3.3

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
40,063 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 Civic engine problems

engine problem

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2008 Honda Civic Owner Comments

problem #9

Jun 172011

Civic

  • 90,000 miles

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

1. I had all recommended service, including oil changes, performed on my 2008 Honda Civic hybrid since I purchased it new, with receipts to prove this, and never had a problem with this car prior to this incident. 2. the engine failed catastrophically, with no alert or warning light, on a highway at 55mph during rush-hour traffic. 3. the failed engine was replaced with a used engine, as recommended by the Honda service location where I had the car towed. The service manager never provided an explanation of what did or might have happened, and he reported that everything about the engine seemed appropriate except for the fact that it had "seized". Honda provided no financial assistance, because the warranty had expired, offered no explanation or understanding, several times spoke unprofessional and, therefore, lost a customer.

- Charlottesville, VA, USA

problem #8

Jan 012011

Civic

  • miles
2008 Honda Civic. S10 direct reply- letter to the administrator seeking an investigation into 2006-2008 and early 2009 Honda Civic engine blocks problem the consumer stated he received a letter from Honda titled warranty extension which stated there was a potential problem with certain year Civic engine blocks. According to the letter, the engine cylinder block may experience coolant seepage that can result in the engine overheating. The letter stated Honda was committing to extending the warranty for 8 years with no mileage limits. The letter further stated to contact Honda if the vehicle was leaking coolant from the engine block, or if the engine was overheating. The consumer stated the resolution offered by Honda was irresponsible and simply did not go far enough. The consumer stated his daughter drives the vehicle and goes to school 5 hours away and she would have no idea if the vehicle was leaking coolant from the engine block. The consumer would like the vehicle repaired before it fails. Updated 02/02/11.

- Miami Springs, FL, USA

problem #7

Jan 192011

Civic 4-cyl

  • 47,000 miles
#2 spark plug blown from cylinder head while driving.

- Fredericksburg, PA, USA

problem #6

Aug 232010

Civic 4-cyl

  • 45,918 miles

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

2008 Honda Civic hybrid was modified according to manufacturer's voluntary recall notice 10-034. This modification involved changes to the engine control computer's software "flash" memory. Subsequently, the vehicle demonstrates insufficient power to accelerate safely into highway traffic. When parked on an incline the vehicle exhibits difficulty initiating forward motion and may roll backwards up to three feet before establishing forward progress. This behavior was not observed prior to the engine modification.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #5

Jan 012008

Civic 4-cyl

  • 7,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Civic. While driving at speeds of 50, 60, or 73 mph the vehicle vibrated in the front and rear ends. The vehicle was taken to the dealer numerous times for the failure; the vehicle was aligned; however, the failure wasn't corrected. The manufacturer acknowledged the failure and stated that a proper alignment should correct the failure and has declined to further assist with the repair cost. The warranty expired; therefore he will be responsible for any additional repair to correct the failure. The failure mileage was 7,000 and the failure mileage was 63,000. The upper right motor was replaced. The mount collapsed and was sitting on the frame causing vibration and resonance. Updated evoq 02/15/12 updated 02/17/12 the consumer stated he has noticed considerable improvements in the handling of the vehicle. The vehicle did not vibrate at highway speeds and the steering was firm. Updated 03/09/12

- Phoenix , AZ, USA

problem #4

Sep 222010

Civic

  • 36,000 miles
We purchased a 2008 Honda Civic hybrid new, and were very satisfied with the performance and the pickup was excellent. The company performed a "mandatory" software upgrade to improve battery life in September 2010. Since that update, the car has drastically diminished response time to acceleration, especially when attempting a sudden burst to change lanes or turn through intersections. The engine actually has almost stalled when attempting to start from a dead stop. This response time resulted in a near miss while entering freeway traffic due to the sluggishness of the engine when requesting acceleration that, prior to the software change, would have not been a problem. It is my belief that the software upgrade that Honda has forced upon the owners of the Honda Civic hybrid is a detriment to safe driving, and should be reversed at the soonest opportunity before someone forgets and is actually involved in an incident that involves serious injury if not death.

- North Royalton, OH, USA

problem #3

Sep 012010

Civic

  • 32,250 miles

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

Basic complaint is unpredictable loss of power when accelerating. This seems to be due to the ima system operation. Not being able to depend on consistent acceleration has drastically changed the way you have to drive vehicle to prevent crash. If you needed the ability to accelerate quickly and safely, you cannot count on this vehicle to provide it. It occurs almost daily when acceleration is needed most, turning across traffic and merging in traffic/highway on-ramps. At the start ownership of vehicle, no problems noted. Car operated great! in last 5-10K miles car has gotten worse and worse. It has had all software updates. Mpg was always 42-45. Now runs around 35 mpg.

- Green Cove Springs, FL, USA

problem #2

Aug 032010

Civic

  • 25,500 miles
This problem occurred one time so far but I have a 2008 Honda Civic LX that I just bought used with about 25,500 miles on it. I bought it from a Honda dealership in South Florida. It is a "Honda certified" vehicle. It almost stalled at a stop sign when I pressed the gas pedal. I don't know why it did this but it worries me. I had to release the pedal and re-press is slowly to get the car to go again. What if I need to get out into traffic?

- Greenacres, FL, USA

problem #1

Apr 252010

Civic

  • 76,900 miles
Cracked engine block on 2008 Honda Civic- most owners experience overheat + failure of engine. Honda tsb 08-044 clearly explains defect-likely to crack around coolant passages on 06,07, +08 Civic most owners will be in a dangerous position - possible fire+.

- Warren, NJ, USA

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