Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
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).
Air bags: passive restraint system items and devices that protect occupants in a crash such as front, side, side curtain air bag light stayed on after taken to a recall devices that may present a safety hazard. Body: Windshield panel flew away ,failure or detachment body and frame components flew away all body pain pilled away with no reason, and other structural components like inside of car sieling cover pilling off like that may present a safety hazard. Steering: devices and systems used to control vehicle direction to the driver's intent such steering rack/box leaking, hydraulic power steering pumps problem like alot noise and hoses leaking that may present a safety hazard.
The paint is peeling off from the vehicle, exposing the body to rust and reduce the vehicle lifetime and durability significantly. When I contacted Honda about the issue, they told me it is a Paint defect from the manufacturing plant. They asked me to get a quote from the dealer to fix the issue, after getting the quote they denied the request saying it is outside the warranty period even when they agreed it is an issue occurred at the plant level. Please look into this and issue a recall.
While driving on the freeway the sun visor, from Ezzy (top selling sun visor replacement brand on Amazon) fell out of its holder onto my hands on the steering wheel and then onto my lap which caused me to swerve slightly. Another incident involving the passenger side sun visor happened when my passenger flipped down the visor and the plastic exploded everywhere and the visor split in two.
The steering wheel began to pull my car to the left side. The steering wheel did not respond to the direction right and felt as if it had gone "limp". The front of the car hit the left center median guardrail. I suffered herniated discs and lumbar back injury. The drivers airbag never deployed resulting in my head hitting the steering wheel. I suffered a concussion and cervical neck injury. There were no other cars involved and no weather conditions. Also I was going below the speed limit. I called Honda and they said they could not explain nor help me with the airbag not deploying and the concussion I suffered. They also could not help me regarding the steering wheel pulling left then "going limp". I am still seeing a neurologist and physical therapist for my lumbar and cervical injuries, and neurological signs and symptoms.
Paint is peeling on roof. Last week as I was loading a toddler into the vehicle, he managed to grab a piece of chipped paint and put it in mouth. I did some researched and discovered that Honda had issues with this particular paint. However, they are not taking responsibility since I missed their deadline. I am grateful that I was able to intercede and take the piece of paint out of my nephew's mouth and prevent him from going to the emergency room but could you imagine the potential risks out there. Based on my research it is common for this paint to chip on the roof and trunk, and I cannot believe that Honda is simply looking the other way. I guess we only have to wait and see the repercussions of their negligence and hope that drivers are vigilant when loading/unloading unruly toddlers from these questionable vehicles.
Paint issues - the front hood of the car, front fender, and front side fenders had to be repainted due to faulty clear coat issues. The roof has the same issue, but is outside of the warranty repair window, even though the issue is with their clear coat and not my vehicle; my vehicle is well maintained and well cared for including washing and polishing. Pictures of the roof are provided with no filter or alterations to the photos; the trunk has (knock on wood) yet to show any of these issues, but was also part of this same failure. I do not have any pictures of the hood, front/side fenders as those were repaired under warranty.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the plastic cover, located in the center of the steering wheel where the air bag was located, was cracked. The crack extended approximately seven inches. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who indicated that the failure was caused by excessive exposure to sun light. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 30,000. Updated 09/15/15 the consumer stated an expensive sun shield has been on the windshield, since the vehicle was new. The consumer did not believe the damage was due to sun exposure. Updated 04/07/16.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Honda Civic. The contact noticed premature rust near the areas of the hood, roof, driver side door, exterior rearview mirrors, the front passenger side fender by the headlight, and all across the trunk. In addition, there was extensive paint peeling and cracking. The dealer (randy kuehl Honda cars, 4425 center point rd ne, cedar rapids, ia 52402, [phone]) was notified and stated that they would send pictures to the manufacturer. The contact had not heard back from the dealer. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000.
My paint has been fading for about a year now. Every time I bring my car to Honda they tell me there is nothing they can do about it. It looks terrible. My car is still in very good condition, but the faded paint all over the body of the car is a complete eye sore. I would like to keep this car for many more years (even when I purchase a new one)I see many many Honda civics from 2008 that look the same. I want to buy another Honda in the near future, but because of this defect I don't think I can. It is embarrassing for me, and for Honda.
My son was involved in a car crash with a large SUV. He hit them from the rear. My Honda Civic went under the bumper of the large SUV. Due to the impact my bumper tore off, my headlights broke, my hood was smashed in and the front end of the car was smashed in. Why weren't the air bags deployed?? That is our concern? My son could have died in this crash due to faulty air bags. We have pictures of the crash. Our main concern is the air bags not being deployed. I would like to notify Honda corp of this incident.
Body complaints in other Civic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2008 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 85 complaints about the body & structure of the 2008 Honda Civic, 9% of the model year's 916 complaints. The component named most often is body (69 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Honda Civic body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure 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 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to body & structure 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.