2008 Honda Accord Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026

Good

Ranks 13th of 25 Accord years we score.

Owner complaints: 1,520; 207 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 34.2; 384,121 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.75×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 263; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 8
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2007 Accord 2009 Accord →

Should You Buy the 2008 Honda Accord?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2008 Honda Accord is 73 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported fewer problems than for the average car of the same age. It ranks 13th of the 25 Accord years we score.

The most reported problem is the brakes, mostly early wear (560 of 1,520 complaints). Owners also complain about the headlights and high oil consumption. 263 of the 1,520 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 8 recalls. Honda also offers 4 warranty extensions that may still apply, for engine misfire from fouled spark plugs (piston rings) and airbag control unit (airbag warning light). For comparison, the 2009 scores 76.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 13-078 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 73
Fewer problems than the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Brakes: early wear560 complaints
Headlights: works on and off112 complaints
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil94 complaints
First year of a new generation

How the 2008 Accord Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.50×	−8
Everyday problems	1.3×	−5
Problems in the last two years	0.60×	−7
Recalls	1.7×	−7
Score		73

What Owners Report

We read all 1,520 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Honda Accord, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Brakes: early wear
560 complaints (37%)
Early wear, a failure that needed a new part and vibration or shudder. 18 of these 560 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 12 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 61 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 22,000 miles.
Headlights: works on and off
112 complaints (7%)
Problems that come and go and dimming. 2 of these 112 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. In 31 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
94 complaints (6%)
Burning or using oil. 4 of these 94 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
77 complaints (5%)
Deployment with no crash, no deployment in a crash and parts breaking or coming apart. 12 of these 77 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. In 7 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
75 complaints (5%)
Warning lights, a failure and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
VTC actuator: unusual noises
54 complaints (4%)
Unusual noises, a failure and the car not starting. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 75,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
42 complaints (3%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and deployment injury. 7 of these 42 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 85,000 miles.
Engine: unusual noises
38 complaints (3%)
Unusual noises, stalling and surging. 6 of these 38 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
30 complaints (2%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, a failure and unusual noises. 8 of these 30 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
27 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 83,000 miles.
Steering: a leak
23 complaints (2%)
A leak, loss of steering control and a failure. 3 of these 23 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 18,000 miles.
Interior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
22 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, damage and shattering or cracking. 1 of these 22 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 38,000 miles.
Brake calipers: locking up
20 complaints (1%)
Locking up, a failure that needed a new part and sticking or stiffness. 1 of these 20 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 26,000 miles.
Exterior lights: works on and off
20 complaints (1%)
Problems that come and go. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 1,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
19 complaints (1%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 14 of these 19 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 28,000 miles.

Show 69 more problems

Seats failure
17 complaints (1%)
A failure, loose / unstable and peeling. 1 of these 17 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 13,000 miles.
Taillights or brake lights: works on and off
17 complaints (1%)
Problems that come and go and poor fit / condensation. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
17 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, damage and a failure that needed a new part. 3 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 59,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
17 complaints (1%)
Vibration or shudder. 1 of these 17 complaints describes a serious outcome. In 8 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 6 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 1,000 miles.
Piston rings failure
15 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, burning or using oil and damage. 6 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 113,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
14 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and deployment injury. 6 of these 14 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 112,000 miles.
Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
14 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, rough running or misfires and a stored fault code. 1 of these 14 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 98,000 miles.
Seat belts: warning lights
13 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights, the system not working when needed and not reinstalled. 1 of these 13 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Paint and rust: peeling paint
12 complaints (under 1%)
Peeling paint, poor finish and damage. Median mileage when it started: about 1,000 miles.
Alternator or charging failure
11 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, problems that come and go and lights dim. Median mileage when it started: about 18,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
11 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling. 5 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Door lock actuators: the system acting on its own
10 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own, a feature that stopped working and a failure. 2 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 53,000 miles.
Stability control (VSA): warning lights
9 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights, a stored fault code and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 135,000 miles.
Fuel economy: high fuel use
8 complaints (under 1%)
High fuel use. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
8 complaints (under 1%)
The car not starting, unusual noises and hard starting. 2 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 69,000 miles.
Timing chain or camshaft failure
8 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, unusual noises and parts breaking or coming apart. 2 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 86,000 miles.
12V battery failure
7 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and draining the battery. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.
A/C condenser: a leak
7 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and damage. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Engine failure
7 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and locking up. 2 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 96,000 miles.
Interior lights: works on and off
7 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
7 complaints (under 1%)
A fire. 6 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 163,000 miles.
ABS failure
6 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, a feature that stopped working and loss of braking. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 126,000 miles.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
6 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a stored fault code. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Several warning lights at once
6 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 109,000 miles.
Door latches: works on and off
6 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, not opening or unlocking and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 9,000 miles.
Engine oil leak
6 complaints (under 1%)
A leak. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Instrument cluster: wrong readings
6 complaints (under 1%)
Wrong readings, a feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Struts or shocks failure
6 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, unusual noises and parts breaking or coming apart. Median mileage when it started: about 32,000 miles.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
5 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in and parts breaking or coming apart. Median mileage when it started: about 125,000 miles.
Engine sensors or computer: burning or using oil
5 complaints (under 1%)
Burning or using oil, a stored fault code and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 111,000 miles.
Key fob: works on and off
5 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 17,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
5 complaints (under 1%)
Hesitation and reduced power or limp mode. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 72,000 miles.
Shifter or park: not releasing
5 complaints (under 1%)
Not releasing, unusual noises and the car rolling away. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 45,000 miles.
Variable cylinder management (VCM): surging
5 complaints (under 1%)
Surging and rough running or misfires. Median mileage when it started: about 3,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
5 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 54,000 miles.
Blower motor: works on and off
4 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
4 complaints (under 1%)
Rough running or misfires and reduced power or limp mode. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Exterior trim: damage
4 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and parts breaking or coming apart. Median mileage when it started: about 1,000 miles.
Parking brake: sticking or stiffness
4 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness and not releasing. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 31,000 miles.
Windshield wipers: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and not shutting off. Median mileage when it started: about 25,000 miles.
CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell and smoke or a burning smell. Median mileage when it started: about 1,000 miles.
Screen and audio: works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Reduced power or limp mode and a loss of power. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Airbag sensor failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a feature that stopped working.
Phone and navigation: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 29,000 miles.
Sunroof: not closing or latching
3 complaints (under 1%)
Not closing or latching, water leaking in and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 5,000 miles.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 124,000 miles.
A/C: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go.
EVAP system: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and warning lights.
Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata) failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and deployment injury. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Uneven tire wear: pulling or wandering
2 complaints (under 1%)
Pulling or wandering and nonadjustable alignment.
Ball joints and control arms failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and unusual noises.
Control module (unspecified) failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and vibration or shudder. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Cooling system failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a leak.
Engine mounts: vibration or shudder
2 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder and a failure.
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and rust or corrosion.
Ignition or push-button start: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and the car not starting. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Passenger airbag sensor failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and warning lights.
Oil pressure: the system not working when needed
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system not working when needed.
Brake drums: early wear
2 complaints (under 1%)
Early wear and damage.
Low engine oil: low oil level
2 complaints (under 1%)
Low oil level.
Suspension: pulling or wandering
2 complaints (under 1%)
Pulling or wandering and damage.
Power windows or regulator: not closing or latching
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not closing or latching and a feature that stopped working.
Starter failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and damage.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking.
Torque converter: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and vibration or shudder. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Wheel bearings: overheating
2 complaints (under 1%)
Overheating and unusual noises.
Wheel rim: rust or corrosion
2 complaints (under 1%)
Rust or corrosion.

Reported Once (54)

Show the 54 problems reported once

Automatic emergency braking: warning lights
Battery drain: draining the battery
Cylinder head gasket failure
Engine overheating
Lane keeping assist
Manual transmission or clutch: pops out of gear
CPU actuator failure
Accessory belt tensioner bolt: parts breaking or coming apart
Brake pad wear sensor: early wear
Brake return spring: stopped working
Brake wear sensor: parts breaking or coming apart
Cabin lights: works on and off
Child seat straps: loose
Connecting rod: parts breaking or coming apart
Cruise control: not shutting off
Door check mechanism: stopped working
Door hold-open mechanism failure
Doors: unusual noises
Electrical accessories: works on and off
Electrical and lighting problem (part not stated) (cause not stated)
Engine actuator failure
Engine belt: unusual noises
Front mask (unresolved term) failure
Fuel tank: excessive fuel slosh
Gasket failure
Headliner failure
Interior lights or accessories: works on and off
Interior lights and radio fan: works on and off
Lights: dimming
Lights flicker (power supply): works on and off
Right front door: unusual noises
Rollaway (cause not stated)
Sensors failure
Side window
Speed sensor (location not stated) failure
Sun visor: parts breaking or coming apart
Suspension knuckle failure
Trunk lid support: stopped working
Trunk support rod: parts breaking or coming apart
Trunk-area banging (cause not stated)
Vehicle electrical power: works on and off
Vehicle jack: parts breaking or coming apart
Weather stripping: parts breaking or coming apart
Wheel speed sensor failure
Window seal: loose
Yaw rate sensor failure
Remote start
Sway bar links: parts breaking or coming apart
Timing belt: parts breaking or coming apart
Transmission computer failure
Transmission fluid leak
Valve train: rough running or misfires
Warning lights (cause not stated)
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own

How the 2008 Honda Accord Compares With Other Years

The other Accord years of the 8th generation, 2008 to 2012, and the years just before and after it. When two scores are less than 3.5 points apart, treat them as about the same.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2013	Caution	68	1.1×	36.5	5	Steering: pulling or wandering
2012	Excellent	84	0.28×	11.0	8	Steering: a leak
2011	Excellent	81	0.27×	10.6	9	Airbags: no deployment in a crash
2010	Good	76	0.42×	17.7	12	Brakes: early wear
2009	Good	76	0.45×	20.3	10	Brakes: early wear
2008 This year	Good	73	0.75×	34.2	8	Brakes: early wear
2007	Good	76	0.36×	11.6	9	Steering: a leak

See every Accord year

2008 Honda Accord Recalls

A recall can cover some or all cars of this model year. Look up a specific car by its VIN at NHTSA to see which recalls are still open on it.

Air bags: inflator module
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V502000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 36% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
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.
NHTSA 19V378000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 16, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 49% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 18V268000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 26, 2018. By the third quarter of 2019, 85% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
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.
NHTSA 17V545000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 31, 2017. By the first quarter of 2019, 94% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 17V030000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 10, 2017. By the second quarter of 2018, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 16V346000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 24, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 64% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 2 more recalls

Air bags
If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
NHTSA 16V056000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 2, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 55% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Power train: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
This could result in a short circuit causing the engine to stall. Additionally, broken pieces of the outer race or ball bearing from the secondary shaft may become lodged in the parking pawl resulting in the vehicle rolling after the driver has placed the…
NHTSA 11V395000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 4, 2011.

Honda Warranty Extensions and Programs

Repairs Honda agreed to cover or update outside a recall. Whether one applies depends on the VIN and the conditions listed. A Honda dealer can confirm.

Warranty extensionHonda 13-078
Engine misfire from fouled spark plugs (piston rings)
The problem:
Piston rings can turn and line up, which can foul the spark plugs. The engine then misfires and the check engine light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer repairs the misfire for free. This can include an engine software update, new spark plugs, cleaned pistons and new piston rings.
Who qualifies:
A cylinder misfire fault must be stored and the spark plugs must be fouled. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered.
Coverage:
8 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit for these misfire repairs.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 16-007
Airbag control unit (airbag warning light)
The problem:
The airbag control unit can fail inside, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the airbag control unit for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on with a listed control unit fault. Other airbag faults are not covered. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered. The VIN must show as eligible.
Coverage:
15 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit, for the listed airbag warning light faults.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 14-023
Side airbags deploying unexpectedly
The problem:
A class action claimed the side curtain or front seat side airbags can go off when they should not.
The fix:
Under the proposed warranty extension, a Honda dealer would repair the side airbags and related parts after an unwanted deployment.
Who qualifies:
This was a proposal that needed final court approval. Until then the normal warranty applied. Deployments from a crash, misuse or abuse would not be covered. Cars with a salvage or branded title would not be covered.
Coverage:
A proposed 2 years from the settlement date, if the court approved it. The expected start was about December 2014.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 12-087
High oil consumption from sticking piston rings
The problem:
Sticking piston rings can make the engine use too much oil. The oil can run low on the dipstick and the oil warning light may come on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer repairs the pistons and piston rings for free.
Who qualifies:
An engine oil consumption test must show unusually high oil use. Honda must approve the repair. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered.
Coverage:
8 years or 125,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-052 and 20-016
Front passenger's airbag inflator
2 programs with the same terms. Which one applies depends on the VIN.
The problem:
The front passenger's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the front passenger's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on. A Honda dealer test must show the inflator is faulty. Only replacement inflators that fail later are covered. Open inflator recalls must be done first. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
18-052: Covered until January 31, 2027.
20-016: Covered until January 31, 2030.
Bulletin 18-052 (PDF)Bulletin 20-016 (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-066Ended
Front passenger's airbag inflator
The problem:
The front passenger's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
While the program ran, a Honda dealer replaced the front passenger's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light had to be on. A Honda dealer test had to show the inflator was faulty. Only replacement inflators that failed later were covered. Salvage or branded titles were not covered.
Coverage:
The program ended on June 30, 2026.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Investigations

Defect investigations by NHTSA that cover this model year, with what they found.

Side air bags deploying when a door is closed
Closed
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation found 293 reports of side air bags deploying by mistake in 2008 Accord sedans. They could go off when a front door was shut. Fourteen people were allegedly hurt. Honda changed the software in June 2008 and later cars had far fewer reports. NHTSA upgraded the case to engineering analysis EA14-004 in July 2014.
NHTSA PE14004 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jan 31, 2014 to Jul 29, 2014
Side air bags deploying by mistake in 2008-2009 Accords
Led to a recall
NHTSA's engineering analysis covered 2008-2009 Accord sedans whose side air bags could deploy by mistake. It counted 351 reports. A deploying side curtain air bag can seriously injure anyone in its path. Honda recalled about 303,900 cars under recall 15V-665, almost all of them 2008 models. NHTSA closed the case in January 2016.
NHTSA EA14004 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jul 29, 2014 to Jan 4, 2016
Air bag control module failure disabling air bags
Led to a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation looked at the air bag control module in 2008-2010 Accords. Moisture could corrode a chip inside it and disable all air bags and seat belt tighteners. Honda recalled 341,444 cars under recall 16V-056. It also gave another 382,693 Accords a 15-year unlimited-mileage extended warranty. NHTSA closed the case in June 2016.
NHTSA PE15029 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Aug 18, 2015 to Jun 17, 2016

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA gave the 2008 Accord no overall, frontal or side rating. It did rate each seat in those tests and lists the seat ratings under Rating Breakdown on its page. We show them the same way below. These tests are from before 2011, so the stars are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and newer models. See the 2008 Accord ratings on NHTSA.gov.

4-door with side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat5/5

Rear seat3/5

RolloverNot rated

2-door with side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat4/5

Rear seat5/5

RolloverNot rated

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2008 Accord, from its recalls, Honda's programs and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V502000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V378000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 18V268000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 17V545000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 17V030000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 8 recalls and which are still open.

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

13-078: engine misfire from fouled spark plugs (piston rings)
16-007: airbag control unit (airbag warning light)
14-023: side airbags deploying unexpectedly
12-087: high oil consumption from sticking piston rings

On the Test Drive

Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.
Ask how often oil is added between changes, and watch for blue smoke at startup.
Confirm every airbag recall on this VIN has been repaired before you buy.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Brakes
Headlights
High oil consumption
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All Accord Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.