Timing Belt

[Anonymous]

My 2016 Honda minivan has 115K miles.

For my recent oil change, mechanic recommended replacing the timing belt as part of the routine maintenance, not because there’s something wrong with it (1,500). I said I would think about it. I drove my previous car for 12 years and don’t remember replacing the timing belt.

Is it necessary to replace timing belt if there isn’t a problem with it?

[Anonymous]

I would do it. Not an expert on Honda but sounds like a preventative thing that could avert future huge problems. fwiw I grew up with a v. frugal dad who rebuilt/fixed our family car and he was always replacing hoses and belts.

[Anonymous]

When it goes, as they all do eventually, the engine stops. Dead. Everything. Ours died in the middle of an intersection on the way home from Balducci's. I took taxi home with groceries. Thankfully not alone so DH waited for AAA tow to dealer service lot and walked home 3 miles. No warning.
Since then we have always replaced timing belts when recommended. In my experience all the rubber stuff gets replaced every 7 years regardless of low miles

[Anonymous]

Honda recommends replacing the timing belt and components at 7 years/ 105 k miles as part of regular maintenance. The thing with the Honda timing belt or any related timing component is that if it breaks it is likely to cause a major damage to the engine. So, if you want to minimize that risk replace the belt and components (tensioner, pulleys and water pump) at the same time. Keep in mind it is super important to use original Honda parts for this so it is best to do it at a dealership.

[Anonymous]

The recommended interval is 105k miles. So, you are overdue.

Obviously belts don't fail exactly at the replacement interval. I would guess there a safety factor of 2 or so. So, a belt might last as long as 210k miles.

[Anonymous]

Engine type matters.

I believe the Odyssey has an interference engine.

That means if the timing belt goes, the engine damage will be catastrophic and expense of the repairs will total the car.

At 115k miles, you are at the upper end of any reasonable expectation of life-span for a timing belt. If you expect to keep driving it, you should get it replaced; otherwise, sell/trade-in now or soon. Rough guess is $1500 to get it done.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When it goes, as they all do eventually, the engine stops. Dead. Everything. Ours died in the middle of an intersection on the way home from Balducci's. I took taxi home with groceries. Thankfully not alone so DH waited for AAA tow to dealer service lot and walked home 3 miles. No warning.
Since then we have always replaced timing belts when recommended. In my experience all the rubber stuff gets replaced every 7 years regardless of low miles

You are very, very lucky that it didn't cause real damage to the engine. Bent valves, pistons all banged up, screwed up rods, and the possibility of a brand new hole in the motor.

[Anonymous]

Are you sure your previous car had a timing belt and not a timing chain? I would do this maintenance if you want to keep it but next time get a Sienna. I just posted in another thread that our Odyssey got 207k total before we got rid of it--that was with one new timing chain but we weren't going to do a second, plus it had other issues by then.

Does it include changing the water pump?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you sure your previous car had a timing belt and not a timing chain? I would do this maintenance if you want to keep it but next time get a Sienna. I just posted in another thread that our Odyssey got 207k total before we got rid of it--that was with one new timing chain but we weren't going to do a second, plus it had other issues by then.

Does it include changing the water pump?

I meant one new timing belt, but chain. The Sienna has a timing chain.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you sure your previous car had a timing belt and not a timing chain? I would do this maintenance if you want to keep it but next time get a Sienna. I just posted in another thread that our Odyssey got 207k total before we got rid of it--that was with one new timing chain but we weren't going to do a second, plus it had other issues by then.

Does it include changing the water pump?

I meant one new timing belt, not chain. The Sienna has a timing chain.

[Anonymous]

Most Hondas, maybe all, have an interference engine. If the timing belt breaks on that engine type, then you might have to replace the entire engine. I usually change my Honda timing belt around 85k miles, even though the manual says to do it at 105k miles.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Engine type matters.

I believe the Odyssey has an interference engine.

That means if the timing belt goes, the engine damage will be catastrophic and expense of the repairs will total the car.

At 115k miles, you are at the upper end of any reasonable expectation of life-span for a timing belt. If you expect to keep driving it, you should get it replaced; otherwise, sell/trade-in now or soon. Rough guess is $1500 to get it done.

Good luck.

Perfectly said.


OP, get it done asap.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Engine type matters.

I believe the Odyssey has an interference engine.

That means if the timing belt goes, the engine damage will be catastrophic and expense of the repairs will total the car.

At 115k miles, you are at the upper end of any reasonable expectation of life-span for a timing belt. If you expect to keep driving it, you should get it replaced; otherwise, sell/trade-in now or soon. Rough guess is $1500 to get it done.

Good luck.

Perfectly said.


OP, get it done asap.

Why 115k is the upper end of “reasonable expectation”? Based on what? If you search the web you won’t find reports of odyssey original timing belts breaking but you would find plenty about replacement belts breaking due to incorrect installation or inferior aftermarket parts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Engine type matters.

I believe the Odyssey has an interference engine.

That means if the timing belt goes, the engine damage will be catastrophic and expense of the repairs will total the car.

At 115k miles, you are at the upper end of any reasonable expectation of life-span for a timing belt. If you expect to keep driving it, you should get it replaced; otherwise, sell/trade-in now or soon. Rough guess is $1500 to get it done.

Good luck.

Perfectly said.


OP, get it done asap.

Why 115k is the upper end of “reasonable expectation”? Based on what? If you search the web you won’t find reports of odyssey original timing belts breaking but you would find plenty about replacement belts breaking due to incorrect installation or inferior aftermarket parts.

Looks like the 2016 Odyssey Timing Belt interval is based on the Maintenance Minder. You can wait for it the indicator to come up but Honda's (in the past) have been 7 yrs / 105k miles. To me, the risk of the belt breaking is too great and the damage can be catastrophic. You know the belt will need to be done soon and you know you're past both the historical age and mileage. If it were me, I'd get it replaced and not tempt fate. And yes, get a reputable shop to do it with Honda parts...along with the tensioner and water pump.

[Anonymous]

You should get it replaced. Every 100k or so. Don’t forget to replace water pump too.