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.

6.2

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
14,150 miles
Total Complaints:
22 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (19 reports)
  2. change design of headlights (2 reports)
  3. l.e.d. bulbs have stopped the flickering (1 reports)
2008 Honda Accord lights problems

lights problem

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2008 Honda Accord Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #22

Aug 202013

Accord LX 2.4L 4 cylider

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

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

I bought my used 2008 2.4L 4 cylinder Accord off the Campus Honda Dealer here in Victoria in 20/08/13. I have taken it back several time to request they check the dimming/flashing head light problem. Apparently they are not aware of any problems and no recall so there is NOTHING to fix. They also said since I had added an after market Rosen GPS / DVD combination specially designed for the 2008 Honda Accord, I had altered the electrical use of the car?.

I have since read most of the Blogs and noted numerous complaint as far back as 2008 before I owned the car and all have the same complaint. Headlights and Daytime running lamps flash every 15-20 second. Only one mechanic dare to use the words ELECTRONIC VOLTAGE REGULATOR causes dimming of lights, advising NOT to use my Heater or A/C unless really necessary.

The lights appear to no longer Flash or Dim, so I guess I do not drive it in our cold Canadian winter weather or warm summer days unless I leave lights OFF.!

But can drive it in the dark!! with out flashing oncoming traffic.

Update from Nov 19, 2014: Dimming Headlights...Would it be a stretch in Honda Technology if they would exchange the offending part, for one that seems to work OK in ANY previous Honda Accord 2.4litre, that did NOT have the headlight problem. Lets say a 2007 or even try a newer 2009 Honduh Accord 2.4 litre?????????????

Update from Nov 19, 2014: Would it be a stretch in Honda Technology if they were to exchange the offending part, for one from a different year that really worked. Like 2007 or even one from 2009 Accord 2.4ltre

Update from Nov 22, 2014: Here is a question regarding dimming headlight?. The electrical systems seems to be overloaded with lights and Heater or A/C running. Apparently my 2008 Honda Accord 2.4litre come with a 87.5 amp alternator. Would a larger amp.alternator solve that problem?, or is it other parts acting up.

Update from Nov 24, 2014: I contacted my local Honda Dealer after speaking to my local Auto Electric specialist who says it's NOT the alternator, but something in the fuse box. Apparently there is a REPLACEABLE (E L D ) Electrical Load Detector module that cost $10 - $11 so I ordered one..what could it hurt to try.

Update from Dec 4, 2014: Why do the cooling fans and A/C fans NEED stop and start every 20-30 seconds

Update from Jan 23, 2015: I changed ALL my NON head lights to LED, what a waist of time and money that was. Rear running lights, all three brake and backup work great. BUT the signal LED front and back flash way too fast, returned to stock bulbs. Seller could not fix and Dealer says they could cause the Computer module to premature fail, with the rapid flashing. I also bought a Electronic Load Module $6 cdn. as others advise that might stop the dimming of headlights. After reading the Shop manual I chose to take E.L.D. back. Apparently you must disconnect battery cables, remove the fuse box completely from the car, turn it upside down to remove /replace E.L.D.. But it also warns that you must immediately take car to dealer as your Computer module, Radio and all electronic (airbag) controls will require dealer intervention or car will shut down. Also numerous Honda Mechanic state that they have never needed to change an E.L.D. since they started working....that they can remember. I wonder if they really know what it does???

Update from Oct 26, 2015: regarding my 2008 Honda Accord 2.4L 4 cylinder with dimming head lights..It is now mid Oct 2015..(1) Can I bypass the E.L.D. and power headlight directly from battery. (2) Can I replace 2008 E.L.D. with a 2007 or 2009 E.L.D. that do not seem to have any complaints.

Update from Nov 18, 2015: Can I bypass the E.L.D. which causes my lights to flicker? And run a positive battery wire directly to the Headlight fuse and bypass E.L.D. ?

Update from Dec 1, 2017: I seem to have solved dimming headlites. I recently changed all my 2008 Honda Accord 2.4l headlites to L.E.D. A set of two 9006 low beam and two 9005 High beam cost $98 as a kit of four from Amazon. Since L.E.D. require lower eletrical demand NO 15' flickering when Alternator/air conditioning or heater are on. I recommend SYNETICUSA.brand as they are plug and play and their beam can be altered by rotating the L.E.D. 45' making it easy to correct.
Enjoy

- fruitcake, Victoria, BC, canada

problem #21

Jun 032014

Accord S

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,000 miles

I purchased a 2008 Honda on May 3, 2014 with mileage of 48,000. We were noticing the lights kept going dimmer with the a/c very often. Took it back to the dealer and advised nothing was wrong Driving at night the dimming persisted and often. Took it back July 24th, 2014 again to the Honda dealer advised the Honda Accords do this and there is no way of fixing the problem. I was then handed an article about the headlights and dash lights dim with electrical load. They advised this is normal This problem is with the ELD unit. That there is nothing wrong. It is terrible driving at night when your dimming headlights are being annoying to other people driving. People flickering their high beams on and honking at you cause this is happening. Don't tell me HONDA cannot fix this problem they just don't want to. Well I am not finished I will pursue this matter until this is done. You call this safety especially with children in the auto!!!!

- Darlene M., Longs, SC, US

problem #20

Feb 292008

Accord EX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100 miles

Honda says this is normal, everyone in my family, plus my friends knows about this problem. If I have an accident at night (HONDA) we have a problem

- shuttle1, Chaffee, MO, US

problem #19

Jan 012012

Accord

  • Automatic transmission
  • 39,768 miles

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

We will see how long the president of honda can drive at night with next to no lights at all. It has caused me a lot of dangerous frustration.

- D. L., L., O, Canada

problem #18

Nov 292011

Accord ES 2.5L 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,523 miles

I have recently purchased a 2008 Honda accord 57000 kilometers only on it and noticed this problem a number of times. On one occasion some irate driver let me pass and then proceeded to follow behind me with his high beams on, thank you very much. This problem could possibly end in someone getting hurt. Thank you Honda.

- cullercoats, Brantford, Ontario, Canada

problem #17

Nov 042008

Accord EX-L 2.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 750 miles

Headlights dim and then brighten everytime I drive at night. Haven't resolved it yet.

- Deb T., Crest Hill, IL, US

problem #16

Dec 312010

Accord EX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 33,000 miles

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

I was surprised. Honda known for outstanding quality and this is my first Honda. Bought new. My service adviser whom Ive been with for many years in different brand manufacturers was unaware. Showed him the NHTSA board with all the complaints re same. He couldn't find the source of problem. ???????????????? Ive read that its a design flaw with the ecu on the the compressor for ac/heat. Some models have, some don't according to my research. Anyone know of a fix?

- J M., Mount Airy, MD, US

problem #15

Nov 012010

Accord EXL 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,400 miles

I bought this car as a used vehicle with 32,500 miles off of a Chevy lot about four weeks ago. While driving back home from a night game. My 25 year old son who was driving said, " Dad did you know that the lights flicker on and off just a bit." I'm taking the car to the original dealership.with 34,500 miles

- rkincaid, Sykesville, MD, US

problem #14

Jun 012009

Accord EX-L 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8,000 miles

Had a 1994 honda accord. got rid of it after 300,006 miles. never had any problems. bought a new one 2008 loaded thinking I was going to be able to continue my no problem streak. Spring of 2009 when I needed the A/C I started to notice under a load that the lights were dimming when the A/C compressor engaged. Took it to honda and they check and said nothing was wrong, so I ignored it for another year. three weeks ago (end of July 2010) I was on a dark road behind a rather large pickup truck and my lights were dimming. Well the person slowed down and stopped the truck in the middle of the road, got out and asked why I was flashing high beams at him. I told him I was not and showed him. No beating that night! Anyway, I took it back to honda dealer thinking they would fix the problem and they did not change the ERM but instead said they were issued a tech bulletin to tell the customer this was normal behavior. I then contacted the customer help line and they told me that honda designed this to save me gas. My A?? I said. Very Very disappointed. did someone mention rear brakes?......

- Gerald G., maryland, MD, US

problem #13

Jul 052007

Accord V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,000 miles

the lights constantly dim about every minute.....seems to be a commonm problem

- bevjoneswi, Sparta, WI, US

problem #12

Aug 072009

Accord EX 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,300 miles

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

Headlights dim based on electrical power need of the vehicle. Like if the engine fan comes on they dim. It is a problem when I am driving and it happens. Dealer said that it was just the way it worked?

- Charles B., Easley, SC, US

problem #11

Mar 162010

Accord LX 4 cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 18,260 miles

Didn't test drive this car at night... wish I had. Headlights dim at least once every one - two minutes. Motorists think I am "flashing" my headlights and I can hardly see on the back roads with no street lights. Very annoying flaw and I predict someone will get injured if this design flaw isn't fixed soon.

- Paul C., Boston, MA, US

problem #10

Aug 142008

Accord EX-L 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,000 miles

I purchased a new Honda Accord in 2008 and immediately noticed the lights dimming when the AC/Heating unit was running. I thought it was just a fluke at the time and continued to drive the vehicle until the first service was due. When i took the vehicle in for service I explained to the service writer what was happening and he stated they would check it out. When I returned to pick up the vehicle I was told this was a normal condition. I explained that this was not normal to me. I have owned many vehicles during my lifetime and I have never had a vehicle where the lights dimmed when the AC/Heater was running. He stated again that it was normal for the new Honda Accord and there was no fix for it.

Well he was correct when he said Honda has no fix for the problem. They don't want to fix the problem because it may cost them some additional money. Rather than spend a small amount to fix the problem they would rather have people like me get on the internet and do our best to make them look bad. Well that just goes to show what they think of thier customers. It seems that the majority of companies that sell products dont care how the consumers feel. All they care about is your money not your satisfaction with thier product.

- Stephen F., Manhattan, KS, US

problem #9

Nov 242008

Accord ES 2.4L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 14,913 miles

I'm very disappointed with my 2008 Honda Accord.

The light flicker every 16 seconds. The dealership service manager spoke to the Honda rep. He said this is normal for the Honda accord and they can't fix it. ...."Too bad so sad! Now get lost and don't bother me boy". If this is how Honda treats they're loyal customers. Well I say "Too bad so sad!" too.

On very cold days the car struggle to start and has no power (you floor acceleration pedal and you hardly move). My 1992 Honda never had any problems like this. (Sold it summer 2009)

My solution for the new year. (2010) Get rid of Honda Accord buy a Lexus IS250

Resolutions for the years to come: Never by Honda again. Complain about the Accord as much as I can add hope people won't buy one. Go back to Toyota.

- pepper50, Embrun, Ontario, Canada

problem #8

Sep 092009

Accord EXL 2.4L I4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 21,748 miles

The headlights dim and flicker noticeably when the automatic transmission downshifts. The problem occurs primarily when descending a hill at highway speed. Touching the brake (or sometimes just letting off the accelerator) signals the computer to downshift the transmission for engine braking effect. The downshifts are generally quite sudden and not very smooth, and are accompanied by pronounced flicker of the headlights. Besides being distracting to the driver, it has caused many other drivers to flash their lights back at me in reply (which is funny in a sick kind of way). The dealership does not acknowledge this as something that occurs, but I have seen other Accords of the same year do the same thing. I am guessing that the electrical load changes suddenly on downshift, causing a momentary change in lighting intensity. The alternator may be underpowered, or perhaps the wiring is undersized.

- Kent H., Kelowna, BC, Canada

problem #7

Jun 112008

Accord 2.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 0 miles

Well as every body is talkin about it . its a factory thing. started immediately. and it happens when your AC/Heater engages. i got it checked at dealer ship but they said its normal and i have to get used to it. !!!

- Aziz K., Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

problem #6

Dec 122007

Accord EX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 200 miles

I have to note the lights flickering also when driving. I used to think it was my eyes, but now am convinced it is happening. It is very subtle and happens every 30 to 60 seconds. It does not always happen

I am an electrical engineer myself but I cannot find the root cause as it is a random, non-repeatable event. I believe it is likely to lead to total front headlight failure at a bad time. No recall notice yet.....

Also note, I have to 2008 Honda Accord with the bad rear brake wear-out problem and the white dust all over the interior from the AC. Please look for those threads for advice on carcomplaints.com.

- Jason R., Fairfax, VA, US

problem #5

Jul 192008

Accord EX 2.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100 miles

This problem occurred about two days after I purchased a brand new 2008 Accord. I thought I was buying quality because this vehicle was the "Car of the Year". Well as it were the headlights and every light on my vehicle for that matter flicker at random times when I'm driving and when I turn on the A/C unit. I took it in to the dealer who said that it was normal on the 2008 Accord and there was no current fix. Please anyone that reads this and has experienced the same problem or any problem with the 2008 Accord report it to the BBB and NHTSA because only they can force Honda to fix the sh*t load of problems on the 2008 Accord.

- Anthony T., Bartlett, IL, US

problem #4

Oct 302008

Accord EX-L 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 373 miles

I have the brand new accord for less than a month and I am starting to notice the same light flickering problem as others. The flickering occurs when the heater and/or the AC is on, or whenever the car is looking for more electricity. It is very dangerous for night time driving, especially on dark country road. It is very annoying along with many other deficiencies of the vehicle.

- tsiu, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

problem #3

Apr 202008

Accord LX 2.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 200 miles

Just bought my 08 Accord LX sedan 4 cyl 2 months ago, After 2 days, I noticed that the headlights start flickering every 20 - 30 sec aprox. I went to the "Classic Honda" dealer 2 times, they said "its NORMAL". This is a safety issue, because it is distracting. Also, other drivers think that I am flashing my lights at them.

- Carlos V., Orlando, FL, US

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