Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Honda Accord owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was driving down the highway at 60mph when suddenly the car threw itself in reverse! No one was behind me, but I had to quickly brake and back into the shoulder and put it in "Park". It has also suddenly shut down without warning while in drive. This has happened several times at different speeds, sometimes at a red light.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Honda Accord. While attempting to exit the vehicle with the key out of the ignition, the vehicle rolled away in reverse and dragged the driver's left leg. The vehicle crashed into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. In addition, the front driver's side door failed to latch due to the crash. A police report was not filed. The contact sustained left leg, head, and neck injuries, but did not require medical attention. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V056000 (air bags). The failure mileage was 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owned a 2008 Honda Accord. While the vehicle was parked, it caught fire. The contact also stated that there was an abnormal odor in the vehicle. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. A police report was not filed. The fire department was not notified. The vehicle was deemed destroyed. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 11V395000 (power train) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,965. The VIN was not provided.
I purchased this vehicle in February 2015 and the issues which I have face are: poor(worn) struts, axle(output shaft) seal leak, vtc actuator which the dealer does not want to honor the warranty defect, and poor motor mounts. In addition, the struts caused one of the tires to pop due to a bump on the tire, and the passenger front tire had to be replaced because of the bump on the tire which again is due to the struts being bad.
Driver traveling speed limit on interstate 40 outside kingman, az. Driver drifted off the road, over corrected, and struck a wooden post at the end of guardrail, causing car to leave the roadway. The air bags did not deploy, leading insurance investigators concerned. Insurance adjustors felt the car could be fixed until a large hole was discovered in the transmission. Concern to all was that air bags did not deploy.
2008 Honda Accord ex-l model I-4 engine (2.4l) started excessively burn oil in engine after 2,000 mile with new engine oil changed. After new engine oil changed, even the indicator of oil viscosity indicate 60% remain (Honda has the system), when oil checked, oil volume shows under minimum oil level. It make me very worry about engine oil consumption so quickly as unusual to compare other cars in my experience. When I went to check any evidence of oil leaking at 2-different local oil shop, we couldn't find any oil leaking evidence. This is 2nd time that happened. This is unacceptable to the customer. One of my college has 2008 Honda Accord coupe (2.4l), he has same problem. …
This is a safety raised issue on a 2008 Accord-lxp that I purchased used (which had about 29K originally when I purchased it as a certified Honda Accord) from herb chambers boston. Since I purchased the car, I started hearing an odd grinding noise when starting the car on cold days - Honda said just keep oil full. I then find out that a recall had been issued to fix the oil consumption, that Honda had finally agreed there was an issue with the engine design and would fix it and at the same time would not cause other issues to emerge such as vtc and the timing chain issues. Recently my engine light came on, I started researching the problem. It was the first time I knew about the following issues which I will be detailing/describing below. Results were bad: a timing chain failure. …
I purchased this Honda Accord from automaxx of summerville in good faith from dealer stating that vehicle passed all their inspections (including brake system). I found out within 2 weeks later by taking it to a Honda dealership, that the brakes, brake lines, caliper, exhaust system are all affected by severe, damaging rust. During inspection, inclusive were sticking caliper. I had front brakes replaced; but due to rust, technician had to bam & force brakes lose. I was informed of the risks with severe rusting causing parts to brake and fail. New brakes would not install properly after old, seated brakes came off. When vehicle is in motion and stopping, the brake system makes noise, and seems like something coming apart due to the insecure fitting of brakes/rotors/calipers, which all have a great build up of rust. This vehicle was purchased approximately 1 month ago in these conditions. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle speed decreased independently. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence. The vehicle was towed to two different independent mechanics where they diagnosed for a new battery, and rebuilt ECU however, the remedy failed. The vehicle was towed to dealer (bell Honda, 701 w bell rd, phoenix,az, 85023) where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module software failed, causing the counter shaft bearing to hit against the speed sensor and all three parts need to be replaced. …
I started my car up in the morning and warmed it up for about 15 minutes then as I go to put it in reverse the battery light came on I then put my car in park and turned it off then I turned it back on and the battery light was still on I decided to just go because I have to be at work in an hour as I am driving down I five the radio stopped working like the side of the vehicle started flickering and my headlights turned off and I was now driving down I-5 in the dark. Fortunately I made it to my location parked my car and it completely died. I didn't open my hood and started checking my battery and my alternator etc. I confirmed my battery was fine and that my alternator had failed. I then notice fluid was leaking from the power steering pump to the alternator. Now my car is has no power and even if I get it jumpstarted it just dies.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Honda is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 accord, 2007-2010 cr-v, and 2005-2008 element passenger cars manufactured from July 1, 2004, through September 3, 2010. The outer race of the secondary shaft bearing May be broken during certain driving styles.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners and dealers will update the automatic transmission control module software free of charge. The safety recall began on August 27, 2011.
Transmission complaints in other Accord years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2008 Honda Accord?
NHTSA has 70 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2008 Honda Accord, 5% of the model year's 1,520 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Honda Accord transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 11V-395 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Aug 4, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Honda Accord transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.