8.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$600
Average Mileage:
61,750 miles
Total Complaints:
35 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. paint job (20 reports)
  2. new paint job (10 reports)
  3. not sure (5 reports)
2008 Honda Civic body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2008 Honda Civic Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #35

Oct 012013

Civic EX-L 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 155,000 miles

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

click to see larger images

paint is flaking off paint is flaking off paint is flaking off paint is flaking off paint is flaking off paint is flaking off

My previous car was a 1998 Honda Civic DX. I loved its reliability, swore that my next car would be a Honda Civic ... the only reason why it's off the road is because it got demolished while parked. It had 265,000 miles on it, and was still going strong

Because of that performance, I bought my 2008 Honda Civic EX-L and was absolutely thrilled. I really loved the way the car looked .... until the paint started flaking off and fading a few years later. Now that the paint is flaking off all over the car; roof, trunk, hood, all the fender and door edges, I am embarrassed to drive it, the car looks absolutely terrible

My next car will NOT be a Honda, too risky .... shame, Consumer Reports gave Honda very high marks so I thought I was safe buying a Honda, and my next car after my 2008 Civic was going to be a Civic or and Accord

I guess Consumer Reports was wrong, especially after I did some research and discovered how many other Hondas have this same problem. I want something reliable, but I also would like it to be presentable

READ, HONDA: MY NEXT CAR WILL NOT BE A HONDA !!! You lost a potential lifelong customer, as well as any positive recommendations I would have given to family and friends. Now, if anybody asks me how I like Honda, I'm just going to point to my car, I won't have to say anything

ALSO, I'M NOT TRUSTING CONSUMER REPORTS ANYMORE

- Paul P., Pomona, NY, US

problem #34

Jul 082014

Civic GS 1.8L

  • Manual transmission
  • 93,206 miles

Worst way for Honda to be save a few extra bucks. They need to fix this issue if they want to still be a fan favourite.

- Jon W., Edmonton, AB, Canada

problem #33

Dec 012014

Civic EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

The paint on the hood of the car has started chipping up abnormally fast. I never had issues with the paint chipping on the hood (except for occasional chips) until it was redone in the November of 2013. Ever since, I've been touching up paint chips on the hood every time I wash it or more. I've gotten to the point that I no longer touch them up because I don't have time to touch up 20-50 nicks and chips every time I wash my car. It went from the occasional chip every month to 10 chips bi-weekly. I would understand if I lived on a farm, lived on a gravel road, or tail-gated, but none of these are the case.

The fact that this paint is chipping tells me something is wrong. I don't want the hood or fenders to rust, but as mentioned I can't repaint the hood of my car myself. I checked with the dealership three times now and continually am told, "its wear and tear/its normal" when I flat out told them the difference. I wouldn't expect the dealership to know my car better than myself, given I used to wash it bi-weekly, and I'm meticulous in my work.

I intend on contacting the GM of the dealership, but I've heard Honda Corporate USA is a complete waste of time. I use to think Hondas were quality cars as I expected to have mine until 250k+ miles, but I don't expect it to last past 125k miles with the rate it is chipping and showing signs of rust.

- Joshua S., Butler, PA, US

problem #32

Aug 122014

Civic LS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,000 miles

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

Honda's are such terrific cars that I have to say I am so surprised. The car is in such great condition otherwise but it really effects the resale value as well as the overall look of the vehicle. Makes it really trashy looking.

I have no idea if there is any recall on this or anything that will/can be done except at our expense but that seems unfair. Honda's are not a car that I feel should reflect cheap workmanship in this area.

- Lynette W., Georgetown, DE, US

problem #31

Aug 302013

Civic LX 1.8L 4 cyl 5a

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,500 miles

I bought a 2008 Honda Civic LX and about 2 years ago noticed that the clear coat was peeling back and then the paint starting to fade on the hood and front bumpers. It's Tango Red Ruby and supposedly not covered under the Honda recall but my car has exactly the same issues as the black, grey and blue paint colors under the warranty extension. My car runs well and is in excellent condition, with the exception of the severe paint damage in the front. In addition, this paint issue is spreading and seriously impacting the value of my car.

- Rebecca A., Clifton, VA, US

problem #30

Mar 302013

Civic

  • Manual transmission
  • 50,000 miles

click to see larger images

paint is flaking off paint is flaking off paint is flaking off paint is flaking off paint is flaking off

When I got this car, I wanted to keep and maintain in good condition. I always take care of my cars but this is the first time that I see a paint damage so severe in so short time. I have been the only owner, I bought it brand new and is shocking knowing that I always take care of my car. Please help I don't know what to do! I feel like I'm driving a junk car...

- dlefort, Covina, CA, US

problem #29

May 202010

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles

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

Selma Auto Mall in Selma California sucks! I would NEVER buy any car from that lot. They have denied not only peeling paint but also the visor problem. Honda should paint all of these cars we have problems with. The entire vehicle. Driving the Civic is embarrassing with peeling paint.

- Laura C., Coalinga, CA, US

problem #28

Sep 012013

Civic EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

The Blue paint on the front bumper and the rear bumper started peeling in 2013 and now it has increased a lot ... called Honda and they said my VIN is not covered in the TSB for paint peeling problem ... my problem is similar but Honda would not entertain it ... and they do not have a consumer grievance cell where we can register our complaint ....

- Sawan G., West Babylon, NY, US

problem #27

May 012013

Civic Ex Coupe 1.8L Sohc

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,000 miles

I HAVE A 2008 HONDA CIVIC EX 2D COUPE, IT'S DARK GRAY, AND BEFORE THE WARRANTY WAS UP AT 52000 MILES THE PAINT ON THE TOP STARTED FADING AWAY. IT REALLY IS A BAD SITUATION AND YOU'D THINK HONDA WOULD BE ASHAMED TO HAVE CARS THAT ARE JUST A FEW YEARS OLD OUT ON THE STREETS LOOKING LIKE THIS. ANYWAY, I WAS TOLD BY HONDA THAT THE DARK BLUE AND THE BLACK CIVICS WERE BEING REPAINTED UNDER WARRANTY BUT THE DARK GRAY WAS NOT. " WHAT "? THE DARK GRAY IS AS BAD IF NOT WORSE, ????

I THOUGHT HONDA'S WERE MADE TO LAST , I GUESS I WAS WRONG.

- Darren R., Kingman, AZ, US

problem #26

May 172014

Civic EX V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,000 miles

I am also having this problem with my 2008 Civic in Galaxy Grey. I just noticed mine today. I had a few 'weak' spots that gave apparently turned white & flaking off down to the metal. I am guessing the white stuff is the primer.

There are actually 2 recalls for the paint. 1 is for Cracked Clear Coat , the other is for Clear Coat Spots. Here is the link: http://m.owners.honda.com/Recall/Overview?vin=2HGFG12918H510115

I will be taking mine in next week. I also want to add that my sales rep ' strongly encouraged' me to buy the extra paint coverage for $500, so it appears that they knew there was a problem with the paint before the cars were even sold.

Once they repair it, I will be trading it in. I have had a few problems with this car & am very disappointed in Honda lately. I have owned several & never had a problem until I got this one. I am not sure that my next car will be a Honda.

- tiamariacat, N, Haven, CT, US

problem #25

Jun 012011

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

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

I also have a Galaxy Grey 2008 Civic, that is at the shop being painted as we speak. Mine started with a tiny spot on the roof and before long looked like my car had some kind of disease. Luckily, I still have about 4 months left of my extended warranty, so they are paying for the repair...My rental car for the 10-14 days it's taking them to repaint however, seems to be my responsibility.

I called Honda to discuss the issue and even offered to split the rental car bill with them...I was told..."be glad you're not paying for the paint". They didn't care at all. I paid 22k for my car brand new, 2k of that was extended warranty and just made my last payment last month. Mechanically, I've been lucky enough to not have any problems but if this is how Honda treats their customers...might be a good time to sell it and find a company that cares more about its customers and the reputation their name has.

- Ginger H., Tujunga, CA, US

problem #24

Mar 012012

Civic SI 2.0L

  • Manual transmission
  • 70,000 miles

4 year old car with paint chipping off the sides of rear window? Need I say more? People love Honda for the engines and durability but what's the point in getting a reliable car if your going to need paint jobs and fix everything else that breaks.

- tekvirtuoso, Miami, FL, US

problem #23

Jul 162011

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 53,000 miles

click to see larger images

paint is flaking off paint is flaking off paint is flaking off paint is flaking off

This is the worst car i ever bought. it's a 2008 honda civic and it only has 4 years and the paint is coming off. first start getting white in the area and then the paint is coming off. the car looks so bad that i can believe it is just a 2008 car. my father has a kia from 10 years and never has a paint problem. Honda needs to fix this problem. be careful when you buy a honda.

- Italo P., Brandon, FL, US

problem #22

Jun 012013

Civic

  • Manual transmission
  • 83,000 miles

paint is fading and flaking off - looks awful - dealer states there is nothing they can do unless i want to pay for a new paint job - they did concede that this should not be happening and maybe i should contact honda - a lot of good that did

- Nick D., Perkiomenville, PA, US

problem #21

Aug 052013

Civic EX V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

There are whitest, silver looking places on roof and top of trunk. This happened sometime within the past month or two but I didn't notice it right away. Car stays under carport cover. I have been retired for over a year, so car has not been sitting in sunlight at work.

Showed the service manager on August 09,2013 and he took pictures and said he would contact someone at Honda since there was a 'goodwill' allowance for this and my car is not under warranty now. I had a 93 Accord for 16 years and never had anything like this to happen. Got the used 2008 Civic in 2009 with very little mileage. It is to last me the rest of my of my life, I thought. Have always took my Honda's to Honda Service Dept. for all scheduled maintenance. Have not heard back from service manager. What to do??

- J W., Centerville, GA, US

problem #20

Jan 012012

Civic EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

click to see larger images

paint is flaking off paint is flaking off paint is flaking off paint is flaking off

When I first purchased my Honda Civic back in 2008 I was really very pleased with the car. It looked great and I was proud to drive it down the road. About a year ago I noticed spots on the roof and figured I could get them buffed out, or they wouldn't get much worse. I chalked it up to me not keeping it waxed regularly. But since then the problem seems like it is getting worse every day.. and I'm waiting for the day more of the body starts to follow suit. Since I noticed the issue with my car and a friends civic of the same year I've been searching online for recalls where honda is taking care of the issue but I have yet to find anything. I haven't taken it to the dealership simply because reading about the dealerships saying its the owners fault for leaving it outside in the sun, or washing it too much. I really hope they fix this issue because I paid alot of money for this car and to have it look so bad only 5 years later is unacceptable! If they don't do something about this then I can honestly say I'll swear off purchasing a honda for the rest of my life and advise others to do the same.

Update from Aug 26, 2013: After posting about this issue with my 2008 Honda civic I decided to start talking to the customer service department with Honda. I made the mistake of searching google an being sure they weren't doing anything about this. My car didn't show up on the recall website I had searched. So reluctantly I called honda not expecting anything. To my surprise they informed me that this was a recall item and they have extended the warranty on my cars paint to 7 years! All they said I had to do is go to my local Honda dealership and have them examine the car. I got I the dealership and was immediately assisted, they tested my paint thickness and told me I qualified for a full roof and trunk refinish. The hood would have been refinished as well but I had body work done due to a deer, that didn't bother me though there isn't a problem with the hood. The only bad thing is they don't provide alternate transportation during the repair so for 4 days ill have to figure something out. But I'm very happy with the service and overall pleasantly surprised how easy it was. I feel I shouldn't have had this issue to begin with buy at least they are fixing the problem free of charge!

- John L., Demossville, KY, US

problem #19

Mar 012012

Civic Dx Coupe 2.0L

  • Manual transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Looks like I'm one of hundreds of unhappy Honda owners. You can see the metal on the roof of my car in several areas. I keep my car clean and it's in great condition, if you can overlook the pitiful paint job! While my Honda dealer openly admitted the problem exists, it's not under warranty. BUT...their goodwill portion of Honda will gladly pay 75% and let me cover the other $400 out of pocket to repaint my problem areas. Only then will they cover it for life. Did I mention that's only for the problem areas, what if this happens on the other parts of my vehicle?? And because it's 'goodwill', a loaner vehicle is NOT supplied. So I need to pick a time when I can be without a car for at least 4 days. Seems to me they just dumped all over potential life long honda owners and chose to look the other way...SAD. I just may do like the other guy stated, not fix it so I can openly advertise Honda's crappy workmanship!

- magie, Kissimmee, FL, US

problem #18

Dec 312011

Civic ES V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

Bought a 2008 Honda Civic used in December of 2011. Got a great deal on it, and NOW I KNOW WHY!!! It had a couple of spots on the roof where the clear coat was coming off, but I overlooked that because of the deal. I should have done better research on the Hondas -- the paint is now coming off the entire roof and the back fenders are starting to peel. Had I known of the paint problems reported here and elsewhere across the country, and Honda's refusal to fix an obvious flaw in their products, we would have never bought this car.

Honda needs to own up to their problem and fix this with a recall for the paint --not just the hood and front fenders, but the whole car. If the paint and/or application process is a problem worthy of a recall for the hood, then the whole damn car was also painted with the same paint/process too and needs to be fixed. What a joke of a car company; instead of fixing the problem they are liable for, they only fix what enough people have complained about. I'll never buy another Honda. They need to do the right thing and make it right for ALL their customers.

- Lynden S., Bossier City, LA, US

problem #17

Mar 252013

Civic Coupe LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

I bought a 2008 Honda Civic 2008 as a slightly used vehicle in 2008. Let me just say that I absolutely LOVE this car and I would highly recommend it to other buyers. My beef is that the car is not old enough to be having the serious paint issues that I am having! The roof of my car looks like the roof of a car from the 1990's due to the serious peeling that is occurring. It began just about a month ago as a small circle and has begun to cover the entire passenger side since then! I cannot afford to pay 2000 to 4000 dollars to repaint the car, but am embarrassed by the way it looks. My opinion is that this must be a defect, which should be covered by car maker, especially since I've seen several other 2008 Honda owners who are experiencing the same problem. This expensive problem is not something that a car buyer would expect to be dealing with in just 5 years.

- Michelle J., Edgewood, NM, US

problem #16

Oct 032012

Civic LX 1.8L

  • Manual transmission
  • 76,000 miles

Disappointed with Honda, the car has been reliable as the brand is known for thank god. I avoid the dealership as much as possible, They charged me 120 dollars to set the radio code after I replaced the battery which is ridiculous! The car has 90k miles on it and is on its 3rd a/c compressor which was expensive every time. Runs very well however and gets great mileage aswell as being comfortable... But it looks absolutely horrible my paint faded, then chiped and is now peeling off in sheets on the roof down the back sides of the car. I keep my car in the garage when at home and at work its parked in a covered garage so I dont understand why the dealership basically told me to get lost when i took it in. Absolutely disappointed in honda not standing behind their product.

- Shawn D., Jacksonville, FL, US

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