Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2008 Honda Civic — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2010 to Dec 2015
The most reported issue is air bags problems (151 complaints). 62 complaints involved crashes. 6 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (7)
NHTSA Campaign: 18V268000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 19V502000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 19V378000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V545000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V030000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V346000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 08V535000
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 913)
Engine →10 issues
Your engine block has developed a crack, which is causing coolant to leak out. This leak renders your vehicle unable to operate. The engine block will need to be replaced or professionally repaired to restore your car to working condition.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your engine block developed a crack and overheated while you were driving. This is a serious issue that requires immediate attention to prevent further damage to your engine.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
While driving home, you noticed your temperature gauge showing the engine was overheating, which had never happened before. You couldn't pull over immediately due to traffic, and the car eventually stopped moving, though no warning lights appeared on the dashboard. A mechanic diagnosed a cracked engine block, which caused your oil and coolant to mix together. Fixing this will likely require engine block repair or replacement, which is a major engine repair.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your car overheated while driving at 45 MPH without any warning light appearing. When you pulled over, you noticed coolant leaking underneath the vehicle. A mechanic diagnosed a crack in the engine block that requires a complete engine replacement. This is a major repair that would involve removing and replacing the entire engine.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your engine's temperature gauge rose extremely quickly, and when you pulled over, you found no coolant in the reservoir with no visible leaks. The shop diagnosed a cracked engine block, which the owner notes is a factory defect affecting multiple 2008 Honda Civics. Your car showed signs later than others, causing you to miss the extended warranty coverage at 130,000 miles.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
You discovered coolant leaking underneath your vehicle. A dealer diagnosed a crack in the engine block, which requires a full engine replacement. The manufacturer was notified but did not provide any assistance with the repair. Fixing this will require replacing the entire engine.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your engine temperature suddenly spiked and you noticed coolant leaking from the front of the engine block. A mechanic diagnosed a cracked engine block. Honda declined to cover the repair under warranty, citing that it's only a known issue bulletin rather than a full recall, leaving you responsible for the expensive repair.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your engine block has developed a crack on the front, which Honda has acknowledged as a known issue. Unfortunately, this problem occurred after your warranty expired, leaving you responsible for repair costs. Fixing this will likely require engine block replacement or professional welding repair.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your car is leaking both oil and coolant. These leaks suggest your engine seals or gaskets may be worn or damaged, which is not uncommon in a used vehicle. Left unaddressed, these leaks can lead to engine damage or overheating. A mechanic will need to inspect the engine to identify the leak sources and replace the affected seals or gaskets.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your car is leaking coolant at a steady rate due to a cracked engine block. Honda has acknowledged this issue with a service bulletin for 2006-2009 Civics, but since your vehicle is out of warranty, you'll need to pay for a full engine replacement yourself. This requires removing and replacing the entire engine.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Air Bags →4 issues
Your airbag warning light is turning on and off intermittently while you're driving. The light came on at 30 MPH, but disappeared after you restarted the engine. This suggests an electrical or sensor problem with your airbag system that needs professional diagnosis to ensure your airbags will deploy properly in a crash.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your driver's side airbag and other airbags failed to deploy during a rear-end collision with another vehicle. The vehicle is available for inspection to determine why the airbag system did not activate as designed.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your driver's side airbags failed to deploy properly during a collision at approximately 103,000 miles. The steering wheel cracked and the airbag inflator deployed but the bag then deflated, leaving you without proper protection. You sustained injuries to your chest and lower back that required medical attention. The airbag system will likely need complete replacement and inspection by a technician to determine why deployment failed.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your driver's side airbag inflator module has developed a crack. You may notice your horn honking unexpectedly and excessive heat near the airbag area. This is a safety-critical issue that requires immediate inspection and replacement of the airbag inflator module.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Engine And Engine Cooling →1 issue
Your car overheated while driving at 30 mph with smoke coming from under the hood, but no warning light appeared. You noticed coolant leaking from underneath and found the reservoir empty. Two independent mechanics diagnosed a cracked engine block leaking coolant and determined the entire engine needs to be replaced. Honda informed you this couldn't be covered under their recall program because it had expired.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Steering →1 issue
Your car's power steering system is pulling hard to the left and feels stiff when you try to turn right. This makes steering more difficult and requires extra effort to control the vehicle. The problem likely involves the electronic power steering system and may require inspection of the steering pump, fluid level, or control module.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Service Brakes →1 issue
Your brake system has a defective accumulator set component. This is a known issue with this model's braking system that can affect braking performance.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Visibility/wiper →1 issue
Your driver's side sun visor has a design flaw that causes it to split and become inoperable, eventually falling off completely. Even after the manufacturer replaced it, the same problem recurs because the underlying design issue was never fixed. This appears to be a widespread issue affecting multiple vehicles.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Structure →1 issue
Your car's paint is peeling off in areas, which exposes the metal underneath to rust and can reduce your vehicle's lifespan. Honda acknowledged this is a manufacturing defect, but refused to cover the repair cost because it's outside the warranty period. The peeling paint will need to be sanded off and the affected areas repainted to prevent rust damage.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Structure,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your car's paint has developed defects that affect its appearance and protective coating. The clear coat layer, which protects the paint underneath, also needs attention. Addressing this issue would likely involve repainting the affected areas and applying a fresh clear coat.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Get notified when any of these become free repairs
We'll alert you if a new recall is issued for your vehicle — that means a free fix at the dealer.
Related Vehicles
Other Honda Civic years: