Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Honda Civic owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine, steering. Purchased the car from a certified dealership in January 2026. After 3 months of driving, the car began exhibiting performance issues. During a normal acceleration pattern, the car would go into a 'limp mode' where all dashboard lights would turn on and the car's performance became severely limited. Acceleration is barely possible when this happens and the car must be turned off and restarted in order to get the car out of 'limp mode,' which is a MAJOR safety concern communicated to Honda. It is also of major concern that every time there is a performance issue, every light illuminates, not allowing the driver to diagnose and safely operate the vehicle without Honda assistance with diagnosis. …
I was parking in a high school parking lot. I "rolled" into the space and when I applied the brakes the engine "accelerated". I went over the cement block at the front of the space and through a chainlink fence and onto the sidewalk. Usually, that walkway is filled with children. I initially thought the floormat got caught up under the gas pedal. I took pictures immediately and it did appear that exacerbated the problem. Bell Honda in phoenix said "they could not repeat the problem" and dismissed me. It has since happened to my daughter and husband. Fortunately they both applied the emergency brake. After the last time, we took the car to superstition springs Honda. They said "they could not repeat the problem and nothing has come from Honda." I have read where others have had this problem. …
I had an incident with my 2008 Honda Civic. I was pulling into the church parking lot and turned to park in the grass next to another vehicle when I lost the steering and then suddenly the car jumped forward out of control and crashed into a tree about 10 ft in front of me. I thought the gas pedal had stuck but the adjustor was not able to confirm that this was the case. I never put my foot on the gas pedal-I was braking and going less than 10 mi/hr at the time. I have been unable to find out what caused the car to leap forward and accelerate. I have had no other incidents with this vehicle. I have put around 35,000 miles on the car mostly highway driving.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Honda Civic. The contact was driving 30 MPH when she lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a stone wall. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis but the dealer was unable to diagnose a failure within the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileage was 27,500.
Takata recall. Yes they are saying they can't do the recall right now or are waiting for parts as dangerous time is passing. Also this is my second Honda Civic 2007 and 2008 where the cruise control activator button has failed @50,000 miles. Is this not a hazard as a person plays with the broke equipment while driving.
My cruise control just stopped working all of a sudden. It was working this morning but I got in the vehicle to go to work and it just wasn't working anymore.
On January 23, 2010, I was involved in a single automobile accident, on highway 111, in indian wells, ca. Roads were wet that day. I recall my vehicle hydro-planing and spinning out of control. That is the last I recall, as I believe I was knocked unconscious, I awoke minutes later to find myself still in the drivers seat, to find my back seat engulfed in flames. I managed to free myself from my seat belt and get out through the drivers side window. As managed to get on my feet I walked away from the vehicle just in time for it to explode.. O my next concern is as doing some research after the accident, I came across some interesting information regarding a recall on that type of vehicle. I purchased my vehicle in June 2008, and recall letters were sent out on October 2008. I never received such a letter. I am concerned to what caused my vehicle to catch fire and explode. …
Tl contact owns a 2008 Honda Civic hybrid. While driving 10 MPH the vehicle was not responsive. As he depressed the accelerator pedal the vehicle moved slowly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed him that they were aware of the problem but the vehicle was functioning the way it was designed. The manufacturer was notified and stated that they are familiar with the failure and since it was designed that way there was no way to repair it. The failure mileage was 31,000. Updated 01/12/11 updated 02/09/11 the consumer stated due to suspected battery failure, Honda offered a software update to prolong the battery. The consumer did not get the software update it May have reduced the fuel economy. Updated 03/08/11
Occasionally, when "cruise" option is turned on (but not engaged or "set"), my Honda Civic acts as if the cruise control is engaged. That is, when I remove my foot from the gas pedal, the expected deceleration does not happen. The car continues to travel at the same speed. Only when the brakes are applied, the car starts to slow down. This mimics the expected behavior of the car when cruise control is engaged even when cruise option is not used. In fact, on some occasions, the car jerks a bit when I lift my foot off the gas pedal just like when the cruise control is engaged.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Honda Civic. The contact was driving approximately 25 MPH when the accelerator pedal detached from the vehicle when partially depressed. The vehicle abnormally accelerated until heavy pressure was applied to the brake pedal. The contact moved the vehicle from the roadway and shut the engine off. The contact was assisted by an authorized dealer who reattached the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was then taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was awaiting further repairs. The failure and current mileage was 50,000.
Acceleration complaints in other Civic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2008 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2008 Honda Civic, 3% of the model year's 916 complaints. The component named most often is cruise control (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Honda Civic acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2008 Honda Civic, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Honda Civic acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 31,000 miles, and 32% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to speed control & acceleration 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.