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    Honda Civic

    EPA MPG: 32 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2008 Civic is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2008 Honda Civic has been recalled 7 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2008 Honda Civic owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "The problem was resolved by replacing the compressor"

    Anonymous, TN (2008 Honda Civic Unsure Unsure)

    "Had the ENTIRE cooling system replaced, cleaned out & tested. Third compressor stopped working within the month. Im done fixing & pouring money into it!!"

    Anonymous, IL (2008 Honda Civic EX Unsure)

    "Blowing hot air."

    Anonymous, VA (2008 Honda Civic EX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    "AC didn't work at all. Heater didn't work, hoses changed, lots of other work, still did not work properly. AC began to work a little."

    Anonymous A., NM (2008 Honda Civic Unsure Unsure)

    "When outside temps reach 90F the A/C declines in it's ability to cool the car. The air warms slightly. Repair estimate is $1200."

    Anonymous, VA (2008 Honda Civic EX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
    Other climate system problem

    "The climate air conditioner went out. Was blowing hot air. Unsure why but it could have been a bad sensor."

    Anonymous, OR (2008 Honda Civic DX Unsure)
    Refrigerant leaks

    ""in August 2024 refrigerant leaked from the hose fittings at the compressor, prompting replacement of hoses, fittings, and refrigerant. I had the work done at a dealership that some month.""

    Anonymous, CA (2008 Honda Civic LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Calipers

    ""Driver's side rear brake calipers did not fully release and dragged slightly. It was so slight I couldn't tell anything was wrong, my clue was a hot smell coming from that wheel. Ended up having to replace both rear discs and calipers plus new fluids. The pads were new at 90000 miles so something deteriorated from that point to 112000 when the problem occurred.""

    Anonymous, ME (2008 Honda Civic EX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    "Car is so low to the ground that it's more subject to this issue."

    Anonymous A., NJ (2008 Honda Civic EX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
    Rotors

    "excessive brake wear, rotors were replaced"

    Anonymous, (2008 Honda Civic EX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    "About 1 1/2 years ago, car vibrates when stopping and increasing my speed over 40 mph."

    Anonymous, OR (2008 Honda Civic Unsure Unsure)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Clutch replacement

    "Replace my cluth with a jobber part and I'm really satisfied for the moment"

    Anonymous, QC (2008 Honda Civic DX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    "Clutch would not engage"

    Anonymous, NC (2008 Honda Civic LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
    Other major transmission & clutch problem

    ""In September 2024, a transmission leak was detected and the input seal had to be replaced.""

    Anonymous, SK (2008 Honda Civic LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    "Transmission shuddered when engine was running, got worse in the cold. Replaced with a used JDM transmission for about $200, no more issues"

    Anonymous A., NV (2008 Honda Civic LX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose interior trim or moldings

    "Visor sticking required 2 replacements."

    Anonymous, NC (2008 Honda Civic Unsure Unsure)
    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "Paint is delaminating / coming off and deteriorating badly - and fast - since car was bought. Have noticed that other Civics of similar vintage on the road exhibit the same issue - and it's never just a small spot but most of the car."

    Anonymous, TX (2008 Honda Civic LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    ""The clear coat on my paint is peeling off. My car color is black, possibly Black Pearl? and there was a service notification sent out about the clear coat failing. I didnt have any issues with my paint at that time. Now, however, my car looks terrible, with huge peeling patches all over it. This car is kept in a garage unless it is in use. None of our other cars have ever had a paint issue like that, but none of our other cars were ever this old and still running. Ive looked online and people with the same issue say Honda does not care, and once the extended warranty on the paint ends, youre out of luck.""

    Anonymous, PA (2008 Honda Civic Unsure Unsure)

    "Clear coat is coming off under direct sunlight"

    Anonymous, NC (2008 Honda Civic LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    12V battery

    "Well known problem that 8th Gen of Honda Civics drain battery fast. I replaced battery every 2 years (but was well maintained by dealership). No solution was provided by Honda after repeated mentions on the Honda forums."

    Anonymous, CA (2008 Honda Civic EX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
    Other electrical system problem

    "Tire waring switch failure"

    Anonymous, MN (2008 Honda Civic DX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
    Warning lights

    "Tire pressure warning system failure"

    Anonymous, MN (2008 Honda Civic DX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    "The problem started in May 2024 when I noticed an antifreeze leak. I had the vehicle inspected and they found that the engine block was cracked. Apparently it was a problem on some Honda Civics from 2006-09. I had the engine replaced with a used one."

    Anonymous, SK (2008 Honda Civic LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Wheel bearings

    "Bearing failed on the front driver's-side wheel. Very unusual for a car with only 90K on the clock. (At least in my 50 years of experience with cars.)"

    Anonymous, TX (2008 Honda Civic LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    2008 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Honda vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    AIR BAGS
    Jun 27, 2019
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
    What should you do:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F5F and Q5E.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V502000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 9555
    AIR BAGS
    May 16, 2019
    An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
    What should you do:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M4O, P4R, T4Q, and W4P.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V378000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 19138
    AIR BAGS
    Apr 26, 2018
    An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
    What should you do:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V268000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1335
    AIR BAGS
    Aug 31, 2017
    In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2008-2012 Accord, 2010-2012 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2012 Fit and Pilot, 2010-2012 Insight, and 2009-2012 Acura TSX vehicles that received replacement passenger frontal air bag inflators. One dealership may have incorrectly installed the replacement air bag inflators.
    What should you do:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are O07, Y0A, N06, G05, M04, Y01, and O09.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V545000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 3257
    AIR BAGS
    Jan 10, 2017
    An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Acura TSX, 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Acura ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour and Honda Insight, 2009-2012 Honda Fit, 2009-2012 Pilot, 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2012 Honda FCX Clarity and 2006-2011 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid, Civic NGV vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Fit and Pilot, 2008-2009 Honda Accord, 2006-2009 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, and 2007-2009 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV and 2007-2008 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
    What should you do:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has mailed an interim notification, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KE1 and KE2.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V030000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 977708
    AIR BAGS
    May 24, 2016
    An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Acura TSX, 2011 TSX Wagon, 2010-2011 Acura ZDX, 2008-2011 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid, and Civic GX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2010-2011 FCX Clarity and Insight, and 2009-2011 Fit, and Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless already included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic GX, and 2007-2008 CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
    What should you do:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall is KA4, KA5, KA6, and KA7.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V346000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 2719386
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Oct 14, 2008
    IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE BRACKET MAY BECOME LOOSE WHICH COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL HOSE CONNECTOR. A DAMAGED CONNECTOR COULD LEAD TO A FUEL LEAK AND INCREASES THE RISK OF A FIRE.
    Summary:
    HONDA IS RECALLING 128 MY 2008-2009 CIVIC SEDANS. A BRACKET THAT COVERS THE FUEL HOSE CONNECTOR IS SECURED WITH A BOLT AND NUT, BUT DURING ASSEMBLY THE NUT WAS NOT INSTALLED.
    What should you do:
    DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NUT ON THE FUEL FEED HOSE BRACKET. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
    For more information:
    CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 08V535000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 128
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