Honda has long been known for producing vehicles with a strong reputation for reliability. However, a look at the data reveals that perception doesn’t always match reality. A recent Consumer Reports (CR) study shows that used Hondas rank fourth in reliability. That may seem like an impressive result, but it just means that this brand sits at the top of a list of many automakers with average reliability ratings. Mazda, Toyota, and Lexus outranked Honda with good or very good dependability scores.

Meanwhile, some newer Honda models have an extensive complaint history. For example, the 2016 Civic is known to have issues with steering, braking, and the electrical system. Even the company’s best-seller, the CR-V, hasn’t escaped reliability issues. CarComplaints.com calls the 2017 model year a “clunker” due to engine, fuel system, and electrical problems. The 2014 Odyssey and 2016 Pilot are other clunkers thanks to troublesome transmissions. These red flags, especially with vehicles only about a decade old, underscore the importance of warranty protection.

For Hondas like the ones mentioned above, the original new car limited warranty (for any new Honda) expired years ago. The factory bumper-to-bumper warranty only lasts for three years or 36,000 miles. And Honda’s powertrain warranty (which covers the engine, transmission, and drive axles) is good for five years or 60,000 miles. That’s not very long coverage when the average American drives 13,500 miles a year.

So, a Honda owner with an expired manufacturer warranty who’s unwilling to be on the hook for potentially expensive repairs will seek out an extended warranty. This coverage is also called an auto protection plan or vehicle service contract (VSC). There are options from Honda dealers (called Honda Care) and third-party providers like Endurance. Let’s explore the different programs and what they mean to your wallet.

When Honda’s Factory Warranty Ends & What You Should Do

Once a Honda ages out of its factory protection (as detailed above), it’s not unusual for owners to encounter maintenance and repair issues that weren’t a concern during the warranty period. That’s not to say things will go wrong immediately when the manufacturer’s warranty ends, but you’ll want to be ready for what may lie ahead. A mechanical breakdown isn’t uncommon when a vehicle reaches five to ten years old. For older vehicles, issues with the cooling system—such as water pumps or radiator leaks—can also develop unexpectedly. At this point, repairs can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.

To put these numbers in perspective, consider the average costs for common Honda Civic repairs, according to RepairPal:

Faced with hundreds of possible repairs, owners need to decide if they’re comfortable driving without warranty protection or want coverage from a vehicle service contract. The decision comes down to three essential factors:

• Vehicle Condition: Determine whether your car is more likely to require an expensive repair, especially as wear-and-tear items begin to age. This includes researching your Honda’s year and model, its mileage, overall repair history, and known trouble spots. For example, someone with a 2014 Odyssey or 2016 Pilot might be concerned about transmission issues, as highlighted earlier.
• Risk Tolerance: Ask yourself how much you can afford to pay out of pocket for a car repair without creating a financial hardship. Is that amount $500, $5,000, or somewhere in between? The lower the number, the greater the need for an extended car warranty.
• Ownership Plans: If you don’t plan to keep the car beyond a few months, investing in an auto protection plan doesn’t make sense. However, if your goal is to keep your ride long-term or you don’t plan to go car shopping anytime soon, a vehicle service contract is worthwhile.

Honda Recall and Reliability Watch

Recalls are a fact of life for today’s automobile owners; even Honda has been affected. In 2025, the automaker issued 19 recalls, making Honda the fourth-most-recalled passenger car brand. Only Ford, Chrysler, General Motors, and Volkswagen had more safety campaigns. Recalls aren’t directly tied to reliability, but they indicate that even automakers with positive reputations for dependability aren’t perfect.

A case in point is a 2023 recall involving 1.2 million Hondas in the U.S. for a faulty rearview camera. More recently, the company recalled 400,000 Civics for wheels that may detach and 250,000 Accord Hybrids for a loss of drive power due to a software error. This highlights why even vehicles from well-regarded manufacturers can require unexpected repairs over time.

Outside of recalls, the Automaker’s reliability remains less than stellar. Honda’s mid-tier placement with Consumer Reports is reinforced by J.D. Power. In the firm’s 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, Honda placed 12th out of 30 brands, ranking behind Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, BMW, and MINI (Lexus finished first).

For owners, this combination of extensive recalls and middling reliability data underscores that Honda vehicles, like most modern vehicles, face increased repair exposure as they age beyond factory warranty coverage.

How Much Does a Honda Extended Warranty Cost in 2025?

Let’s face it; peace of mind often comes with a price tag, and a Honda extended warranty is no exception. But what’s the real-world cost for this safeguard? About an average of $700 to $1,800 per year, depending on factors like model, age, mileage, and coverage terms.

Here are some model-specific examples from recent data:

Does a Honda Extended Warranty Cover Hybrid/EV Models?

Extended warranty coverage for a Honda hybrid depends on the plan. While most hybrids look like their non-hybrid counterparts (think Honda CR-V Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid, and Honda Civic Hybrid), there’s much more under the hood that can go wrong. Beyond the standard internal combustion engine (ICE), the powertrain is enhanced with a high-voltage battery, an electric drivetrain motor, and the electronics that enable the system to function.

However, you may ask, “Didn’t Consumer Reports say hybrids are as reliable as conventional gas-powered cars?” The answer: yes and no. Dependability relies heavily on which company makes the hybrid and when it was manufactured. Toyotas and newer Hyundais and Hondas get thumbs up, but some older Honda Civic Hybrids can be worrisome.

In particular, Consumer Reports determined in 2013 that the 2009 Civic Hybrid had an almost 20% hybrid battery failure rate. The 2003, 2004, and 2010 editions had the same issue, though to a lesser extent (above 10%). In response, Honda extended the hybrid battery warranty (initially 8 years/80,000 miles or 10 years/100,000 miles); however, that extra protection (an extra year and 20-37% more mileage) has long since passed.

These issues highlight the repair risk of owning a hybrid without warranty protection. Replacing the hybrid battery in a Honda can cost $2,000 to $8,000. For older models, that could mean the price for the repair is more than the vehicle is worth. And you don’t need to drive one of those problematic older Civic Hybrids to be concerned. Anyone driving a Honda hybrid with more than 100,000 miles should be aware that all hybrid batteries eventually need to be replaced. Opting for an extended warranty with hybrid system protection can reduce the financial impact of this inevitability.

Honda Care Warranty vs. Endurance Third-Party Protection

The Honda Care plan is Honda’s factory-backed extended warranty program offered only through dealerships. Don’t proceed with any extended warranty coverage without fully exploring your options and understanding each plan’s coverage limits and exclusions. Assuming Honda Care is the only option may limit your flexibility and leave you with less money in your pocket.

Here’s a look at the benefits and options of Honda Care and Endurance Warranty:

Honda Care

Endurance Warranty

FAQs: Honda Extended Warranty

What Does an Endurance Warranty Plan for Honda Cover?

Endurance offers Honda drivers a wide range of coverage plans tailored to their specific needs. All plan holders are eligible for a free year of Elite Benefits. A small activation fee opens access to tire repair and replacement, key fob replacement, windshield coverage, and collision repair discounts. There are also options for maintenance coverage that help pay for oil changes and other routine services. Plan holders can also choose optional add-on benefits for high-mileage cars and modified vehicles with specific aftermarket parts.

Do Honda Warranties Cover Used Vehicles?

Honda offers a “CPO” (certified pre-owned) warranty for select used vehicles, but the plan is very limited in time and convenience. The CPO warranty covers repairs only through Honda dealers, while Endurance provides comprehensive coverage, allowing you to take your car to any licensed mechanic, including dealership service departments.

How Much Does an Extended Warranty for Honda Vehicles Cost?

It’s difficult to give an exact price without all the necessary information, so we advise you to request a free quote for a more accurate price. Endurance offers customized coverage with service plans that can be tailored to your budget. We also work with customers to develop payment plans.

How Does a Honda Factory Warranty Differ From Endurance Warranty?

When you purchase a Honda Care extended warranty from a dealership, that usually means they are the middleman, distributing another company’s contract. Endurance is a direct administrator, meaning there is no middleman involved; you’re buying at direct-to-consumer pricing.

Endurance: The Honda Third-Party Extended Warranty Company

From Accord to Ridgeline and Civic to Odyssey, drive your Honda confidently with the protection of an Endurance Warranty plan. Every contract is transferable to a new owner and adds extra value. Discover all the coverage features by requesting a FREE quote or visiting the Endurance online store for instant plan details and pricing. Call an Endurance representative at (800) 253-8203 to learn more about tailored auto protection plans for your Honda and most other brands.

Read the Endurance blog for more advice on car repairs, DIY maintenance tips, warranty insights, and more.