Typically about 105,000 miles under normal driving; sooner if you frequently drive in harsh conditions or notice symptoms.
The 2013 Honda Accord offers two common engine options—the 2.4-liter four-cylinder and the 3.5-liter V6—and both use long-life spark plugs. This article explains the official interval, factors that can affect it, and what to expect if you replace them yourself or have a shop do the work.
Factory guidance for the 2013 Accord
Honda’s maintenance schedule for the 2013 Accord lists spark plug replacement at 105,000 miles (about 169,000 kilometers) under normal driving conditions. The 2.4L inline-four model uses four plugs, while the 3.5L V6 uses six. Most factory plugs are iridium or long-life types designed to last longer than older platinum or standard plugs, and the ignition system is coil-on-plug, meaning there are no traditional plug wires to replace.
Engine variants and plug types
The 2013 Accord’s two main engines require the same basic replacement interval, but the number of plugs differs by engine: four plugs for the 2.4L four-cylinder and six plugs for the 3.5L V6. The plugs are typically iridium-tipped or otherwise long-life, and they’re installed with a coil-on-plug system.
When you might need to replace sooner
While the official interval is 105,000 miles under normal conditions, several circumstances can lead to earlier replacement or inspection.
- Severe driving conditions or habits—short trips, frequent idling, extreme temperatures, heavy towing, or dusty or mountainous terrain—may shorten plug life or require earlier inspection.
- Symptoms such as rough idle, misfiring, loss of power, reduced fuel economy, hard starting, or an illuminated check engine light with misfire codes can indicate worn plugs or related ignition issues.
- Maintenance history or aftermarket plug choices (if you didn’t use OEM or equivalent long-life plugs) can influence the replacement interval.
In cases of severe or demanding use, consult the owner’s manual or a certified Honda technician for a precise recommendation. The manual notes that driving style and conditions can affect wear, so use your vehicle’s cues in addition to the published interval.
DIY vs. professional replacement
Replacing spark plugs on a 2013 Accord is a common DIY task if you have basic tools and mechanical know-how. The process involves accessing the coils, removing the old plugs, installing new ones with the correct torque, and reassembling the ignition components. If you’re not comfortable with torque specifications or removing components in a cramped engine bay, a professional shop can perform the job quickly and correctly.
- Park on a level surface and disconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Detach the ignition coils one at a time to access each spark plug.
- Clean around each plug well, then carefully loosen and remove the old plug with a spark plug socket.
- Inspect or gap the new plugs if required by the manufacturer, then thread them by hand and snug to the specified torque before final tightening.
- Reinstall the ignition coils, reconnect electrical connectors, reattach any removed components, reconnect the battery, and start the engine to check for proper operation.
Whether you do it yourself or have a shop do it, ensure you use the correct iridium or long-life plugs recommended for your engine and follow torque specs from Honda’s service information or the plug manufacturer.
Cost considerations
Expect total cost to vary by location and labor rates. Parts for a 4-cylinder engine typically run in the range of a few dollars per plug for basic options, up to higher prices for OEM or premium iridium plugs. Labor can add significantly, with total replacement costs commonly in the ballpark of a few hundred dollars depending on the shop and your location. If you tackle the job yourself, you’ll mainly pay for the plugs and any tools you might need, potentially saving on labor.
Summary
For a 2013 Honda Accord, the official guidance is to replace spark plugs at about 105,000 miles under normal driving conditions. The number of plugs depends on the engine: four for the 2.4L four-cylinder and six for the 3.5L V6, typically using iridium long-life plugs in a coil-on-plug setup. If you drive in severe conditions or notice symptoms like rough idling or reduced performance, prepare for an earlier replacement and consult the owner’s manual or a technician. Whether you DIY or hire a shop, ensure you use the correct plugs and follow the manufacturer’s torque specifications for a reliable respray of life into your engine.
What kills spark plugs quickly?
Pre-ignition can lead to heat building up in the combustion chamber causing the spark plugs to fail. In addition, if the cooling system isn't functioning correctly, it can cause the engine and spark plugs to overheat. This overheating can lead to the spark plug's electrode wearing out faster.
How much does it cost to replace spark plugs in a 2013 Honda Accord?
The average cost for a Honda Accord Spark Plug Replacement is between $154 and $241. Labor costs are estimated between $70 and $102 while parts are priced between $84 and $139. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location.
What brand spark plugs do Hondas use?
Spark Plug
Ngk, pzfr7n-d.
How often should I change the spark plugs on my 2013 Honda Accord?
about every 30,000 miles
To keep your Honda vehicle's ignition system working its best, experts recommend changing your spark plugs about every 30,000 miles.