Is the 2008 Honda Odyssey reliable?

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

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

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Honda Odyssey have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 Honda Odyssey

◆ Worse than typical

2008 Honda Odyssey
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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: 499
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 5
Top problem: Service brakes

Complaints per year

2008: 499 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1990	2
1994	1
1995	96
1996	70
1997	20
1998	73
1999	518
2000	675
2001	619
2002	960
2003	914
2004	585
2005	830
2006	703
2007	830
2008	499
2009	198
2010	255
2011	235
2012	244
2013	210
2014	308
2015	206
2016	270
2017	39
2018	992
2019	977
2020	473
2021	143
2022	137
2023	100
2024	113
2025	400
2026	43

Known problem areas

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

Service brakes

33% · 166 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Structure

27% · 136 reports

Most commonly citing body and hinge and attachments.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

While vehicle was stationary, the manual rear tailgate gas-charged lift struts/stays failed without warning, causing the rear tailgate to fall on the occupant with significant weight and velocity, causing minor head injuries.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-11

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that the vehicles tailgae had become inoperable and fell on the contact's shoulders. The contact did not receive any medical assistance for the injury.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-03

The tailgate struts failed when my wife opened the tailgate causing a bruise on her head. Skin was not broken. The struts failed slightly on the 27TH and lowered the tail gate a few inches.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-28

Power train

8% · 41 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle assembly.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Two weeks ago we purchased a 2008 Odyssey. Saturday morning, it drove itself into a shed after traveling up a hill and still in park! Situation: I was unhooking a trailer, my son was helping.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-09-05

Engine

8% · 40 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Electrical system

7% · 33 reports

Most commonly citing speedometer/odometer.

FIRE

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first

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

▮
2008Complaint volume 499 complaints filed for this model year.
I
2009-05-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-10-19 Air in brake system
I
2009-10-19Engineering analysisClosed 2010-05-11 Air in brake system
R

2010-05-03Service brakes, air10V098000 Honda has notified NHTSA of a defect in certain model year 2007 and 2008 Odyssey and Element passenger vehicles manufactured between July 28, 2006 and August 21, 2008. Air can enter the vsa modular…

Remedy: Honda will notify owner and Honda dealers will repair the vsa modulator by removing any existing air in the brake system then apply sealant and caps to prevent air from entering the brake system…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2011-09-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 2012-02-29 Unexpected Closing of Power Liftgate
R

2012-03-12Structure12V062000 Honda is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Odyssey vehicles, the gas-filled struts that help to raise and support the liftgate of vehicles equipped with a power liftgate system may be prone to…

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace both power liftgate gas struts free of charge. The safety recall began on March 12, 2012. Owners may contact Honda customer service at…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2012-09-28EQClosed 2012-12-31 Stabilus Rear Liftgate Struts Failing
I
2013-06-25Preliminary evaluationClosed 2013-11-04 Inappropriate autonomous braking
R

2014-04-29Electrical system13V500000 American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured August 8, 2006, through September 8, 2008.

Remedy: Parts to remedy these vehicles will not be available until the spring of 2014. Honda will send owners an interim letter notifying them of the issue and instruct them how to prevent unintended braking.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-08-14Fuel system, gasoline14E049000 Delphi Automotive Systems, LLC (Delphi) is recalling certain replacement fuel pump modules, part number FG1155-11B1, sold for use in 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey vehicles.

Remedy: Delphi has begun notifying dealers and distributors, and will replace the fuel pump modules, free of charge. Owners may contact Delphi customer service at 1-877-411-8770. Delphi's number for this recall is GL14-004.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-10-06Fuel system, gasoline14V112000 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured June 23, 2004, through September 4, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the fuel pump strainer cover may deteriorate allowing fuel to leak out.

Remedy: Parts to permanently repair the affected vehicles are not currently available. Honda will notify owners with an interim letter during May 2014. A second notice was mailed to owners October 6, 2014 when the remedy became available.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Honda Odyssey — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 166 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 136 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 41 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 10V098000 · Service brakes, air
Recall 12V062000 · Structure
Recall 13V500000 · Electrical system
Recall 14E049000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 14V112000 · Fuel system, gasoline

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 Honda Odyssey reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Honda Odyssey is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Honda Odyssey?: The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Honda Odyssey have?: 5 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.