MYRModel Year Report

2008 Honda Civic

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2008 Honda Civic
BUILT 2026-09-02

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Honda Civic Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2008 highlighted. 1981: 1 complaints 1981 1982: 1 complaints 1983: 9 complaints 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 15 complaints 1986: 35 complaints 1987: 39 complaints 1987 1988: 48 complaints 1989: 69 complaints 1990: 92 complaints 1991: 111 complaints 1992: 100 complaints 1993: 155 complaints 1993 1994: 161 complaints 1995: 199 complaints 1996: 305 complaints 1997: 373 complaints 1998: 435 complaints 1999: 338 complaints 1999 2000: 287 complaints 2001: 1079 complaints 2002: 702 complaints 2003: 499 complaints 2004: 350 complaints 2005: 314 complaints 2005 2006: 1402 complaints 2007: 1204 complaints 2008: 916 complaints 2008 2009: 395 complaints 2010: 396 complaints 2011: 168 complaints 2011 2012: 454 complaints 2013: 317 complaints 2014: 290 complaints 2015: 377 complaints 2016: 1075 complaints 2017: 584 complaints 2017 2018: 736 complaints 2019: 424 complaints 2020: 221 complaints 2021: 140 complaints 2022: 881 complaints 2023: 252 complaints 2023 2024: 119 complaints 2025: 68 complaints 2026: 27 complaints 2026
2008: 916 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19811
19821
19839
19845
198515
198635
198739
198848
198969
199092
1991111
1992100
1993155
1994161
1995199
1996305
1997373
1998435
1999338
2000287
20011079
2002702
2003499
2004350
2005314
20061402
20071204
2008916
2009395
2010396
2011168
2012454
2013317
2014290
2015377
20161075
2017584
2018736
2019424
2020221
2021140
2022881
2023252
2024119
202568
202627

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

AIR BAGS 20%

20% of complaints: air bags — 179 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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, 20250504

TAKATA RECALL- MY HONDA WAS TOTALED AND MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171216

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, 20120322

ENGINE 17%

17% of complaints: engine — 156 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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, 20120601

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, 20260717

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 it’s the first time it’s popped up.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231106

VISIBILITY 12%

12% of complaints: visibility — 112 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing defroster/defogger/hvac system and power window devices and controls.

INJURY
SUSPENSION 11%

11% of complaints: suspension — 100 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and front.

CRASH INJURY
STRUCTURE 9%

9% of complaints: structure — 85 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and sun visor.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2008 — complaint volume: 916
R 20081013 — fuel system, gasoline

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.

Campaign 08V535000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20161115 — air bags

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.

Campaign 16V346000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20170222 — air bags

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.

Campaign 17V030000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20171030 — air bags

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.

Campaign 17V545000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20180622 — air bags

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.

Campaign 18V268000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20190705 — air bags

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.

Campaign 19V378000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20190812 — air bags

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.

Campaign 19V502000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2008 Honda Civic — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (179 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (156 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (112 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 08V535000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 16V346000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 17V030000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 17V545000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 18V268000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 19V378000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 19V502000 (air bags) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1986 ▲ 1987 ▲ 1988

WORST YEARS

■ 2006 ■ 2007 ■ 2001

See all years ranked →

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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.