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:
3 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
74,272 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 drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2008 Honda Accord Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #45

Mar 022019

Accord

  • 100,000 miles

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

Check engine lit. Engine room 1500--2000. Computer indicate transmission sensor. I replaced it but doesn't help. Removed minus battery. Check engine disappears after 40 miles check engine appear again.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

problem #44

Oct 082008

Accord

  • 177,000 miles
Honda recall. My car for some reason was covered under the power transmission recall even though my car is experiencing the same problem and codes other 2008 Honda Accord were the same year. My oil is going faster then I can put it in. It doesn't last a whole month. I have no oil leaks in my car at all what so ever. Its damaging my engine because I had no clue it was burning the oil that fast. It's not fair they only cover some 2008 Honda Accord. When they already were sued because if it.

- Lancaster, CA, USA

problem #43

May 162018

Accord

  • 83,000 miles
Grinding noise presents when cold start the car, possiblely the vtc actuator failure

- Bradenton, FL, USA

problem #42

Apr 222018

Accord

  • miles

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

Since last 5 years I noticed loud grinding noise at startup, only in the morning when I first start the engine. Noise does not happen on startups during the day and the engine runs fine. Just the annoying about 2 second long scratch noise at first start in the morning. But since last 2-3 weeks it has gone worst and get that noice even when I start driving and every time I slow down and start speed up again it get that noice like gear slipping or grinding noise until I reach to faster speed like above 30-35. Its happening every time now. On Honda's website it defines problem as "engine rattles at cold start-up" just difference for me is now its happening all the time when I am driving. And I was waiting for hope to get recall notification since it's happening to all 2008 Honda Accord customers. Here is the link of Honda website which has more information. Https://Honda.oemdtc.com/219/engine-rattles-at-cold-start-up-2008-2013-Honda which even says the 2008-2012 all Honda Accord models has this problem. So before I schedule an appointment to dealership I thought to take this step to mention about common problem of particular 2008 Honda Accord to NHTSA United States department of transportation hoping I will get some kind of help or solution.

- Honolulu, HI, USA

problem #41

Nov 022016

Accord 4-cyl

  • 103,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at 25 mph with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle speed decreased independently. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence. The vehicle was towed to two different independent mechanics where they diagnosed for a new battery, and rebuilt ECU however, the remedy failed. The vehicle was towed to dealer (bell Honda, 701 w bell rd, phoenix, AZ, 85023) where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module software failed, causing the counter shaft bearing to hit against the speed sensor and all three parts need to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure under the case number: 6198619, where they informed the contact that the vehicle was serviced under the NHTSA campaign number: 11V395000 (power train) as of September 26th of 2012, however the remedy failed. The manufacturer stated depending on what information the contact found out that they would escalate the case to a case manager, no further assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000...updated 09/05/17

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #40

Jul 272017

Accord

  • 180,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Accord. While driving at unknown speeds, there was an abnormal knocking noise. Additionally, the vehicle burned oil excessively. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (dublin Honda located at 6300 dublin blvd ca 94588) where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was irreparable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed and offered no assistance. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 180,000.

- Dublin, CA, USA

problem #39

May 262017

Accord

  • 88,600 miles

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

Defective vtc actuaftor. Honda & dealer knew by 2011 that the part was defective and defectively designed, and should have recalled it. Now, in spite of being "out of warranty, " they should replace or reimburse. I did replace and am seeking reimbursement, so far denied.

- Canby, OR, USA

problem #38

May 262017

Accord

  • 88,000 miles
The vtc actuator needed to be replaced. The mechanic explained that it was not merely defective, but was a design defect, for which there had been recalls for other/later models years. I confirmed this with a google search. I was told that, were the part not replaced, the damage could be catastrophic. Cost - over $600. I complained to Honda of America, and sought reimbursement. They denied it, saying it was out of warranty. Car has about 88,000 miles and warranty was for 5 years and 30,000 miles. However, Honda of America representative said he would sue Honda if it were him. I should receive reimbursement, and there should be recall on this part.

- Canby, OR, USA

problem #37

Feb 222017

Accord

  • 93,867 miles
Engine is burning oil, american Honda states I am not in tsb #11-033, but they just told me my passenger air bag is involved in the takata recall, transmission 1-2 shift doesn't feel right

- Massapequa Park, NY, USA

problem #36

Nov 142016

Accord

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Accord. While attempting to exit the vehicle with the key out of the ignition, the vehicle rolled away in reverse and dragged the driver's left leg. The vehicle crashed into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. In addition, the front driver's side door failed to latch due to the crash. A police report was not filed. The contact sustained left leg, head, and neck injuries, but did not require medical attention. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V056000 (air bags). The failure mileage was 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Mobile, AL, USA

problem #35

Jul 132016

Accord

  • 58,000 miles

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

This is a safety raised issue on a 2008 Accord-lxp that I purchased used (which had about 29K originally when I purchased it as a certified Honda Accord) from herb chambers boston. Since I purchased the car, I started hearing an odd grinding noise when starting the car on cold days - Honda said just keep oil full. I then find out that a recall had been issued to fix the oil consumption, that Honda had finally agreed there was an issue with the engine design and would fix it and at the same time would not cause other issues to emerge such as vtc and the timing chain issues. Recently my engine light came on, I started researching the problem. It was the first time I knew about the following issues which I will be detailing/describing below. Results were bad: A timing chain failure. My car has stopped in the middle of road causing a very dangerous situation which could led to me losing my life. Not, only that, when I tried to just drive the car a mile back to my house it was accelerating and decelerating by it self. In addition, I decided to take it to the dealership for a diagnoses, I almost ended up in couple accidents. The car was uncontrollable and won't stop and the brakes won't respond due to issues caused by oil consumption, to vtc actuator to a timing chain failure: The car keep accelerating and decelerating by it self on the road or highway. Note: Ideally the timing chain should not fail on 58K miles. Simplified sequence of problems: Oil consumption issue vtc (valve timing control) actuator timing chain (either loose or broken) safety issue

- Winthrop, MA, USA

problem #34

Jul 062016

Accord

  • 84,000 miles
I purchased this Honda Accord from automaxx of summerville in good faith from dealer stating that vehicle passed all their inspections (including brake system). I found out within 2 weeks later by taking it to a Honda dealership, that the brakes, brake lines, caliper, exhaust system are all affected by severe, damaging rust. During inspection, inclusive were sticking caliper. I had front brakes replaced; but due to rust, technician had to bam & force brakes lose. I was informed of the risks with severe rusting causing parts to brake and fail. New brakes would not install properly after old, seated brakes came off. When vehicle is in motion and stopping, the brake system makes noise, and seems like something coming apart due to the insecure fitting of brakes/rotors/calipers, which all have a great build up of rust. This vehicle was purchased approximately 1 month ago in these conditions. It should be illegal to sell such vehicles that pose safety risk in brake system. Honda inspection suggested that rust was so severe that car could have possibly been damaged by salt water/snow/ice or flood. Car originated from up North. Re-sale should not be allowed.

- Barnwell, SC, USA

problem #33

Jun 292016

Accord

  • 119,000 miles
The timing chain broke while driving at approximately 52 mph. This resulted in the destruction of the engine at 119000 miles on a car that has had all recommended services procedures performed. This vehicle has a timing chain not a belt.

- Loganville, GA, USA

problem #32

Jun 062014

Accord

  • 60,000 miles
Replaced vtc actuator once and needs to be replaced again. Need a new redesigned vtc actuator to be manufactured.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #31

Jan 282010

Accord

  • miles
Purchased my Accord new off the lot.1st problem came exactly 1 month later 2 sensors had to be replaced. Oil light consistently stayed on I was having to change or add oil all the time. Ive been to every Honda dealer in san diego. Mission valley finally agreed to a oil consumption test but they assured me nothing was wrong. Their solution was anytime I needed oil I could stop by any Honda dealership & they would be happy to top it off for me. Because of this oil problem & the sensor consistently staying on the car began to lose power & shot out the timing belt. My car has been in my driveway since last july2015. After sending Honda numerous letters ron from Honda motor co finally contacted me. Final result his recommendation was to take the car back to the dealership for another oil consumption test to be done & if theres any other problems I would have to pay out of pocket. Because the car was only covered for 60,000 miles. I'm so over this car & Honda. I no longer feel safe driving a Honda!

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #30

Mar 262015

Accord

  • 32,000 miles
The engine of my Honda Accord 2008 started to having the rattle and scratching sound when it reached 32000 miles. The engine also started to fail as the rattle sound gets serious. I called Honda usa multiple times, but they said that they will not cover this issue because the car was made in 2008 and I'm filing this complaint in 2016. I think Honda usa is trying to avoid this defect of Accord 2008, since numerous people have had the same issue.

- Bloomington, IN, USA

problem #29

Dec 092015

Accord

  • miles
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Accord. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 15V665000 (air bags) and 11V395000 (power train) however the parts to do the repairs were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for recall repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Ormond Beach, FL, USA

problem #28

Jan 022016

Accord

  • miles
Vsa brakeand ABS light comes on after engine has warmed up. Honda dealor has dtc 122-01 vsa selenoid valve malfunction cost for this defect in the vsa light per written estimate is $1639. This is a safety highway hazard. Contacted Honda corporation customer service case# 04375940 and know one has know knowledge of the safety concern and fail to fixed and pay for this saftey highway safety need. Refuses to have a supervisor contact me to discuss the class action powertrain covered til 6-2016 service bulletin 13-078. My car will not increase in speed stalls at 55 mph on high speed and speed limit on highway is 70 mph and can received a ticket for driving under speed limited that can cause a accident on the highways.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #27

Mar 232015

Accord 4-cyl

  • miles
2008 Honda Accord. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle repair services at dealership and transmission replacement issues. The consumer stated she took the vehicle to the dealer for a 55,000 mile point inspection. However, the dealer performed other work she did not request. The dealer informed the consumer, the vehicle needed a new transmission. After the transmission was installed, the vehicle performed even worse. The vehicle shook in a violent manner.

- Norcross, GA, USA

problem #26

Oct 262015

Accord

  • 73,000 miles
Automobile shudders violently when driven at a constant speed. Diagnosis from the repair shop is torque converter oscillation and recommends replacement of transmission

- Hummelstown, PA, USA

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