The 2008 Honda Civic is a popular compact car that has been known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. However, like any vehicle, the 2008 Honda Civic may experience some problems during its lifespan.
Some common issues that have been reported by owners of the 2008 Honda Civic include transmission problems, engine issues, and suspension problems.
Additionally, there have been some complaints about the quality of the interior materials and the longevity of certain components, such as the battery.
It is important for owners of the 2008 Honda Civic to be aware of these potential issues and to address them promptly in order to keep their vehicle running smoothly.
2008 Honda Civic Problems
It is important for owners of the 2008 Honda Civic to be aware of these potential issues and to address them promptly in order to keep their vehicles running smoothly.
1. Airbag Light Due to Failed Occupant Position Sensor
Some owners of the 2008 Honda Civic have reported that the airbag light on their dashboard will turn on, indicating a problem with the airbag system.
This can be caused by a failure of the occupant position sensor, which is a device that helps the airbag system determine the size and position of the occupant in the front seat in order to deploy the airbag correctly.
If the sensor fails, it can cause the airbag light to turn on, which may also disable the airbag system and prevent it from functioning properly in the event of a collision.
2. Bad Engine Mounts May Cause Vibration, Roughness, and Rattle
The engine mounts on a vehicle are responsible for holding the engine in place and isolating it from the rest of the vehicle.
If the engine mounts become worn or damaged, they can cause the engine to vibrate, feel rough or rattle while the vehicle is in operation. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, use, and exposure to harsh conditions.
3. Power Window Switch May Fail
Some owners of the 2008 Honda Civic have reported issues with the power window switch, which is responsible for operating the power windows.
If the switch fails, it can cause the power windows to stop working or work intermittently. This can be frustrating for drivers and passengers and may also be a safety issue if the windows are needed for ventilation or emergency exit.
4. Possible Shift Control Solenoid Fault
Some owners of the 2008 Honda Civic have reported issues with the shift control solenoid, which is a component of the transmission system.
If the solenoid fails, it can cause problems with the transmission, such as difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, or difficulty engaging or disengaging the transmission. This can be a serious issue that can affect the performance and safety of the vehicle.
5. Wipers Won’t Park Due to Windshield Wiper Motor Failure
Some owners of the 2008 Honda Civic have reported that their windshield wipers will not park properly or will not turn off when the wiper switch is turned off.
This can be caused by a failure of the windshield wiper motor, which is responsible for operating the wipers.
If the motor fails, it can cause the wipers to stop working or to work improperly, which can be frustrating and potentially dangerous if the wipers are needed during inclement weather.
6. Low rumbling sound when in Reverse = Bad Engine Mounts
Some owners of the 2008 Honda Civic have reported a low rumbling sound when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear.
This can be caused by a problem with the engine mounts, which are responsible for holding the engine in place and isolating it from the rest of the vehicle. I
f the engine mounts are worn or damaged, they can cause the engine to vibrate or make a rumbling sound, which can be noticeable when the vehicle is in reverse.
7. Door Lock May be Sticky and Not Work Due to Worn Door Lock Tumblers
Some owners of the 2008 Honda Civic have reported issues with the door locks, such as a sticky or difficult-to-use door lock or a door lock that does not work properly.
This can be caused by worn or damaged door lock tumblers, which are small parts inside the lock mechanism that help to secure the lock in place. If the tumblers become worn or damaged, they may not function properly, causing issues with the door lock.
8. Problem with the IMA Light on
Some owners of the 2008 Honda Civic have reported issues with the IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) light on their dashboard turning on.
The IMA light is a warning light that indicates a problem with the hybrid system in the vehicle. If the light turns on, it may indicate a problem with the hybrid system, such as a problem with the battery, the motor, or the hybrid control unit.
It is important to address any issues with the IMA light promptly in order to ensure the proper functioning of the hybrid system.
9. Cracked Exhaust Manifold/Catalytic Converter
Some owners of the 2008 Honda Civic have reported issues with the exhaust manifold or catalytic converter cracking.
The exhaust manifold is a part of the exhaust system that collects exhaust gases from the engine and directs them out of the vehicle. The catalytic converter is a part of the exhaust system that helps to reduce emissions by converting harmful gases into less harmful substances.
If either of these components cracks, it can cause a variety of issues, such as exhaust leaks, reduced performance, and increased emissions.
10. Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause Vibration When Braking
Some owners of the 2008 Honda Civic have reported experiencing a vibration when braking, which can be caused by warped front brake rotors. The brake rotors are a key part of the braking system, and if they become warped, it can cause the brakes to vibrate or pulsate when applied.
This can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, use, and exposure to harsh conditions.
11. Front Compliance Bushings May Crack
Some owners of the 2008 Honda Civic have reported issues with the front compliance bushings cracking.
The compliance bushings are small rubber components that help to absorb shock and reduce vibrations in the suspension system. If they crack, they may not function properly, which can cause issues with the suspension, such as increased vibrations or a rough ride.
12. Sun Visors May Not Retract After Sitting in Sun
Some owners of the 2008 Honda Civic have reported issues with the sun visors not retracting properly after being exposed to the sun.
This can be caused by the sun visors becoming stuck or jammed due to the heat and UV radiation from the sun. If the sun visors do not retract properly, it can be inconvenient and may also obstruct the driver’s view.
13. Faulty 3rd gear assembly causing shifting problems
Some owners of the 2008 Honda Civic have reported issues with the 3rd gear assembly in the transmission causing shifting problems.
The 3rd gear assembly is responsible for engaging and disengaging the 3rd gear in the transmission, and if it becomes faulty or fails, it can cause problems with shifting, such as difficulty shifting into 3rd gear or the transmission slipping out of 3rd gear.
14. Plugged Moon Roof Drains May Cause Water Leak
Some owners of the 2008 Honda Civic have reported issues with water leaking into the vehicle through the moon roof, which can be caused by plugged moon roof drains.
The moon roof drains are small tubes that help to channel water away from the moon roof and prevent it from entering the vehicle. If the drains become plugged, water can build up and leak into the vehicle, causing damage and potentially creating a safety hazard.
15. Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause Vibration When Braking
Some owners of the 2008 Honda Civic have reported experiencing a vibration when braking, which can be caused by warped front brake rotors.
The brake rotors are a key part of the braking system, and if they become warped, it can cause the brakes to vibrate or pulsate when applied. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, use, and exposure to harsh conditions.
16. Harsh Transmission Engagement After Engine Auto Stop
Some owners of the 2008 Honda Civic equipped with an automatic transmission have reported issues with the transmission engaging harshly after the engine has stopped due to the auto stop feature.
The auto stop feature is a fuel-saving feature that shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary, such as at a stop light. If the transmission engages harshly when the engine is restarted, it can be jarring and uncomfortable for the driver and passengers.
17. Bump stop in strut may make noise on turns
Some owners of the 2008 Honda Civic have reported hearing a noise when turning the steering wheel, which can be caused by a problem with the bump stop in the strut.
The bump stop is a small rubber component that is located in the strut, which is part of the suspension system. If the bump stop becomes worn or damaged, it may make noise when the vehicle is turning, which can be annoying and potentially indicative of a larger problem with the suspension.
Possible Solutions
| Problem | Possible Solution |
| Airbag Light Due to Failed Occupant Position Sensor | Replace the failed occupant position sensor. |
| Bad Engine Mounts May Cause Vibration, Roughness, and Rattle | Replace the damaged or worn engine mounts. |
| Power Window Switch May Fail | Replace the faulty power window switch. |
| Possible Shift Control Solenoid Fault | Replace the faulty shift control solenoid. |
| Wipers Won’t Park Due to Windshield Wiper Motor Failure | Replace the faulty windshield wiper motor. |
| Low rumbling sound when in Reverse = Bad Engine Mounts | Replace the damaged or worn engine mounts. |
| Door Lock May be Sticky and Not Work Due to Worn Door Lock Tumblers | Replace the worn door lock tumblers. |
| Problem with the IMA Light on | Diagnose and address the problem with the hybrid system. |
| Cracked Exhaust Manifold/Catalytic Converter | Replace the cracked exhaust manifold or catalytic converter. |
| Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause Vibration When Braking | Replace the warped front brake rotors. |
| Front Compliance Bushings May Crack | Replace the cracked front compliance bushings. |
| Sun Visors May Not Retract After Sitting in Sun | Replace the sun visors or repair the retraction mechanism. |
| Faulty 3rd gear assembly causing shifting problems | Replace the faulty 3rd gear assembly. |
| Plugged Moon Roof Drains May Cause Water Leak | Clear the plugged moon roof drains. |
| Harsh Transmission Engagement After Engine Auto Stop | Diagnose and address the issue with the transmission. |
| Bump stop in strut may make noise on turns | Replace the damaged bump stop in the strut. |
2008 Honda Civic Recalls
| Recall Number | Description | Date Announced | Models Affected |
| 19V502000 | Newly Replaced Passenger Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | Jul 1, 2019 | 10 models |
| 19V378000 | Replacement Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator Improperly Installed During Previous Recall | May 17, 2019 | 10 models |
| 18V268000 | Front Passenger Air Bag Inflator Potentially Installed Improperly During Replacement | May 1, 2018 | 10 models |
| 17V545000 | Replacement Air Bag Inflator For Previous Recall May Have Been Improperly Installed | Sep 6, 2017 | 8 models |
| 17V030000 | Passenger Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | Jan 13, 2017 | 9 models |
| 16V346000 | Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator Ruptures On Deployment | May 24, 2016 | 9 models |
Recall 19V502000:
This recall affects certain 2008-2010 Honda Civic sedans that have had the passenger air bag inflator replaced as part of a previous recall.
The newly installed air bag inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments. This can be a serious safety issue, as the metal fragments may strike the driver or other occupants of the vehicle and cause serious injury or death.
Recall 19V378000:
This recall affects certain 2008-2010 Honda Civic sedans that have had the passenger frontal air bag inflator replaced as part of a previous recall.
It has been determined that the inflator may have been improperly installed during the previous recall, which may cause the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash. This can increase the risk of injury to the front passenger.
Recall 18V268000:
This recall affects certain 2008-2010 Honda Civic sedans that have had the front passenger air bag inflator replaced.
It has been determined that the inflator may have been improperly installed during the replacement process, which may cause the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash. This can increase the risk of injury to the front passenger.
Recall 17V545000:
This recall affects certain 2008-2010 Honda Civic sedans that have had the air bag inflator replaced as part of a previous recall.
It has been determined that the replacement inflator may have been improperly installed, which may cause the passenger frontal air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash. This can increase the risk of injury to the front passenger.
Recall 17V030000:
This recall affects certain 2008-2010 Honda Civic sedans. The passenger air bag inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments.
This can be a serious safety issue, as the metal fragments may strike the driver or other occupants of the vehicle and cause serious injury or death.
Recall 16V346000:
This recall affects certain 2008-2010 Honda Civic sedans. The passenger frontal air bag inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments.
This can be a serious safety issue, as the metal fragments may strike the driver or other occupants of the vehicle and cause serious injury or death.
Recall 08V535000:
This recall affects certain 2008 Honda Civic sedans. It has been determined that the nut on the fuse hose connector bracket may be missing.
In the event of a crash, the bracket may become loose, which could result in damage to the fuel hose connector. A damaged connector could lead to a fuel leak and increase the risk of a fire.
Problems and Complaints Sources
https://repairpal.com/2008-honda-civic/problems
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Civic/2008/
All Honda Civic years we talked –
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