2008 Honda Odyssey Problems
Compared with other Honda Odyssey years
More complaints than typical for this model
65/100 1.4× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.4× that of a typical Honda Odyssey year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 136 of its 499 complaints were filed by the end of 2010.
- Most reported problem: Soft, spongy or low brake pedal (190 complaints, median 28,500 mi).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2009, 2010
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 499filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles, 420 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Honda Odyssey (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write in about two things: a brake pedal that feels soft, low or spongy, and rear liftgate struts that lose their ability to hold the hatch open. Brake complaints come in very early, some within the first few thousand miles, while liftgate strut complaints cluster later in life; smaller numbers of owners describe transmission shudder, engine oil use and sliding-door latch trouble.
- Brakes
Soft, spongy or low brake pedal
- 190 complaints (38%)
- median 28,500 mi at 2.6 yrs old (172 state mileage)
- 23 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,400 (median of 7 quotes)
- filed 2008–2025
Owners describe a brake pedal that feels spongy, travels a long way before braking begins, or sinks close to the floor, with stopping distance that feels longer than expected. Some report the dealer test-drove the van and found nothing wrong or called the pedal feel normal, while others had pads or rotors replaced without resolving the complaint. A few mention sudden, brief brake applications at speed, sometimes with the stability-assist light on. Reported across the range, with many under 20,000 miles and some on nearly new vans.
Recall 10V098000Recall 13V5000001 related service bulletin
What to check: Drive the van and press the pedal firmly at a stop and at low speed to judge travel and firmness, and ask whether the VSA modulator recall work and any brake system bleeding were completed. Look for records of repeated rotor or pad replacement.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Honda Odyssey brake problem my Honda having low brake and I took the vehicle to the dealer and they didn't do anything and took $29.99 for inspection. I brought this issue to american Honda and they also do nothing. So I request to NHTSA please take necessary action against american Honda because of their negligence.”
NHTSA complaint #10325849, filed 2010-04, 9,165 miles“My brakes feel spongy and require me to apply extra pressure to stop. My brakes also make a groaning noise when I come to a regular stop. The dealership I took it to for repairs said they found nothing wrong, even though they heard the noise. I then drove an 08 off the lot to compare and noticed a world of difference in pedal feel and no groaning noise. They said they will call Honda next week for advise.”
NHTSA complaint #10228854, filed 2008-05, 5,700 miles - Body and structure
Liftgate struts won't hold the hatch open
- 91 complaints (18%)
- median 69,783 mi at 5.5 yrs old (81 state mileage)
- 16 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2009–2020
Owners describe the rear hatch becoming very heavy and no longer staying up, sometimes slamming shut without warning while they were loading. Several say they were struck on the head or shoulders. Complaints note that the dealer checked the VIN and said the vehicle was not covered by the liftgate strut campaign, and some owners of manual-liftgate vans say the campaign did not apply to their version. Mostly reported between roughly 18,000 and 140,000 miles, often without prior warning of weak struts.
What to check: Open the hatch fully and see whether it stays up on its own, and check the VIN against the liftgate strut campaign to see if the vehicle was included. Ask whether the struts have ever been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“We own the Odyssey ex-l with a manual tailgate. The taligate has stopped opening to its maximum height. The shortened distance is not obvious until you proceed under the door and hit your head on the rear tailgate. I'm probably like most Odyssey owners--more focused on her children in a parking lot than the height of my tailgate--but the headache that followed hitting my head on the tailgate this morning made me file this complaint. …”
NHTSA complaint #10490817, filed 2013-01, 69,783 miles“The lift gate struts quit working and the lift gate kept falling on my head every time I opened it. I know that the struts are a recall item for the 2008 Honda Odyssey, but my particular VIN was not included in the recall. Perhaps it should be.”
NHTSA complaint #11325080, filed 2020-05, 90,600 miles - Brakes
Brakes applying on their own or shuddering
- 40 complaints (8%)
- median 30,250 mi at 2.6 yrs old (36 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2008–2023
Some owners report the van braking by itself for a moment while accelerating, with the pedal moving or going stiff, and one notes the VSA light came on beforehand. Others describe shudder or vibration through the pedal and steering when braking from highway speeds, which dealers attributed to warped rotors at relatively low mileage. Several complaints mention dealers being unable to reproduce the unintended braking. Mostly reported under about 65,000 miles, sometimes shortly after brake or rotor work.
What to check: Test-brake from highway speed to feel for shudder, and confirm with the dealer whether the VSA software campaign was performed. Note any history of repeated rotor resurfacing or replacement.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While I was accelerating at aprox. 40-45 MPH the car suddenly brakes by his own. I saw the brake pedal moving by itself ! I got scared by the consequences or the risk of having an accident. On the way to my home it happened two (2) more times while getting speed. Went to the dealer but they didn't find anything. One week before the incident the dealer replaced two front brake pads and cut the front rotors because the car vibrated when the brakes were applied. The rotors were attended before. …”
NHTSA complaint #10401245, filed 2011-05, 29,000 miles“Honda Odyssey 2008 - brake issue - car shudders significantly when the brakes are applied - speeds in excess of 30 MPH we have been told by our local Honda dealership that our car is shuddering due to warped rotors - the Odyssey only has 50k on it and there is plenty of brake pad so I am not sure I understand why the rotors would already be warped and need to either be resurfaced or replaced. This seems rather odd and I have seen many other similar complaints out on the web regarding this issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10339525, filed 2010-06, 50,000 miles
Buying note. Give this van a thorough test drive: brake firmly from speed, run it at light throttle around 35 mph, and open the rear hatch to see whether it stays up. Ask for records showing brake system campaign work, VSA software updates and oil consumption history before deciding.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 499 consumer complaints for the 2008 Honda Odyssey. 420 of the complaints include a mileage, and 48% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 50,000 miles. Of all complaints, 37 involved a crash, 8 a fire, 44 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 60 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Honda Odyssey model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 65 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes163 33%
- Body and structure123 25%
- Transmission and drivetrain41 8.2%
- Engine40 8.0%
- Other or unknown35 7.0%
- Electrical system33 6.6%
- Vehicle speed control30 6.0%
- Steering27 5.4%
- Fuel system19 3.8%
- Electronic stability control16 3.2%
Also reported: Engine cooling (14), Air bags (12), Equipment (7), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (7), Seats (6), Suspension (5), Tires (5), Latches, locks and linkages (4), Exterior lighting (3), Seat belts (3), Wheels (3), Interior lighting (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “My 2008 Honda Odyssey was involved in a crash today because when I applied the brakes it did not want to stop. My pedal was to the floor but my van did not stop. I was only going about 25 MPH but had no stopping power. I have experienced this on a few other occasion but my vehicle was not included in the past recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10853415, filed 2016-04, 140,000 milesBody and structure: “For some reason my particular van is not included in at least 2 recalls where other same year odysseys are included. These all have the same engine, transmission and fuel system. My van was diagnosed by a mechanic as having a fuel pump module leak, which is recalled for some 2008 odussseys, but curiously not for mine. The same situation exists for the tailgate stay gas leakage, again, also recalled on some 2008 odysseys but not all.”
NHTSA complaint #11166031, filed 2019-01, 140,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “When stopping at a red light, the car accelerates as if the transmission is surging. I apply the brakes and shift the car into neutral or park to stop the acceleration. This has happened on numerous occasions, I'm afraid of rear ending another car. Honda claims there is no problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10604410, filed 2014-06, 111,000 milesEngine: “I don't have the exact dates of when this started, but the Odyssey started consuming enough oil around 2011 that I had to add it between changes. Then in the last few years, it's gotten to the point where you can smell the oil burning and sometimes the exhaust is gray, a dead-tell of burning oil. Now it will not pass smog as of dec 2017. …”
NHTSA complaint #11088949, filed 2018-04, 60,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
48% of the 420 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 21,000 and 92,500 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Honda Odyssey. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odyssey · sedan FWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2008 Honda Odyssey version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odyssey FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Odyssey FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 18 | $3,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 14V112000Mar 14, 2014Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Honda Odyssey 2005–2010
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured June 23, 2004, through September 4, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the fuel pump strainer cover may deteriorate allowing fuel to leak out.
- 13V500000Nov 1, 2013Electrical system › SoftwareCovers: Honda Odyssey 2007–2008
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured August 8, 2006, through September 8, 2008. Due to a combination of system components and software, the Vehicle Safety Assist System (VSA) may…
- 12V062000Feb 16, 2012Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Support device/strutCovers: Honda Odyssey 2008–2009
Honda is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 odyssey vehicles, the gas-filled struts that help to raise and support the liftgate of vehicles equipped with a power liftgate system may be prone to early life failures due to a manufacturing flaw. The flaw…
- 10V098000Mar 16, 2010Service brakes, airCovers: Honda Odyssey 2007–2008, Element 2007–2008
Honda has notified nhtsa of a defect in certain model year 2007 and 2008 odyssey and element passenger vehicles manufactured between july 28, 2006 and august 21, 2008. Air can enter the vsa modular pump during an initial self-check process that occurs…
Recall details for the 2008 Honda Odyssey → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE13024Inappropriate autonomous brakingClosed · Jun 25, 2013
- PE11034Unexpected Closing of Power LiftgateClosed · Sep 23, 2011
- PE09024Air in brake systemClosed · May 13, 2009
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 60 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10237953Jun 13, 2023Electrical system, Equipment. Service News - The navigation clock and date are incorrect. This is due to a limited GPS receiver Capacity resulting in rollover of the internal chip memory; the rollover occurred on January 1…
- 10206992Jan 25, 2022Electrical system, Equipment. ServiceNews Article - The clock shows the incorrect time. This issue is due to a limited GPS receiver capacity resulting in "rollover" of the internal chip memory; the "rollover" will occur on…
- 10186009Jan 23, 2021Equipment. "Service Bulletin - There are several A/C leak detection tools available. -Refrigerant Gas Leak Detector -Ultrasonic Leak Detector -Leak Dye"
- 10177599Jun 3, 2020Engine cooling. These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as…
- 10177598Jun 3, 2020Engine cooling. These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as…
- 10175300May 12, 2020Equipment. Dealer Message - The May episode of Tech2Tech is now posted. We've got some valuable information for you, so check it out! This month we're featuring "Replacing That Leaky Front Rocker Arm Oil…
- 10172366Mar 5, 2020Engine cooling. Service Bulletin - The front rocker arm oil control valve is leaking.
- 10152432Dec 20, 2018Engine, Equipment. "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., Inc., Case No…
- 10144752Sep 5, 2018Seats. Service Bulletin sent to all dealers to inspect L-track bolts for correct torque and to incorporate torque check as part of regular maintenance
- 10142436Jun 13, 2018Equipment, Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system…. 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., Inc., Case No…
Other model years of the Honda Odyssey
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 61 | 6,338 | 2 | 5 | 22 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 446 | 15,300 | 2 | 5 | 22 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 124 | 14,500 | 3 | 5 | 22 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 105 | 28,412 | 5 | 5 | 22 | 42 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 142 | 31,400 | 9 | 5 | 22 | 55 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 147 | 32,164 | 8 | 5 | 22 | 35 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 491 | 14,000 | 14 | 5 | 22 | 82 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 997 | 23,000 | 20 | 5 | 22 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 1,011 | 24,000 | 16 | 5 | 22 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2017 | 39 | 24,000 | 2 | 5 | 22 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2016 | 271 | 30,344 | 6 | 5 | 22 | 52 · Typical | Rising |
| 2015 | 207 | 32,000 | 6 | 5 | 22 | 46 · Typical | Rising |
| 2014 | 310 | 28,000 | 5 | 5 | 22 | 57 · Typical | Stable |
| 2013 | 210 | 34,000 | 6 | 5 | 22 | 39 · Typical | Rising |
| 2012 | 245 | 40,376 | 5 | 5 | 22 | 48 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 235 | 21,400 | 5 | 5 | 22 | 64 · Typical | Stable |
| 2010 | 255 | 62,277 | 1 | — | 20 | 17 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 198 | 64,500 | 3 | — | 20 | 33 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 499 | 50,000 | 4 | — | 20 | 65 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 830 | 54,720 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 703 | 65,350 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 830 | 74,210 | 8 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 585 | 106,800 | 13 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 914 | 102,000 | 15 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 960 | 84,000 | 10 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 619 | 100,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 675 | 97,634 | 6 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 518 | 100,000 | 9 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 73 | 139,034 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 20 | 104,000 | 2 | — | 20 | — | Falling |
| 1996 | 70 | 113,468 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 96 | 128,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Honda Odyssey model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Honda Odyssey?
Owners of this model year most often write in about two things: a brake pedal that feels soft, low or spongy, and rear liftgate struts that lose their ability to hold the hatch open. The issues reported most often: Soft, spongy or low brake pedal; Liftgate struts won't hold the hatch open; Brakes applying on their own or shuddering.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Honda Odyssey have?
NHTSA recorded 499 consumer complaints for the 2008 Honda Odyssey as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2008 Honda Odyssey is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 163 complaints (33% of the total), followed by body and structure with 123.
Has the 2008 Honda Odyssey been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Honda Odyssey get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Honda Odyssey (Odyssey, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Honda Odyssey reported?
Among the 420 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 50,000 miles and the middle half falls between 21,000 and 92,500 miles; 48% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.