Maintenance Schedule for 2013-2017 Honda Accord
Important data context
- NHTSA data snippet: No recalls found in the NHTSA database for this model year range based on the supplied data.
- Owner complaint in the dataset: In 2015, a single complaint cited an emissions issue (P0455) with rough idle when cold, at about 42,374 miles. P0455 typically points to a large EVAP system leak (evaporative emissions control). Common causes include a loose or faulty gas cap, cracked hoses, or EVAP canister components. This dataset reflects one recorded incident and does not indicate a broader defect pattern. It does not replace your vehicle’s owner manual or service guidance.
Purpose of this guide
- Provide a practical, owner-focused maintenance plan for 2013–2017 Honda Accord models (4-cylinder and V6) to help prevent unexpected breakdowns, optimize reliability, and protect resale value.
- Include estimated costs for typical 2025 service items to help you budget.
- Use general automotive knowledge for technical explanations, while noting data limitations above.
Gentle reminders
- Always refer to your specific Honda Owner’s Manual for interval recommendations and fluid specifications for your exact engine/transmission combination.
- If you drive under severe conditions (short trips, extreme temperatures, heavy highway use, towing, or dusty environments), you may need to perform maintenance more frequently.
Maintenance philosophy
- Oil, filter, and basic inspections should occur regularly to keep engine wear low and maintain reliability.
- Fluid health (coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid) is critical for longevity and performance.
- Electrical and evaporative system components should be checked periodically, especially as the vehicle ages and if you notice related symptoms (rough idle, warning lights, poor fuel economy, or hard starting).
Maintenance schedule by mileage (practical, commonly observed intervals)
Baseline assumptions
- Use synthetic 0W-20 oil (as recommended by many Honda engines in this range). If the engine runs conventional oil, consult the manual for obsolete recommendations and adjust intervals accordingly.
- Tire rotation is generally performed with a wheel alignment check when needed.
- If your climate is harsh (extremely hot or cold) or you do a lot of short trips, lean toward the more frequent end of these recommendations.
0–15,000 miles (0–1 year)
- Engine oil and oil filter: Change if using synthetic oil, typically every 7,500 miles (or every 12 months) depending on your oil choice and driving habits. If using conventional oil, expect about every 5,000 miles or 6 months.
- Tire rotation: Inspect and rotate every 7,500–10,000 miles.
- Fluid checks: Check coolant level, brake fluid level, transmission fluid level (if accessible), windshield washer fluid, and power-steering fluid (if applicable).
- Visual inspections: Brake pads/rotors, belts, hoses, exhaust, lights, wipers.
- Engine air filter: Inspect; replace if dirty or after 15,000 miles in dusty conditions.
- Cabin air filter: Inspect; replace if dirty or every 15,000–30,000 miles (more often in urban areas).
15,000–30,000 miles (1–2 years)
- Engine oil and filter: Continue at the chosen interval (7,500 miles with synthetic; 5,000 miles with conventional).
- Tire rotation: Every 7,500–10,000 miles; check tread depth and tire wear pattern; balance and alignment as needed.
- Engine air filter: Replace around 15,000 miles; many owners replace here or at 30,000 miles.
- Cabin air filter: Replace around 15,000–30,000 miles (more often in polluted or dusty environments).
- Coolant level and condition: Check; coolant replacement not typically required until the 10-year/100,000-mile range for long-life Coolant—confirm in manual. If you observe coolant color changes or leaks, consult a shop.
- Brake system inspection: Inspect pads, rotors, and brake lines; address wear as needed.
- Transmission fluid (automatic): Check level and condition; many Honda models schedule a fluid change around 60,000 miles depending on usage. If not overdue, plan to inspect around this interval.
- Spark plugs (engine dependent): Spark plugs typically last longer here (often around 100,000 miles) but inspect for wear and misfires if symptoms appear.
30,000–60,000 miles (2–4 years)
- Oil and filter: Maintain interval as above (7,500 miles with synthetic; 5,000 with conventional).
- Tire rotation and inspection: Every 7,500–10,000 miles; consider alignment check if uneven wear appears.
- Engine air filter: Replace around 30,000 miles; many owners replace every 30,000–40,000 miles.
- Cabin air filter: Replace around 30,000 miles (plus every 15,000–30,000 thereafter, depending on environment).
- Coolant system: Inspect hoses and clamps; long-life coolant: plan for a coolant service around 100,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first; consider a coolant flush if service life is approaching or if you observe signs of overheating or poor heater performance.
- Brake fluid: Flush every 2 years (even if the vehicle appears to be braking fine); replace with the appropriate DOT specification.
- Transmission fluid (automatic): Plan fluid change around 60,000 miles if not already done; CVT-equipped models may have different intervals; consult the owner’s manual or a dealer for exact CVT guidance.
- Spark plugs: If they’re approaching the typical 100,000-mile interval, plan to replace around 100,000 miles for both 4-cylinder and V6 engines, or earlier if you notice rough idle, misfires, or reduced performance.
- Belts and hoses: Inspect serpentine belt (accessory belt) and hoses for wear; replace as needed (typical replacement range is around 60,000–90,000 miles, depending on wear).
60,000–100,000 miles (4–6+ years)
- Oil and filter: Continue at chosen interval (synthetic 7,500 miles / conventional 5,000 miles).
- Spark plugs: Replace if not already done; many Accord engines require replacement around 100,000 miles.
- Transmission fluid: If not already replaced, schedule a change around this interval for traditional automatics; CVT models may have different recommendations—verify with manual or dealer.
- Coolant: If not already done, consider a full coolant service (especially if life expectancy is nearing 100,000 miles or 10 years).
- Brakes: Inspect and replace pads/rotors as needed; monitor braking performance and unusual noises.
- Belts and hoses: Replace any worn belts or cracked hoses to avoid unexpected failures.
- EVAP and emissions systems: With age, check for hose cracks or EVAP system faults if you notice check engine light or poor fuel economy (the 2015 P0455 complaint suggests the EVAP system is a system to monitor; err on the side of inspection if you observe related symptoms).
100,000+ miles (6+ years)
- Major service planning: Plan spark plug replacements (if not done already), coolant flush, transmission service if not done, brake fluid flush as needed, and belt/hoses replacement as wear dictates.
- Battery life: Expect battery life typically 3–5 years; replace as needed.
- Tires: Re-tread or replace as needed; ensure you maintain proper rotation, alignment, and tire pressure.
Seasonal and climate considerations
- Cold climate: Check battery health, heater performance, and ensure adequate antifreeze levels and concentration. Cold starts draw more energy from the battery; plan for potential earlier battery replacement.
- Hot climate: Check coolant temperature and radiator health; keep an eye on A/C performance.
- Dusty or rural roads: Increase frequency of air filter replacement and check for dust ingress in the engine bay and HVAC system.
EVAP/Emissions notes (based on the 2015 complaint in the dataset)
- P0455 indicates a large EVAP system leak. Primary steps to troubleshoot in this model range:
- Check the gas cap for proper tightening and integrity; replace if cracked or not sealing well.
- Inspect EVAP hoses and connections for cracks, disconnections, or wear.
- Inspect the EVAP purge valve and charcoal canister for signs of failure or clogging.
- If a check engine light persists, use an qualified scan tool to confirm if the issue is a leak and to locate the source.
What this means for maintenance planning
- The dataset shows a single emissions-related complaint and no official recalls. While this does not indicate a widespread problem, keeping an eye on EVAP system integrity (gas cap, hoses, and related components) is a reasonable precaution, especially if you notice fuel odor, rough idle, or poor fuel economy.
- Regular maintenance (oil changes, filters, brake inspection, fluid checks) remains the best defense against unexpected failures in a high-mileage vehicle.
Estimated costs in 2025 (typical U.S. shop pricing; actual costs vary by region and shop)
- Engine oil change (synthetic 0W-20): $50–$90
- Engine oil change (conventional): $30–$60
- Oil filter: $0–$15 (often included in service)
- Tire rotation: $15–$50 (some shops offer free rotations with tire purchase)
- Engine air filter replacement: $20–$40
- Cabin air filter replacement: $20–$70
- Brake pad replacement (per axle, installed): $150–$300 (pads only); rotor replacement adds $100–$250 per axle
- Brake fluid flush: $50–$120
- Coolant flush (long-life coolant): $120–$200
- Transmission fluid change (auto): $150–$350; CVT may be at the higher end
- Spark plug replacement (4-cylinder): $150–$300 (or more if many parts or miles)
- Spark plug replacement (V6): $250–$450
- Serpentine/drive belt replacement: $100–$200
- Battery replacement: $100–$200
- Wheel alignment check: $75–$100 (if needed)
Tips for cost management
- Shop around for oil changes; many shops offer promotions or include a multi-service package (oil change, filter, tire rotation, and inspection).
- Consider OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts for longer life and reliability; avoid ultra-cheap components that may wear quickly.
- If you have access to a trusted independent shop, they can often perform many of these tasks at lower labor rates than a franchised dealer.
What to do next
- If you’re preparing a maintenance plan, create a simple log with date, mileage, and services performed.
- Use the mileage-based schedule above as a baseline, then tailor frequency to your vehicle’s condition, driving style, and climate.
- If you own a 2013–2017 Honda Accord and you notice symptoms (rough idle, decreased fuel economy, warning lights), address them promptly with diagnostics to minimize potential damage and cost.
Limitations and data notes
- The maintenance schedule above is a practical guide grounded in common automotive maintenance practices and typical intervals for Honda’s 2013–2017 Accord models. It is not a replacement for your official Owner’s Manual, which contains the precise service intervals and fluid specifications for your exact engine/transmission variant.
- The NHTSA data provided indicates no recalls and one emissions complaint; no broader defect pattern is indicated by this data. If you want definitive recall and service bulletin information, consult official NHTSA or Honda resources and your vehicle’s VIN-specific data.
In summary
- Follow a regular maintenance routine: oil/filter changes, tire rotation, and inspections every 5,000–7,500 miles (adjust for oil type and driving habits).
- Plan periodic checks of air filters, cabin filter, fluids, brakes, belts, and hoses.
- Expect to service the EVAP/emissions system if symptoms arise or if the check engine light appears (P0455-like symptoms).
- Budget for 2025 costs to keep the Accord in reliable, long-term service.
If you’d like, I can tailor this schedule to your specific engine variant (2.4L I-4 vs. 3.5L V6), your typical driving conditions, or your local climate, and provide a month-by-month maintenance calendar with reminders.