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2008 Honda Civic

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Civic years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Honda Civic are substantially higher than the model-year median of 183.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

688 reports with mileage · 228 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 177 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 156 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Visibility. Review the 112 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

62 crash reports6 fire reports38 injury reports

Power Train complaints

52 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 27, 2022
Power Train

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 transmissi…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11476210

Mileage unknown · Dec 23, 2020
Air BagsPower Train

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: 1…

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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

NHTSA ODI #11384764

143,000 miles · Nov 1, 2018
EnginePower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS THEN SHIFTED INTO PARK AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO O'MALLEY HONDA (3405 STEWART AVE, WAUSAU, WI 54401 (715) 842-2131) BUT A…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS THEN SHIFTED INTO PARK AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO O'MALLEY HONDA (3405 STEWART AVE, WAUSAU, WI 54401 (715) 842-2131) BUT A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS NOT COMPLETED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 143,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11144777

140,000 miles · Sep 25, 2018
EnginePower Train

THIS CAR STARTED LEAKING COOLANT ON THE DRIVEWAY. ONE DAY LATER MY WIFE DRIVES CAR AND WHEN SHE RETURNS HOME STEAM IS COMING FROM ENGINE AND A LOT MORE COOLANT IS LEAKING ON DRIVEWAY. TOWED IT TO THE DEALER. TURNS OUT THERE IS A FACTOR DEFECT CAUSING ENGINE BLOCK TO CRACK PREMATURELY. LUCKILY ENGINE DIDN'T OVERHEAT AND LOCK-…

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THIS CAR STARTED LEAKING COOLANT ON THE DRIVEWAY. ONE DAY LATER MY WIFE DRIVES CAR AND WHEN SHE RETURNS HOME STEAM IS COMING FROM ENGINE AND A LOT MORE COOLANT IS LEAKING ON DRIVEWAY. TOWED IT TO THE DEALER. TURNS OUT THERE IS A FACTOR DEFECT CAUSING ENGINE BLOCK TO CRACK PREMATURELY. LUCKILY ENGINE DIDN'T OVERHEAT AND LOCK-UP WHILE ON THE FREEWAY. SCARY THAT THE SYMPTOMS AND ONSET OF CRACK WERE SO SUDDEN. ONLY STARTED DRIPPING ON DRIVEWAY ONE DAY PREVIOUS TO NEAR OVERHEAT. NOT SURE IF MY WIFE OR I WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SAFELY GET THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IF IT OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY.

NHTSA ODI #11131633

Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2018
Power TrainStructureVehicle Speed Control

MAP FOR MY CAR, NAVI FOR MY CAR

NHTSA ODI #11081749

17 miles · Oct 10, 2017
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACTED STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD POP OUT OF THIRD GEAR INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED AN ABNORMAL GRINDING SOUND WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN THIRD GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (LAMACCHIA HONDA, 932 W GENESEE ST.,…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACTED STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD POP OUT OF THIRD GEAR INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED AN ABNORMAL GRINDING SOUND WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN THIRD GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (LAMACCHIA HONDA, 932 W GENESEE ST., SYRACUSE, NY, 13204), BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THERE WERE TIMES THAT THE CONTACT CALLED AND WENT TO THE DEALER FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. OVER TIME, THE POPPING NOISE WORSENED AND THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY UNABLE TO MOVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 17.

NHTSA ODI #11032695

90,000 miles · Jul 15, 2016
Power Train

TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE COMPLETELY REBUILT AFTER 105000 MILES APPROXIMATELY; MECHANIC TOLD ME HE COULD ESTIMATE HOW MUCH LONGER I HAVE IF IT WAS SOMETHING THAT HE SAW MORE OFTEN, BUT THIS ISN'T SOMETHING HE SEES OFTEN. THE VEHICLE WOULD RUN HEAVY, AND I WAS TOLD AN ENGINE MOUNT WAS BAD AND WAS SUBSEQUENTLY REPLACED UNDER WARRA…

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TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE COMPLETELY REBUILT AFTER 105000 MILES APPROXIMATELY; MECHANIC TOLD ME HE COULD ESTIMATE HOW MUCH LONGER I HAVE IF IT WAS SOMETHING THAT HE SAW MORE OFTEN, BUT THIS ISN'T SOMETHING HE SEES OFTEN. THE VEHICLE WOULD RUN HEAVY, AND I WAS TOLD AN ENGINE MOUNT WAS BAD AND WAS SUBSEQUENTLY REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THERE IS STILL A TENDENCY FOR THE CAR TO VIBRATE AND SHAKE AS I DRIVE BETWEEN 17-30 MPH, AND ATTRIBUTE THIS TO THE ISSUE OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE ALSO DOES NOT SHIFT WELL, AND CLICKS ON CERTAIN SHIFTING POINTS. DEALERSHIP STATED THE CAR IS OUTSIDE OF THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH THIS ISSUES STARTED PRIOR TO THE END OF THAT WARRANTY.

NHTSA ODI #10885103

55,000 miles · Feb 18, 2016
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE UPON SHIFTING GEARS AND PROGRESSED WHEN DOWNSHIFTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THIRD GEAR SYNCHRONIZER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE PROGRESSED WHEN THERE WAS HIGH RPMS. THE DEALER ALSO INDI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE UPON SHIFTING GEARS AND PROGRESSED WHEN DOWNSHIFTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THIRD GEAR SYNCHRONIZER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE PROGRESSED WHEN THERE WAS HIGH RPMS. THE DEALER ALSO INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER RECALL FOR THE POWER STEERING BUT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

NHTSA ODI #10836912

134,000 miles · Oct 9, 2015
Power Train

I WAS DRIVING AND SWITCHED INTO 3RD GEAR; POPPED OUT. ALSO 3RD GEAR GETS STUCK AND CAN'T SHIFT INTO 3RD GEAR.

NHTSA ODI #10781103

61,000 miles · Sep 30, 2014
Power Train

THE FIRST TIME THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED WAS IN JUNE OF 2012 WHEN SHIFTING INTO 3RD GEAR THERE WAS GRINDING SOUNDS. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO POP OUT OF 3RD GEAR WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK IT INTO A HONDA DEALER TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG THEY DIAGNOSED IT AS INTERNAL M/T MALFUNCTION SAYING THAT MY SHIFT FORK AND 3RD GEAR S SET NEEDED REPLACIN…

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THE FIRST TIME THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED WAS IN JUNE OF 2012 WHEN SHIFTING INTO 3RD GEAR THERE WAS GRINDING SOUNDS. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO POP OUT OF 3RD GEAR WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK IT INTO A HONDA DEALER TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG THEY DIAGNOSED IT AS INTERNAL M/T MALFUNCTION SAYING THAT MY SHIFT FORK AND 3RD GEAR S SET NEEDED REPLACING. SINCE I PURCHASE THIS CAR USED AT A DEALERSHIP THAT I WORKED AT THE TIME THEY FIXED IT AS A COURTESY TO ME. I HAD TO FIGHT WITH THEM TO FINALLY AGREE TO FIX IT FROM THE BEGINNING. ONCE AGAIN NOW IN SEPTEMBER OF 2014 THE SAME THING HAS HAPPEN AGAIN TO MY CIVIC WHICH THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST IS AROUND $3,000.00. BEING A TRAINED MECHANIC I KNOW THERE ARE SEVERAL SILENT RECALLS AND TSB RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM. I DO NOT FEEL THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF THE POCKET TO FIX A RECURRING PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10640078

Official recalls

7

19V502000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jun 27, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: 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.

19V378000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

May 16, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

18V268000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Apr 26, 2018

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

17V545000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Aug 31, 2017

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

17V030000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 10, 2017

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: 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.

16V346000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

May 24, 2016

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: 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.

08V535000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Oct 14, 2008

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

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