2008 Honda Civic Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 Honda Civic, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine20720.3%
- Airbags17717.4%
- Visibility13313.1%
- Suspension999.7%
- Body & structure848.2%
- Electrical515.0%
- Brakes424.1%
- Other / unspecified373.6%
- Powertrain (other)323.1%
- Driver assistance323.1%
- Tires & wheels323.1%
- Steering242.4%
- Transmission212.1%
- Fuel system141.4%
- Seat belts111.1%
- Interior & seats101.0%
- Heating & air conditioning70.7%
- Exterior lighting60.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine, steering. Purchased the car from a certified dealership in January 2026. After 3 months of driving, the car began exhibiting performance issues. During a normal acceleration pattern, the car would go into a ‘limp mode’ where all dashboard lights would turn on and the car’s performance became severely limited. Acceleration is barely possible when this happens and the car must be turned off and restarted in order to get the car out of ‘limp mode,’ which is a MAJOR safety concern communicated to Honda. It is also of major concern that every time there is a performance issue, every light illuminates, not allowing the driver to diagnose and safely operate the vehicle without Honda assistance with diagnosis. Honda scans revealed P3004 engines misfire code- recommendations included replacing a spark plug. I replaced all four spark plugs and performance returned to normal. Steering recall (Recall Campaign SJS- 2022-25 Civic EPS Grbx Safe ) was also repaired on 6/24/2026- the car was exhibiting steering tightness and locking behaviors which were resolved after this repair. On 7/9, the car was traveling at 70mph when all dashboard lights came on once again. The car did not exhibit performance degradation at this time and was immediately taken for additional engine scan, which provided new code P0299 Turbocharger Underboost problem. Honda reported this code was not present during the scans on 6/24/2026. Dashboard warning lights disappeared on 6/25/2026. On 7/16/2026, the car began exhibiting major steering wheel locking and tightness, much worse than before the steering recall was fixed. I am unsure if it is related to the Turboboost issue. The car also began exhibiting engine performance issues again, rendering the car unsafe to operate until taken back to Honda for further diagnostics.
Engine temperature suddenly rose high, pulled over. Discovered what appeared to be coolant on front of block. Had diagnosed and found to have a cracked block. Contacted Honda, the refused to do anything as it wasn’t a recall only a warranty bulletin. This needs to be recalled so people who are affected can get their cars fixed.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced by a dealer under an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number related to the airbags. After the recall repair, the passenger airbag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. A dealer was contacted regarding the failure but informed the contact that no assistance could be provided. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,517.
Got mail that my car needs to have the airbag recall done and I took it to Honda dealer in Selma for the recall, got the car back and noticed the passenger airbag light was left on. I called and talked to the service attendant that worked on my car and they said they couldn’t not do anything about it. Not sure on the date but this was about a year ago around around spring time.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driver's side sun visor defective. Visor started splitting, leading to inoperative, and finally fell off. Replaced by manufacturer a number of years ago, but design flaw not addressed causing persistent issue recurrence. Multiple complaints have been filed related to this issue. Following are some of the complaint record numbers: 110884671041796510466838 110630431041670210466343 110395371041422810462119 109831981041221710461924 109710161041170010461699 109368151041080710457914 109285781041061610456750 108965601041024110456044 108888061040930510454884 108858631040937310448984 108632171040869610432332 108462841040941710432252 107168651040740610430111 106761951040741410430141 106386011040692010428110 105211741042513210427775 104781981041925910426693 104754451042547910426377
DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR / VANITY MIRROR-----SEPARATION BROKEN CAME APART FAILURE. WHILE MOVING IT TO POSITION TO BLOCK SUN WESTERLY DIRECTION AFTERNOON!
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS IS THE THIRD TIME MY PASSENGER SIDE MOTOR MOUNT HAS COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF!!
BOUGHT THE CAR 2 DAYS AGO. DID TEST DRIVE IT WITH NO NOTABLE ISSUES. I DID NOT TAKE IT ON THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE I WAS NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE AREA AND THE SALESMAN INSISTED NOT TO GO ON THE HIGHWAY DUE TO ROAD CONSTRUCTION OUTSIDE THE DEALERSHIP. SO ON THE WAY HOME I DID TAKE THE HIGHWAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP FOLLOWING MY HUSBAND OUT OF THE AREA UNTIL I GOT TO FAMILIAR TERRITORY. THEN HE GOT BEHIND ME. WELL WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I FELT THE CAR SWAYING SIDE TO SIDE HAVING TROUBLE STAYING BETWEEN THE LINES. DIDN'T FEEL RIGHT AND WHEN I WOULD HIT A BUMP THE BACK END OF THE CAR MOVED ALL OVER THE PLACE. WELL WHEN MY HUSBAND AND I GOT HOME I MENTIONED IT TO HIM AND HE SAID WHEN HE WAS BEHIND ME HE NOTICED THE RIGHT BACK OF THE CAR WAS BOUNCING UP AND DOWN. WITH THAT SAID I HAVE A 16 MONTH OLD GRANDSON THAT I INTEND TO HAVE IN MY CAR ON OCCASION AND IT'S SCARY TO THINK THAT MY CAR MAY NOT BE SAFE FOR THE ROAD AND/OR PUT MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE IN DANGER. THE SALESMAN SHOWED ME THE CARFAX REPORT AND SERVICES THAT WERE DONE ON THE CAR. BUT DID NOT DISCLOSED ANYTHING OF WHAT I AM EXPERIENCING WITH THE VEHICLE
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Paint defect should extend it to fix the paint issues. Clear coat as well.
The paint is peeling off from the vehicle, exposing the body to rust and reduce the vehicle lifetime and durability significantly. When I contacted Honda about the issue, they told me it is a Paint defect from the manufacturing plant. They asked me to get a quote from the dealer to fix the issue, after getting the quote they denied the request saying it is outside the warranty period even when they agreed it is an issue occurred at the plant level. Please look into this and issue a recall.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
This one happend to my 18yrs brother in law . He using my car to get to his school i dont know what happend he said brake didnt went through . No injury got a car crash thats all . But the sad thing is my insurance went up and the car history gonna be under my safety driver record . Dmv said im a good driver thats why they email me a safety driver number to renew my license no waiting in line . Maybe next renewal im not gonna get that treatment again
THIRD (HIGH) BRAKE LIGHT DID NOT FUNCTION UPON ANNUAL INSPECTION. APPEARS A SOLDERED CONNECTION WAS DEFECTIVE. ORDERED A REPLACEMENT 3RD BRAKE LIGHT AND IT TO, NEW OUT OF THE BOX, ALSO DID NOT WORK AND AGAIN HAD A FAULTY SOLDER JOINT AT CONNECTION TO LIGHT. SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
These hybrids have defective brake system. The problem is with the part Accumulator Set - Honda (57019-SNC-A02)
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, depressing on the brake pedal to the floorboard but failed to bring the vehicle to a stop. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he lost control of the vehicle, bounced off the retaining wall, and crash into another vehicle. The contact did not sustain any injuries but his front passenger sustain injuries on her right foot and discomfort in her back/neck. The front passenger sought medical attention at a near ER. The contact stated the other vehicle had two people injured but was unaware of the details or if they sought any medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to two different towing lots. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY HONDA CIVIC EXPERIENCED SEVERE REAR TIRE WEAR ON THE INSIDE EDGES ABOUT 10 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE (AS A NEW VEHICLE). IN OCTOBER 2009, THE DEALER REPLACED BOTH REAR UPPER CONTROL ARMS AS DESCRIBED IN HONDA SERVICE BULLETIN 08-001, WHICH HAS SINCE BEEN REPLACED BY SB 13-047 (ATTACHED). THE ARM REPLACEMENT WAS INTENDED TO RETURN THE TIRE CAMBER ANGLE TO ZERO (SEE ALIGNMENT CRITERIA IN LAST PAGE OF TSB) SO THE THE WHEEL WOULD BE PERPENDICULAR TO THE ROAD, AND NO LONGER CAUSE WEAR AT THE INSIDE EDGES. AT A RECENT INSPECTION, THE TIRES WERE AGAIN FOUND TO BE WORN AT THE INSIDE EDGES: THERE WAS ABOUT 1/4 INCH OF TREAD ON THE OUTSIDE EDGE, BUT THE CORDS WERE SHOWING ON THE INSIDE EDGES. I VALIDATED THAT THE DEALER HAD ACTUALLY INSTALLED NEW CONTROL ARMS (THEY ARE MARKED WITH A "C" AS DESCRIBED IN THE BULLETIN). USING A LEVEL, I DETERMINED THAT THE TOP EDGE OF THE WHEEL WAS LEANING INWARD ABOUT 9/16" INCH, SO IT IS APPARENT THAT THE REPLACEMENT ARMS DO NOT CORRECT THE CAMBER ANGLE PROBLEM. IT IS TRUE THAT THE TIRE WEAR RATE HAS BEEN REDUCED BY THE REPLACEMENT ARMS. HOWEVER, SINCE THE INSIDE EDGE WEAR IS NOT OBVIOUS WITHOUT CRAWLING UNDER THE CAR, THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO TIRE FAILURE. I CORRECTED THE PROBLEM BY INSTALLING AFTERMARKET CONTROL ARMS THAT HAVE A LENGTH ADJUSTMENT, WHICH ALLOWS THE CORRECT CAMBER TO BE ACHIEVED DURING ALIGNMENT. AS SHOWN ON PAGE 1 OF THE SB, THE HONDA ARM HAS NO LENGTH ADJUSTMENT.
THE TPMS LIGH DOES NOT TURN OFF AFTER CHECKING IT. I HAVE 5 RECALLS FOR AIRBAG AT THE PASSENGER SEAT THAT I DID NOT KNOW OF.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Car experiences 'judder' which is identified in the Honda Civic Hybrid Service Technician's Manual as an identified issue with this transmission. Their suggestion is to change the transmission fluid, which does not fix the problem. When the car starts from a complete stop it shudders and shakes and does not engage the transmission so there is no acceleration, leaving the car in a position to be hit by traffic. This car has had this problem from about 50k. There is a TSB 08-014 which Honda will not allow a consumer to access, even though this is a documented problem. There are numerous complaints on this website regarding this issue. The dealership and Honda corp state there is no safety recall for this VIN and therefore the problem does not exist, even though it does. There are no warning messages and the vehicle does not recognize there is a problem. It is worse when going up a hill or accelerating rapidly. If the transmission fluid is changed it improves slightly for a limited time, usually less than 1,000 miles.
I WENT TO A MECHANIC TODAY, I HAVE 'PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT FLASHING' HE TOLD ME HONDAS HAVE RECALLED FOR AIRBAGS IN DEALERSHIPS SO I CHECKED MY VEHICLE REPORT IT SAYS THAT I HAD 2 RECALLS IN 2019 AND I DID THEM BUT I DIDN'T. 'RECALL SUBJECT: AIR BAGS: PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL REPORT RECEIPT DATE: 06/27/2019 NHTSA CAMPAIGN: 19V502000' I BELIEVE I HAD THAT PROBLEM WHEN I BOUGHT MY CAR, MY PASSENGER LIGHTS OFF BLINKING WHILE I'M DRIVING EVEN THO NO PASSENGERS THERE. SO I WAS TRYING TO CHECK MY RECALLS ON THE HONDA WEBSITE IT SHOWS THAT I DON'T HAVE ANY. ALSO, I HAVE A PROBLEM WHEN I DO REVERSE ENGINE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING P0812 CODE BUT NO PROBLEMS EXCEPT CODE
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine, steering. Purchased the car from a certified dealership in January 2026. After 3 months of driving, the car began exhibiting performance issues. During a normal acceleration pattern, the car would go into a ‘limp mode’ where all dashboard lights would turn on and the car’s performance became severely limited. Acceleration is barely possible when this happens and the car must be turned off and restarted in order to get the car out of ‘limp mode,’ which is a MAJOR safety concern communicated to Honda. It is also of major concern that every time there is a performance issue, every light illuminates, not allowing the driver to diagnose and safely operate the vehicle without Honda assistance with diagnosis. Honda scans revealed P3004 engines misfire code- recommendations included replacing a spark plug. I replaced all four spark plugs and performance returned to normal. Steering recall (Recall Campaign SJS- 2022-25 Civic EPS Grbx Safe ) was also repaired on 6/24/2026- the car was exhibiting steering tightness and locking behaviors which were resolved after this repair. On 7/9, the car was traveling at 70mph when all dashboard lights came on once again. The car did not exhibit performance degradation at this time and was immediately taken for additional engine scan, which provided new code P0299 Turbocharger Underboost problem. Honda reported this code was not present during the scans on 6/24/2026. Dashboard warning lights disappeared on 6/25/2026. On 7/16/2026, the car began exhibiting major steering wheel locking and tightness, much worse than before the steering recall was fixed. I am unsure if it is related to the Turboboost issue. The car also began exhibiting engine performance issues again, rendering the car unsafe to operate until taken back to Honda for further diagnostics.
My cruise control just stopped working all of a sudden. It was working this morning but I got in the vehicle to go to work and it just wasn't working anymore.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA CIVIC EQUIPPED WITH WESTLAKE TIRES (NA), SIZE: P205/55/16 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THERE WAS A VIBRATION IN THE TIRES. THE CONTACT PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE TIRES AND DETERMINED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED RECENTLY. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 195,000. THE VIN AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT PROVIDED.
WHEN I PURCHASES THE CAR IN 2008, EVEN DURING THE TEST DRIVE, THE CAR SEEMED EXCESSIVELY LOUD BUT THE SALESMAN STATED THAT IT WAS JUST THE BAD ROAD WE WERE ON. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND THE SOUND JUST GOT WORSE, TO THE POINT THAT I COULD NOT EVEN HEAR PEOPLE WHILE USING MY CELL PHONE. I HAD TO PURCHASE 3 SETS OF TIRES IN ADDITION TO THE ORIGINAL SET. EACH TIME, THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THE TIRES WERE TO THE POINT OF BEING EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. AGAIN,THE MECHANIC IS STATING THAT MY TIRES ARE TO A VERY DANGEROUS POINT AND I NEED NEW ONES. THIS WILL BE 5 SETS OF TIRES IN 5 YEARS. *TR
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine, steering. Purchased the car from a certified dealership in January 2026. After 3 months of driving, the car began exhibiting performance issues. During a normal acceleration pattern, the car would go into a ‘limp mode’ where all dashboard lights would turn on and the car’s performance became severely limited. Acceleration is barely possible when this happens and the car must be turned off and restarted in order to get the car out of ‘limp mode,’ which is a MAJOR safety concern communicated to Honda. It is also of major concern that every time there is a performance issue, every light illuminates, not allowing the driver to diagnose and safely operate the vehicle without Honda assistance with diagnosis. Honda scans revealed P3004 engines misfire code- recommendations included replacing a spark plug. I replaced all four spark plugs and performance returned to normal. Steering recall (Recall Campaign SJS- 2022-25 Civic EPS Grbx Safe ) was also repaired on 6/24/2026- the car was exhibiting steering tightness and locking behaviors which were resolved after this repair. On 7/9, the car was traveling at 70mph when all dashboard lights came on once again. The car did not exhibit performance degradation at this time and was immediately taken for additional engine scan, which provided new code P0299 Turbocharger Underboost problem. Honda reported this code was not present during the scans on 6/24/2026. Dashboard warning lights disappeared on 6/25/2026. On 7/16/2026, the car began exhibiting major steering wheel locking and tightness, much worse than before the steering recall was fixed. I am unsure if it is related to the Turboboost issue. The car also began exhibiting engine performance issues again, rendering the car unsafe to operate until taken back to Honda for further diagnostics.
Electronic steering pulls hard to the left and is more difficult to turn right.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
2008 HONDA CIVIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE BLOCK FAILURE . *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE BLOCK PROBLEM SHOULD BE TREATED AS A RECALL DUE TO THE SEVERITY OF THE PROBLEM. WHEN THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND STALLED, HE LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. AT THAT POINT, THE STEERING AND BRAKES BECAME VERY DIFFICULT. THE CONSUMER STOPPED TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY SHOWED HIM THE 4 PROBLEM AREAS OF THE ENGINE WHERE THE LEAKAGE OCCURRED. ALSO, THE BEARING ON THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR PULLEY STARTED MAKING A NOISE. THE ENTIRE COMPRESSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER ALSO HAD DIFFICULTY STARTING THE VEHICLE AND AFTER 10 SECONDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD START. ON OCCASION, HE HAD TROUBLE SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR. IT WOULD NOT SHIFT, AND HE HAD TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND START IN FIRST GEAR. *JB UPDATED 04/10/14
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2008 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN SHE REALIZED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER OR LOCAL MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 10/21/11
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Civic Si Coupe. The contact stated while driving approximately 65mph when the dashboard began to emit smoke. The contact was able to pull over and shut off the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact stated that the wiring harness beneath the steering wheel was melted. The vehicle was towed to an insurance lot and is awaiting diagnosis. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with, NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V535000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of failure and told the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
GAS TANK LEAKS WHEN FILLED, DRIVING OR SITTING. SEAL ON TANK TO FILLER NECK. GAVE NO CODE ON THE EMISSION SYSTEM AND PASSED SMOKE TEST AT REPAIR SHOP. CONTACTED HONDA HEADQUARTERS. VIN NUMBER NOT LISTED ON FUEL TANK WARRANTY EXTENSION 11-0689. EXTENSION ON CIVIC 2006 TO 2011.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The driver side seatbelt is broken and loses. This will put people at risk because since the seatbelt was loses, people were not secure and cause injuries or death, especially the crashes happened. The problem been confirmed by dealer and independent service center, but failed to fix the problem. The vehicle has been inspected representative. The airbag warning lamps appeared when when he civic is engine on.
2008 HONDA CIVIC LX SEAT BELT BUCKLE HAS A KNOWN DEFECT THAT WILL NOT DEPLOY AIRBAG DUE TO FAULTY MICRO SWITCH. HONDA HAS A LIFETIME WARRANTY ON MODEL YEARS PRIOR TO MINE. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT. J CONTACTED LOCAL DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME MY MODEL YEAR WARRANTY IS 15 YEARS 150K. THE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR YEARS. I ASSUMED IT WAS FINE TILL A LOCAL OIL CHANGE PLACE TOLD ME IT WASN'T!
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving on the freeway the sun visor, from Ezzy (top selling sun visor replacement brand on Amazon) fell out of its holder onto my hands on the steering wheel and then onto my lap which caused me to swerve slightly. Another incident involving the passenger side sun visor happened when my passenger flipped down the visor and the plastic exploded everywhere and the visor split in two.
DRIVER SEAT: BROKEN WELDS ON THE BOTTOM RIGHT FRONT OF THE SEAT DUE TO USE OF POOR MATERIAL (VERY THIN METAL TUBES BROKE). THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING THE SEAT LIFT SYSTEM IS ATTACHED TO THIS TUBE AND THE SEAT PULLED TO THE LEFT ABRUPTLY AND STARTLES YOU. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO THAT IT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING IT. THEN AFTER THIS OCCURS THE SEAT IS NO LONGER FULLY FUNCTIONAL. YOU HAVE TO DRIVE WITH IT ALL THE WAY DOWN BUT THE SEAT STILL MOVES DUE TO THE BROKEN TUBE. HONDA SHOULD REPLACE THIS OR SUPPLY A KIT TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN THE ONLY OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA CIVIC. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO INITIATE THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM BUT IT FAILED TO WORK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR COMPRESSOR HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,300.
TWO YEARS AGO WE WENT TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP IN COCOA FLORIDA BECAUSE OUR AIR CONDITIONER WAS CUTTING OUT AND THEN COMING BACK ON, AND THEN CUTTING OUT. WE PURCHASED A $5 RELAY SWITCH AND PROBLEM STOPPED. A YEAR LATER IT STARTED AGAIN, WE GOT ANOTHER RELAY SWITCH AND PROBLEM STOPPED AGAIN, NOW A YEAR LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN, WE GOT A NEW RELAY AND IT DID NOT CORRECT ISSUE. TODAY I CAME ONLINE AND FIND OUT IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE HOWEVER THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A RECALL. WHY NOT? THE PAST YEAR HAS BEEN AWFUL WITH THIS CAR. WE HAD TO GET A RENTAL CAR FOR A WEEK BECAUSE HONDA PAINTED MOST OF THE CAR BECAUSE THERE WAS A RECALL. WE STILL HAVE PLACES THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPAINTED BUT HONDA REFUSED. THEN WE WERE TRAVELING ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND THE CAR STARTED OVERHEATING, WE FOUND OUT IT WAS ANOTHER KNOWN ISSUE, THE BLOCK CRACKED AND AGAIN WE HAD TO GET A RENTAL CAR BECAUSE MY HUSBAND AND I BOTH WORK AND OUR CIVIC IS OUR ONLY TRANSPORTATION. WE BOUGHT IT BECAUSE WE HAD BEEN TOLD HONDA CIVICS ARE AWESOME RELIABLE ETC. NOW, THE AIR ISSUE. I HAVE HAD ENOUGH. *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
This one happend to my 18yrs brother in law . He using my car to get to his school i dont know what happend he said brake didnt went through . No injury got a car crash thats all . But the sad thing is my insurance went up and the car history gonna be under my safety driver record . Dmv said im a good driver thats why they email me a safety driver number to renew my license no waiting in line . Maybe next renewal im not gonna get that treatment again
I PURCHASED A 2008 HONDA CIVIC EX COUPE USED. IT WAS ONLY A FEW YEARS OLD. I READ A LOT OF THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE ABOUT OTHER 2008 HONDAS. I DIDN'T SEE ANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT BRAKE LIGHTS. EVER SINCE I BOUGHT MY HONDA, I NOTICED THE THE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT HAS NEVER WORKED. THAT'S THE LIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BACK WINDOW, WHICH IS A LED BRAKE LIGHT. EVEN THOUGH I BOUGHT THE CAR USED, IT WAS ONLY A FEW YEARS OLD WHEN I BOUGHT IT, AND SUPPOSEDLY, LED LIGHTS LAST LONGER THAN THE TRADITIONAL BRAKE LIGHTS. THE ONLY REASON I'M COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS IS THAT THIS LIGHT COSTS ABOUT $150 FOR THE LIGHT ITSELF, AND ANOTHER $150 TO INSTALL IT. IT'S NOT AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE, LIKE THE AIRBAGS AND OTHER ISSUES DESCRIBED ON THIS SITE, BUT IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE IN THE SENSE THAT THE DRIVER BEHIND ME WILL BE EXPECTING TO SEE THAT 3RD BRAKE LIGHT WHEN BRAKING. HAVE OTHER PEOPLE BEEN HAVING THIS ISSUE? MAYBE IT'S ONLY THIS VEHICLE...
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .