Who does this page connect me with?
Sacramento Mechanic Line is not affiliated with or endorsed by Honda Motor Co., American Honda Motor Co., Acura or any Honda or Acura dealer. Honda and Acura are trademarks of their owners. Callers talk with independent local mechanics who work on Honda and Acura vehicles, and you agree on the price and the work directly with the shop.
What does Honda and Acura repair cost?
RepairPal's data, which covers model years 2010 to 2019 and includes scheduled maintenance, puts the average annual repair cost at $428 for Honda and $501 for Acura, compared with $652 across all models. RepairPal ranks Honda 1st of 32 brands and Acura 2nd, both with a 4.0 rating. Honda averages 0.3 shop visits a year and Acura 0.4, and 10% of Honda repairs and 8% of Acura repairs are severe. These are national averages, not Sacramento prices, and they differ by model and age.
What is Honda's Maintenance Minder?
Many Hondas use a Maintenance Minder system instead of a fixed mileage schedule. Honda says the system checks operating conditions such as speed, temperature, time and vehicle use to decide when service is due, and shows a code on the driver information display. For example, Honda's guide for the 2017 Civic lists code A as an engine oil replacement, and code B as an oil and filter replacement plus a brake inspection and checks of steering, suspension, driveshaft boots, brake lines, fluid levels, the exhaust system and fuel lines. Honda also says to change the oil every year if no message appears more than 12 months after the display was reset.
Codes and sub-items differ by model and year, so follow your own owner's manual. Ask the shop to tell you which code applied and what was done, and keep the invoice.
Are there Honda or Acura recalls to check?
Yes, especially for older models. NHTSA says about 67 million Takata air bags have been recalled because the inflators can explode when deployed, and owners should enter their VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and get the free repair. NHTSA's list of affected vehicles includes many Honda and Acura models, such as the 2001 to 2012 Accord, 2001 to 2011 Civic, 2002 to 2011 CR-V, 2003 to 2015 Pilot, and the Acura 2009 to 2014 TL and 2007 to 2016 RDX. NHTSA tells owners of certain 2001 to 2003 Honda and Acura vehicles to contact Honda or a dealer immediately and to drive only to the dealership for the repair.
Recalls are free at dealerships, and they depend on VIN, so look yours up. NHTSA suggests checking at least twice a year because new recalls are added over time.
Are Honda hybrids covered by a battery warranty?
Honda says its hybrid high-voltage battery carries an 8-year, 100,000-mile limited warranty, and 10 years or 150,000 miles in California. Hybrid cars still need a Smog Check in California on the same schedule as gasoline cars, so factor that in. See the hybrid and EV repair page for more on what independent shops can and can't do.
Will an independent shop void my Honda warranty?
No. The FTC says it's illegal for a dealer or manufacturer to deny warranty coverage only because someone else did routine maintenance or repairs. A manufacturer can deny a claim if it proves a defective part or a bad repair caused the damage, and it can require warranty-paid work to be done at its facilities. Keep your service records.
What should I ask a Honda or Acura repair shop?
Consumer Reports says to ask whether a shop has experience with your model, and that brand-focused garages are more likely to have the latest training and equipment. Ask:
- Do you work on my model and engine, including CVTs and hybrids if mine has one?
- Which Maintenance Minder code is showing, and what does the service include?
- Is the part new, rebuilt, used or aftermarket, and is it on the estimate?
- What is the warranty on parts and labor, in months and miles?
How do I check a Honda mechanic's license?
Every auto repair business in California must be registered with BAR. Search in the DCA license search for status and disciplinary history, or use BAR's Auto Shop Locator. The registration number must be on your invoice, and the shop must give you a written estimate before work starts.
| Measure | Honda | Acura | All vehicle models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average annual repair cost | $428 | $501 | $652 |
| Shop visits per year for unscheduled repairs | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.4 |
| Chance a repair is severe | 10% | 8% | Not listed on these sources |
| Brand reliability rating | 4.0 of 5 (1st of 32) | 4.0 of 5 (2nd of 32) | Not applicable |
Need a mechanic in the Sacramento area?
Call to talk to a local mechanic, describe the job and get a quote before any work starts. The call is free.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Honda repair cost in Sacramento?
Is my Honda or Acura affected by the Takata air bag recall?
What do Honda Maintenance Minder codes mean?
Will an independent shop void my Honda warranty?
Does my Honda need a Smog Check?
Sources
- Honda Reliability Rating (2026) — RepairPal
- Acura Reliability Rating (2026) — RepairPal
- Honda Maintenance Minder — Honda
- 2017 Civic Coupe: Maintenance Minder System — Honda
- Takata Air Bag Recall Spotlight — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Check for Recalls — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Consumer Alert: Time to Check for Vehicle Safety Recalls — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Honda Hybrid Cars & SUVs — Honda
- Auto Warranties and Auto Service Contracts — Federal Trade Commission
- How to Find a High-Quality Car Repair Shop — Consumer Reports
- Smog Check: When you need one and what's required — Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR)
- License search: Bureau of Automotive Repair — California Department of Consumer Affairs
- Auto Shop Locator — Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR)
- How to get licensed (automotive repair dealer registration and sign display) — Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR)
- Business and Professions Code section 9884.9 (written estimate and authorization) — California Legislative Information