2008 Honda Accord Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 210about this part
- Share
- 14%of 1,521 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 210 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Honda Accord, 14% of the 1,521 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,000 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was on the highway and 30 minutes into driving my warning lights, check engine light is blinking, triangle with exclamation, car misfiring. I can't drive the car too far without it misfiring. I was left stranded. This is the fourth time this has happened where the car has left me stranded. I have paid for 3 alternators in 4 yrs because of oil dripping in”
NHTSA complaint #11384151, filed 2020-12, 30 miles“I received a letter regarding a warranty extension: sticking piston rings resulting in high engine oil consumption. When I took my car to the mission hills, ca Honda dealer for repair, I was told that my engine light first had to be illuminated and then I would have to purchase 3 consecutive oil changes from this dealership before they would repair the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10887448, filed 2016-07, 65,000 miles“From reading online, it appears I'm one of many who have a vtc actuator issue. Honda service people never know what I'm talking about even though it's in a bulletin 09-010 from Honda. Engine has loud cough sound upon starting the car, after being off for 6 hours or so. This should be part of a recall & customers shouldn't be charged for this but that's obviously what they want to do to us.”
NHTSA complaint #10981743, filed 2017-05, 75,000 miles“I have a 2008 Honda Accord ex-l which I bought new with 153000 miles. It started using oil several months ago. After my last oil change I checked the oil at about 1000 miles and it was over 2 quarts low which I replaced and checked it again after about 600 miles and found it to be over a quart low. I have the oil & filter changed ever 5000 miles and this should not be happening.”
NHTSA complaint #10937311, filed 2016-12, 141,000 miles“Every time are start my vehicle it makes a grinding rattling noise, this issue has been going on for some time now and the noise it makes seems to be lasting longer every time we start it. The vehicle is not moving, it is in park, it only occurs when I start it up.”
NHTSA complaint #11228324, filed 2019-06, 100,103 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10152430Dec 20, 2018"Service bulletin - American Honda is announcing a powertrain warranty extension as a result of a settlement of a class action captioned, Soto et al.v. American Honda Motor Co…
- 10152428Dec 19, 2018"Service bulletin - American Honda is extending the warranty coverage on the Piston Rings and Pistons for 2008-11 Accord L4 to 8 years from the original date of purchase or…
- 10108322Mar 31, 2017Service bulletin - american honda is extending the warranty coverage on the piston rings and pistons for 2008-11 accord l4 to 8 years from the original date of purchase or…
- 10108045Feb 25, 2017Service bulletin - at cold start-up, the engine rattles loudly for about 2 seconds. The variable valve timing control (vtc) actuator is defective.
- 10083951May 17, 2016Service bulletin - the piston rings on certain cylinders may rotate and align which can lead to spark plug fouling. Spark plug fouling may reuslt in rough engine idle and/or…
- 10083874Apr 20, 2016Service bulletin - sticking rings resulting in high engine oil consumption.
- 10087883Mar 17, 2016Service bulletin - replace the vtc actuator if the engine rattles loudly for 2 seconds during cold start-up.
- 10087866Mar 14, 2016Service bulletin - replace the vtc actuator if the engine rattles loudly for 2 seconds during cold start-up.
- 10100042Dec 10, 2015"techline summary article - editors note: this article replaces the one posted in september 2015 to extend that articles shelf life. The issues covered are still being…
- 10100175Nov 19, 2015Service news article - does the engine rattle at cold startup for 1 to 2 seconds when its cold outside? Chances are the vtc actuator is the culprit. Keep in mind simply…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 7% |
| 2025 | 2 | 2% |
| 2024 | 11 | 7% |
| 2023 | 11 | 13% |
| 2022 | 32 | 12% |
| 2021 | 38 | 16% |
| 2020 | 73 | 20% |
| 2019 | 185 | 27% |
| 2018 | 559 | 29% |
| 2017 | 62 | 12% |
| 2016 | 44 | 7% |
| 2015 | 106 | 18% |
| 2014 | 179 | 18% |
| 2013 | 179 | 13% |
| 2012 | 43 | 12% |
| 2011 | 25 | 8% |
| 2010 | 116 | 20% |
| 2009 | 111 | 15% |
| 2008 | 210 | 14% |
| 2007 | 29 | 6% |
| 2006 | 21 | 5% |
| 2005 | 29 | 4% |
| 2004 | 28 | 3% |
| 2003 | 51 | 3% |
| 2002 | 19 | 2% |
| 2001 | 14 | 2% |
| 2000 | 11 | 1% |
| 1999 | 28 | 2% |
| 1998 | 18 | 2% |
| 1997 | 10 | 2% |
| 1996 | 1 | 0% |
| 1995 | 1 | 0% |
| 1994 | 2 | 1% |
| 1993 | 2 | 1% |
| 1992 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2008 Honda Accord
577 complaintsAir bags
379 complaintsExterior lighting
113 complaintsElectrical system
105 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
70 complaintsOther or unknown
51 complaintsEngine cooling
41 complaintsEquipment
37 complaintsSeats
34 complaintsSteering
33 complaintsVehicle speed control
33 complaintsBody and structure
31 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Honda Accord
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology