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.

7.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$830
Average Mileage:
83,200 miles
Total Complaints:
18 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (12 reports)
  2. replaced SRS module (6 reports)
2008 Honda Accord seat belts / air bags problems

seat belts / air bags problem

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2008 Honda Accord Owner Comments

problem #18

Aug 012016

Accord EX-L 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 90,000 miles

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

The SRS light on the gauge panel illuminated for no apparent reason..Diagnosis calls for replacement of passenger seat airbag module. The estimated cost for repairs/replacement is over $700 at a non dealer repair shop. I am pissed that Honda will not assume costs for repair of what is obviously a safety issue. My mechanic tells me with the light on ,the airbags may not deploy. Certainly a life threatening fault. It cost $150 just for the diagnosis which may not even be the cure to the problem. My mechanic said the voltage to the module was 6.8 volts. Can anyone tell me the significance of this voltage? Im pissed and Honda has slammed the door in my face. This is my last Honda unless they assume responsibility for this life endangering fix.

- Gage R., Yarmouth, ME, US

problem #17

Apr 042016

Accord V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,250 miles

Recall issued for part to be replaced but Honda dealer ship does not have the part available. This is now going on for 4 to 5 months. How long is this going to take when I get killed for the airbag not working.

Peeved Beyond

Kathryn Stephens

- Kathryn S., Houston, TX, US

problem #16

Jan 152016

Accord LX-P 4 cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 160,000 miles

Looking for solution. I have received a notice from Honda for the side air bag recall, but have not been contacted about a fix. Are these related issues?

- David V., Chagrin Falls, OH, US

problem #15

Dec 012015

Accord LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,200 miles

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

My air bag light, which is the SRS light, is on, it is like a carp on my butt and it makes me feel insecure. Then this morning, I just went to the dealership and want them check my SRS, and they charge me 150 bucks just for checking, hopefully it would be fixed, unfortunately it is not, they told me it is nothing to do with the seat belt so that the cost is not covered and then they have no idea what the cause is. They told me they are going to replace this and that or maybe everything with no promises to get it fixed. I was so pissed off, my air bag is off and they just seem only to want to squeeze every penny out of my pocket.

How come the company does not recall the car? It is a freaking really big issue.

- Wenqiang J., Daly City, CA, US

problem #14

May 012012

Accord EX 2.4L I4

  • Manual transmission
  • 40,250 miles

I think required by law safety equipment should be covered throughout the life of the vehicle. But then again, maybe we don't want the airbags to go off based on the Takata recalls.

- fieldings, Tallahassee, FL, US

problem #13

Jun 012015

Accord LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

Accord 2008 LX model has 45000 miles on it. The SRS light on the dashboard and the "passenger airbag off" lights came on a month back. I took it to the Autonation Honda in Sterling, VA. After 3 hours, they could not find the issue. I had even pointed out that the passenger seat sensor might have gone bad. They were not able to triage the issue and asked me to schedule an all day long appointment. the appointment was to rip the dashboard to check all the wires and connectivity which was estimated at $500. To add to the misery, this $500 is just to find out what the issue is. After they triage the issue, the replacement part is extra. I am not sure if this needs to be done. Is it safe to assume the issue is with the SRS and change he module? Please advise.

- Niranjan T., Herndon, VA, US

problem #12

Jun 062014

Accord DC

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

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

I don't know why Honda will not recall this problem!!! This is the first and the last Honda I will buy! Here I come Toyota!!

- Charlotta H., Santa Ana, CA, US

problem #11

Mar 012015

Accord ES 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 114,000 miles

2008 Honda accord with 114K miles. Air bag sensor light came on and stayed on for days. Took it to dealership who wanted almost 200$ to hook it up to the computer so I took it to a very reputable and honest mechanic. They called me and asked when I had had a front end collision? NEVER. They stated the computer was finding a front end accident that resulted in an air bag deployment. After checking every sensor on each seat, each airbag, steering column, and both front and back areas, they find it is the modulator. He says Honda nor anyone else has an aftermarket for this item, and it must be ordered from Honda....total coast for this repair is $1300-1500 .. I am sick.

This car has been good as far as motor and transmissions but as soon as the warranty was up, the interior lights are going bonkers, the XM radio cuts on and off, the leather is so thin I have had to have the front seat, driver's armrest and console cover replaced. I am frustrated and think Honda is raising prices but using inferior products--next car will not be Honda.

- smallmoon, Surfside Beach, SC, US

problem #10

Aug 142014

Accord EX 2.4L

  • Manual transmission
  • 114,231 miles

I have 2008 Accord with 114,xx. Airbag system is completely out of service. SRS light has been blinking for longer and longer periods then it finally stayed on. Took to dealer and they said that the ENTIRE SRS system is NOT working. No accidents, nothing. There is no telling how long the problem existed.

I am a loyal Honda fan throughout the years, but they have put my family and myself is GRAVE danger for who knows how long. Honda America now wants me to pay to fix the problem, in which they are still not 100% sure that the problem will be fixed. The car is parked up.

- Roberto B., erwin, NC, US

problem #9

Nov 012012

Accord LX

  • 60,000 miles

FRUSTRATING THAT THIS LIGHT CAME ON AND IT IS ESTIMATED TO COST $500 TO REPLACE THE MODULE.

- hondawoes, Fort Lauderdale, FL, US

problem #8

Feb 122014

Accord EX V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

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

Air bag light came on, dealer said I need a new SRS module. cost $400.

- netch, Alpharetta, GA, US

problem #7

Feb 182013

Accord EX 2.4L I4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,500 miles

I bought my vehicle in February of 2013. 5 days after I purchased the vehicle the airbag light came on so I took it to the Honda dealership and they let me know the passenger weight sensors needed to be replaced and I asked if this was covered under the warranty and they told me NO! They quoted me $800 to fix this problem....seriously???

- Cici S., Nashville, TN, US

problem #6

Feb 012014

Accord LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

I have reported the side air bag light to the Honda dealer where I purchased the car new. They told me it would be approx. $600.00 to repair and it would not be covered by the warranty and there was no recall. After doing some research I see this is a common problem and many times the side air bags deploy for no apparent reason which is certainly a safety issue.

This is the second problem with what I thought would be a very reliable car. The rear brakes fail every 30,000 miles. Which is only a partial reimbursement by Honda if you have them do the job and overcharge for the repair. I plan to get a Toyota next time which my research shows have many less recalls and problems.

- Brian H., Homosassa, FL, US

problem #5

Apr 172013

Accord EX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

I had the same problem. SRS Light came on and took it to Honda and at first they told me that it was the passenger weight sensor. So there I go and buy the part out of state at a different Honda stealership. I take it to Honda and get it replaced. So I was so happy light turned off. My wife was driving the car out of the lot. I then took a seat in passenger seat and boom it turns back on. They take it back in and now they said there was no communication with the SRS computer . So I left it over night and they tell me the next day that I need to replace the wiring and the OPDS unit not the SRS computer. So I left even more mad. So I still haven't got it fixed and notice that it works sometimes. The light stays off when someone is in the passenger seat. It's so weird. So I need to save up money to buy these parts and more for the install. And then pray to The Lord that it takes care of the problem.

I thought Honda cared so much about safety and they put their chest out about it. And then look to the side about the airbag issues that they have. This is the stuff that should get fixed with no charge. This car has never been in accident so the light shouldn't be going off like that.

- Alejandro R., Dinuba, CA, US

problem #4

Apr 012014

Accord SE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

Air bag light came on; need a new SRS module. Parts and Labor $700. Today I find out that's not the problem and the front passenger seat needs to be removed. So we're not done yet. I was considering buying another Accord, not any more.

- daddyoxct, Hebron, CT, US

problem #3

Nov 302012

Accord Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

The SRS Air Bag light is on...constantly. A co-worker thought it was being triggered because I keep my purse in the front seat, so I moved the purse. No change.

- carlogs, Missouri City, TX, US

problem #2

Jul 252013

Accord EXL 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 93,000 miles

Well I took my car to the dealer in Mar 2012 for the SRS light being on. They called and said I needed a new battery. When I started the car the SRS wasn't getting through the diagnostic test which made the light stay on. So about six months or so down the road I finally replaced the battery and the light stayed on. I took it back to the dealer in July 2013 and one dealer said they couldn't get the module to read at all. The original dealer in Mar said they were able to get it to read two codes, one of which was U0151. This is a communication error. I tried calling Millenium, whom I have an extended warranty, and it fell under the items not covered. I called Honda and all they did was make sure there were not any recalls on the SRS and said they couldn't help me. Honda also would not goodwill anything b/c my service records aren't with a Honda dealership. Well I'm sorry if I didn't want to spend 12-15 dollars in gas to drive the 40 miles to take it to the dealer for an oil change when there is a service station 10 miles down the road from my house.

- heirdar, Sheridan, AR, US

problem #1

Aug 012012

Accord LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

Honda will charge me $297 just to see if they can figure it our? (BIG WASTE OF TIME)

- kellyhtn tennessee, Murfreesboro, TN Tennessee, US

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