Buy Strut Mount for Honda Civic 2020

If your 2020 Honda Civic has started making clunking noises over bumps, feels unstable at highway speeds, or vibrates through the steering wheel, a worn strut mount could be the culprit. Knowing how to buy a strut mount for a Honda Civic 2020 that fits right, lasts long, and keeps your ride safe isn't something most drivers think about until something goes wrong. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to know before purchasing, so you avoid wasting money or putting off a repair that affects your safety.

What Exactly Is a Strut Mount, and Why Does Your Civic Need It?

A strut mount is a rubber-and-metal component that connects the top of the suspension strut to the vehicle's body (called the strut tower). It serves two jobs: it absorbs road vibrations before they reach the cabin, and it allows the front wheels to pivot smoothly when you turn the steering. On the 2020 Honda Civic, the front strut mounts also house a bearing that lets the strut rotate with the steering knuckle.

Without a functioning strut mount, your suspension can't do its job properly. Road noise increases, tire wear becomes uneven, and the overall handling of the car feels loose or unpredictable. On the tenth-generation Civic, which uses a MacPherson strut front suspension, the strut mount carries a lot of load making it one of those parts that wears out with enough miles and time.

How Do You Know If Your Honda Civic 2020 Strut Mount Is Failing?

Before you buy a replacement, it helps to confirm the strut mount is actually the problem. Here are the most common symptoms Civic owners report:

Clunking or knocking sounds when driving over potholes, speed bumps, or rough roads especially from the front corners
Increased vibration in the steering wheel, even on smooth pavement
Steering feels stiff or "notchy" at low speeds, like when parking
Uneven tire wear on the front tires, often on the inside or outside edge
Visible cracks or deterioration in the rubber portion of the mount when you pop the hood and look at the top of the strut tower
Rattling noise at highway speed that seems to come from the front suspension area

Some of these symptoms overlap with other suspension issues like bad sway bar links or worn ball joints. If you're hearing noises at highway speeds and aren't sure what's causing them, this breakdown of cracked strut mount symptoms at highway speed can help you narrow it down. Ignoring these signs too long can lead to real driving safety risks that go beyond just a rough ride.

Should You Buy OEM or Aftermarket for the 2020 Civic?

This is one of the biggest decisions you'll make, and the answer depends on your budget, how long you plan to keep the car, and whether you care about matching the original ride quality.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Strut Mounts

OEM parts are made by Honda's suppliers to the exact specs of the factory part. For the 2020 Civic, the OEM front strut mount is typically a Honda Genuine part (often sourced from suppliers like KYB or Showa). You'll pay more usually $60 to $100 per side but you get a part that fits exactly, matches the original ride feel, and usually comes with a Honda warranty.

Aftermarket Strut Mounts

Aftermarket options range from budget brands to premium alternatives that meet or exceed OEM standards. Brands like KYB, Moog, and Monroe make strut mounts compatible with the 2020 Civic. Prices can range from $25 to $70 per side. The quality varies a lot between brands, so reading reviews and checking the warranty terms matters.

For a deeper comparison with safety implications in mind, this OEM vs. aftermarket strut mount comparison covers the trade-offs in detail.

What's the Right Part Number or Fitment for the 2020 Honda Civic?

The 2020 Honda Civic comes in several trims (LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, Touring) and uses a 1.5L turbocharged or 2.0L naturally aspirated engine. Most trims share the same front strut mount, but it's always smart to double-check using your VIN.

Here's what to look for:

Honda OEM front strut mount part number: 51726-TBA-A02 (verify with your dealer using your VIN, as part numbers can supersede)
Compatible KYB part: KYB SM5672 (always cross-reference before ordering)
Fits: 2016–2021 Honda Civic sedan, coupe, and hatchback (1.5T and 2.0L) most tenth-gen models share this mount

When in doubt, plug your VIN into a parts lookup tool on a site like Honda Parts Now or call a dealership parts counter to confirm fitment before you buy.

Where Can You Buy a Strut Mount for a Honda Civic 2020?

You have several options, each with pros and cons:

Honda dealership parts department Guarantees the right OEM part. Most expensive option, but no fitment guesswork. Good if you want peace of mind and plan to keep the car long-term.
Online auto parts retailers (RockAuto, PartsGeek, CarID) Wide selection of OEM and aftermarket options. Prices are usually lower than the dealer. Shipping takes a few days, and you need to verify fitment yourself.
Amazon and eBay Large marketplace with competitive pricing. Watch out for counterfeit or low-quality listings. Only buy from sellers with strong ratings and verified reviews.
Local auto parts stores (AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA) Convenient if you need the part same-day. They can look up fitment by year, make, and model at the counter. Prices are typically mid-range.

How Much Does It Cost to Buy and Install a Strut Mount?

The strut mount itself costs between $25 and $100 per side depending on whether you go OEM or aftermarket. But the part is only half the story labor for strut mount replacement typically runs $150 to $300 per side at an independent shop, because the mechanic has to compress the coil spring to swap the mount. Dealership labor rates are higher.

If you're replacing struts at the same time (which many mechanics recommend if you're over 60,000 miles), some of the labor overlaps, and you may save money on the total job. Always ask for a bundled quote.

What Mistakes Do People Make When Buying a Strut Mount?

Here are the most common errors that cost Civic owners time and money:

Buying for the wrong generation. A strut mount for a 2015 Civic won't fit a 2020 the tenth-gen (2016–2021) uses different suspension geometry than the ninth-gen. Always confirm your generation and trim.
Replacing only one side. If one strut mount is worn, the other is likely close behind. Replacing in pairs keeps the suspension balanced and avoids a return visit to the shop in a few months.
Skipping the strut bearing. On the Civic, the bearing is integrated into the mount assembly. Some budget aftermarket mounts cut corners on bearing quality. Check reviews for bearing durability.
Ignoring the strut mount bearing plate or cap. Some kits include the bearing plate; others sell it separately. Make sure you know what's in the box before you order.
Not getting an alignment after installation. Strut mount replacement can shift your camber slightly. A four-wheel alignment afterward ensures even tire wear and proper handling.

Can You Replace a Strut Mount Yourself on a 2020 Civic?

It's possible if you have mechanical experience, a spring compressor, and the right tools. But this is not a beginner-friendly job. Coil springs are under heavy tension, and improper use of a spring compressor can cause serious injury. If you're not confident working with compressed springs, take it to a professional.

If you do tackle it yourself, make sure to:

Use a quality spring compressor not the cheap clamp-style ones from discount tool bins
Torque all bolts to Honda's spec (check the service manual for your model year)
Mark the position of the old mount before removal so you line up the new one correctly
Replace the strut mount bearing at the same time if it's not integrated into the mount
Get an alignment done afterward

What Should You Check Before You Click "Buy"?

Before you finalize your purchase, run through this quick checklist:

Confirmed your Civic is a 2020 model (tenth generation, 2016–2021 chassis)
Verified the part fits your specific trim and engine (1.5T vs. 2.0L)
Checked whether the listing includes the bearing plate or just the mount
Compared OEM vs. aftermarket pricing and warranty
Read at least a few recent buyer reviews for the specific brand you're considering
Planned to replace both sides (left and right) at the same time
Budgeted for a four-wheel alignment after installation

Taking five minutes to verify fitment before ordering saves you the hassle of a return and keeps your Civic riding the way Honda intended.