Are Hondas Reliable?

• Honda is a leader in motorcycle manufacturing and has been producing reliable cars since 1979. Known for dependability, they offer fuel-efficient vehicles with high safety standards.
• Honda tops RepairPal's reliability ranking with low average repair costs. It has several models recognized by KBB for low cost of ownership and earns high safety ratings, showcasing its commitment to reliability and safety.
• While highly reliable, some Hondas face issues like fuel pump failures, excessive oil consumption, airbag issues, and premature engine mount failure. However, these are generally less frequent compared to many other brands.

Honda is one of a handful of brands known for producing some of the most reliable cars with superior quality control. While Hondas may not have all the bells and whistles featured on models from its luxury arm, Acura, the brand hosts several fuel-efficient, gas-powered vehicles. Honda also receives high marks for standard safety technology and advanced features that keep occupants safe. 

It’s a given that, when it comes to vehicle reliability, most people expect to jump into their vehicles and drive to their destination without worrying about their car breaking down or even failing to start. Every successful trip is a testament to the reliability of that particular vehicle, but the sources below can also help shed light on what it means to be a reliable vehicle: 

• FuelEconomy.gov’s fuel-efficiency ratings
• Repairs and reliability ratings from RepairPal  
• Safety inspection ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA)
• 5-Year Cost to Own from Kelley Blue Book (KBB)
• Dependability ratings from J.D. Power

You can combine reviews and ratings from these resources to gain an overall perspective of how Honda ranks in reliability. For that matter, you can use these same resources to determine the reliability of practically all automakers, including Subaru, Mazda, Lexus, Nissan, and BMW.  

Honda earns its reputation as a reliable automotive brand with every model it produces. Read on to find out how Honda ranks for average annual repair costs, cost of ownership, dependability, and safety and fuel-efficiency ratings. 

1. Average repair costs

RepairPal awards Honda a four-out-of-five-star overall reliability rating, ranking it first among 32 car brands. The average annual repair bill for a Honda totals $428, with an average of 0.3 yearly visits to the shop. Hondas experience a 10% chance of a severe repair, which is 2% less than the average for all car brands. 

2. Cost of ownership

Kelley Blue Book’s five-year cost of ownership rankings saw several Honda models on the podium. The 2023 Honda Civic won second place in the sporty compact car segment, with a five-year cost of ownership of $38,717. The 2024 model won first place in the compact car segment at just over $3,000 less in ownership costs. 

The 2024 Honda Accord won first (gas-powered) and fourth (hybrid) place in the midsize car segment, with just over a $1,000 difference in ownership costs. The 2024 Honda CR-V was first for compact SUV/crossover, and its smaller HR-V sibling won third for subcompact SUV/crossover. If you’re considering a new Honda, any one of these new cars go easy on your budget. 

3. Dependability

J.D. Power ranked the 2022 Honda Odyssey as the highest-quality minivan, scoring it high in overall ratings, quality & reliability, and resale value. Competitors in this segment include the Kia Carnival, Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica, and Ford Transit Connect. In addition, Honda also won various awards for past model years, including the 2020 Honda Ridgeline for best performance midsize pickup, the 2017 Honda Fit for the most dependable small car, and the 2020 Honda Odyssey for the best performance minivan. 

4. Safety features and ratings

The following Honda models all receive a five-out-of-five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA: 

• 2024 Honda Ridgeline

• 2024 Honda Passport

• 2024 Honda Civic

• 2024 Honda HR-V

• 2024 Honda Odyssey

In the eyes of the IIHS, the 2024 Ridgeline receives “Good” ratings in all categories except for the “Small overlap front: passenger-side” test, where it scored “Acceptable.” The 2024 Honda Passport received a similar rating but scored “Marginal” in the “Side: updated test.” The 2024 Honda Civic rated “Good” in all categories except the “Moderate overlap front: updated test” and “Side: updated test,” where it scored “Acceptable.” 

However, the 2024 Honda HR-V scored “Good” ratings in all categories and was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick+. The same goes for the 2024 Honda Odyssey, excluding one test. In the “Moderate overlap front: updated test,” the minivan scored “Poor.”

5. Fuel efficiency

Comparing some of the most iconic and reliable Honda models in fuel-efficiency ratings shows that Honda prioritizes efficiency. Below are fuel efficiency ratings from across the lineup: 

Surprisingly, Honda doesn’t yet have an electric vehicle in its lineup. However, the Honda Prologue will reportedly be the first among many Honda EVs. It’s slated to arrive early this year, with many models already spoken for. 

If you’re looking for a car to go with your first-time car-buyer program, a new or used Honda makes a great purchase decision. As you’ve seen with RepairPal’s ratings, you won’t be asking, how long a vehicle inspection takes because you’ll only visit the shop a few times for non-routine repairs. However, you should watch for some of the common problems associated with various Honda models listed below. 

1. Fuel pump failure

Common in the Honda Fit model, fuel pump failures can result in a failure to start the engine. Some owners have experienced a sudden loss of power in the fuel pump. While replacing the fuel pump is a relatively simple swap, getting to the fuel tank and working safely around fuel vapors is critical. 

2. Excessive fuel and oil consumption

The Honda Pilot is known for consuming oil rapidly, a trait shared by models equipped with a V6 that consumes excessive fuel. In most cases, excessive consumption of these fluids often results from cracks or lack of a proper seal. Addressing these problems at the source can help prevent the engine from seizing due to a lack of oil or failure to start due to a lack of fuel or fuel supply. 

3. Airbag issues

RepairPal reports airbag issues among several Honda models. Honda Fit models from 2010 to 2013 experienced several problems with airbags. Even the Civic variant had issues with the airbag light, and some Honda models had poorly installed airbags that could result in a failure to perform as expected in an accident. 

4. Premature failure of engine mounts

Many Honda models suffer from engine mounts that give way before they technically should. These mounts help cushion the engine's power against the frame and can be challenging to replace. The Honda Civic is one model you should pay particular attention to when inspecting engine mounts. 

Kelley Blue Book’s best resale value ratings include the 2023 Honda Civic, which sports a 62.5% five-year resale value. The Civic and Accord were also recognized for the best resale value among several car models. However, Toyota won the best brand for resale value award again in 2023. Some of its most dependable models include the Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Tacoma, and Toyota 4Runner.

Regarding certain vehicle purchases, knowing how to let a car go back without ruining your credit is good. The superior reliability of the following Honda models may make you think twice about returning them after completing the paperwork. 

Honda Civic

You can purchase a Honda Civic from the 1990s today and still drive it into the ground after a few years of faithful service. Honda has produced the Civic nameplate for over 50 years and continues to redefine it throughout time as a two-door coupe and four-door sedan. According to RepairPal, the Civic ranks third out of 36 compact cars, with an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of five. 

Honda CR-V

It’s common to see Honda CR-Vs from the late 1990s and early 2000s still on the streets today, albeit aged. Many CR-V enthusiasts love the 2011 model year, but newer versions score just as well among loyal customers. RepairPal ranks the model second out of 26 compact SUVs, with a 4.5 out of five reliability rating.  

Honda HR-V

The HR-V earns a five-out-of-five-star rating from RepairPal and ranks first out of seven subcompact SUVs. Having debuted in 2016, the Honda HR-V nameplate continues strong into the new year with plenty of features consumers look for on a smaller SUV platform. Some of the most reliable model years include 2019 and 2021. 

Honda Odyssey

Honda’s minivan shows the world that you can still be cool behind the wheel of a family hauler with sliding side doors. Some of the most popular and reliable Odyssey years include 2015 and 2017. Although it only earns 3.5 out of five stars from RepairPal, that rating puts it third out of eight minivans. 

Hondas are reliable vehicles based on high marks in resale value, cost of ownership, safety and fuel-efficiency ratings, and average repair costs. Many Hondas last well into the several hundred thousand-mile territory when well taken care of and often pass from generation to generation. What Hondas lack in the style or sophistication found in luxury cars, they more than make up for with dependability and durability.