2008 Honda CR-V Reliability Report

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

Good

Ranks 12th of 25 CR-V years we score.

Owner complaints: 961; 279 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 30.2; 225,815 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.64×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 125; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 11
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2007 CR-V 2009 CR-V →

Should You Buy the 2008 Honda CR-V?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2008 Honda CR-V is 75 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 12th of the 25 CR-V years we score.

The most reported problem is door lock actuators, mostly the system acting on its own (322 of 961 complaints). Owners also complain about the steering and the door latch or lock. 125 of the 961 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 11 recalls. Honda also offers 2 warranty extensions that may still apply, for door lock actuators and a/C compressor clutch. For comparison, the 2007 scores 76 and the 2009 scores 81.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 14-084 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 75
About half the problems of the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Door lock actuators: the system acting on its own322 complaints
Steering: a leak70 complaints
Door latches: not opening or unlocking37 complaints

How the 2008 CR-V 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	0.41×	−7
Everyday problems	1.2×	−5
Problems in the last two years	0.39×	−5
Recalls	2.2×	−8
Score		75

What Owners Report

We read all 961 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Honda CR-V, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Door lock actuators: the system acting on its own
322 complaints (34%)
The system acting on its own, problems that come and go and not opening or unlocking. 24 of these 322 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often being stranded. In 8 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 78,000 miles.
Steering: a leak
70 complaints (7%)
A leak, pulling or wandering and a failure. 2 of these 70 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 71,000 miles.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
37 complaints (4%)
Not opening or unlocking, not closing or latching and wrong readings. Median mileage when it started: about 94,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
30 complaints (3%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment injury and deployment with no crash. 4 of these 30 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 56,000 miles.
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
26 complaints (3%)
Rust or corrosion, parts breaking or coming apart and sticking or stiffness. 7 of these 26 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 160,000 miles.
A/C compressor failure
21 complaints (2%)
A failure, parts breaking or coming apart and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 21 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 88,000 miles.
Brakes: early wear
17 complaints (2%)
Early wear, loss of braking and soft pedal. 3 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 24,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
17 complaints (2%)
Sudden acceleration. 7 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 53,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
16 complaints (2%)
Warning lights and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 84,000 miles.
Tires: early wear
16 complaints (2%)
Early wear, pulling or wandering and parts breaking or coming apart. 2 of these 16 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 26,000 miles.
Ball joints and control arms: parts breaking or coming apart
12 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, rust or corrosion and a failure that needed a new part. 4 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 160,000 miles.
A/C: stopped working
11 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 106,000 miles.
Uneven tire wear: early wear
11 complaints (1%)
Early wear, nonadjustable alignment and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 17,000 miles.
Seat belts: locking up
11 complaints (1%)
Locking up, parts breaking or coming apart and the system not working when needed. 1 of these 11 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 57,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
8 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling. 4 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 125,000 miles.

Show 37 more problems

Transmission: vibration or shudder
7 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder, failure or loss of drive and harsh or delayed shifts. 3 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 71,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
7 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 85,000 miles.
Paint and rust: damage
6 complaints (under 1%)
Damage, oxidation and early wear. Median mileage when it started: about 98,000 miles.
Stability control (VSA): hard braking with nothing ahead
6 complaints (under 1%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, warning lights and slipping. 3 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
6 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 33,000 miles.
Engine: surging
5 complaints (under 1%)
Surging, unusual noises and rough running or misfires. Median mileage when it started: about 36,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
5 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 13,000 miles.
12V battery failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 110,000 miles.
Headlights: inadequate illumination
4 complaints (under 1%)
Inadequate illumination and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 95,000 miles.
Interior trim: unusual noises
4 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises, peeling and powder shedding. Median mileage when it started: about 64,000 miles.
Side or curtain airbags: no deployment in a crash
4 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash and a failure. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 54,000 miles.
Struts or shocks: a leak
4 complaints (under 1%)
A leak, sticking or stiffness and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
4 complaints (under 1%)
The car rolling away and sticking or stiffness. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Engine mounts: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Wheel assembly (part not stated): parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 189,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Hesitation. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Power windows or regulator: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, unusual noises and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 96,000 miles.
Seats: damage
3 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and a feature that stopped working.
Starter failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and unusual noises.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
The car not starting. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
3 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and a failure that needed a new part.
ABS: warning lights
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and vibration or shudder.
Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata) failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and parts breaking or coming apart.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Control module (unspecified): reduced power or limp mode
2 complaints (under 1%)
Reduced power or limp mode and a failure that needed a new part. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Several warning lights at once
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Engine failure: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and failure or loss of drive.
Engine sensors or computer: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and a failure.
Ignition or push-button start: sticking or stiffness
2 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness and unusual noises.
Instrument cluster: wrong readings
2 complaints (under 1%)
Wrong readings and a feature that stopped working.
Passenger airbag sensor: warning lights
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and wrong readings.
Rear axle assembly: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.
Security alarm: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and the system acting on its own.
Sunroof: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and parts breaking or coming apart.
Wheel bearings: locking up
2 complaints (under 1%)
Locking up and unusual noises. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Wheel rim: peeling
2 complaints (under 1%)
Peeling and rust or corrosion. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.

Reported Once (54)

Show the 54 problems reported once

A/C condenser: a leak
AWD or rear differential: unusual noises
VTC actuator: unusual noises
Blower motor: unusual noises
Brake calipers: locking up
Brake power assist: unusual noises
Coil spring: parts breaking or coming apart
Cooling system: a leak
Engine air intake: sticking or stiffness
Engine oil leak
Fuel diluting the engine oil
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
Exterior lights failure
Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
Fuel economy: high fuel use
Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
Heater: stopped working
Key fob: parts breaking or coming apart
Loss of power (cause not stated)
A/C compressor relay failure
HVAC ductwork: unusual noises
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
Accessory drive belt: damage
Brake backing plate: damage
Child restraint seat: not closing or latching
Drive belt failure
Engine-area tensioner failure
Engine-compartment fire (cause not stated)
Front suspension (part not stated) failure
Fuel cap failure
Interior light: stopped working
Lamp: stopped working
Light (cause not stated)
Rear window: shattering or cracking
Serpentine belt failure
Suspension: vibration or shudder
Suspension (part not stated): vibration or shudder
Unspecified electrical problem
Vehicle electrical power: stopped working
Wheel nut: parts breaking or coming apart
Wheel overheating
Wheel studs: parts breaking or coming apart
Wheel/tire assembly (part not resolved): vibration or shudder
Windshield washer: stopped working
Windshield washer pump: stopped working
Taillights or brake lights failure
Torque converter: vibration or shudder
Transmission computer
Valve train failure
Warning lights (cause not stated)
Windshield: shattering or cracking
Windshield wipers: stopped working

How the 2008 Honda CR-V Compares With Other Years

The other CR-V years of the 3rd generation, 2007 to 2011, 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
2012	Excellent	82	0.44×	16.5	3	VTC actuator: unusual noises
2011	Excellent	81	0.27×	11.7	13	Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
2010	Good	77	0.36×	14.6	15	Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
2009	Excellent	81	0.34×	13.5	12	Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
2008 This year	Good	75	0.64×	30.2	11	Door lock actuators: the system acting on its own
2007	Good	76	0.60×	27.8	12	Door lock actuators: the system acting on its own
2006	Good	74	0.55×	21.7	12	Headlights: stopped working

See every CR-V year

2008 Honda CR-V 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.

Structure: frame and members
A detached rear trailing arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V228000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 30, 2023. By the first quarter of 2025, 41% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
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 19V500000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 67% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
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.

Show 5 more recalls

Air bags: inflator module
If an inflator with an incorrect wire harness is installed, the air bag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
NHTSA 17V417000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 29, 2017. By the fourth quarter of 2018, 93% 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.
Air bags: inflator module
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 16V061000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 3, 2016. By the second quarter of 2018, 82% 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 14-084
Door lock actuators
The problem:
The door lock actuators on the front passenger and rear doors can stop working. A lock can also switch from locked to unlocked on its own.
The fix:
A Honda dealer repairs the faulty door lock actuator for free.
Who qualifies:
The lock problem must match the symptoms Honda lists. Product update 14-083 must be done first. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered.
Coverage:
6 years from the original purchase date or until November 7, 2015, whichever is later. No mileage limit.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 12-072
A/C compressor clutch
The problem:
The A/C compressor clutch can wear out. The A/C may cool poorly, blow warm air or make noise near the compressor.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the A/C compressor clutch parts for free, plus the clutch coil if needed.
Who qualifies:
A Honda dealer must find the clutch is damaged. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered. Coverage passes to later owners.
Coverage:
7 years or 100,000 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 20-011
Driver's airbag inflator
The problem:
The driver's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the driver'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:
Covered until January 31, 2030.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-048Ended
Driver's airbag inflator
The problem:
The driver's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
While the program ran, a Honda dealer replaced the driver'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 February 28, 2026.
Honda's bulletin (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 Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA gave the 2008 CR-V 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 CR-V ratings on NHTSA.gov.

With side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat5/5

Rear seat5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2008 CR-V, 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.

Structure: frame and members NHTSA 23V228000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V500000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V502000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V378000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 18V268000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 11 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.

14-084: door lock actuators
12-072: a/C compressor clutch

On the Test Drive

Lock and unlock every door with the key fob, the switch and the key.
Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
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.

Door lock actuators
Steering
Door latch or lock
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 CR-V 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.