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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

Structure complaints

85 reports
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62,137 miles · Oct 23, 2015
Structure

PAINT IS DETERIORATING AND THE METAL WILL SOON BE EXPOSED TO RUST.

NHTSA ODI #10785727

92,000 miles · Oct 3, 2015
Air BagsStructureCrashInjury

HIT A DEER GOING 70 MILES A HOUR STATE HIGHWAY SEAT BELT DID NOT DEPLOY I HAVE A SPINE INJURY ALSO PAINT IS FADING ON ROOF

NHTSA ODI #10779510

71,000 miles · Jul 13, 2015
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLASTIC COVER, LOCATED IN THE CENTER OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHERE THE AIR BAG WAS LOCATED, WAS CRACKED. THE CRACK EXTENDED APPROXIMATELY SEVEN INCHES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY EXCESSIVE EXPOSURE TO SUN LIGH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLASTIC COVER, LOCATED IN THE CENTER OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHERE THE AIR BAG WAS LOCATED, WAS CRACKED. THE CRACK EXTENDED APPROXIMATELY SEVEN INCHES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY EXCESSIVE EXPOSURE TO SUN LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 09/15/15*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED AN EXPENSIVE SUN SHIELD HAS BEEN ON THE WINDSHIELD, SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW. THE CONSUMER DID NOT BELIEVE THE DAMAGE WAS DUE TO SUN EXPOSURE. UPDATED 04/07/16. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10733618

106,000 miles · Jul 2, 2015
StructureUnknown Or Other

PAINT IS PEELING ON ROOF. LAST WEEK AS I WAS LOADING A TODDLER INTO THE VEHICLE, HE MANAGED TO GRAB A PIECE OF CHIPPED PAINT AND PUT IT IN MOUTH. I DID SOME RESEARCHED AND DISCOVERED THAT HONDA HAD ISSUES WITH THIS PARTICULAR PAINT. HOWEVER, THEY ARE NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY SINCE I MISSED THEIR DEADLINE. I AM GRATEFUL THAT I W…

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PAINT IS PEELING ON ROOF. LAST WEEK AS I WAS LOADING A TODDLER INTO THE VEHICLE, HE MANAGED TO GRAB A PIECE OF CHIPPED PAINT AND PUT IT IN MOUTH. I DID SOME RESEARCHED AND DISCOVERED THAT HONDA HAD ISSUES WITH THIS PARTICULAR PAINT. HOWEVER, THEY ARE NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY SINCE I MISSED THEIR DEADLINE. I AM GRATEFUL THAT I WAS ABLE TO INTERCEDE AND TAKE THE PIECE OF PAINT OUT OF MY NEPHEW'S MOUTH AND PREVENT HIM FROM GOING TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM BUT COULD YOU IMAGINE THE POTENTIAL RISKS OUT THERE. BASED ON MY RESEARCH IT IS COMMON FOR THIS PAINT TO CHIP ON THE ROOF AND TRUNK, AND I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT HONDA IS SIMPLY LOOKING THE OTHER WAY. I GUESS WE ONLY HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE THE REPERCUSSIONS OF THEIR NEGLIGENCE AND HOPE THAT DRIVERS ARE VIGILANT WHEN LOADING/UNLOADING UNRULY TODDLERS FROM THESE QUESTIONABLE VEHICLES.

NHTSA ODI #10731811

96,756 miles · Jun 4, 2015
Structure

THE PAINT HAS BEEN PEELING/ CHIPPING AWAY ON THE ROOF AND TRUNK OF MY CAR AND IT IS ONLY GETTING WORSE.

NHTSA ODI #10723337

90,000 miles · May 12, 2015
Structure

I NOTICED IN THE SPRING OF 2014 THAT THE PAINT ON THE ROOF OF THE CAR WAS FADING QUICKLY AND SIGNIFICANTLY. THEN, LAST MONTH (MARCH 2015,) I NOTICED THE CLEAR COAT IS CRACKED AND PEELING OFF COMPLETELY ON THE RIGHT REAR BUMPER AND THE TRUNK. THERE HAVE BEEN NO INCIDENTS TO WARRANT THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE, SO I SUSPECT IT'S A FACTORY…

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I NOTICED IN THE SPRING OF 2014 THAT THE PAINT ON THE ROOF OF THE CAR WAS FADING QUICKLY AND SIGNIFICANTLY. THEN, LAST MONTH (MARCH 2015,) I NOTICED THE CLEAR COAT IS CRACKED AND PEELING OFF COMPLETELY ON THE RIGHT REAR BUMPER AND THE TRUNK. THERE HAVE BEEN NO INCIDENTS TO WARRANT THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE, SO I SUSPECT IT'S A FACTORY DEFECT.

NHTSA ODI #10715979

Mileage unknown · Apr 16, 2015
Exterior LightingStructureUnknown Or OtherCrash

MY SON WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR CRASH WITH A LARGE SUV. HE HIT THEM FROM THE REAR. MY HONDA CIVIC WENT UNDER THE BUMPER OF THE LARGE SUV. DUE TO THE IMPACT MY BUMPER TORE OFF, MY HEADLIGHTS BROKE, MY HOOD WAS SMASHED IN AND THE FRONT END OF THE CAR WAS SMASHED IN. WHY WEREN'T THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED?? THAT IS OUR CONCERN? MY SON COUL…

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MY SON WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR CRASH WITH A LARGE SUV. HE HIT THEM FROM THE REAR. MY HONDA CIVIC WENT UNDER THE BUMPER OF THE LARGE SUV. DUE TO THE IMPACT MY BUMPER TORE OFF, MY HEADLIGHTS BROKE, MY HOOD WAS SMASHED IN AND THE FRONT END OF THE CAR WAS SMASHED IN. WHY WEREN'T THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED?? THAT IS OUR CONCERN? MY SON COULD HAVE DIED IN THIS CRASH DUE TO FAULTY AIR BAGS. WE HAVE PICTURES OF THE CRASH. OUR MAIN CONCERN IS THE AIR BAGS NOT BEING DEPLOYED. I WOULD LIKE TO NOTIFY HONDA CORP OF THIS INCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10706124

Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Structure

I HAVE A 2008 HONDA CIVIC EX AND I TAKE REALLY GOOD OF MY CAR, THE PAINT ON TOP IS FADING TO THE METAL, I SEE THIS IS A PROBLEM FOR A LOT OF HONDA CIVIC'S. ALSO I AM HAVING MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, AWHILE AGO MY HORN RANDOMLY STOPPED WORKING AND THEN 5MONTHS LATER STARTED WORKING AGAIN, THEN MY PASSENGER WINDOW WONT ROLL UP OR…

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I HAVE A 2008 HONDA CIVIC EX AND I TAKE REALLY GOOD OF MY CAR, THE PAINT ON TOP IS FADING TO THE METAL, I SEE THIS IS A PROBLEM FOR A LOT OF HONDA CIVIC'S. ALSO I AM HAVING MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, AWHILE AGO MY HORN RANDOMLY STOPPED WORKING AND THEN 5MONTHS LATER STARTED WORKING AGAIN, THEN MY PASSENGER WINDOW WONT ROLL UP OR DOWN HALF THE TIME, THE LIGHTS WHERE MY STEREO IS STOPPED WORKING AND NOW THE BUTTONS ON THE RADIO OR ON MY STEERING WHEEL ARE WORKING, WHEN I TURN MY HEAT/AC UP OR DOWN IT MESSES WITH MY HEADLIGHTS. I HAD ALL THE FUSES CHECKED AND THEY ARE JUST FINE. WONDERING IF ANYONE ELSE IS HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND IF THERE IS A RECALL!!! I LOVE HONDA BUT I AM TO THE POINT WHERE I WANT TO GET A DIFFERENT CAR AND NOT GO WITH HONDA. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10692620

64,800 miles · Mar 3, 2015
Structure

THE TOP OF MY CAR COMPLETELY LOST PAINT IN TWO LARGE SECTIONS (THE SIZE OF A DESERT PLATE, IT WENT DOWN TO THE BARE METAL BODY OF THE CAR AS OF SUMMER 2014. OCTOBER 2014 I PAID $566. TO PAINT THE ENTIRE TOP OF THE CAR BY A LOCAL, REPUTABLE BODY SHOP. I TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF MY CAR AND WAX IT REGULARLY. THIS IS THE FIRST HOND…

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THE TOP OF MY CAR COMPLETELY LOST PAINT IN TWO LARGE SECTIONS (THE SIZE OF A DESERT PLATE, IT WENT DOWN TO THE BARE METAL BODY OF THE CAR AS OF SUMMER 2014. OCTOBER 2014 I PAID $566. TO PAINT THE ENTIRE TOP OF THE CAR BY A LOCAL, REPUTABLE BODY SHOP. I TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF MY CAR AND WAX IT REGULARLY. THIS IS THE FIRST HONDA I HAVE OWNED AND NEVER BEFORE HAVE I HAD TO PAINT A CAR DUE TO PAINT TOTALLY WEARING DOWN TO THE "BONES" OF A CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10691825

Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2015
Structure

I OWN A 2008 HONDA CIVIC EX AND TAKE EXCELLENT CARE OF THE CAR. SINCE AUGUST THE PAINT HAS BEEN TURNING WHITE ON THE ROOF AND CRACKING ON THE HOOD, TRUNK AND AROUND THE REAR WINDOW. ACCORDING TO HONDA THEY HAVE NO REPORTED ISSUES WITH THIS PROBLEM AND THAT I AM JUST NOT TAKING CARE OF THE VEHICLE AND ITS MY FAULT. LAST AUGUST MY…

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I OWN A 2008 HONDA CIVIC EX AND TAKE EXCELLENT CARE OF THE CAR. SINCE AUGUST THE PAINT HAS BEEN TURNING WHITE ON THE ROOF AND CRACKING ON THE HOOD, TRUNK AND AROUND THE REAR WINDOW. ACCORDING TO HONDA THEY HAVE NO REPORTED ISSUES WITH THIS PROBLEM AND THAT I AM JUST NOT TAKING CARE OF THE VEHICLE AND ITS MY FAULT. LAST AUGUST MY BROTHER-IN-LAW RECEIVED A WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR THE PAINT ON HIS 2005 CIVIC THAT IS A LIGHT SANDY COLOR. MY CIVIC IS DARK RED. WHEN I MENTIONED THIS NOTICE TO HONDA THEY SAID THAT THE ISSUE IS VIN BY VIN BASED AND MY CAR BECAUSE IT IS A "LIGHT" COLOR DOESN'T QUALIFY FOR THIS WARRANTY EXTENSION. I SAID TO THE REP THEN YOU DO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE PAIN ON CIVICS. SHE AGAIN SAID NO AND IF THE PAINT IS CRACKING THEN ITS SOMETHING I'M DOING WRONG IN TAKING CARE OF THE VEHICLE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY CONFIRMED THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT HONDA IS NOT BEING SUPPORTIVE OF THE ISSUE AND MY CAR WAS THE 3RD ONE THIS WEEK BROUGHT IN WITH THE SAME FAILING PAINT. IT IS DESPICABLE THAT HONDA CAN SELL A DEFECTIVE ITEM AND THEN BLAME THE CONSUMER FOR THE ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10680648

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.

Go deeper into Honda Civic problems