Honda code
P0171: on a Honda
How much to fix P0171 on a Honda? Typically $120 to $390 for mass airflow sensor replacement, the most common fix. This is an estimate, not a quote.
Honda engines are tight when new. When P0171 shows up on one, it is often a small, cheap leak or a dirty sensor, not an engine problem.
General meaning of P0171: The computer keeps adding extra fuel to make up for something, and it has reached its limit on the side with cylinder 1. This is called running lean, and it usually means unmetered air is sneaking in or fuel is not getting through. See the full P0171 page.
Models to know about
| Model | Years | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Accord | 2008 to 2017 | The 2.4 four-cylinder is most common, 3.5 V6 less so. |
| Civic | 2006 to 2015 | Intake hoses and the airflow sensor are the usual places. |
| CR-V | 2007 to 2016 | The 2.4 engine tends toward PCV and intake leaks. |
| Odyssey | 2005 to 2017 | V6 minivan with a long intake and multiple sensors. |
Common causes on a Honda
- Intake air hose cracked near the throttle body, often where it bends.
- Dirty mass airflow sensor. Honda sensors are sensitive and do well with a cleaning first.
- Leaking PCV hose or valve. Honda four-cylinders route this near the valve cover.
- Worn air-fuel ratio sensor on cars past 120,000 miles.
NHTSA's public complaint file shows how owners describe this kind of trouble: the 2012 Honda Accord has 380 complaints on file, and 13 of them use wording like check engine, lean, P0171; the 2012 Honda Civic has 456 complaints on file, and 16 of them use wording like check engine, lean, P0171. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a cause.
Check this first
- Clean the airflow sensor with sensor-safe spray before buying a new one. It costs a few dollars.
- Bend and squeeze the intake hose in good light and look for splits.
- Check for oil inside the intake tube.
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $70 | $250 |
| Labor: 0.5 to 0.8 hours × $110 to $150 an hour | $55 | $120 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $15 |
| Total, rounded | $120 | $390 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in the US, $27.13 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
Honda parts can be OEM or aftermarket. For sensors, OEM is worth it because cheap sensors on Hondas often give new codes. Hoses are fine either way.
Other repairs that may be involved
| Repair | Typical range, US |
|---|---|
| Mass airflow sensor replacement | $120 to $390 |
| Vacuum leak repair | $90 to $460 |
| PCV valve replacement | $65 to $220 |
Questions to ask the shop
- Was the airflow sensor cleaned first?
- Which hose or gasket is leaking, and can you show me?
- Can I keep the old part?
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Wondering if a recall touches this problem? See Honda recalls by model or check a VIN.
P0171 on a Honda: questions
Is it okay to clean the sensor myself?
Yes. Use only mass airflow sensor cleaner. Do not touch the wires inside.
Do Hondas get a lean code from a bad gas cap?
No. A loose gas cap shows up as a fuel vapor code.
How much does it cost to fix P0171 on a Honda?
The most common fix, mass airflow sensor replacement, has a typical range of $120 to $390 across the US. That is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your model, engine and shop move it.
P0171 on other makes
Sources
Written from public NHTSA data, owner-reported patterns and general repair knowledge, in our own words. Model lists are examples, not a full list, and patterns are not a diagnosis. Prices updated October 2026. Not a repair shop, estimates only.