2008 Honda Odyssey Reliability Report

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

Good

Ranks 12th of 25 Odyssey years we score.

Owner complaints: 499; 28 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 34.6; 136,184 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.92×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 155; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 4
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2007 Odyssey 2009 Odyssey →

Should You Buy the 2008 Honda Odyssey?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2008 Honda Odyssey is 71 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 12th of the 25 Odyssey years we score.

The most reported problem is the brakes, mostly loss of braking (138 of 499 complaints). Owners also complain about the power liftgate and the sliding doors. 155 of the 499 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 4 recalls. Honda also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for engine misfire from fouled spark plugs (piston rings). For comparison, the 2007 scores 68 and the 2009 scores 76.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 13-080 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 71
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
1 Honda warranty extension may cover repairs

Cons

Brakes: loss of braking138 complaints
Power liftgate: stopped working88 complaints
Sliding doors: parts breaking or coming apart30 complaints

How the 2008 Odyssey 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	0.83×	−10
Everyday problems	1.1×	−5
Problems in the last two years	0.92×	−8
Recalls	1.0×	−6
Score		71

What Owners Report

We read all 499 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Honda Odyssey, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Brakes: loss of braking
138 complaints (28%)
Loss of braking, soft / long pedal and hard braking with nothing ahead. 61 of these 138 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 46 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 31 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 26,000 miles.
Power liftgate: stopped working
88 complaints (18%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure and a leak. 32 of these 88 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Sliding doors: parts breaking or coming apart
30 complaints (6%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, not closing or latching and the system not working when needed. 19 of these 30 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Steering: sticking or stiffness
25 complaints (5%)
Sticking or stiffness, unusual noises and a leak. In 3 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 43,000 miles.
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
20 complaints (4%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, vibration or shudder and slipping. 4 of these 20 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 38,000 miles.
Stability control (VSA): warning lights
18 complaints (4%)
Warning lights, hard braking with nothing ahead and the system acting on its own. 7 of these 18 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Engine: surging
17 complaints (3%)
Surging, a loss of power and a stored fault code. 11 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. In 5 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 56,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
17 complaints (3%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 14 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 7 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 39,000 miles.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
15 complaints (3%)
Burning or using oil. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
ABS: loss of braking
12 complaints (2%)
Loss of braking, hard braking with nothing ahead and soft / long pedal. 6 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 5 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 25,000 miles.
Paint and rust: damage
10 complaints (2%)
Damage, early wear and peeling paint. Median mileage when it started: about 75,000 miles.
Door latches: stopped working
6 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working, not opening or unlocking and sticking or stiffness. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
CV axles failure
6 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part and unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 42,000 miles.
Engine failure
6 complaints (1%)
A failure and stalling. 5 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 106,000 miles.
Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
6 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part, rough running or misfires and parts breaking or coming apart. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 89,000 miles.

Show 40 more problems

Airbags: no deployment in a crash
5 complaints (1%)
No deployment in a crash, parts breaking or coming apart and incomplete inflation. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 84,000 miles.
Security alarm: the system acting on its own
5 complaints (1%)
The system acting on its own. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
5 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, the system acting on its own and not closing or latching. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury.
Vibration (cause not stated)
5 complaints (1%)
Vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
12V battery failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, stalling and damage. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 71,000 miles.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 94,000 miles.
Fuel pump: a leak
4 complaints (under 1%)
A leak, a failure that needed a new part and shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 137,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
Deceleration, reduced power or limp mode and a loss of power. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 56,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 45,000 miles.
Child seat LATCH belt: not closing or latching
4 complaints (under 1%)
Not closing or latching.
Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
4 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking, problems that come and go and the system acting on its own. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Transmission fluid leak
4 complaints (under 1%)
A leak. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 18,000 miles.
A/C condenser: damage
3 complaints (under 1%)
Damage, a leak and shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 39,000 miles.
Alternator or charging failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, a fire and warning lights. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 117,000 miles.
Exhaust or catalytic converter: a fire
3 complaints (under 1%)
A fire, a stored fault code and a failure. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 122,000 miles.
Fuel system: the car not starting
3 complaints (under 1%)
The car not starting, a bad smell and warning lights. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 140,000 miles.
Interior trim: unusual noises
3 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises, damage and not opening or unlocking. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
Low engine oil: low oil level
3 complaints (under 1%)
Low oil level. Median mileage when it started: about 106,000 miles.
Vehicle electrical power: works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 109,000 miles.
Piston rings failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and damage. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Power windows or regulator: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Airbag warning light
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a failure.
Battery drain: draining the battery
2 complaints (under 1%)
Draining the battery. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
2 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in and damage.
Cooling system: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: being stranded.
Engine mounts: vibration or shudder
2 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder and shattering or cracking.
Engine sensors or computer: fault code
2 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code and a failure.
Fuel leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Ignition or push-button start: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and sticking or stiffness. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Passenger airbag sensor: warning lights
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a feature that stopped working.
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
2 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden acceleration or braking.
Cylinder heads: early wear
2 complaints (under 1%)
Early wear and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Seat belts: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and damage.
Side or curtain airbags: no deployment in a crash
2 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash and deployment with no crash. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Taillights or brake lights: water leaking in
2 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Valve train: early wear
2 complaints (under 1%)
Early wear and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working.

Reported Once (41)

Show the 41 problems reported once

A/C compressor failure
Uneven tire wear: early wear
Brake calipers: loss of braking
Control module (unspecified): sudden acceleration
Cylinder head gasket failure
Frontal airbags: delayed deployment
Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
Oil drain plug failure
A/C compressor relay: sticking or stiffness
Accessory belt tensioner or pulley: parts breaking or coming apart
Accessory belt tensioner bolt: parts breaking or coming apart
Brake pedal: sticking or stiffness
Brake pressure sensor failure
Child seat tether strap: damage
Engine compartment fire (cause not stated)
Floor mat: sudden acceleration
Liftgate hinges failure
Oil pan failure
Rear window: shattering or cracking
Roof rack: water leaking in
Spool valve cover: a leak
Unspecified component failure
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
Windshield washer: stopped working
Windshield washer nozzles: stopped working
Yaw rate sensor failure
Oxygen sensor failure
Phone and navigation: works on and off
Stall (cause not stated)
Car not starting (cause not stated)
Struts or shocks failure
Sunroof: water leaking in
Timing belt: unusual noises
Timing chain or camshaft: early wear
Torque converter failure
Transmission computer: vibration or shudder
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
Variable cylinder management (VCM): noticeable cylinder switching
Windshield: shattering or cracking
Windshield wipers: not shutting off

How the 2008 Honda Odyssey Compares With Other Years

The other Odyssey years of the 3rd generation, 2005 to 2010, 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
2011	Good	78	0.54×	21.2	5	12V battery: warning lights
2010	Good	78	0.54×	21.2	1	Sliding doors: parts breaking or coming apart
2009	Good	76	0.67×	26.0	3	Power liftgate failure
2008 This year	Good	71	0.92×	34.6	4	Brakes: loss of braking
2007	Caution	68	1.0×	38.3	4	Brakes: loss of braking
2006	Good	76	0.91×	35.2	3	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2005	Caution	65	1.3×	49.1	8	Sliding doors: not closing or latching
2004	Caution	65	1.2×	34.3	13	Transmission: failure or loss of drive

See every Odyssey year

2008 Honda Odyssey 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.

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump
A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 14V112000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 14, 2014. By the third quarter of 2015, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Electrical system: software
The vehicle may suddenly and unexpectedly brake hard, and without illuminating the brake lights, increasing the risk of a crash from behind.
NHTSA 13V500000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 1, 2013. By the third quarter of 2015, 75% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Structure: support device/strut
Struts with diminished performance can lead to unexpected closure, increasing the risk of personal injury.
NHTSA 12V062000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 16, 2012.
Service brakes, air
If the owner does not have any brake service or maintenance performed over a period of months or years, the system can continue to accumulate enough air to affect braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 10V098000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 16, 2010.

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 13-080
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:
Only EX-L and Touring trims qualify. 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)

NHTSA Investigations

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

Soft brake pedal from air in the brake system
Led to a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation looked at 656 complaints of a low, soft brake pedal in 2006-2008 Odysseys. Honda said small amounts of air entered the brake system during stability control self-checks. Warranty data showed the problem in 0.67 percent of 2007-2008 models. In October 2009 NHTSA upgraded the case to engineering analysis EA09-014. Its record links recall 10V-098.
NHTSA PE09024 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)May 13, 2009 to Oct 19, 2009
Air in the brake system causing a soft pedal
Led to a recall
NHTSA's engineering analysis covered 2007-2008 Odysseys and Elements. Honda said air could slowly enter the stability control pump over thousands of engine starts, giving a soft brake pedal. Honda recalled about 412,000 vehicles under recall 10V-098. Dealers remove the air and seal the pump for free. NHTSA closed the case in May 2010.
NHTSA EA09014 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Oct 19, 2009 to May 11, 2010
Power liftgate closing unexpectedly on 2008-2009 Odysseys
Led to a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation found liftgate struts failing early on 2008-2009 Odyssey models with power liftgates. A weak strut could let the liftgate drop on people or trap them as it power closed. Recalled vehicles had 101 complaints and 12 injuries. Honda recalled about 45,747 Odysseys under recall 12V-062. NHTSA closed the case in February 2012.
NHTSA PE11034 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Sep 23, 2011 to Feb 29, 2012
Stabilus rear liftgate struts failing
Closed
NHTSA opened inquiry EQ12-010 in September 2012 on failing Stabilus rear liftgate struts. It lists Odysseys from 2005, 2008 and 2009. The record only refers to an attached closing summary and gives no finding. NHTSA closed the inquiry in December 2012. No recall number is listed.
NHTSA EQ12010 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Sep 28, 2012 to Dec 31, 2012
Unexpected automatic braking in 2007-2008 Odysseys
Led to a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation covered 2007-2008 Odysseys whose stability control could brake hard with no pedal input and no brake lights. Honda recalled about 344,187 vehicles under recall 13V-500. Parts were not expected until March 2014. Honda would send interim owner letters, then install a redesigned yaw rate sensor. NHTSA closed the case in November 2013.
NHTSA PE13024 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jun 25, 2013 to Nov 4, 2013

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA gave the 2008 Odyssey 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 Odyssey 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

RolloverNot rated

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2008 Odyssey, 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.

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump NHTSA 14V112000
Electrical system: software NHTSA 13V500000
Structure: support device/strut NHTSA 12V062000
Service brakes, air NHTSA 10V098000

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

13-080: engine misfire from fouled spark plugs (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.
Open and close the liftgate several times and check that it holds open.
Open and close each sliding door several times, by button and by hand, and check that it latches.

Ask the Seller

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

Brakes
Power liftgate
Sliding doors
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 Odyssey 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.