The Honda Accord has been around in the US since 1976, and its popularity shows no signs of waning as it approaches its big five-oh. Over the course of its run, the Honda Accord has been offered as a sedan, coupe, hatchback, and wagon, and has also been classified as both a compact and a midsize car. But an option you won’t see on any Honda Accord since 2020? A manual transmission.

Clutches are present on all internal combustion vehicles, and if you have an automatic transmission, you likely don’t give yours much thought. But if you have a manual transmission, then you’re quite aware of it!

Like any other part of your car, your clutch will eventually need replacement. Read on to learn more about what your clutch does, how much it might cost to replace the one in your Honda Accord, and some signs that might indicate that yours is on the way out.

MORE:

How to get the lowest Honda Accord insurance costs

How much does it cost to replace a clutch in a Honda Accord?

There is a lot of variation when it comes to the cost of replacing an Accord clutch, but in general, it costs between $700 and $2,500 to replace the clutch on a Honda Accord.

The Accord has been around for over 40 years, and the replacement costs on a 2018 model are likely to be quite a bit different than a 1998 model. Labor costs also fluctuate by area and the particular shop where you have the work done is also a factor.

According to RepairPal, the cost to replace a Honda Accord clutch is around $1,500 to $1,700, with about half of that cost being parts and the other half being labor. Other sources estimate an Accord clutch replacement cost as low as $500, and one source reported being quoted a pearl-clutching $4,000! Long story short? Don’t hesitate to shop around!

Getting the work done at a Honda dealership tends to be much more expensive, but you’ll also know that it’s getting worked on by Honda-certified mechanics. Independent shops generally cost less, but it’s important to make sure they have the know-how and expertise.

Look for a shop that specializes in imports or one that focuses on transmission issues.

Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Get ahead of my car maintenance

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

What is a clutch?

A clutch is a key component of any vehicle with an internal-combustion engine. That being said, it’s a part that concerns drivers of manual transmissions far more than those who have automatics.

The clutch is what connects a car’s engine with its transmission. It moves the power from the engine to the gearbox, and then briefly disengages to allow a gear shift to take place. It consists of several parts—the flywheel is connected to the engine, the clutch disc to the transmission, and the entire system works based on the friction between the two.

That third pedal that you don’t see that much anymore? That’s the clutch pedal. When your foot is off of it, the clutch disc is pressed against the flywheel. This keeps the transmission output shaft spinning at the same speed as the engine. Pushing down on the clutch pedal temporarily disengages the two parts, allowing for a quick gear change before reconnecting.

With an automatic transmission, you don’t need to think about when to change gears—the vehicle does it for you. But some people love a manual transmission, as it allows the driver to feel more connected and in control of their driving experience. This is why you’re more likely to see a manual transmission offered on a performance car than a chill family sedan.

But here’s the thing: the whole system is based on friction and the smooth transfer of power between the two parts. This means that wear and tear are just part of the game. As the friction material on the clutch disc wears down, the clutch will begin to fail. It’s also why clutches on automatic transmissions tend to last longer than their manual counterparts—the margin for human error is removed.

Clutches that take a lot of hard wear have a shorter life span, while ones that are babied last longer. Have you ever heard someone get annoyed and say that something really “grinds their gears?” Well, when you hear that painful grating sound during a rough gear change, that’s where that comes from.

Other frequent sources of clutch issues are:

A problem with the

master or slave cylinders

clutch cable

that’s worn out or severed

Worn-out clutch release bearings

MORE: How to drive stick or manual cars

What are the symptoms of a Honda Accord clutch problem?

The signs that there’s an issue with your Honda Accord’s clutch are pretty hard to miss. If you notice that your clutch is slipping, sticking, or is just more difficult to use, that’s a red flag.

Any changes in how your clutch pedal feels are also indications of a problem. If your pedal feels “spongy” when you press it or you have to push it down further than usual, that’s a sign of trouble. A pedal that sticks or won’t come back up after it’s been pushed is an indication of a failed clutch, and a ticket to the repair shop right away.

Other signs of an unhappy clutch (or transmission) are grinding noises when you’re changing gears, burning smells, or slipping gears. If your car feels like it’s hesitating when you’re changing gears or you hear the engine revving, those are both indications of a clutch that’s on the decline.

The upshot? If you think that your clutch is showing signs of trouble, get it checked out ASAP. Waiting can not only make the problem worse, but it could also result in you being stranded or in a dangerous driving scenario.

Is it safe to drive with a bad clutch?

No, it is not! You might be able to work with a bad clutch for a few hours (like just enough time to get it to the repair shop), but a failing clutch can rapidly become a completely broken clutch. And if your clutch is totally kaput, then it’s

tow truck

time.

How long should a Honda Accord clutch last?

Generally, the clutch in your Honda Accord should last you around 60,000 to 100,000 miles. But there is a lot of potential variation here—some sources say that they can last up to 200,000 miles, and some say you could have a worn-out clutch at 10,000 miles.

Unlike a lot of other car parts, there’s often no set mileage where clutch replacement is recommended—it all depends on how worn out it is.

The big X factor in the life of your clutch is how it’s treated. If you have an Accord with a manual transmission and make a habit of rough gear changes, it’s going to drastically reduce your clutch’s lifespan.

But if you’re easy on it and make your gear changes buttery smooth, you’ll get far more use out of it—and people won’t make that grimacing face when you painfully crunch your way between second and third.

MORE:

Which Honda models have a manual transmission?

"I thought my previous insurance rate was the best I could get, since I have a luxury SUV. After
Jerry
found me quotes, I ended up paying only $80 a month for the same exact coverage. I’ll be shopping for auto insurance through Jerry from now on!” —Petra S.

RECOMMENDED