The clutch on a Honda Accord will typically need replacing every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. When it begins to slip or fails to engage properly, a replacement will be required. Clutch replacement costs can vary significantly based on the year and model of the Accord, whether you use a dealership or independent mechanic, the parts required and the labor time involved. On average, expect to pay $800 to $1,200 for a Honda Accord clutch replacement when using an independent shop. Dealerships often charge $300 to $600 more on average.
What Impacts The Honda Accord Clutch Replacement Cost
There are several key factors that impact how much it will cost to replace the clutch on a Honda Accord:
Year And Model
The year and model of the Accord has a big influence on parts and labor costs. Older models generally have lower replacement costs, while newer models with more complex clutch systems are more expensive.
Location Of Service Provider
Large cities with a high cost of living will have higher clutch replacement costs than rural areas, often by $200 or more. Dealerships also tend to be more expensive than independent mechanics.
Parts Required
Just replacing the clutch disc and pressure plate may cost $500 to $800. But if the flywheel, throw out bearing, pilot bearing or slave cylinder also need replacement, that can add $200 to $500 or more to the total.
Labor Time And Cost
Clutch replacements typically take 6-10 hours for labor. At shop rates of $80 to $125 per hour, labor will be a significant portion of the overall cost. More complex jobs take longer.
Cost Breakdown By Honda Accord Generation
To give a better idea of realistic costs, here is an overview of parts and labor estimates for different generations of the Honda Accord:
1976-1981 Accords
Parts – $300 to $500 Labor – 6 hours at $80 to $100 per hour Total Estimate – $720 to $1,000
The first generation Accords have a relatively simple clutch system that’s fairly easy to service, keeping costs on the lower end.
1982-1985 Accords
Parts – $400 to $600 Labor – 8 hours at $80 to $100 per hour Total Estimate – $880 to $1,200
Slightly more advanced second gen Accords have a higher parts cost and require more labor time.
1986-1989 Accords
Parts – $500 to $700 Labor – 8 to 10 hours at $80 to $100 per hour
Total Estimate – $960 to $1,500
The third generation Accords start to have more complex clutches, with labor times creeping up.
1990-1993 Accords
Parts – $550 to $750 Labor – 8 to 10 hours at $100 to $120 per hour Total Estimate – $1,150 to $1,750
Added complexity continues for 4th gen Accords, further increasing parts and labor costs.
1994-1997 Accords
Parts – $600 to $800 Labor – 8 to 10 hours at $100 to $120 per hour Total Estimate – $1,200 to $1,600
Further design evolutions in the 1990s add more parts and longer service times.
1998-2002 Accords
Parts – $650 to $850 Labor – 10 to 12 hours at $100 to $125 per hour
Total Estimate – $1,550 to $2,000
6th generation Accords have modern clutch components that are expensive to purchase and install.
2003-2007 Accords
Parts – $700 to $900 Labor – 10 to 12 hours at $110 to $130 per hour
Total Estimate – $1,710 to $2,230
Increasing complexity for 7th gen Accords pushes parts prices and labor hours higher.
2008-2012 Accords
Parts – $750 to $950 Labor – 10 to 14 hours at $110 to $140 per hour
Total Estimate – $1,860 to $2,530
Modern hydraulic clutch actuation in 8th gen models increases parts and service costs significantly.
2013-2017 Accords
Parts – $800 to $1,000
Labor – 12 to 14 hours at $120 to $150 per hour Total Estimate – $2,160 to $2,900
The latest 9th generation Accords have the highest replacement costs due to advanced, computer-controlled designs.
Diy Vs Professional Replacement
Many Accord owners wonder if they can save money by replacing the clutch themselves. This is possible on older models, but requires automotive expertise and specialty tools. Professional clutch service is recommended for most drivers.
Attempting a DIY clutch replacement on a newer Accord with little mechanical skill can lead to errors, higher costs, and compromised safety. Paying a professional to handle it properly is worthwhile.
Can I Drive With A Bad Clutch?
Once the Accord’s clutch starts to slip substantially or fails to engage, the vehicle should not be driven any further than necessary to reach a repair shop. Continuing to drive with a malfunctioning clutch can cause extensive damage to the transmission and require a full rebuild or replacement. It’s best to have it towed if it is unsafe to drive.
Signs Your Accord’s Clutch Needs Replacement
Watch for these symptoms that indicate it’s time to replace the clutch:
- Clutch slipping under acceleration
- Difficulty shifting or grinding noises
- Burning smell from clutch
- Increased pedal effort
- Trouble getting into gear
- Loss of power and performance
Don’t delay clutch replacement once these issues appear, or risk being stranded when it fails completely. Address any clutch problems promptly to avoid further transmission damage.
How Long Does A Honda Accord Clutch Last?
Honda Accord clutches are designed to last between 60,000 and 120,000 miles on average. Driving style has a big impact on clutch life. Aggressive acceleration and heavy loads can wear it out faster. Gentler driving can extend the lifespan. Higher mileage doesn’t always mean a clutch needs replacement if it is still functioning normally.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Clutch In Honda?
The cost to fix or replace a clutch on a Honda can range from $500 to $2,000 depending on the model and year of the vehicle. More complex designs on newer Honda models tend to be more expensive. Factors like labor costs and part prices also impact the total bill. In general, Accord clutches cost $800-$1,200 through independent mechanics, while Civics are $600-$1,000. Using a dealership typically adds $300 or more to the total clutch repair cost on a Honda.
How Long Does An Accord Clutch Last?
The typical lifespan of a Honda Accord’s clutch is between 60,000 and 120,000 miles. Aggressive driving habits can shorten the lifespan, while gentle acceleration and smooth shifting will help extend it. Signs like clutch slippage, difficulty shifting, burning smells and increased pedal effort indicate replacement is needed. With proper maintenance and driving technique, an Accord clutch can potentially last up to 150,000 miles before requiring replacement.
Is Replacing A Clutch A Big Job?
Yes, replacing a clutch is a complex, labor-intensive repair job. It requires removal of the transmission and extensive disassembly to access the clutch components. Additionally, critical adjustments must be made when reinstalling the new clutch and transmission. The complexity results in significant labor times of 8-14 hours in many cases, making clutch jobs quite costly. Proper tools and automotive expertise are a must.
Does Clutch Affect Mileage?
Yes, a worn or faulty clutch can negatively impact fuel mileage. Slippage causes the engine RPM to go higher than normal while shifting, wasting gas. A clutch not fully disengaging can also drag and reduce mileage. Replacing a bad clutch restores proper operation and helps improve gas mileage. However, simply using the clutch appropriately does not reduce mileage in a manual transmission vehicle.
Does Using A Clutch Reduce Mileage?
Proper use of the clutch does not reduce fuel mileage in manual transmission vehicles. The clutch allows smooth gear changes without affecting efficiency. However, “riding the clutch” or keeping it partially engaged can lead to slippage that wastes gas. Drivers should shift briskly but smoothly using the clutch pedal. So only improper use of the clutch reduces mileage, while driving correctly with appropriate clutch use does not impact MPG.
Maintaining Your Honda Accord Clutch
You can maximize your Accord’s clutch lifespan by following proper driving and maintenance techniques:
- Avoid resting your foot on the clutch pedal when not shifting
- Don’t “ride” the clutch pedal partially engaged
- Shift smoothly without abrupt clutch engagement
- Carry lighter loads to reduce strain
- Change manual transmission fluid regularly
- Have clutch adjustment inspected if pedal travel changes
Also Read: How To Replace Honda Accord Touring Windshield?
Conclusion
While replacing a worn clutch on a Honda Accord can be a sizable expense, it is an unavoidable repair when this important drivetrain component begins to fail. Understanding what impacts the costs allows you to budget accordingly.
The typical price range is $800 to $2,200 depending on the Accord’s year, whether you use a dealership or mechanic shop, your location, and parts required. Following the recommended maintenance and driving habits will help maximize the lifespan of your Honda Accord’s clutch.