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 7 of 20)

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problem #274

Dec 012014

Accord LX-P 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,500 miles

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

Excessive oil consumption. On cold starts, as I am accelerating, at about 2000 rpm there would be a rattling noise from the engine and the engine oil indicator would flash momentarily. The rattling does not occur again at higher speeds nor the indicator light come back on. At the dealership, this was diagnosed as a very low engine oil condition (despite there being 40% oil life on my Maintenance Minder Indicator). The dealer changed the oil and performed the software upgrade per Service Bulletin 11-049 recall. Reading other reports her makes me very nervous as the software update does not seem to fix the problem.

- Jack B., Eatontown, NJ, US

problem #273

Nov 032014

Accord VP 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

Honda is not providing Customer Service

Honda does not take responsibility of manufacturer's poor design and defects.

- accordjvc, Columbia, MD, US

problem #272

Sep 012012

Accord LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

I am having this same oil consumption issue, the same noise upon start up or 1st gear as it gets low that many of the people here have reported. I am afraid of catastrophically damaging my engine.

I have read there was a list of VIN #'s eligible for some type of recall? Might anyone know where a list might reside? Also, I see there is a class action lawsuit for the V6's... why cant we, the 4 cylinder nation, follow the same path and begin our own lawsuit? There seems to be more than enough examples of evidence.... I will be looking forward to your responses on this thread....

- Sam D., Philadelphia, PA, US

problem #271

May 012013

Accord Coupe EX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

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

Everywhere I took my car, nobody took me seriously. Everyone thought I was just irresponsible with my vehicle, they thought I was not filling my oil up regularly, but now I see that there has been a class action lawsuit and this is a serious issue that will follow me.

Needless to say, I am LIVID. Now I am stuck constantly checking my oil levels and refilling. Great, thanks Honda.

- Selen S., Columbia, MD, US

problem #270

Dec 012013

Accord LX

  • Manual transmission
  • 90,000 miles

Furious!! Honda admits there is a problem but states we must pay out of pocket to have pistons and rings replaced. This is my third Honda Accord AND MY LAST. Certain models were recalled and repaired (6 cylinder engines) but mine is a 4-cylinder and not covered.

- Julie T., Gainesville, GA, US

problem #269

Nov 242014

Accord EX-L 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,200 miles

I purchased my Honda Accord 2008 4cyl, second hand about 2 months ago from a Honda dealership. I noticed the class action law suit on excessive oil consumption problem recently and it drew my attention to the problem. So I checked the oil level today and to my surprise, I noticed the oil level is halfway under the min line! When I purchased the car, the same day the dealership changed the engine oil and now in less than 2 months ( 1000 miles driven) it has gone this low!

I called the American Honda and they asked me to take it to a dealership and pay out of pocket for oil consumption test, and if the dealership confirms there is excessive oil consumption, they (American Honda) will decide how to handle the problem and they DO NOT guaranty the fix will be covered or if they decide to cover it! (not being under warranty). I also mentioned the class suit action against Honda on this and the person said she is not aware of the result and they cannot help on that!

So I am wondering what to do? 1- I pay for the test out of pocket and finally the dealership says, according to our hand book, 1 quart /1000 mile is fine so you are OK! (while the whole lawsuit was questioning such problem) 2- Or again, I pay for the test not knowing if the problem is even confirmed by the dealership, if American Honda stands behind what they sell and fix it for me ( I mean cover the cost of fixing the product defect problem)! 3- Don't know how to join (if I can still join) the lawsuit in regard to this problem!

Update from Nov 26, 2014: I visited Honda Dealership yesterday. they checked and say it has not used much oil yet! and it is OK for now! i am going to monitor this and see what happens next!

- ez2kal, Amherst, NY, US

problem #268

Aug 042014

Accord LXP 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

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

Oil change reading shows only 50% used but needed to add oil to crankcase.

Update from Aug 23, 2015: On August 11, 2015, oil change reading shows 60% oil remaining before maintenance reminder for oil change. Low oil indicator light came on. I checked the oil level. It indicated little or no oil on the dipstick. I brought the vehicle to the dealer for an oil change. As an afterthought, I asked the technician if excessive oil change was common. She told me that it was common for this model. She then told me that I should bring the vehicle back after a 1000 miles and they would perform some kind of test to see if there was a problem with the engine, and that If there was Honda will pay for the repairs.

- James B., Woburn, MA, US

problem #267

Aug 122011

Accord LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,250 miles

I use synthetic engine oil and every 2000 miles I have to add at least one quart of oil. I have checked, there is no leakage either. It has been becoming very expensive to drive this car any more.

- Arvind G., Wixom, MI, US

problem #266

Oct 072014

Accord LS V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

My car starting burning oil a little faster than my oil change schedule but I thought nothing of it, until learning about the recall. When you mentioned it to Honda Service I was told the that the recall would take care of that problem. Well it didn't! The problem has only gotten worse. It went from me having to put oil in a few weeks before the oil change to having to put oil in every few weeks.

I took my car to Honda again who tried to deny that model year of car ever had a problem until I let them know that I was aware of the class action suit that had been filed against them. It was only then that they were willing to perform an excessive oil consumption test. Originally they wanted me to bring the car in every 1k miles but after I told then my car is not going to make it 1k miles without me having to put oil in, they asked me to bring the car in every week. The first week they saw no problem, which was probably due to the fact that I was on vacation and didn't drive as much as I normally do. The second week was a different story. They found that my car had gone through at least 1 1/2 quarts in just a week. I was told that Honda would fix the problem for me now that they were aware of it. Now 2 weeks later, several calls to Honda service and a mercantile Honda, (who called me very fast previously once I mentioned the lawsuit) is telling me that I have to authorize and pay for them to take down my engine so they can see what's going on inside.

Honda already knows that oil is leaking into the chamber and is causing the engine to misfire. they along with a few mechanics had already diagnosed the problem. So what now are they looking for? Sounds like they are giving me the run around and trying to get me to pay for a manufacturer's problem!

- justshy10, Jamaica, NY, US

problem #265

Mar 012011

Accord LX-P 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

I have been dealing with the oil consumption for over 2 years with Honda Customer Service as well as my dealer(s). At first they claimed the service bulletin would solve the problem, NOPE! I am going through over 5 quarts of oil between oil changes. Magically I never hit their 1 quart threshold yet on a trip over the Smoky Mountains this August I burned 1 quart in 700 miles. Yet Honda refuses to acknowledge the problem. This is my 3rd Honda/Acura purchase and no doubt will be my last. Then to top it all off I find out yesterday that NADS who administers the Extended Warranty Reimbursement for unused warranties is in bankruptcy and has been in financial trouble since 2004, so my dealer sold me this policy knowing I might get screwed if I try to get my premium back as was promised.

No way Honda will get my business and I will make sure I tell every friend, business associate and stranger how they have treated me and thousands of loyal customers.

- Eric L., Plainfield, IL, US

problem #264

Oct 162014

Accord LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,348 miles

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

My wife and I took a trip to Florida from central New York to visit two of our children. While in Orlando our car developed a noise that sounded like a heat shield rattling. I checked under the car and could not locate anything "loose". I then took it to a local Honda dealer to have it checked. Much to my surprise they told me that there was little to no oil on the dipstick and I would probably need a new engine, they added that they would not know for sure until they tore it down. I explained to them that I try to have the oil changed every 3000 miles and only went to about 4000 miles once! I explained that I had to return to New York and they stated to have an " oil consumption test" after 1000 miles.

Upon my return I contacted American Honda and the dealer where I purchased the car. I explained to the service department my problem and that I added 2 quarts in 1400 miles. His answer.. .. 1 quart per 1000 miles is acceptable! I seem to be getting the runaround from Corporate (phone tag) and my local dealer. I have two other vehicles and do not have to add oil between oil changes, a 1997 Mazda and a 2004 Dodge. l thought Honda had high standards, boy was I wrong!

NOTE: The oil light did not come on and the oil life showed 50%.

After the 1400 miles and 2 quarts of oil the oil life is 90%. I purchased this car new.

Honda do the right thing and make good on this. Admit the 4 cylinders have the same problem as the 6's. You cannot expect your customer s to absorb the cost!

- celtom, Frankfort, NY, US

problem #263

Feb 012014

Accord LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

I PURCHASED A NEW 2008 HONDA ACCORD 4CYL. THIS IS MY THIRD HONDA AND I HAVE A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. MY CAR CONSUMES 1 QUART OF OIL EVERY 1500 MILES. WHEN WILL HONDA ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM AND DO THE RIGHT THING AND FIX IT? I AM PLANNING ON BUYING ANOTHER CAR SOON FOR MY SON AND WILL START TO LOOK AT OTHER MODELS.

- ripcity1988, Oak Lawn, IL, US

problem #262

Mar 222013

Accord LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,050 miles

I noticed that My 2008 Accord LX started to consume excessive oil about 2 years ago. At the beginning, I just added about half quart for about 2000 miles. Right now it needs to add a quart for every 1500-2000 miles. I'm sure it will get worse with time. Honda should take action for the issue for the 4-cylinder cars as well.

- Hong Z., Potomac, MD, US

problem #261

Aug 252014

Accord 4DR LX-P I-Vtec 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,733 miles

My 2008 Honda Accord started rattling at cold startup. Noise goes away after 2 seconds. I checked the TSB list and confirmed there is one for this problem. It's the VTC Timing Control is defective. After checking the oil level noticed there was none showing on the dipstick. MM on dash shows 30% oil life. I drained the oil to check how much was left and it only filled 2 qts. I have 2500 miles since the last oil change. I then brought it into Honda dealer and setup an appointment for an oil consumption test and confirmation of the rattle at startup. Honda will check it out 9-11-2014.

- jwika, burbank, IL, US

problem #260

Sep 052014

Accord LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 154,276 miles

i JUST READ ABOUT THE THE PROBLEM, LOOKING FOR ANSWERS

- Thomas R., mercer, PA, US

problem #259

Sep 042014

Accord LXP

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

At first it was 1 Qt between changes, now it is 2 Qts between oil changes. My fear, what's next. The last car I had to add oil to between changes was a 68 Plymouth. Maybe Honda should give me 7 Qts when I change my oil with 2 in the trunk or top offs between oil changes.

- Spence K., Rexford, NY, US

problem #258

Jun 012014

Accord ES 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,565 miles

very disappointing to see the performance of this expensive car

- tabinda, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

problem #257

Nov 142011

Accord EX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,023 miles

I purchased a 2008 accord ex brand new, only have 68,800 miles now and the awesome software upgrade honda did was sh*t,, nothing was corrected. now my car is in their shop they're reluctant to replace my timing chain which is messed up because of this, but they are going to replace my pistons and rings and of course instead of them taking the blame i have to use my warranty. i am so pissed to say the least. i will never ever buy another honda again.

- terilu61, Ludlow, MA, US

problem #256

Aug 142014

Accord EX-L 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 135,000 miles

I purchased my 2008 honda accord from car max last year in 2013. When i first got the car it was amazing then one day the car started messing up. I took it back to car max the said it was a misfire in the cylinders so the changed the spark plugs. Fine i was a little uneasy about the situation but what the hell its a honda, it wouldnt cost that much to fix anyway. Then not even a year later the engine went out took it to lindsay honda in columbus ohio and they did a diagnostic check on it and could find anything wrong so they took additional time which ended up costing me around 330.00$ for a diagnostic check. Then they come back to tell me if i want to find out whats wrong with it then it will cost an additional $1100 to test the cylinders. Come to find out it was the same cylinders that carmax had found the misfire in!!! I tried to trade it in at the honda dealer ship but I owe a negative equity on the car and i couldnt apply it to a lease either at this point I'm pissed my wifes 2002 bmw 330i is more reliable then this piece of sh*t!!!! Honda's are going down hill I finally found a dealer that will pay off my car and give another one, but i have no negotiating power what so ever in the transaction because of the cars condition. This was my third honda and my last one ever. I will never be buying another one again.

- shirazrobinsonohio, Columbus, OH, US

problem #255

Dec 012013

Accord EX-L 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles

Car has less than 100k on it. And less then than 2 months and 3000 miles after my last change, my oil light comes on and it needs to be topped off.

Update from Aug 19, 2014: This issue turned into an engine rebuild that I had to pay a $300 deductible for.

There is a class action for it so I will be seeking reimbursement.

I am picking up car tonight so I will speak with them about the resolution to the problem. Rebuilding the engine is fixing a problem caused by this. It is not fixing the problem.

- Al S., Hazelwood, MO, US

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