CarBrief

NHTSA has 1,520 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Accord, led by brakes and air bags[1][2][3]. It also has 8 recalls, most of them involving air bags, so check the VIN[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. Or drop the 7 and say 'It also has 8 recalls, mostly about air bags'.

1,520owner complaints[1]
8recalls[11]
20–25MPG combined (EPA)[12]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 1,520 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Accord[1]. Of those, 62 mention a crash, 13 a fire and 67 injuries[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.

Here are the largest component groups:

Component group Complaints Median mileage at failure
Brakes[2] 520 22,000
Air bags[3] 379 80,000
Engine[13] 251 78,873
Exterior lighting[14] 113 500
Electrical system[15] 104 29,000
Power train[16] 70 78,150

We read a small sample of complaints in four of these groups. It is a sample, so treat the themes as examples and not as a ranking of what goes wrong.

Brakes. In the 12 brake complaints we read[2], 7 describe rear brake pads wearing out early[2]. Two mention rotors that shook or needed resurfacing[2].

Air bags. In the 12 air bag complaints we read[3], 7 describe side or curtain air bags going off when someone closed a passenger door[3]. One more describes a curtain air bag deploying with no impact[3]. Air bag complaints include 45 crashes and 54 injuries across the whole group[3].

Exterior lighting. 11 of the 12[14] lighting complaints we read describe headlights or other lights dimming or flickering. In 7 of them[14] the owner links it to the A/C compressor or a cooling fan switching on[14].

Engine. In the 12 engine complaints we read[13], 3 describe surging tied to variable cylinder management[13]. The rest are one-off reports on different issues.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2008 Accord[11]. Seven involve air bags. Check your own VIN with Honda or NHTSA, because some recalls only cover cars sold or registered in certain states. Newest first:

Fuel economy

EPA ratings for the 2008 Accord depend on engine and transmission. All use regular fuel and front-wheel drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current price assumptions, not 2008 prices.

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
Accord, 2.4L 4-cyl, automatic[18] 21 / 31 / 24 $2,800
Accord, 2.4L 4-cyl, manual[19] 22 / 31 / 25 $2,700
Accord, 3.5L 6-cyl, automatic[20] 19 / 29 / 22 $3,050
Coupe, 2.4L 4-cyl, automatic[21] 21 / 30 / 24 $2,800
Coupe, 2.4L 4-cyl, manual[12] 22 / 31 / 25 $2,700
Coupe, 3.5L 6-cyl, automatic[22] 19 / 28 / 22 $3,050
Coupe, 3.5L 6-cyl, manual[23] 17 / 25 / 20 $3,350

The 6-cylinder automatic sedan costs about $250 more a year in fuel than the 4-cylinder automatic sedan at EPA's assumptions[18][20].

Safety ratings

NHTSA lists no 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 4-door or 2-door versions of the 2008 Accord[24][25]. That means not rated, not a poor score.

Engine and size

EPA data lists a 2.4L 4-cylinder and a 3.5L 6-cylinder engine[18][20]. Our data has no horsepower figures for this model year. The sizes below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US cars.

Body and trim Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Coupe EX/EX-L[26] 191 in 73 in 56 in 108 in 3,287 lb
Coupe EX-L V6[27] 191 in 73 in 56 in 108 in 3,578 lb
Sedan LX[28] 194 in 73 in 58 in 110 in 3,236 lb
Sedan EX/EX-L[29] 194 in 73 in 58 in 110 in 3,358 lb
Sedan EX-V6/EX-L V6[30] 194 in 73 in 58 in 110 in 3,574 lb

How 2008 compares with other years

1995: 543 complaints, 2 recalls19951996: 472 complaints, 1 recalls1997: 460 complaints, 3 recalls1998: 1,200 complaints, 6 recalls1999: 1,135 complaints, 4 recalls19992000: 1,183 complaints, 8 recalls2001: 922 complaints, 7 recalls2002: 1,050 complaints, 5 recalls2003: 1,987 complaints, 13 recalls20032004: 1,018 complaints, 13 recalls2005: 686 complaints, 15 recalls2006: 433 complaints, 12 recalls2007: 525 complaints, 9 recalls20072008: 1,520 complaints, 8 recalls1,52020082009: 727 complaints, 10 recalls2010: 641 complaints, 13 recalls2011: 311 complaints, 9 recalls20112012: 381 complaints, 8 recalls2013: 1,437 complaints, 6 recalls2014: 1,012 complaints, 5 recalls2015: 641 complaints, 6 recalls20152016: 611 complaints, 4 recalls2017: 584 complaints, 3 recalls2018: 2,008 complaints, 6 recalls2019: 792 complaints, 6 recalls20192020: 403 complaints, 6 recalls2021: 293 complaints, 4 recalls2022: 315 complaints, 4 recalls2023: 230 complaints, 9 recalls20232024: 230 complaints, 6 recalls2025: 116 complaints, 3 recalls2026: 13 complaints, 2 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Accord model year. The 2008 is highlighted[11].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19955432
19964721
19974603
19981,2006
19991,1354
20001,1838
20019227
20021,0505
20031,98713
20041,01813
200568615
200643312
20075259
20081,5208
200972710
201064113
20113119
20123818
20131,4376
20141,0125
20156416
20166114
20175843
20182,0086
20197926
20204036
20212934
20223154
20232309
20242306
20251163
2026132

NHTSA has 1,520 complaints for 2008[11]. Only two years of the Accord have more: 2018 with 2,008 and 2003 with 1,987[11]. Neighboring years are lower, with 525 for 2007 and 727 for 2009[11].

For recalls, 2008 has 8, compared with 9 for 2007 and 10 for 2009[11]. The highest count is 15 for 2005[11]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so use them as a rough guide only[11].

Should you buy a used 2008 Accord?

The 2008 Accord has a large complaint file for its model year, led by brakes and air bags[1][2][3]. Seven of its 8 recalls involve air bags, so confirm that every recall on the car's VIN has been completed, and ask for paperwork[11]. Two recalls show parts still to come in the record, so ask the seller or a Honda dealer what remedy is available today[8][10]. In the complaints we sampled, owners describe early rear brake wear and flickering lights, which are worth checking on a test drive[2][14]. Fuel economy ranges from 17 to 25 combined MPG depending on version[23][12].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Honda Accord?
Brakes lead NHTSA's complaint groups with 520 complaints, followed by air bags with 379 and the engine with 251[2][3][13]. In samples we read, owners describe early rear brake pad wear, side air bags deploying when doors close and dimming lights.
Does the 2008 Honda Accord have recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 recalls, and 7 involve air bags[11]. One covers an automatic transmission software update[17]. Check your VIN for open recalls.
How many miles per gallon does a 2008 Honda Accord get?
EPA rates the 2.4L automatic sedan at 21 city, 31 highway and 24 combined MPG[18]. The 3.5L automatic sedan is rated 19, 29 and 22[20].
Is the 2008 Honda Accord rated by NHTSA for crash safety?
NHTSA lists the 4-door and 2-door versions as not rated[24][25].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 1,520 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Honda Accord (62 mention a crash, 13 a fire, 67 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 520 complaints name the brakes component group (6 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 22,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. 379 complaints name the air bags component group (45 crashes, 0 fires, 54 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Recall 19V502, filed June 27, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 19V378, filed May 16, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 18V268, filed April 26, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 17V545, filed August 31, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  8. Recall 17V030, filed January 10, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  9. Recall 16V346, filed May 24, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  10. Recall 16V056, filed February 2, 2016: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
  11. Owner complaints and recalls for every Honda Accord model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  12. EPA rating for Accord Coupe, 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  13. 251 complaints name the engine component group (6 crashes, 5 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 78,873). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 113 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 500). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 104 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 5 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 29,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 70 complaints name the power train component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 78,150). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. Recall 11V395, filed August 4, 2011: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm / Pcm / Tecm). NHTSA recall database
  18. EPA rating for Accord, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 31 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Accord, 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Accord, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 29 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Accord Coupe, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 30 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Accord Coupe, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Accord Coupe, 3.5L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ACCORD 2DR COUPE EX/EX-L: length 191 in, width 73 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 108 in, curb weight 3,287 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ACCORD 2DR COUPE EX-L V6: length 191 in, width 73 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 108 in, curb weight 3,578 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ACCORD 4DR SEDAN LX: length 194 in, width 73 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 110 in, curb weight 3,236 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ACCORD 4DR SEDAN EX/EX-L: length 194 in, width 73 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 110 in, curb weight 3,358 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ACCORD 4DR SEDAN EX-V6/EX-L V6: length 194 in, width 73 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 110 in, curb weight 3,574 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.