Is the 2008 Honda Civic reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Honda Civic is rated "significantly worse".

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

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Honda Civic have?

7 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 Honda Civic

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2008 Honda Civic
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 916
Recalls: 7
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2008: 916 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1980	0
1981	1
1982	1
1983	9
1984	5
1985	15
1986	35
1987	39
1988	48
1989	69
1990	92
1991	111
1992	100
1993	155
1994	161
1995	199
1996	305
1997	373
1998	435
1999	338
2000	287
2001	1,079
2002	702
2003	499
2004	350
2005	315
2006	1,402
2007	1,204
2008	916
2009	395
2010	397
2011	169
2012	455
2013	318
2014	292
2015	378
2016	1,080
2017	598
2018	744
2019	434
2020	225
2021	144
2022	883
2023	255
2024	124
2025	75
2026	30

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

20% · 179 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The drivers air bag system or any other didn't deploy upon a rear collision with another vehicle, and yes the vehicle is available for any inspection.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-05-04

Takata recall- my Honda was totaled and my airbags never deployed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-16

Also filed under Structure and wheels

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Honda Civic ex. The contact was driving 65 MPH and traveled over black ice, causing the vehicle to slide and the contact to lose control of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-22

Engine

17% · 156 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH the vehicle overheated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-01

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine, steering. Purchased the car from a certified dealership in January 2026.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-17

Also filed under Steering

As I was driving my car home on 8/31, I looked at the temperature gauge and saw my car was overheating. I make sure to check my temperature gauge periodically while driving so I am positive itâs the first time itâs popped up.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-06

Visibility

12% · 112 reports

Most commonly citing defroster/defogger/hvac system and power window devices and controls.

INJURY

Suspension

11% · 100 reports

Most commonly citing rear and front.

CRASHINJURY

Structure

9% · 85 reports

Most commonly citing body and sun visor.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2008Complaint volume 916 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2008-10-13Fuel system, gasoline08V535000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-11-15Air bags16V346000 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...

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-02-22Air bags17V030000 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...

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-10-30Air bags17V545000 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...

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-06-22Air bags18V268000 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...

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-07-05Air bags19V378000 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,...

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-08-12Air bags19V502000 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,...

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Honda Civic — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 179 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 156 reports on file for this year.
Visibility: 112 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 08V535000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 16V346000 · Air bags
Recall 17V030000 · Air bags
Recall 17V545000 · Air bags
Recall 18V268000 · Air bags
Recall 19V378000 · Air bags
Recall 19V502000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 Honda Civic reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Honda Civic is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Honda Civic?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Honda Civic have?: 7 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.