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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
50,044 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Honda Accord accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2008 Honda Accord Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #29

Dec 152016

Accord

  • 95,000 miles

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

There is a sharp metal edge that I assume is part of the internal seat frame that has sliced through the seat foam and the seat fabric on the driver's side seat and presses against the body of the driver. No injuries have occured yet, but I don't relish the thought of this being shoved into my shoulder blade if I were to get hit from behind.

- Bozeman, MT, USA

problem #28

Jul 012017

Accord

  • 540,055 miles
I hear a grinding sound every time I brake. I saw that Honda settle a class action lawsuit regarding replacing or reimbursing for brake pads that wore out twice as fast. But I called Honda and they told me my car was not covered by this. I have a proximately 54,000 miles on my vehicle. Secondly, my vehicle vibrates or shakes a bit at higher speeds of 65 mph and above on the highway. Not sure if this is a common problem or should be addressed by Honda. Finally, I develop backaches due to the discomfort of the seats which I suspect are not correctly or ergonomically designed. After about 30 to 40 minutes of driving I experience lower back pain which I normally never have. This dissuades me from driving for much longer distances as I remain stiff and need to rest in order to recover from the back pain after driving the vehicle.

- Rutherford, NJ, USA

problem #27

May 112017

Accord

  • miles
The front headrests are unbearably uncomfortable because they stick so far forward that they give you a neck ache. We had to turn ours around in order to be able to stand driving the car or being a passenger. Also, the power adjustable seat on the driver's side is designed so that you can't adjust the front of the seat low enough to take pressure off the back of your thighs. The seat padding also comes up too much on each side of your body causing hip pain. In order to try and be comfortable you have to try and put the seat back, but the back of the seat is poorly designed too. There's just no comfortable position with this seat!!!!!!! this seat needs to be recalled and another more comfortable one installed instead...both driver and passenger side. My 1999 Accord has a super comfortable seat and head rest...why did they do such a bad thing in changing the design so drastically. I know I'm not the only one who is complaining about this..it's all over the internet. If I had known about this problem I wouldn't have bought the car, but only for that reason. Other than that, it's a really nice model. Somebody help me!!!

- Madawaska, ME, USA

problem #26

Nov 222016

Accord

  • miles

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

Takata recall, we bought this car for over 16,000 at gormleys automotive. After getting it home there were certain repairs that we needed asap. The car was definitely in a previous accident as we could see when the paint chipped that there was the original Honda white underneath. The car has 3 recalls. Lights come on that do not make sense and even though we didn't receive a manual, I looked things up on the internet. The engine belt rumbles, the suspension is way off, the leather seats and sidearms have ripped because they were replaced by cheap parts. The car loan is for $331 monthly and still is owed a siginificant amount on. Steward financial harasses with phone calls if you are an hr late on a payment. Unacceptable. I am disabled and can barely make ends meet. I do not want to pay for a car that runs like a hoopdee when its supposed to run like a Honda. Turning it does not grab the road, stationary the engine rumbles. I am a female so I do not know to much about cars. What I do know is that I cannot afford to have repairs done on a car with such a large amount owed on it.

- Collingswood, NJ, USA

problem #25

Mar 212016

Accord

  • 47,441 miles
"takata recall" Honda usa does not honor the NHTSA 16V-056 (corrosion of the ECU unit) air bag recall. They said they would send a remedy letter in the fall of 2016. Never received the letter, and closed their recall campaign. They will not replace the ECU unit unless it's corroded to a point where a warning light comes on. The whole point of the NHTSA 16V-056 recall is to replace the ECU unit, so no corrosion will occur in the future. Honda usa refuses to replace the ECU unit. They bully their dealers not to replace it too. I have never encountered a business that is this deceiving in my life. I' M stuck without any pull or power to have them liable for this issue. Please, I beg you, please help me NHTSA! there was a litigation that was settled in the past regarding premature wear on the rear brakes. They just replaced one set of rear brakes per litigation, but the actual defect was never addressed and never fixed. The defect is in their braking system. I'm still driving with defective braking, with extremely high anxiety. Honda usa deceived NHTSA and the customers again. Seats are so uncomfortable, it detracts attention away from driving safely on the road.

- Anaheim, CA, USA

problem #24

Apr 252015

Accord

  • 89,000 miles
At a full stop passenger exited the vehicle and shut the passenger front door and the side curtain airbags and front passenger seat side airbag deployed. The force of the airbags being deployed also damaged the back passenger door weather strip that creates a seal when doors close. Headliner is damaged as well. Seat belt on front passenger side has been deployed and is non functioning.

- Hamilton, NJ, USA

problem #23

Feb 132015

Accord 4-cyl

  • 59,342 miles

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

I visited the Honda dealership in sterling, va a couple of months ago and had to get my brakes replaced. At that time I asked if they could fix my back driver's seat..(my daughter who is 10 got into the car one day and kicked the back seat by accident with her foot and it fell) I was told they could fix it and they could do it that day because they had the plastic clips in stock but it would cost an additional $197 (I can't remember exact amount) but I told them I was paying a lot of money already for replacing my brakes and I couldn't afford right now and told them I would be back. The guys tried to get the clip to hold (and I was very thankful) but as soon as I pulled out of the dealership it fell again. I was very happy with the service and there was one man in particular who was very helpful and I wished I had his name to tell you. So, I had an apt today at 9:15 and got there at early at 8:50. The guy finally came back to me about 10:30 or so and said they couldn't fix the back seat because the way this was built wasn't done properly and these this will just keep breaking. He said I would have to replace the seat back and the cost would be $335 plus tax and shop supplies. Really" I said then why wasn't I told this when I was here a couple of weeks ago. Why do I have to pay for something that is a defect in the first place" he said sorry I just fix the cars I don't make them. He was very nice a polite but I don't feel I should have to pay for this at all. I asked him.... why didn't you tell me when I was here before and he replied because of my money restraints. That makes no sense!!! why before you can just replace the plastic clips and now all of the sudden you have to replace the whole back panel. I don't know what is going on but I would like for someone to call me and talk to me about this situation. I am not a happy customer.

- Sterling, VA, USA

problem #22

Jul 262013

Accord 4-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
During a monsoon the passenger door was open and slammed shut by the wind. The passenger side airbag deployed while the vehicle was parked and turned off. The deployed airbag damaged the headliner and seat and misc other parts.

- Buckeye, AZ, USA

problem #21

Jun 242014

Accord

  • 87,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the cushion on the driver's side seat was worn where the metal frame could be felt. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician diagnosed that the seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,000.

- Hauppauge, NY, USA

problem #20

Feb 012013

Accord 6-cyl

  • 60,000 miles
I have had it with this car. And I have had it with Honda. We purchased this car around February of 2013, and it didn't take me a week to start feeling this sharp pain in my back. It was at that time that I realized that the driver and passenger seat had both been manufactured in such a way that causes my back to feel extremely uncomfortable and painful. The only way I can describe the issue is that the seats have faulty lumbar support. Even when the lumbar support system is fully deflated, there is a massive lump at the bottom of the seat back that pushes my lower back outward, not allowing my upper back, neck and head to rest properly on the seat. It is to a point where driving is now getting more and more painful and it is affecting my daily drives. I find myself driving agitated, in pain and feeling like I'm in an extremely awkward position. It is even causing me pain even when not in the car now. It's getting out of hand. I've tried multiple seat cushions and seat adjustments. Nothing can fix this issue. It's uncomfortable, it's painful and it is dangerous. Honda of America has yet to offer me anything and are gladly pushing me around. I need out of this car, I need out of a Honda. This isn't the only issue I've taken up with corporate and received absolutely no type of assistance. I have lost complete confidence not only in my car, but in the Honda brand itself. I need help.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #19

May 172014

Accord 4-cyl

  • 118,000 miles

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

While driving, the side curtain airbag deployed with out there being any collision.

- Calumet City, IL, USA

problem #18

Apr 222014

Accord 4-cyl

  • 89,000 miles
While entering my vehicle all of the passenger side air bags deployed when the front passenger closed the front door. As a result my daughter received facial and ear injuries. My daughter was sitting in the back passenger seat. My car was started and in park. After this happened I researched on the internet and found dozens of other frightening incidents similar to mine reported involving 2008 Honda Accord. The next morning as soon as the dealership where I purchased the car opened I called the manager and was informed to immediately bring it in which I did. My daughter is experiencing headaches and ear ringing sensations. I have scheduled a doctor's appointment for her to be seen tomorrow morning.

- Kennesaw, GA, USA

problem #17

Sep 012011

Accord 4-cyl

  • miles
I had just returned from the store in my 2008 Honda Accord ex/L. I pulled into my driveway placed my car into park and exited the vehicle as I normally would. But to my surprise when I closed my door I heard a loud pop! I turned around and saw my car filled with dust I opened my door and realized my airbags have deployed. Both driver side curtain airbags and the driver's seat side impact airbags were deployed. I didn't "slam" the door or close it any harder then I normally do. I took it to the dealer where I had purchased the car from and he told me I had to of slammed my door for all of them to blow off like they did "they don't just blow off on their own" " you slammed your door" I know how I close my door. I take care of all of my belongings. Is what I replied with. The service writer told me I was looking at $6,000 to get them replaced. I don't have 6 grand sitting around so after many headaches and the dealer trying to scam my insurance company and getting mad that I tried to contact Honda directly to resolve my issue they finally fixed my car....(it took them 2 months) and cost me a lot of money. I was given no help from Honda even after I had found out that I was not the only person out there with this same exact problem. With that being said you'd think Honda would do something about this. Apparently taking care of customers and doing what's right has fallen low on the pole for Honda. I can promise I will never purchase a car from Honda ever again.

- Hoffman Estates, IL, USA

problem #16

Nov 052012

Accord

  • 28,450 miles
This car has the worst seats I have ever sat in. I have owned the car just over a month and my back pain is so bad that I am being forced to sell it to save my back. Honda should be liable for the back problems caused by these seats.

- Provo, UT, USA

problem #15

Jul 062011

Accord 6-cyl

  • 42,587 miles
The leather interior of armrest and door armrest are blistering. The armrest has split with no wear what so ever on both.

- Forestville, MD, USA

problem #14

Apr 302008

Accord

  • miles
Driver seat lumbard too high.. stick in center of back.

- Glenview, IL, USA

problem #13

Jun 012009

Accord 4-cyl

  • 7,500 miles
When I test drove the vehicle, it seemed comfortable enough. It wasn't until a 3 hour road trip a few months later that I realized how uncomfortable the front seats are. With the non-adjustable forward angle of the head restraints, nothing from the middle of my back to the top of my head touched the seat. Over time, this resulted in chronic neck and upper back pain that I attempted to relieve with chiropractor and massage therapy, but the relief was always temporary. After owning the vehicle about 2 years, I got so frustrated that I pulled the headrests out, wrapped them in a blanket, and ran them over with my vehicle until the rods were flattened. Now the head restraints are vertical, a much more comfortable angle for my body. I no longer experience discomfort and chronic pain from driving my vehicle. The active restraint system still works perfectly. As I understand the new regulations regarding head restraints, a manufacturer must either use a fixed angle head restraint or an active system that moves the head restraining forward in a rear collision. I am not sure why Honda did both things. When I look at other new vehicles, the extreme forward angled head restraints are in every car I've seen and I will not purchase another vehicle with them. It should be possible to have both safety and comfort. I suggest revising the regulation to only active restraint systems or having fully adjustable head restraints and including information on proper adjustment. I believe there is no net benefit of these forward sloping head restraints. Any reduction in whiplash claims will probably be offset by a larger increase in therapy services and attempts to alter the head restraints. On several forums, people have indicated they turned the headrests backwards. In my car, that would have caused a dangerous backward angle offering no support to the head in the event of an accident. The active head restraint systems, on the other hand, are a good non-intrusive way to increase safety.

- Beaverton, OR, USA

problem #12

Apr 202011

Accord

  • miles
2008 Honda seat has inadequate lumbar support.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #11

Jun 122010

Accord

  • 10,000 miles
2008 Honda Accord ex/4-door sedan/4-cylinder: Bought new car 03/09; at considerably less than 10,000 miles rear brakes wore out prematurely, thereafter front brakes also wore out. Had to pay for replacements due to american Honda motor Corp refusing to cover under warranty. They refuse any assistance or resolution.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #10

Jan 012009

Accord 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Accord which was purchased brand new. He stated that both front seats bounced when they move back and forth. He felt that the seats were off track. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that they were aware of the failure and that they were working on a remedy. No repairs were made to date. The failure and current mileages were under 25,000. Updated 08/11/10. Updated 08/11/10

- Copage, NY, USA

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