What are the most common problems with the 2008 Honda Civic?

The engine group has the most complaints, followed by air bags, visibility and suspension.

Does the 2008 Honda Civic have recalls?

Yes. The by-year facts show 7 recalls. They are listed in the recalls section of this page.

Is the 2008 Honda Civic reliable?

Owners filed 988 complaints. The biggest groups are engine and air bags. Read the problems section and the recalls before you decide.

What is the gas mileage of the 2008 Honda Civic?

See the fuel economy section of this page for the EPA figures.

2008 Honda Civic Problems, Recalls and MPG

Q: How many complaints does the 2008 Honda Civic have?

NHTSA has 988 owner complaints on file.

NHTSA has 988 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Honda Civic^[1]. The engine group is the biggest, with 222 complaints^[2].

988owner complaints^[1]

7recalls^[3]

24–42MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Owners filed complaints across several parts of the car. Here are the groups, biggest first.

Engine. 222 complaints^[2]. In the stories we read, owners describe a cracked air conditioning condenser after road debris hit it, and repair bills they did not expect. One owner describes a car that would not start after sitting for a few days.
Air Bags. 190 complaints^[5]. Owners describe bags that did not open in a collision, bags that went off while the car was stopped, and a warning light that stayed on. Some tell of injuries from a deployment.
Visibility. 113 complaints^[6]. Owners describe sun visors that drop down on their own and will not stay up. Some say a visor fell and got in the way while driving. A few mention a window that slipped out of its seal.
Suspension. 100 complaints^[7]. Owners describe rear tires that wear down unevenly and early, along with shaking at highway speed. Others describe clunking or howling noises from the front end.
Structure. 90 complaints^[8].
Electrical System. 70 complaints^[9].
Unknown Or Other. 58 complaints^[10].
Power Train. 55 complaints^[11].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2008 Civic is necessarily included.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (19V502), June 2019. About 9,555 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[12]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (19V378), May 2019. About 19,138 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, stalling, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (18V268), April 2018. About 1,335 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, stalling, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (17V545), August 2017. About 3,257 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, stalling, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[15]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (17V030), January 2017. About 977,708 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[16]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (16V346), May 2016. About 2,719,386 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[17]
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings (08V535), October 2008. About 128 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire, a crash.^[18]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Civic Hybrid, 1.3L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[4]	40 / 45 / 42	$1,600
Civic, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[19]	25 / 36 / 29	$2,300
Civic CNG, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, CNG, Front-Wheel Drive^[20]	24 / 36 / 28	$1,650
Civic, 1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[21]	26 / 34 / 29	$2,300
Civic, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive^[22]	21 / 29 / 24	$3,400

Safety ratings

NHTSA lists these versions as not rated: GX (CNG) 4-DR W/SAB FWD^[23], 4-DR W/SAB FWD^[24], 2 DR FWD^[25], 4 DR FWD^[26].

Engine and size

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
CIVIC 2DR COUPE FWD DX/DX-G/LX^[27]	175 in	69 in	54 in	104 in	2,597 lb
CIVIC 2DR COUPE FWD EX-L^[28]	175 in	69 in	54 in	104 in	2,703 lb
CIVIC 2DR COUPE FWD Si^[29]	175 in	69 in	54 in	104 in	2,888 lb
CIVIC 4DR SEDAN FWD DX/DX-G/LX/EX-L^[30]	177 in	69 in	57 in	106 in	2,643 lb
CIVIC 4DR SEDAN Si^[31]	177 in	69 in	57 in	106 in	2,877 lb
CIVIC HYBRID 4DR SEDAN FWD^[32]	177 in	69 in	57 in	106 in	2,875 lb

How 2008 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Civic model year. The 2008 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
1995	199	0
1996	305	2
1997	373	2
1998	435	4
1999	338	3
2000	287	6
2001	1,079	14
2002	705	11
2003	551	11
2004	386	10
2005	366	10
2006	1,465	15
2007	1,278	10
2008	988	7
2009	429	8
2010	413	8
2011	172	9
2012	474	4
2013	329	0
2014	298	2
2015	394	1
2016	1,083	5
2017	605	6
2018	755	6
2019	455	4
2020	236	5
2021	161	4
2022	961	4
2023	336	5
2024	142	3
2025	105	2
2026	31	1

NHTSA's counts for the Civic show 988 complaints and 7 recalls for 2008^[3]. Among the 32 model years listed, 27 have fewer complaints than 2008 and 4 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2026 (31) and the most are for 2006 (1,465)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2008 Civic?

The 2008 Civic has a long list of owner complaints, 988 in all^[1]. The engine and air bag groups lead the list^[2]^[5]. Visibility and suspension come next^[6]^[7]. These are unverified reports sent to NHTSA, and they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold. Check the recalls section on this page and have any used car inspected before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Honda Civic?: The engine group has the most complaints, followed by air bags, visibility and suspension^[2]^[5]^[6]^[7].
Does the 2008 Honda Civic have recalls?: Yes. The by-year facts show 7 recalls^[3]. They are listed in the recalls section of this page.
How many complaints does the 2008 Honda Civic have?: NHTSA has 988 owner complaints on file^[1].
Is the 2008 Honda Civic reliable?: Owners filed 988 complaints^[1]. The biggest groups are engine and air bags^[2]^[5]. Read the problems section and the recalls before you decide.
What is the gas mileage of the 2008 Honda Civic?: See the fuel economy section of this page for the EPA figures.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Honda Civic

2008 this page
2010 413 complaints, 8 recalls
2012 474 complaints, 4 recalls
2013 329 complaints, 0 recalls
2015 394 complaints, 1 recall
2016 1,083 complaints, 5 recalls
2017 605 complaints, 6 recalls
2018 755 complaints, 6 recalls
2025 105 complaints, 2 recalls
2026 31 complaints, 1 recall

Compare all model years of the Honda Civic

Other Honda models from 2008

2008 Honda Accord 1,520 complaints, 8 recalls
2008 Honda Element 113 complaints, 12 recalls
2008 Honda Fit 217 complaints, 8 recalls
2008 Honda Ridgeline 143 complaints, 8 recalls

All Honda models

Similar cars from 2008: compact cars

2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback 291 complaints, 9 recalls
2008 BMW 3 Series 676 complaints, 7 recalls
2008 Ford Focus 250 complaints, 1 recall
2008 Lexus GS 45 complaints, 4 recalls
2008 Mazda 3 303 complaints, 2 recalls
2008 Pontiac G6 1,080 complaints, 4 recalls

All compact cars we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 988 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Honda Civic (67 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 53 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
222 complaints name the engine component group (4 crashes, 3 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 96,836). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Honda Civic model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Civic Hybrid, 1.3L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 40 city / 45 highway / 42 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
190 complaints name the air bags component group (46 crashes, 1 fires, 40 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
113 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 41,335). NHTSA vehicle records
100 complaints name the suspension component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,200). NHTSA vehicle records
90 complaints name the structure component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 63,468). NHTSA vehicle records
70 complaints name the electrical system component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 41,996). NHTSA vehicle records
58 complaints name the unknown or other component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 82,000). NHTSA vehicle records
55 complaints name the power train component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 35,052). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 19V502, filed June 27, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V378, filed May 16, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V268, filed April 26, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 17V545, filed August 31, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 17V030, filed January 10, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 16V346, filed May 24, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 08V535, filed October 14, 2008: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Civic, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 36 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Civic CNG, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, CNG, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 36 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,650. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Civic, 1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 34 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Civic, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, GX (CNG) 4-DR W/SAB FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR W/SAB FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CIVIC 2DR COUPE FWD DX/DX-G/LX: length 175 in, width 69 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,597 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CIVIC 2DR COUPE FWD EX-L: length 175 in, width 69 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,703 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CIVIC 2DR COUPE FWD Si: length 175 in, width 69 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,888 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CIVIC 4DR SEDAN FWD DX/DX-G/LX/EX-L: length 177 in, width 69 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,643 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CIVIC 4DR SEDAN Si: length 177 in, width 69 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,877 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CIVIC HYBRID 4DR SEDAN FWD: length 177 in, width 69 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,875 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.

2008 Honda Civic: problems, recalls and fuel economy