2008 Honda Civic Reliability ReportC+ grade · moderate risk · system-by-system breakdown
Quick Facts · 2008 Honda Civic
- The system most likely to surface first: engine (1.8l r18a1) (critical severity).
- Has 7 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module.
- Scores 10 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2009 Honda Civic earns a 88.
Is the 2008 Honda Civic Worth Buying?
The 2008 Honda Civic offers a solid foundation of Honda reliability and fuel efficiency, but it comes with a few significant, well-documented mechanical and cosmetic vulnerabilities. Proceed with caution, as overlooking critical pre-purchase inspections could lead to substantial engine or A/C repair costs. While generally a durable car, it requires a discerning eye and a clear understanding of its common failure points.
Biggest Strengths
- Excellent fuel economy (especially 1.8L)
- Strong resale value for well-maintained examples
- Reliable manual transmissions
What Tends to Fail First on the 2008 Honda Civic
The systems that break first on the 2008 Honda Civic. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
2008 Honda Civic Recall History
7 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
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.
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.
What breaks on the 2008 Honda Civic?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Other Honda Civic Years to Consider
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Honda Civic. Click any year for its full report.
2008 Honda Civic Alternatives
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2008 Honda Civic
Parts and accessories matched to your 2008 Honda Civic
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Frequently Asked Questions
Related Comparisons
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