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.

7.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$100
Average Mileage:
50,250 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (5 reports)
  2. replace a/c relay (1 reports)
2008 Honda Accord AC / heater problems

AC / heater problem

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2008 Honda Accord Owner Comments

problem #6

Nov 022015

Accord EX-L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,025 miles

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

I have looked elsewhere, but not contacted dealership yet. The passenger side is nice and warm, the driver's side is freezing. I have no idea what the problem nor solution is. Please advise.

- Linda T., Cumming, GA, US

problem #5

Jul 012014

Accord ES 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

Even though the temp is set the same on both sides, the passenger side is considerably warmer, as if the heater was on.

- Tom T., Melbourne, FL, US

problem #4

Feb 042014

Accord

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,271 miles

a/c was intermittent. At first my mechanic thought it needed a recharge of refrigerant. Turned out to be a faulty relay.

- markb.c., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

problem #3

Jan 202010

Accord EX-L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 23,000 miles

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

Sometimes the car cools like a dream at 75, and at other times, at the exact same temperature (75), it works like a heater!

Not sure what's wrong with it. Whenever I take it to the dealership, all they do is, crank the AC all the way down and tell me "it works perfectly!". But I am like, that's not the point. So difficult getting through to them. Not sure what the issue is but what I know for sure is that the car did not behave like this for the first 20K miles. It only recently started behaving this way. It used to cool fine at even 77-78, and it does now too, but not consistently.

Sometimes I go all the way to 70 and it's still blowing hot air! but it's not an issue with the gas because if I crank it all the way down, it's cold.

- Nizar B., Lakeland, FL, US

problem #2

Jan 092010

Accord EX-L 2.4L

  • Manual transmission
  • 18,200 miles

click to see larger images

doesn't maintain an even temperature doesn't maintain an even temperature

During the winter time my A/C control unit has failed. It was freezing outside (25F; 30F) and every morning I was driving to work without heater. Whatever I try to adjust the temperature the A/C control unit would go nuts and switch to the LOW instead of High. So, imagine the temperature outside is 25F and climate control unit gives you air as cold as it can.... After 25-30 minutes of driving climate control unit would start working properly without any actions from my side.

I have some other problems with leather seats. So, next week I will see the Honda dealer again. I don't know why would people say that Honda is a reliable car? I wouldn't recommend this Accord to my friends for sure.

Update from May 3, 2010: I was at Honda dealer last week. They checked the A/C unit and climate control unit and found nothing wrong. They suggested that I stop by in winter time when heater will not work again...

Update from Jan 26, 2011: This winter season I have the same climate control issue. Last week stopped by the dealer with photos and 5 videos! As usual, the dealer couldn't duplicate the problem! I provided 5 videos..... They said that I have to leave the vehicle with the dealer overnight. Well, I said yes and asked for their shuttle to bring me home. Dealer told me that they cannot drive me home because of icy road conditions and I have to bring the vehicle next time. Well, today I left the car on the dealer parking lot. Will keep you posted on any up-dates. Definitely, DON'T BUY HONDA.

Update from Feb 18, 2011: Went to the Honda dealer this February with the very same complaints. They cannot duplicate the problem!!!! I shoot 5 videos and several photos showing that during freezing temperatures climate control unit goes to LOW temperature and stays there for 30-35 minutes with no chance for me to warm up the car interior. Well, I am giving up on that. My lease is off in August and I am not going to keep this vehicle. People, DON'T BUY HONDA, be aware!

- Eduard L., Cordova, TN, US

problem #1

Nov 042007

Accord EX-L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,000 miles

Apparently, Honda's just have lousy AC. When getting into a hot car it doesn't crank up high enough to cool quickly; once cooled, it won't hold a steady temp. We're constantly fiddling with the settings. On one trip the setting started at 65 deg, a few hours later I had bumped it to 77 because it kept getting colder and colder. On really hot days it won't quite cool down the interior, especially at low speeds. In contrast, my Chevy's AC is set to 69 and keeps it there, and we've driven in 0 deg to 115 deg weather.

- cstoc, Yorba Linda, CA, US

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