Which spark plug does Honda use?
In short, Honda does not rely on a single spark plug brand for all its vehicles. The OEM spark plugs are typically NGK or Denso, with the exact part number and heat range determined by the engine family, model year, and market. To be sure, always check the owner’s manual or Honda’s official parts catalog for your specific vehicle.
Honda's typical spark plug brands
Honda sources its original equipment spark plugs from two main suppliers. The choice depends on the engine type and the market where the vehicle is sold, so there isn’t one universal plug for every Honda model.
- NGK: The most common OEM spark plug supplier for many Honda engines in a wide range of markets. The exact plug model and heat range vary by engine family (such as D-series, K-series, or newer designs) and by year.
- Denso: Used on certain Honda engines and in specific markets or export variants. As with NGK, the precise part number depends on the engine code and production era.
To determine the exact plug for your car, consult the owner's manual, the official Honda parts catalog, or a dealership. You’ll typically need your engine code (for example, D-series, K-series, or newer families) and the model year to pull the correct OEM part number and recommended gap.
How to identify the correct spark plug for your model
Take these steps to confirm the right plug: locate your engine code on the engine block or under the hood, reference Honda’s official parts lookup or your service manual, and cross-check the recommended NGK or Denso part number and the factory gap. If you’re considering aftermarket plugs, ensure the heat range and gap match the factory specification to maintain performance and emissions compliance.
For modern Hondas with iridium or platinum plugs, the factory gap is often pre-set. Do not adjust unless the service documentation explicitly instructs you to. When in doubt, have a trained technician verify the correct plug type and installation torque.
What this means for owners
The absence of a single “Honda spark plug” means owners must verify the exact plug by engine code, year, and market. Using the correct NGK or Denso plug helps preserve ignition efficiency, fuel economy, and emissions performance across different Honda models.
Practical steps to source the right plug include checking the vehicle’s manual, using Honda’s official parts lookup with your engine code, and consulting a dealership or trusted mechanic if you’re unsure. This ensures you select the right OEM part and avoid issues from mismatched heat ranges or gaps.
Summary: Honda does not use one universal spark plug. The OEM plugs are predominantly NGK or Denso, with the exact part number determined by the engine family, year, and market. Always verify with official Honda resources or a dealer to ensure you install the correct plug for your specific vehicle.
