018 model year.
Honda Accord timing belt vs. chain by model year
- 2018 and newer: All models use a timing chain.
- 2013–2017: 4-cylinder models have a timing chain, while V6 models have a timing belt.
- 2008–2012: 4-cylinder models have a timing chain, while V6 models have a timing belt.
- 2003–2007: 4-cylinder models have a timing chain, while V6 models have a timing belt.
- 1997–2002: All models use a timing belt.
Which Hondas have a timing chain?
Most modern 4-cylinder Honda engines, including those in the Civic, CR-V, and Accord (from 2003 onwards), use a timing chain. Starting with the 2018 model year, all Honda Accord engines (including V6) have a timing chain. In contrast, most Honda V6 engines from 1997 to 2017, such as those in the Accord, Odyssey, and Passport, use a timing belt.
Honda models with timing chains
- Most 4-cylinder engines: Generally, 4-cylinder Honda engines from about 2002 onward, including those in the Civic, CR-V, and Element, have timing chains.
- Accord (4-cylinder): 4-cylinder models from the 2003-2007, 2008-2012, and 2013-2017 model years have timing chains.
- Accord (all engines): All engines available in the Honda Accord have a timing chain starting with the 2018 model year.
Honda models with timing belts
- Most V6 engines: Many Honda V6 engines from approximately 1997 through 2017 use a timing belt.
- Accord (V6): V6 models of the Accord from the 2013–2017 model years have a timing belt.
How to tell for sure
- The easiest way to determine if a specific Honda has a timing belt or chain is to check the engine type (e.g., 4-cylinder or V6) and the model year.
- For most 4-cylinder Hondas from roughly 2006 or earlier to the present day, it's a timing chain.
- For V6 models, especially the Accord and Odyssey, it depends on the model year; a quick search for your specific model year and engine type will confirm whether it uses a timing belt or chain.
