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.

7.9

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,260
Average Mileage:
67,500 miles
Total Complaints:
394 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (229 reports)
  2. per Honda consuming 1qt per 1k miles normal (42 reports)
  3. I heard that Honda replaced worn rings and engine short block (21 reports)
  4. call American Honda corporation to complain (14 reports)
  5. rebuilt the engine (14 reports)
  6. replace engine (13 reports)
2008 Honda Accord engine problems

engine problem

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2008 Honda Accord Owner Comments (Page 10 of 20)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #214

May 152009

Accord EXL 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles

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

I have a 2008 Honda that needs a new catalytic converter which is unacceptable and very costly...I constantly have to add oil between 3000 mile oil changes...i noticed this after 1 year of ownership...a new car should not burn as much oil as this car has and this issue was not fixed during the recall...American Honda Corporation needs to be accountable for their product and reimburse my repairs and everyone else who has a 2008 which burns oil from what seems day one...

- Joseph I., Fall River, MA, US

problem #213

Jun 212012

Accord LX 2.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 119,000 miles

I have had numerous problems with my 2008 Honda Accord and most recently it looks to be an oil consumption problem. I had my oil changed on April 18, 2012 after taking it to the dealership for a rattling sound in the engine (this had already happened at least 4-5 other times in the last few years) which they had always said were rocks hung under a heat shield. I took it in again today for the same problem and after the mechanic driving it with me in the car he heard the noise and also noticed that when he turned the vehicle to the left the oil light flashed on. When we got back to the dealership he checked the oil and there was barely any on the dipstick. I left the car to be checked out. When I returned I was told that my oil was 2 1/2 quarts low. The mechanic said that he could not locate any leaks. I asked how could it be that 2 1/2 quarts were missing after driving it for 8 weeks. Although he was really nice and seemed genuinely concerned he had no answer as to how that could happen. The receptionist stated that as cars get older they use oil. I suppose that is true on an older car such as the 14 year old Ford with the oil leak that my daughter had but not a 4 year old Honda! I am going to keep a check on my oil regularly to see how much I am using. This is the 3rd Honda Accord that I have owned and it will definitely be the last!

- martintn, Springfield, TN, US

problem #212

Jun 252012

Accord LX-P 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles

I went to get my oil changed and the attendant pointed out to me that there was no oil on the oil dip stick. This was very alarming to me. I called the Honda Dealership Service Department and had a service tech tell me it wasn't unusual. I then had both the lube attendant and the Honda Service Tech chastise me for not having my oil changed regularly. I pointed out to them that I had in fact had it changed at the intervals I was told to have it changed at. Now a grinding noise has started. My car is at the dealership service center and I was told that the grinding noise is due to the VTEC Actuator and it will be a $600 repair.

- selena ann, San Antonio, TX, US

problem #211

Jun 062012

Accord LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

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

Mortified when I took my car to get the oil changed, only at 3300 miles since the last one, my oil level would not even register on the dipstick. Technician came to me and asked me if I had an oil leak, put my car up on lift and said that there was no oil leak detected, that my car must be using oil. For the money that I paid for this vehicle, I am highly upset that there is not a recall to correct Honda's mistakes, and it is up to the consumer to pay for extra oil, repairs, etc. to fix a defect that they are clearly responsible for. I think it's bad business practice to treat people this way and get away with it. Of course, my warranty is expired since I have exceeded 36000 miles, but I bought the car new, with only 9 miles on it. I will NEVER buy another Honda ever again. Also, my armrest "leather" material bubbled up and peeled off. No recall on that either. Looks as if I am stuck with a bad quality car and think everyone out there should be leary of buying a Honda that the company will not make things right with for the owner.

- Jamie P., Byrdstown, TN, US

problem #210

Jan 202011

Accord EX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,794 miles

I have been driving Honda's since 1992, had my first accord for 16 years. It had 287K miles when I sold it, it never burned nor leaked oil and it is still running at over 370K miles. Wish I still had it.....I bought the new 2008 model with it being bigger and all finally talked into newer model and come on you have enjoyed your old one you deserve a newer one. Well drove it and did enjoy it. First it had issues with brakes, then they fixed that. Later my car was making a noise I noticed when I started it, took it in as I had no warning light on etc and it was low oil. This was in January 2011, with 85794 miles on it. It's undergone the oil consumption test throughout this last year more than once. They put a thicker oil weight trying to see a difference only difference it has made is the price of my oil changes being higher not to mention I need to purchase extra quarts of oil so that every 1000 miles I can be sure to add a quart. No warning light comes on, I just have to do this or I would I guess have no oil at all if I waited for the wrench to come on or maybe a light as a light has never came on. Corporate Honda has been involved and they come back and tell me this is acceptable well it's NOT and since I am not the only one with this problem you would think they would want to go back to how Honda use to want customers. HAPPY with the products......my entire family drives Honda's because of my past experiences prior to my 2008 Accord. GO figure.....I want a new motor, one that I don't need to constantly check to be sure I am good with oil. If this is something that they can not fix then it's time to make the lights kick on so someone is aware they are indeed in need of oil before more unhappy Honda owners are out here complaining for blown motors. When I bought this Honda I not only wanted to enjoy the new body of it and larger car knowing that I would more than likely keep this car as long as I did my 1992 if I chose too. Not if this is how I am going to be treated being a loyal Honda driver for all these years and now to be told this is okay. I think NOT. Corporate HONDA you need to step to the plate and take care of all of us that are having this situation. Voices are as everyone knows the best form of advertisement, well more and more seem to be speaking of this and it's not going over too well.

- Teresa G., Murfreesboro, TN, US

problem #209

Oct 122011

Accord

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

Personal mechanic mentioned to us the car was very low on oil when - took to Honda for a recall issue and discovered there was one or (update) on software because the car could appear to burn or use oil. Kept on eye on things and it consistently go worse after the software update. Honda done an Oil Usage thing and was in agreement that it was burning a quart to a quart and half every 1000 to 1500 miles. Wanted me to pay 1100.00 to have a diagnostic test done - once that was done and they seen what was wrong then they would let Honda know and see if they would agree to fix it.

- Alison M., China Grove, NC, US

problem #208

Jul 022012

Accord EX 2.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,900 miles

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

In Nov, 2011 - engine ran low on oil. who new to add a qt of oil every 1000 miles was a requirement of owning a honda accord. now they tell me.

in Jan.2012- recalls NP2 engine oil consumption and secondary shaft bearing performed.

checking oil every 1000 - 3000 miles

July, ran low on oil again. Honda performing ANOTHER Oil consumption report and is claiming it is industry standard for cars to burn 1 qt. oil for every 1000 miles. I have owned many cars and have never had to add a qt of oil every 1000 miles, Maybe 10,000. miles. Car engine has issues and honda thinks we consumers are idiots and not fixing the problem. We will see where this get us consumers -- always beware.

- dtmohiodm, Wilmington, OH, US

problem #207

Sep 012011

Accord LX 4 cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 59,000 miles

I have always been a loyal Toyota fan, but when I was looking to buy a new car in 2008 decided to purchase a Honda instead because they were rated even better than Toyota at the time, and so I test drove a Honda Accord 4 cylinder VTEC, 5 speed manual transmission, and absolutely fell in love with the way it looked and handled, and being under the impression that Honda made 1st quality vehicles, I purchased it. I faithfully maintained my car and had the oil changed at Wal Mart because I could do my shopping while my oil was being changed. The mechanics there didn't mention anything about oil consumption, I guess the price you pay for convenience is that it is very impersonal. About a year ago, my engine light came on and a friend looked at it and said there was barely any oil in the car, even though I had the oil changed about 2 months before! I chalked it up to the oil filter maybe having come loose, took it back for regular oil changes, and then had my friend change the oil who noticed it was low on oil again! I never noticed any oil in the driveway, so the car wasn't leaking. My last oil change was at a Mr. Tire last week, who, of course, told me my car was very low on oil again. Now I've been reading other people's complaints and realize I have a severe problem on my hands. Thanks Honda, I should have stuck with Toyota. At least they admit when they have a problem and correct it.

- Helen J., Hancock, MD, US

problem #206

Jul 012012

Accord EXL 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

2008 Accord EXL 4 cyl. was using oil about a quart and a half every 1000 miles. Honda is going to replace the pistons and rings but I am worried that this won't fix the problem. Does anyone know if there is more Honda should do besides the rings and pistons?

- elarson, Owatonna, MN, US

problem #205

Jan 072013

Accord 4 cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 59,000 miles

My husband has changed my oil every 4000 to 5000 miles and used Honda's oil filters every time. He mentioned that there was hardly any oil in the drain pan the last several times. I thought it should be okay until the oil light came on. It was just a little over 5000 miles with NO oil. Why didn't the light come on sooner? Honda YOU have a problem!

It is not normal for a car to use a quart of oil every 1000! Honda knows they have a problem. My father was a mechanic so I know there is a problem. I hope that Honda will fix this problem. I bought a used Honda in the first place because of the dependability. So much for that. It is the last one I will buy. When something goes wrong, the person will tell 10 people how bad the experience was. I am telling more because I work with the public.

I have taken my car twice to the dealership. First for the initial oil change. Second because the oil was a quart low after 1600. Gas mileage is not what it was either. Is there oil in the plugs? They order two parts because I have two oil leaks. Nothing was said about an oil leak in the first visit. Front crank seal and v-tec oil ring. Is this going to fix the problem? Good question. I will post what happens after the next visit.

Update from Feb 16, 2013 - Is this Honda's version of the Vega? As of now, I can not say I have gone to a gas station and only needed oil and no gas.

My husband has changed my oil every 4000 to 5000 miles and used Honda's oil filters every time. He mentioned that there was hardly any oil in the drain pan the last several times. I thought..no can't be right..this is a Honda. Then the oil light came on. Very little oil. Do you think you have a problem now Honda or are you just going to hide it?

The dealership said it is normal for the car to use a quart of oil every 1000 miles. My dad was a mechanic, and I have NEVER know it to be normal for a car to use that much oil. I hope that Honda will fix this problem!

Update from May 1, 2013 - The third time I took my Honda to the dealership to monitor the oil consumption (two quarts low after 2700 miles), service called back a few hours later to say that they needed to replace the pistons and rings. I guess the call to corporation helped because the dealership knew I call when I went in for a oil change. Corporate phone number is 1-800-999-1099. Honda realizes that there is a BIG problem. I am lucky enough that my car is under the power train warranty, so I do not have to pay for the repairs that will take three days. Hopefully, if you are having this problem, you can get the same results after some time and energy invested. Now, I will buy a Honda again.

- riceinva, Mechanicsville, VA, US

problem #204

Mar 012013

Accord EX-L 2.4L

  • Manual transmission
  • 68,373 miles

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

I got low oil pressure warning light last Friday... Pulled oil deep stick and it would say that there is almost NO oil in the engine! I do regular maintenance as soon as I reach 10% oil life and use Mobile 1 full synthetic 5-20W. Didn't see any oil leaks on my drive way, no blue smoke.. Anyway, I had to add 3 quarters of oil to get to OK level. Honda dealer advised me that they are aware about excessive oil consumption in V-6 Accords 2008, but it is a first 4L Accord. I was advised to stop be the dealer for the next oil change and they will check the oil level e dry 1000 miles after that, to see if there is any issues. What to say? My Accord is full of surprises! Brake problems, poor gas mileage, very cheap "leather" seats upholstery, uncomfortable driver seat, A/C and heater issues, noisy drive, suspension problems,... now it gets crazy oil consumption. Will keep you, people, updated.

Update from Mar 23, 2013: People, DO NOT BUY Honda!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Today I came to the Dobbs Honda dealer on Mendenhall at Memphis. I asked for an oil consumption test since three weeks ago I had to add 3 qts of oil because it disappeared from the engine. The service advised started with the standard opening statement:"It's your fault, you didn't do the maintenance right way!". Damn, I am not sure how many times I was told the same by Honda dealers! They are saying that it is normal to burn 1 qt. of oil every 1000 miles and again that it is my fault. A few minutes later it was two service advisers attacking me with raised voices that I am not doing right maintenance and I have to be sorry for the poor car. Oh, I am sorry already that one day I stopped by Honda dealer and purchased brand new 2008 Accord!

Update from Mar 23, 2013: Oh, I forgot to mention that on my Honda dealer visit today (March 23, 2013) service adviser told me that it is expected by Honda that this vehicle burns up to 1qt of oil every 1000 miles...... So, I usually change the motor oil when dashboard computer tells me that I have ~15% oil life left and it is approximately 5000 miles. Well, if I add 1qt of oil every 1000 miles at 5000 miles I supposed to have 5 qt of fresh engine oil and why would I discard it at all?! LOL! I do not recommend to buy Honda Accord 2008.

- Eduard L., Cordova, TN, US

problem #203

Jun 272012

Accord EX-L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,116 miles

April 2011 I bought my first Honda, very excited after having heard how durable and excellent they are. O contraire! June 2012 my 2008 Accord displayed its first issue of excessive oil consumption. I had an oil change made on a vacation, to find that my oil was absolutely depleted. Gone. Empty. I have regular oil changes, so this was a shock to me. Since then I have had several instances of excessive oil consumption. I had a grinding noise that I attributed to transmission problems, only to have the Capital Honda dealership determine that I have a major oil consumption problem. We did the oil consumption test that so many here have been required to do. HWY it is a quart low after 500 miles. Average determined by the dealership was 858.57. The dealership set up an appointment for me to bring in my car to have a short block installed to fix the problem, as it was covered under warranty up to January 2014 or 120,000 miles. Car was up to 103,927 miles. Arranged to have a rental car provided per warranty as well. Next day I was informed that Honda declined to okay the work, as they saw the oil consumption as being within normal limits per their 1 qt per every 1,000 miles. This,despite the fact the consumption fell below the 1,000 mile "standard," which as I understand it dates back to the 1980s, over 30 years ago. I returned the rental car. They did no work on my vehicle. They have not inspected the engine. They again recommended the oil consumption test. No specific information was provided to clarify when they might be satisfied with any results. I was given the run around yet again. And then I read the other cases that duplicate mine, where no satisfaction is given. EVER.

Will I buy another Honda? NEVER. Meanwhile, I am contacting the Better Business Bureau, my State's General Attorney, and the Japan Honda to let them know how their company does NOT stand behind warranties in the states here. I may never get any satisfaction. In the meantime, I am looking for a non-Honda replacement vehicle and will let all of my friends and acquaintances know how Honda does business and how this company is to be avoided for car purchases. Do NOT get an extended warranty. It's a waste of time. Better yet, don't buy a vehicle from them. I certainly won't be a repeat customer. I've only had my 2008 Honda Accord EX-L for 2 years. I love it for so many reasons. If only they would have repaired it, I would have been very happy. How sad and wrong that they will not stand behind their warranty.

- Karen N., Owosso, MI, US

problem #202

Jun 082008

Accord EX-L 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,722 miles

the oil consumption is really high

I do all my serves at the dealer every 3800km while the dealer say I should do the serves every 5000km

I had this issue since day one and even the dealer didn't know what was the cause of it

I told them to investigate many times but never called back

- Wasfi K., Doha, Doha, Qatar

problem #201

Mar 152013

Accord 4 cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 57,000 miles

this vehicle started making a rattling noise when starting - the noise happens at start up every time and has gotten louder - dealer states it is the VTC actuator - we have also had an oil consumption problem with the vehicle and were never notified of the oil consumption problem or "fix". Dealer wants 750.00 to fix it and will not provide a shuttle ride to work (it is 14 miles ) he will only provide a shuttle for 10 miles or less. Called Honda of America and got no assistance with the problem or the solution . The dealer has offered a 20% coupon and had part expressed in, but since i work for other dealerships, I believe Honda should step up to the plate and fix the problems on the 2008 Accord - the VTC valve and the oil consumption - perhaps a class action suit????

- svcbtch, Sugar Land, TX, US

problem #200

Jan 052013

Accord LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,008 miles

I have been noticing my 2008 Honda Accord Coupe has been losing oil over a period of time. I had to get three oil changes in a 3 month span. My car has 62,000 miles on it. It makes a weird noise when i accelerate. I figured it was my oil only because it makes this noise when it is time for a oil change. It's not leaking oil anywhere. I do have a warranty with Honda. I know when i call them to get this issue resolved i will be getting a run around story. I have had nothing but issues since purchasing this car in December of 2011. Trust me Honda tries every which way to squeeze money out of you. It's a joke. I can go on and on how they tried stealing money from me on past issues. I hope there is a recall on this issue so they are not stealing more money off of me or Honda owners.

- richardwalsh1116, Philadelphia, PA, US

problem #199

Jul 122012

Accord EX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,000 miles

No Oil left in the engine at Maintenance minder at 70%. Oil light blink alerted me about the issue. replaced the oil again thinking that oil change was not done good at previous place. but the issue repeated again in Dec 2012. I moved to Canada from US in 2011. Went to Canadian dealer to checkup. they asked me to call Honda America My warranty on the car completing by the end of Dec 2012. They given the instructions to update the software. But the problem repeated. Again went to Dealer. they asked me to contact Honda Canada. Came to know that Honda America and Honda Canada are different. Need to transfer the warranty to Canada once the registration done in Canada. Even though I registered a complaint in warranty period with Honda America I am not going to cover under warranty service. Dealer said Oil test will be below $100. Problem rectification will be between $3000 to $4000.

- prabhashkuv, Brampton, ON, canada

problem #198

Jun 012011

Accord 2.4L I-Vtech

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

At 2,000 miles I had to add 2 quarts of oil. This has been going on for a couple of years. Just fed up.

- janice4282, Cranford, NJ, US

problem #197

Jan 012013

Accord EX L VX

  • 90,000 miles

Several months ago I noticed that my oil light kept coming on but I had about 40% oil life according to my indicator. I brought the car in and they told me that they just added oil. 1 Month later after I had gotten an oil change, same issue. My husband check the oil level and needed to add 2 quarts of oil. I had not even driven 1000 miles and my car was almost out of oil??? Last week, my car yet again with 40% oil life started flashing the oil indicator light. My husband added 1 quart of oil and now it has started to light up again~ less than a week later. I am in transition at work and now my car is beyond the warranty. I am afraid to bring it in because I don't want them to tell me I will be responsible for something I cannot afford. I have always gotten maintenance regularly through Honda and they never mentioned anything about an issue with the oil burning. I can't keep going back to them just so I can pay for them to add oil to my car. What do I do??

- shas, Hercules, CA, US

problem #196

Mar 012013

Accord EXL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,000 miles

Just complained to American Honda Corporation. They said that every one who has an issue and complains on a blog should call American Honda Corporation to complain so they can document each case. If there are enough complaints they might very well do a recall free of charge for the engine work to fix the problem. My 2008 Honda Accord burns 1 quart of oil every 3500 miles. Lets all call Honda Corp. @ 1-800-999-1009. There is strength with numbers!

Update from Nov 27, 2015: Honda dealer rebuilt my engine pistons under extended warranty 8 years or 125000 miles. At 112000 miles Honda rebuilt my engine pistons for free. Now my check engine light is on and there is a problem with the catalytic converter. Research indicates excessive oil consumption will damage the catalytic converter. Lets all call American Honda and complain so they take responsibility @ 1-800-999-1009. There is strength in numbers.

- gsirakis15, Hollis HIlls, NY, US

problem #195

Jan 182013

Accord EX-L Coupe 2.4L I4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,667 miles

I bought this car as a Honda Certified Pre-Owned in early 2011 with only 20,000 miles on it, along with the expectation that it would live up to Honda's (mostly) stellar reputation of quality. The car had been running especially rough this winter despite mild temperatures. Low oil indicator came on while stopped in traffic - much to my surprise - and I added a full quart just to get to my destination. This happened only after 2700 miles past the last oil change.

After a month or so of rough idling, weak acceleration, and generally underwhelming performance, I took it to the dealership today. I had already looked up the Technical Service Bulletins, seeing a potential link between the aforementioned missing oil, crappy performance, and Honda's publications.

When I explained all of this to the service tech, he immediately made the quip about "your car should be burning 1 quart of oil every 1,000 miles", to which I laughed hysterically. Regardless, I instructed him to do a comprehensive review of the symptoms I provided and check the entire lubrication and ignition systems for a cause. When looking at the service history of my vehicle, he was able to determine that an oil consumption test and at least 1 PCM update was applied in 2011 - at the time I was not aware of the oil consumption issue and the dealership told me they were free fixes for bulletins so I didn't pay much attention to them at that time.

2 hours later, the service tech informed me that my car was suffering from issues related to TSB 10-075 (http://www.automd.com/tsb/bulletin_b292738/), and that they would fix this free of charge under warranty. This wasn't exactly the answer I was expecting, as I spent the 2 hours of wait time on this site reading the fix options (e.g. ring & piston replacement).

After the TSB bulletin was addressed, the master mechanic came out to talk to me and reiterated the "1 qt. per 1,000 miles" dreck. I promptly told him - in certain words - that his answer is a complete joke and that in no situation should a 5 year old car with less than 50,000 miles burn that amount of oil.

Admittedly, the car is running very smoothly now, but I am still dubious that this will fix the problem. I will be actively monitoring my oil consumption over the next few months, and if I detect any oil loss over the normal amount (which should be none for a car this age), I will be going directly to American Honda's district manager for a resolution.

This problem coupled with the ludicrous response from the service department has most definitely soured my opinion of Honda. I'll update this in the future with any new findings.

Update from Jan 23, 2014: After my complaining reached the ears of the regional service manager at Honda, I was asked by the local dealership's service manager to participate in an oil consumption test starting mid-2013. The results conclusively demonstrated that my car was burning at least 1 quart of oil every 1,000 miles under varied driving conditions. Honda was quick to react and immediately volunteered to replace my pistons, rings, and assess any other lubrication & ignition system for faults. My car is currently undergoing this service (2-5 day service depending on staffing at the dealership) and I am eagerly awaiting to receive my results. Despite the terrible situation, kudos goes to the regional and local service managers for being so accommodating and quick to act. Repair has cost me nothing out of pocket. FYI, Honda has settled the class action regarding this matter: http://www.topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/open-lawsuit-settlements/5323-honda-engine-misfire-class-action-lawsuit-settlement/

- Christopher M., Gambrills, MD, US

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