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.

7.6

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$230
Average Mileage:
26,150 miles
Total Complaints:
1094 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replaced brakes (567 reports)
  2. have 2008 Honda brake system recalled (278 reports)
  3. not sure (85 reports)
  4. replaced brakes and rotors (44 reports)
  5. repaired under warranty - sort of.. (25 reports)
  6. replacing rear OEM pads with ceramic pads (23 reports)
2008 Honda Accord brakes problems

brakes problem

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2008 Honda Accord Owner Comments (Page 3 of 55)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #1054

Jul 072013

Accord EX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,000 miles

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

I buy Honda because of quality, reliability and reputation. For some reason, the clowns in the engineering department at Honda decided to change the way the brakes work in the rear of the 2008 Accord. They were just fine before. Now they wear prematurely. They wear out before the front brake pads are half way worn through! THIS IS UNHEARD OF as the front brakes do roughly 70% of a car's braking. Not now! Thanks to the clowns in the engineering department with nothing better to do, the rear brakes wear out about 4 times as fast.

Nice FAILURE Honda on your Electronic Braking Distribution System (EBD)! a.k.a. now as Engineered Brakes by Dumbasses.

- kcar68, New Brighton, PA, US

problem #1053

Jul 302013

Accord EX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,000 miles

This is the third set of brakes on my 2008 Accord! Ridiculous! I just replaced the brake pads and rotors at 45,000k miles (about 18 months ago) and now I need another set of brakes. I can't do this every year to year and a half. I love the car, but am seriously considering dumping it because of the constant problems with the brakes. If you bought your car used, like I did, you're pretty much screwed on getting any reimbursement from the class action law suit. There are no options except to sell the damn thing or fix it at your own expense every year or so. You would think that Honda would do something knowing that the problem is documented all over the web......tons of people having the same issue is NOT a coincidence! Wake up! It's a machine and although it typically has a great reputation for quality, when something goes wrong, step up to the plate and fix the damn issue! That's called customer service. I think the majority of people out there would be okay with it if Honda would just recall the car and fix the problem instead of looking the other way. That's what loses you repeat business! If I wanted a piece of crap, I'd have bought a Ford!

- Sandy V., Chandler, AZ, US

problem #1052

Jan 012009

Accord LX 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 21,000 miles

I've had my brakes worked on 3 times, front and back. The first time I took it in to Pat Peck Honda they had it in the back for about 30 minutes, gave me no paperwork, just said they adjusted them and I was good to go. The last time I took it in, a few months ago, the mgr said it is out of warranty and it would cost me $400 to fix them and stated that she had a car like that and got rid of it a long time ago! Gee, I wonder why!!! I told her I am a single grandmother and she said I am too. Well I don't give a flying fig! I am the customer, not you stupid. Honda Corporation should make this right. But they refuse to do the right thing. And, no, I do not ride my brakes. In fact this is the only vehicle I have ever had to have the brakes worked on. EVER. They should not be able to get away with this. There has to be more that they have done this to. I work full time and do not have time to deal with this kind of unnecessary crap. It seems noone can or will take responsibility for their actions. It's always someone else's fault. Shame on YOU honda corporation. Never Ever will I buy a Honda and will state my dealings with Honda corporation and dealerships everywhere I go.Before I left the dealership, the manager said, It's not your brakes making that noise. She is a very dishonest, sleazy person, no character. What goes around, you witch.

- Pansy H., Ocean Springs, MS, US

problem #1051

Jan 142009

Accord EXL 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 22,000 miles

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

replacing rear break pads every year....piston gets stuck on brake caliper causing uneven pad wear...since 2008 i have repaired 1-8 break jobs including front breaks...This is highly unacceptable and American Honda Corporation should reimburse myself and others for this cheap craftsmanship....this car has cost a small fortune in maintenace and now repairs ....Honda needs to be accountable and acknowledge these issues and do the right thing for their namesake.

- Joseph I., Fall River, MA, US

problem #1050

Oct 132012

Accord LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,700 miles

I heard the dreaded metallic scraping noise from the rear of the car, indicating worn brake pads on 13 Oct 2012. I pulled the wheel and checked...the rear pads were worn out!! At 16700 miles!!! I ran down to O'Reilly's and bought a set of ceramic pads and installed them. I am a qualified, experienced mechanic, and I can tell you this is NOT normal. This is the second Accord I have owned, and the first one (2003) never had this problem. It is a snap to change the pads, remove two bolts, pull the pads install new ones, push the brake piston back in, and reassemble. It took me about half an hour to do both sides, but I have all the tools and knowledge to do this. That's not the point....I shouldn't have to do this on such a low mileage vehicle. We don't use it every day...probably a good thing!

I didn't contact Winter Honda, the selling dealer in Pittsburg, Ca. since it was a week-end, and it was easy for me to fix, but after reading other owner's comments, I am disappointed in Honda's handlng of customer's complaints. Come on Honda..Fess-up, and do right. Things like this will count when I make a decision on what my next car will be.

Mark S.

Oakley, Ca.

- Mark S., Oakley, CA, US

problem #1049

Feb 012013

Accord EXL V6 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,040 miles

I'm a Honda owner since 1990 ,owned 6 Honda Cars and Van in family. never had to change rear brake till cars get to 80000 miles or more before. but this 2008 V6 EXL we hardly drive, only short trip twice a week , 20 mile or so and no stop light. but rear brakes fail this soon , and make horrible noise that scares me. took to Honda dealer in town ,they seem to know the problem right away , and charged me 169 + tax to replaced. very disappointed with this Accord . Just bought a new Honda CRV a month ago , hope this CRV don't have this type of problem.

.

- Anthony C., Temecula, CA, US

problem #1048

Jan 282013

Accord LX

  • Manual transmission
  • 50,000 miles

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

I had my brakes fixed under the class action suit approx 2 years ago. This week they had to be replaced again!

- Teri F., Ballston Spa, NY, US

problem #1047

Aug 312009

Accord EX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 19,890 miles

Very bad design of brake pad for the car. They need to be recalled and replaced with an entirely new and better brake system.

- jrfrazjr, Murrieta, CA, US

problem #1046

Apr 152013

Accord EX-L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 19,000 miles

When applying the brakes - there is a really bad vibration/pulsing in the steering wheel and brake pedal.

The car is a 2008 Honda Accord EX-L with 19,000 miles.

Dealer wants to replace rotors .......... car is out of warranty !!!!!

Looks like a known problem online for the 2008-2010 Honda Accord . Class action law suit was settled for millions of dollars. But the dealer said they were not aware of any problems or complaints for brakes ....

I am going to replace pads and rotors on front and back .... with top shelf parts not cheap ass Honda parts !!!!

- mgerheart, Hatfield, PA, US

problem #1045

Aug 152012

Accord V6

  • Manual transmission
  • 48,000 miles

The brake rotors were warped twice. First time it happened when the car had 30K miles. At that time, Honda machine the surface of rotors to make it flat, which is not a solution. Honda paid for me to fix ONLY front brake rotors. I had to pay for back rotors. Then after 10k miles, brake rotors were warped again. So, I had to replace rotors and pads for all of them. Now the car has 50k miles or so but no problem with brake rotors.

I will not buy honda again!

- takashibbbb, Greenville, SC, US

problem #1044

Jan 162009

Accord EX-L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

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

rear brakes wore out a total of 3 times while I owned the car. each time was a trip to autozone to buy a new set. Luckily autozone warrantied there brakes even though it was honda's fault for premature wear on the rears

- jeffreytucker, Siloam Springs, AR, US

problem #1043

Jul 112011

Accord LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,000 miles

I was told that my brakes were repaired under a recall in 2011, I call about the same problem in 2013 and Honda stated my brakes repaired under warranty not a recall.. And that there is no recall for the brakes for this car.. They was very RUDE and didn't even take the time to see why after 2 year and at 41,000 mikes I need brake replacements again!! Vey disappointed in HONDA.. Trade in coming soon!!

- LiAnna W., Lexington, KY, US

problem #1042

Apr 112012

Accord EXL V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,000 miles

Rear brakes wore out at 24,000 miles. Dealer charged me $300 for new pads. Because it was just after the class action cut off, America Honda agreed to reimburse me $150 for my new brake pads.

- stevelb1, Windham, NH, US

problem #1041

Aug 302010

Accord EX-L 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,000 miles

The brakes began to have an awful squealing sound at 27,000 miles. I called American Honda's Customer Care number. The man on the phone said that the warranty did NOT brake pads since it was considered normal wear and tear. The front brakes were in good shape, and not replaced until around 55,000 miles. Since Honda failed to take responsibility, I sent a copy of my bill to the Accord Settlement class action lawsuit. I'm not sure, but I hear you can apply for a refund an unlimited amount of times. I was refunded the full amount. It seems as if the problem has been fixed. The car has 62,000 miles and the rear brakes are in good shape. I have and have had other problems, but that's for another post.

- James R., Marietta, GA, US

problem #1040

Jan 082013

Accord Coupe V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 23,333 miles

Stupid me, being a new widow purchased an extended warranty. When my brakes started squealing, I thought maybe it's dust on the brakes. A rain storm proved that theory wrong. Having an extended warranty and only having 23,000 miles on it, I decided to have it checked out by Honda. They told me it was the way I drove....safely like we were taught to. Slow down when you see lights up ahead, cruise instead of braking, etc, etc. Wanted to replace the rear pads. Front pads LIKE brand new according to Honda service, back pads need replacing. Fortunately I have a son that can do that. Also, found out about a Class action lawsuit against Honda with Honda paying owners $150 to replace pads. Now, why hasn't Honda recalled these cars???? Pure BS!

Not sure I'll bother with another Honda.

- Sherry M., Wylie, TX, US

problem #1039

Feb 012009

Accord LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

Honda said it was not a warranty issue and that was standard wear. I have never had to replace any auto brakes at that low mileage, including my previous Hondas.

- Mary H., Loudon, TN, US

problem #1038

Sep 012011

Accord EX 2.4L 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 76,000 miles

After about a year after purchasing my Honda Accord coupe the brakes started squeaking a bit. It got worse and worse until it finally started making weird grinding and rubbing noises. Needless to say I was scared for my life about it so I take it in to the dealership and they say there's a recall and I need to get it fixed. Such a hassle, yet I'm glad Honda decided to fess up to this mistake and fix it. They have chosen not to for the other big problem with my car, the oil consumption I'm sure many know about, but that is for another Complaint that I've filed. Honda has been losing a lot of "cool points" for the many issues they choose not to fix for their loyal customers.

- coolestgeek, Austin, TX, US

problem #1037

Feb 182012

Accord EX-L 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,928 miles

We were the second owners of this car bought with 30000 miles on it. I Did some research about this car after we bought it and stumbled across this site and was shocked to see all the problems with this car. After reading all the complaints about the rear brakes I gave them a look and sure enough they had been replaced with new honda pads. They lasted a whole 20000 miles before they started squealing and needed to be replaced. The front pads still had a lot of life in them but I decided to replace all the pads with Akebono ceramic pads. Hopefully this will fix my brake problem as it cost me less than 100.00 for me to do and was really easy if you done brakes before. I have been to the local Honda dealership with some issues and have got no help so I try to avoid them at all cost. Hard to believe this car is on it's third set of pads and just turned 51000 miles. My last two vehicles were Maximas and didn't even have to worry about brakes till 62000 miles and that is the fronts! Had I have known this prior to buying this car I would have never of bought it. Crappy Honda,what was I thinking. What happened to accords reliabilty brand?

- Robert N., Palm Harbor, FL, US

problem #1036

Aug 312012

Accord LX 4 cylenders

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

i will never buy a Honda product again,rear rotor and brake pad need to be replaced

- planas, Pompano Beach, FL, US

problem #1035

Jul 012009

Accord ES 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,730 miles

This is my daughters car. She purchased it new in late 2008. I run a garage and have replaced the rear brakes at 16,000 miles, 40,000 miles, 60,000 miles, and now they are worn out again at 77,000 miles. We also had to rebuild the front end lower control arms with new bushings because they were installed backwards from the factory. I just got off the phone with a Honda dealer about the rear brakes and they acted as if they had never heard of any problems with rear brakes on 08 Accords. This same daughter never had the rear disc pads on a 1998 GMC Jimmy replaced until over 150,000 miles.

Needless to say, because I run a garage and I'm 60 years old and well known, I have a lot of people to ask me what cars are the best and which are the worst. I tell most people that they all have good and bad points but I have had more problems with VW's and now I'm adding Honda's to that list. I would never own a newer model Honda period. I personally own a 2011 GMC Terrain, a 2009 Toyota Camry, a 2005 Ford Ranger, a 1998 GMC Z-71, and a 1957 Fully restored Chevy Belair. I would trust my 57 driving it to California and back to Georgia. I wouldn't ride any major distance in my daughters car! It is truly a POS!!!!

- Al J., Americus, GA, US

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