CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2008 Honda Accord has several serious defects: poor brakes, excessive oil consumption, & uncomfortable seats.

BRAKES: There was a class action lawsuit against Honda in 2010 for premature & excessive brake wear. See our page on Honda's brake problems for more info.

OIL CONSUMPTION: Honda issued a TSB about this in late 2011, claiming it could be fixed through a software update to the VCM (variable cylinder management). There are class action lawsuits pending. See our page about the Accord oil consumption.

UNCOMFORTABLE SEATS: Owners have consistently reported uncomfortable seats with the entire 8th generation (2008-2012) of Honda Accords. Complaints range from back pain to leg circulation problems due to bad lumbar support, cushioning, & seat angle. Complaints aren't limited to only a certain body type -- the seat comfort problems are from a wide spectrum of owner height & weight. The common theme we hear is "we never noticed this during the test drive." Unfortunately for unwary buyers, the seat pain is noticeable after 15-20 minutes.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
74,272 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Honda Accord drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2008 Honda Accord Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #25

Sep 172015

Accord

  • 112,965 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owned a 2008 Honda Accord. While the vehicle was parked, it caught fire. The contact also stated that there was an abnormal odor in the vehicle. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. A police report was not filed. The fire department was not notified. The vehicle was deemed destroyed. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 11V395000 (power train) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,965. The VIN was not provided.

- Searcy, AR, USA

problem #24

Sep 242015

Accord

  • 77,000 miles
Driver traveling speed limit on interstate 40 outside kingman, AZ. Driver drifted off the road, over corrected, and struck a wooden post at the end of guardrail, causing car to leave the roadway. The air bags did not deploy, leading insurance investigators concerned. Insurance adjustors felt the car could be fixed until a large hole was discovered in the transmission. Concern to all was that air bags did not deploy.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #23

Aug 142015

Accord

  • 136,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Accord. While driving approximately 5 mph, the transmission hesitated and the rpms increased rapidly. The engine, vsa, and tire pressure monitoring system warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.

- Clinton, NC, USA

problem #22

Mar 052015

Accord 4-cyl

  • 90,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2008 Honda Accord ex-L model I-4 engine (2.4L) started excessively burn oil in engine after 2,000 mile with new engine oil changed. After new engine oil changed, even the indicator of oil viscosity indicate 60% remain (Honda has the system), when oil checked, oil volume shows under minimum oil level. It make me very worry about engine oil consumption so quickly as unusual to compare other cars in my experience. When I went to check any evidence of oil leaking at 2-different local oil shop, we couldn't find any oil leaking evidence. This is 2nd time that happened. This is unacceptable to the customer. One of my college has 2008 Honda Accord coupe (2.4L), he has same problem. He is change engine oil every 2,000 mile due to burning engine oil issue (no clue of leaking) I checked this issue via web site and find that the article " american Honda settles class-action suit over oil-burning claim for Honda V6 engine only" on automotive news (Oct.22.2013) but unfortunately, the article says that Accord vehicles with four cylinder engines are excluded from the settlement" I am wonder why Honda Accord 2.4L engine got this exclusion from engine oil burning so quickly. Please investigate this issue on Honda Accord 2.4L engine asap. Update 9/15/15. Updated 11/28/2017

- Newnan, GA, USA

problem #21

May 312015

Accord

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Accord. While driving at approximately 55 mph and attempting to change lanes, an abnormal noise emitted from under the front of the vehicle and the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the transmission misfired and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 11V395000 (power train). The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

- Orlando , FL, USA

problem #20

Nov 142011

Accord

  • 35,000 miles
I hear a grinding noise when I start my car.when I accelerate I hear noise too.its not only me complain about this. Almost everybody that have this kind of car.

- Temecula, CA, USA

problem #19

Oct 292014

Accord

  • 96,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I purchased this vehicle in February 2015 and the issues which I have face are: Poor(worn) struts, axle(output shaft) seal leak, vtc actuator which the dealer does not want to honor the warranty defect, and poor motor mounts. In addition, the struts caused one of the tires to pop due to a bump on the tire, and the passenger front tire had to be replaced because of the bump on the tire which again is due to the struts being bad.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #18

Jun 072015

Accord

  • 93,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Accord. While driving approximately 5 mph, the transmission shifted into the park position but the vehicle continued to coast. The contact shifted into reverse and noticed an abnormal noise coming from the engine. The contact was then able to park but when the vehicle was placed into the drive position, the engine shut off independently. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the transmission and front mask failed needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000. The VIN was not available.

- Rosedale, MD, USA

problem #17

Dec 232014

Accord 4-cyl

  • 98,300 miles
On 12/22/2014, my 2008 Honda Accord LX (which has 98,300 miles on it) was towed into my local Honda dealer. The reason for my having it towed into my local dealer was due to the fact that my engine failed while driving on a residential street drive two miles from my home. There was absolutely no indication whatsoever that my engine would fail as the check engine light did not go on, there was no oil light illuminated, etc. Thus I was shocked when I was driving and tried to give the car some gas and the car did not accelerate ' thus I rolled to the side of the road and contacted a towing company. The service representative contacted me via phone and let me know that there was no compression in cylinder 2 and that I likely needed a new engine. The initial estimate would be $6,000 for a car with a blue book value of $6,500 (dealer trade in.) I have all service records and faithfully serviced my vehicle at the Honda dealership. The service rep also explained that I was low on oil and I reviewed my receipts to determine that I changed my oil 2600 miles earlier. I am hoping that Honda will provide goodwill to repair the vehicle as a 6 year old vehicle with 98000 miles on it should not need a new engine. Updated 3/10/16

- Durham, NC, USA

problem #16

Jun 022014

Accord 4-cyl

  • 175,000 miles
I purchased this car last year and it had over 150000, as I checked the oil I noticed it was low I have added 1 qt in between every oil change. My second problem was during the winter on the real cold days the starter sounded like it was hanging up as described as the vtc actuator. My third problem is the warning light on the dash for the air bag has illuminated. I contacted Honda today and they told me the light only comes on after it has been to the body shop" also I have received a claim form for a reimbursable deployment prior to Feb 13 2014. I have not been in a accident and neither has the car. So if there is a claim for the air bag deployment why isn't there a recall for the air bag"

- Holly Springs, MS, USA

problem #15

Jun 092014

Accord

  • 56,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2008 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would make a loud noise intermittently when shifting gears. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that a bearing or a race was defective. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact was made aware of recall NHTSA campaign id number 11V39500 (power, train). However, the VIN was not included on the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.

- Satin Island , NY, USA

problem #14

Oct 162011

Accord 4-cyl

  • miles
When starting Honda for the first time during the day or after it has sit for a while, it makes a noise or rough start up. I have done some research and found out what the issues is, it is vtc actuator. I have read numerous complaints about this issue. If I had known at the time that this was going to be an issue I would not have purchased this vehicle. But the sales man knew when to start the car away from us, didn't find out till the day after the purchase. We bought it used. The part is a bit pricey and Honda should be responsible for this charge, since it is not the first car that has had this issue. It seems to be a bad year for the Accord. I would like this to be fixed.

- Tomball, TX, USA

problem #13

May 182014

Accord

  • 79,300 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, it would not shift into gear. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but they have not diagnosed the failure. NHTSA recall campaign number 11V395000(power train ) was related to the failure; however, dealer stated that the defect was not related to the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,300.

- Newark, NJ, USA

problem #12

Mar 192014

Accord 4-cyl

  • 62,450 miles
8/11:certified pre-owned purchased from Honda dealer at 35787 mi oil changes: 3/15/2012: 41659mi; 9/6/2012: 48687mi 7/1/13: 54340mi-oil pressure warning light and rattling noise appears;vehicle immediately taken to Suburban Honda dealer (farmington hills, mi);no diagnostic codes given. Only explanation was the oil level was too low and the noise disappeared when oil was filled. No explanation for suspected leak/excessive consumption despite last oil change being just 6000mi back 3/18/14:oil pressure warning light flashes once and car was not started until I made an appointment with Suburban Honda on 3/20/2013 3/20/14: 62450 mi- within 0.25mi of my way to dealer, the oil pressure light flashes in the middle of a signal intersection and engine fails amidst heavy traffic thereby, compromising my safety. On 1st notice(7/13), dealer completely neglected my concerns for oil leak/malfunction which led to massive engine damage (estimate $8000). Negligence led to engine failure on road causing massive compromise to my safety. Death could have been imminent if my car stalled on a freeway. Honda has a design flaw resulting in excessive oil consumption noted by multiple customers.dealer did not recommend an oil consumption test despite oil levels reaching critical levels within 6000mi of previous oil change.I was informed Accord consumes 1 quart of oil/ 1000mi and since my mileage was beyond Honda limits, I'm to be held responsible. Dealer mentioned that 'apology' is what they can offer and that 'no cost will be on dealer since it is not their responsibility'. official rep of american Honda stated that this is purely a maintenance issue and that they do not possess ownership of dealer and have nothing to say reg irresponsibility of the official Honda dealer. Honda's design flaw&irresponsible dealers neglecting this issue could result in severe bodily injury or death.

- Detroit, MI, USA

problem #11

Oct 162013

Accord 4-cyl

  • 56,892 miles
When I start my car (usually when it is off for 4~6 hours) it will make a screech noise. But if it has been off for less than that, then the car does not make the noise. I've taken the vehicle in today at the dealership and they said that the cause was the vtc actuator. The dealership is asking for an $800 charge to fix this. My car is now out of warranty. As of right now I understand that there is no recall from Honda for this. I have done a google search on 2008 Honda Accord vtc actuator recall and have found that a lot of other people has the same issue as I do.

- Vienna , VA, USA

problem #10

Nov 252013

Accord

  • 74,280 miles
I have the 2008 Honda Accord with the 4cyl engine and drive approximately 8 miles per day. Within the last few months I have noticed significant oil loss in between oil changes. Approximately 3-4 quarts needs to be added in between oil changes. There is not a leak to be found and I am not blowing smoke out of the tailpipe. Upon additional research, I've found that multiple other owners of the exact same make and model vehicle are having this same issue. I've taken the vehicle to a local shop to have it looked at, but still don't have a resolve. Honda just recently lost a class action suit regarding the V6 models, but still won't admit to the issue with the 4cyl model. I have had estimates anywhere from $500 on up to a complete engine overhaul, which is far more than I can afford. Honda needs to take responsibility for this and fix the problem. I've owned many other Honda's and this is the first I've ever seen do something like this. Please help! thank you

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #9

Oct 012013

Accord 6-cyl

  • 101,000 miles
For the 2nd time since 2008, I've had to replace the sparkplugs due to PCM issues. The engine light will come on and gives an error code of P0303. Unfortunately you can only go to Honda to have the computer updated, and they will try to sell additional services. Today they refused to update my computer stating the only way to fix was to replace all the sparkplugs despite the service bulletin stating otherwise. Despite this being a manufacturer issue Honda has forced car owners to pay for this repair with no true fix existing.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #8

Mar 012013

Accord

  • 35,000 miles
Intermittent sudden uncontrolled acceleration. When merging into highway traffic or passing, vehicle continuously accelerates even when no braking; revs go up to 5000 and stays there even when stomping on brakes in attempt to slow the vehicle down. Only way to stop the sudden acceleration is to put car in neutral. Due to intermittent nature of problem, dealer could not fix during warranty period. Scheduled dealer appointment twice in 2011 and 2013, both times problem could not be duplicated.

- Hilo, HI, USA

problem #7

Jan 162013

Accord

  • 74,000 miles
When driving the vehicle (2008 Accord) in morning, I noticed a small rattle on inclines. Later there was a rattle when starting the car that has gotten progressively worse. I am hearing it constantly now and very loud.

- Akron, OH, USA

problem #6

Apr 292013

Accord

  • 40,000 miles
The vtc ( variable timing control ) actuator on our 2008 Honda Accord sedan 4 door model was found to be defective and required immediate replacement by the Honda dealership. The 4 cylinder engine is exhibiting high oil consumption and poor gas mileage. Odometer reading is approximately 40,000 miles.

- Columbia, MD, USA

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