Originally Posted by S Keith

As of 2013, for the '06 model year (7 years old), the replacement rate was 14%. Note also that for 6 and 5 year old models, the replacement rate was 12% and 8%, respectively - the replacement rate accelerates.

Two more years have elapsed. Those numbers are only higher.

I believe it's a relatively safe assumption that the ~80% of folks that never replaced their batteries don't come to this or any other forum. They have no reason to pursue it. This is not a high-traffic forum. They just drive their car like any other enjoying it working normally, but they will eventually replace their packs if they keep the car on the road long enough.

What is known is that Panasonic doesn't make those cells anymore, and the quality from the new supplier is dramatically reduced, hence the very high replacement rates of the newer models. All the more reason to avoid Honda replacement packs and go with Bumblebee or Hybrid ReVolt. While they both use Chinese cells, they test them extensively before use and offer up to 3 year warranties on their packs for about $2,100.

The battery is a wear item. Period. It will have to be replaced at some point to keep the car running at specification. It's a matter of time/miles/conditions.

Working in your favor is that you likely have a pack full of the original Panasonic cells. Working against you is the low mileage and its adverse impact on pack balance.