Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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.
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. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2008 Honda Civic. While driving 30 MPH in inclement weather, the wheels and the steering column seized. As a result, the contact crashed into a guardrail. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a salvage yard. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
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.
On 3/6/19 I was driving home on I-95 north when, without warning, my Civic redlined and overheated. I had the car towed to rockingham Honda in rockingham, nh and the mechanic, dan, diagnosed my car with a cracked engine block. After some research it was discovered that '06-'09 hondas had faulty engines knowingly installed which resulted in Honda of America issuing a warranty extension for 10 years for this cracked engine block error. I purchased this vehicle on 8/14/15 completely unaware of the faulty engine, the extended warranty, or the cost it would be to me. I contacted Honda of America on 3/7/19 to inquire about the warranty and the complimentary replacement/repairs for their poor craftsmanship. I was informed that the warranty expired and does not apply to me since I am not the original owner of the car. …
Car started at usual time around 8 am and started vibrating. A very loud exhaust noise started to begin and the car began shaking. The vibrating noise was so loud and everyone in the car could feel the vibration. The front steering wheel as well as the seats were also shaking. Vibrating continued throughout the day and was gone at times when this first began but as days went by it became louder and more obvious by others outside of the car. The car now continues to vibrate not only in the morning but at all times of the day. It shakes at park, drive, and reverse. Car is very uncomfortable to drive and the noise can become very distracting. The car also vibrates so much during these times that I am afraid that something will happen on the highway and am worried about this. …
Tl contact owns a 2008 Honda Civic. While traveling 20 MPH the vehicle had suddenly shut off without warning locking the steering wheel. The vehicle was towed to the dealership where the main fuse and battery were replaced; the dealership also stated that the failure occurs whenever water enters the vehicle. While still at the dealership the contact informed the dealership that she noticed a clanking sound coming from the steering wheel, the dealership replaced the steering gear box ,steering rack, and right drive shaft. A few months after having the steering wheel repairs the failure recurred, the vehicle was taken back to the dealership where the failure was repaired. The contact then took the vehicle in for routine maintenance and informed the dealership that she could still notice the clanking sound; the dealer informed the contact that the failure could not be duplicated. …
Tl contact owns a 2008 Honda Civic. The contact stated that she owned a 2006 Honda Civic and had constant issues with the rack and pinion and power steering. She took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the entire part of the steering system containing the rack and pinion. A month and a half later, the failure recurred and she decided to trade the 2006 in for a 2008, in hopes that the failure would be resolved. Two months later, at 3,500 miles, the power steering was leaking just like the 2006 Honda Civic. The parts were replaced on the 2008. The dealer stated that there was a three week back order for this particular part that keeps failing. The failure mileage was 3,500. Updated 01/29/09. Updated 01/30/09.
Leading up to the failure, it was necessary ziggle the steering wheel in order to turn the key and start the car. On July 4, 2010 the ignition totally seized - stranding the driver. It was necessary to tow the car to a dealership. Honda advised the car was just out of warranty. The following parts were replaced at a cost of $1026.00: ignition switch, dummy sidewinder and the lock assembly / steering. In a letter to Honda we stated that the part hadn't been reasonably durable and that the warranty didn't apply. The car ignition failed long before it should have. Honda agreed to pay $653.00 towards repairs in response to our letter.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Honda Civic. While the contact was driving approximately between 55-60 MPH, the vehicle began to vibrate and shake with a roaring noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vibrating motion caused a loud rattling sound inside of the vehicle. The failure occurrences contributed to excessive wear on all four tires. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection and the technician informed that the diagnostic testing charge was $100. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure continued to progress. The failure mileage was 25,000.
Steering complaints in other Civic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2008 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Honda Civic, 3% of the model year's 916 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Honda Civic steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 37% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering 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.