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Acura Maintenance Cost Guide

Do you know how much Acura maintenance costs? Find out how an extended warranty can help keep your Acura in its best condition after the warranty expires.

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By:
Brogan Woodburn
By: Brogan Woodburn Senior Writer

Brogan is a Motor1.com Senior Writer based in Central Oregon. He produces in-depth auto product guides on topics spanning from auto warranties and insurance to tips on how to sell a car.

Last Updated 01/11/2024

Motor1 Reviews Team Take:

  • Acura models come with the built-in Maintenance Minder™, which can be helpful for reminding you when it’s time for routine maintenance and checkups.
  • According to RepairPal, the average cost to repair and maintain an Acura is $501. This is 23 percent less than the average across all makes and models.
  • An extended car warranty can help you pay for unexpected repairs once your Acura’s factory warranty expires.
Endurance
4.6
Industry Standing: 4.3/5.0
Coverage: 4.9/5.0
Cost: 4.6/5.0
Transparency: 4.8/5.0
Customer Service: 4.3/5.0
idée Endurance is our top pick for extended warranties.
  • Best Coverage
  • Maximum Mileage: Up to 200,000 miles
  • Money-Back Guarantee: 30 days for full refund
  • Longest Term: 8 years of coverage
  • Coverage Options: 6 plans including maintenance option
  • Discounts: $300 same-day signup discount, $250 shopping voucher, and others
Plan coverage includes Endurance Elite perks™
Exclusionary plan One-year membership for free
Powertrain plan Tire repair and replacement
Maintenance coverage with Endurance Advantage Key fob replacement
Roadside assistance Total loss protection
Towing Collision discount
Rental car $250 rewards voucher
Trip interruption coverage Endurance Protect app

As Honda’s luxury division, Acura vehicles are known for good performance, quality, and reliability. However, even the best cars require upkeep, so it’s worth looking into Acura maintenance costs before you buy.

According to the auto repair and maintenance information website RepairPal, Acura repair costs across all models are around $501 per year. If your Acura factory warranty is about to expire, buying an extended auto warranty could save you from the stress and uncertainty of paying for your repairs out of pocket.

We spent 1,475 hours researching the best auto warranty companies and rated them on factors such as trustworthiness, coverage, customer service, and affordability to help you understand what to expect from each provider. If you are in the market for an extended car warranty for your Acura, this would be a good place to start.


What Is Acura’s Scheduled Maintenance Plan?

It’s important to stay up-to-date on your routine maintenance if you want to keep your Acura in good condition. Your owner’s manual should contain detailed information about the recommended maintenance schedule.

All new Acura models come with the built-in Maintenance Minder™, which tracks your car’s status and alerts you when it’s time for routine maintenance check-ups and tasks like oil changes. Acura service information will be displayed on the multi-information display screen.

Find the Acura maintenance code chart in your owner’s manual to know which part needs your attention. Main codes (A and B) indicate the main maintenance items and are triggered based on your driving habits and the vehicle’s operating conditions. Items that need maintenance on a time/mileage schedule are indicated by codes one through six.

See the table below for maintenance items by main code.

Acura Maintenance CodeMaintenance Item
Code A
  • Oil change
Code B
  • Oil and oil filter change
  • Brake inspection
  • Tie rod ends inspection
  • Steering gearbox inspection
  • Boots inspection
  • Suspension inspection
  • Driveshaft boots inspection
  • Brake hoses and lines inspection
  • Fluid inspection
  • Exhaust inspection
  • Fuel line inspection

Maintenance items needed on a time/mileage schedule can be found below.

Acura Maintenance CodeMaintenance Item
Code 1
  • Tire rotation
Code 2
  • Air cleaner element replacement
  • Dust and pollen filter replacement
  • Drive belt inspection
Code 3
  • Transmission fluid replacement
Code 4
  • Spark plug replacement
  • Valve clearance inspection
  • Timing belt replacement
  • Water pump inspection
Code 5
  • Engine coolant replacement
Code 6
  • Rear differential fluid replacement
Code 7
  • Brake fluid replacement

While your specific maintenance schedule will depend on different factors like make, model, type of engine, transmission, and driving habits, the general schedule for an Acura TLX is as follows.

Acura MileageService
Every 7,500 miles/6 monthsOil and filter change, safety inspection, tire rotation
Every 15,000 miles/1 yearEngine and cabin air filter change, brake inspection, brake pad replacement
Every 30,000 miles/2 yearsBrake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid replacement, tire replacement
Every 60,000 miles/4 yearsTiming belt and spark plug replacement

How Much Does Acura Maintenance Cost?

According to RepairPal, the average annual cost to repair and maintain an Acura is $501. With that said, your cost can vary depending on location, vehicle make and model, and the type of engine your Acura has.

General Acura Maintenance Cost

Despite being luxury vehicles, Acuras tend to have lower annual maintenance costs than other luxury brands like Audi, which average about $987 per year according to RepairPal. While Acuras are more affordable, planning for annual repair costs in your budget will help you stay on track. Without proper maintenance, your car may develop bigger problems down the line, leading to even more expensive repairs.

If you are a new Acura owner, here are common Acura maintenance costs to use as guidelines. Costs are for mile-based services from RepairPal for an Acura TLX.

ServiceEstimated Cost
7,500-mile service$81 to $86
15,000-mile service$397 to $460
30,000-mile service$456 to $528
60,000-mile service$456 to $528

Some Acura dealerships offer online coupons, deals, and specials on routine services to help owners bring down their maintenance costs. You can talk to your local Acura dealer or check online for more information.

Acura Care Maintenance Plans

All new Acura models come with 2 years/24,000 miles of complimentary maintenance through Acura Care. If you’d like to continue this coverage, you can purchase an Acura Care Maintenance Wrap plan. Coverage terms for this optional plan will vary, but services covered include the following:

  • Engine oil and oil filter changes
  • Tire rotations
  • Air intake filter changes
  • Cabin air filter changes
  • Fluid changes and replacements
  • Multipoint inspections

Acura Repair Costs

According to RepairPal, Acura ranks second out of 32 total car brands for reliability, behind only its sister brand, Honda. Though Acura cars are known as reliable, repairs are inevitable at some point during the car’s lifetime.

On average, an Acura owner takes their car for repairs 0.4 times per year with an eight percent chance that the repair could be severe. While Acura repair and maintenance costs may not be as high as BMW or Lexus maintenance costs, they’re still expenses, and it’s good to be prepared.

Here are a few general Acura repairs and costs for popular models as reported on RepairPal, compared to the average cost across all car brands.

Acura ModelRepairEstimated Acura CostEstimated Average Cost
Acura RDXAutomatic transmission shift cable replacement$296 to $352$314 to $359
Acura MDXSeat heater replacement$629 to $672$660 to $695
Acura TLIgnition switch replacement$158 to $181$195 to $228
Acura ILXCatalytic converter replacement$838 to $878$2,224 to $2,309

As you can see, Acura repair costs are either on par with the average cost across all brands or even cheaper. But even though repairs are relatively affordable, costs can compound over time, especially if you plan on driving your Acura long-term.

Staying on top of scheduled maintenance can keep repair costs down. Even minor repairs – if ignored and allowed to fester – can grow into a major problem needing more time and money if you aren’t careful. Your warranty coverage may also be voided if you don’t perform routine maintenance.


Can An Extended Warranty Help With Acura Repair Costs?

An extended car warranty is a smart choice for owners with a long-lasting car like an Acura. The New Vehicle Limited Warranty that came with your Acura will last only for 4 years/50,000 miles. If you drive a lot, you may reach your mileage limit even before the four years are up. If your car breaks down suddenly after the factory warranty expires, do you have an emergency fund to help you pay for the repairs?

With an extended warranty, or a vehicle service contract, you can have peace of mind and stop worrying about how you will pay for a repair or a mechanical breakdown.

Depending on your plan, your warranty will pay for all covered repairs, including parts, labor, and taxes, and you will only have to pay the deductible, if anything. You may even recover the cost of your extended car warranty in one repair bill in some cases. Also, with the rise in cost of labor and parts, it is nice to have an extended warranty that can act as a hedge from inflation.

Many extended auto warranties come with extra perks such as roadside assistance, towing, trip interruption benefits, and rental reimbursement. Most extended warranties are also transferable and can give your resale price a small boost, which puts more money in your pocket.

Our Manufacturer Extended Warranty Survey

In January 2024, we surveyed 220 high-income vehicle owners who had purchased an extended warranty from an automaker. Acura owners were among those surveyed, and here are a few of their comments about their plans:

  • “I am satisfied. I am currently leasing a vehicle and it is nice to not worry about maintenance.”
  • “I am very satisfied with my warranty coverage because it comes with a lot of favorable conditions that I always like. And I love it because it is very clearly stated.”
  • “I love my warranty coverage because they provide excellent service.”

Acura Maintenance Cost: Bottom Line

Even though Acura is a luxury car brand, its maintenance costs are relatively affordable, especially compared to other car brands in the category. But with long-lasting cars like Acuras, repair costs can add up over the years. An extended warranty may help keep expenses low while offering perks and convenience.

Our Recommendations For Extended Warranties

In our latest extended warranty consumer survey of 1,000 people, almost 60 percent of participants said they would consider an extended protection plan from a third-party provider. You can buy an extended warranty from your dealer or a third-party company, but the latter will give you a few additional advantages such as more affordable rates, convenient payment options, and the flexibility to choose from over 30,000 repair shops certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®).

Many third-party warranty companies offer a wide range of contract options, while dealer plans are mostly limited to the standard exclusionary coverage, stated component coverage, and powertrain coverage. With a third-party warranty, you can also buy your coverage at almost any time, unlike many dealer warranties that have to be purchased before your factory warranty expires.

All car warranty companies are different, and you want your provider to have your back. Trustworthiness, reputation, and a track record for good customer service are as important as coverage options and affordability. We recommend starting your warranty shopping with our review of the best extended car warranty companies in the market to understand what you can expect in terms of coverage and customer service.

Bar graph depicting the four most popular extended auto warranty companies, as reported by respondents in our 2023 customer survey.

Our team has spent over 1,475 hours of research on extended warranties to carefully develop our methodology and rate extended warranty providers. This includes gathering quotes for multiple vehicles, reading thousands of customer reviews, and conducting surveys with past and present extended warranty owners.

Three of our top providers – Endurance, Carchex, and CarShield – offer benefits like direct claims payment to the repair shop, 24/7 roadside assistance, and more. Always read your service contract carefully to know what is and isn’t covered before you sign on the dotted line.

Endurance
4.6
Industry Standing: 4.3/5.0
Coverage: 4.9/5.0
Cost: 4.6/5.0
Transparency: 4.8/5.0
Customer Service: 4.3/5.0
idée Endurance is our top pick for extended warranties.
  • Best Coverage
  • Maximum Mileage: Up to 200,000 miles
  • Money-Back Guarantee: 30 days for full refund
  • Longest Term: 8 years of coverage
  • Coverage Options: 6 plans including maintenance option
  • Discounts: $300 same-day signup discount, $250 shopping voucher, and others
Plan coverage includes Endurance Elite perks™
Exclusionary plan One-year membership for free
Powertrain plan Tire repair and replacement
Maintenance coverage with Endurance Advantage Key fob replacement
Roadside assistance Total loss protection
Towing Collision discount
Rental car $250 rewards voucher
Trip interruption coverage Endurance Protect app

Acura Car Maintenance Cost: FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Acura maintenance costs:

Is maintenance on an Acura expensive?

According to RepairPal, the average cost to repair and maintain an Acura is $501. While Acura maintenance costs are not as high as Audi, BMW, or Lexus maintenance costs, it is important to budget for them if you are no longer covered by the original factory warranty.

How much does an Acura oil change cost?

The cost of an oil change for an Acura will vary based on model and repair shop. As an example, an Acura MDX oil change (synthetic oil) costs around $126 to $138, including labor and parts. If your vehicle uses conventional oil, the cost will be lower.

Are Acuras reliable?

Acura vehicles tend to be reliable. The brand enjoys a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating on RepairPal, which ranks it second out of 32 car brands with all models.


Methodology

In an effort to provide accurate and unbiased information to consumers, our expert review team collects data from dozens of extended auto warranty companies to formulate rankings of the best providers. Companies receive a score in each of the following categories, as well as an overall weighted score out of 5.0 stars.

  • Industry Standing: Warranty providers with a history of strong business practices and endorsements from experts receive the highest scores in this category.
  • Coverage: This rating is based on types of extended warranty plans available, coverage terms, and added benefits like roadside assistance.
  • Cost: Our research team reviews sample quotes for a variety of plans and vehicles. Companies with lower prices per year of coverage receive the best scores.
  • Transparency: This score takes into account contract transparency and the availability of a money-back guarantee.
  • Customer Service: We comb through customer reviews and perform our own shopper analysis to get a sense of the responsiveness and helpfulness of each warranty company.

*Data accurate at time of publication.