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 Civic owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Car experiences 'judder' which is identified in the Honda Civic Hybrid Service Technician's Manual as an identified issue with this transmission. Their suggestion is to change the transmission fluid, which does not fix the problem. When the car starts from a complete stop it shudders and shakes and does not engage the transmission so there is no acceleration, leaving the car in a position to be hit by traffic. This car has had this problem from about 50k. There is a TSB 08-014 which Honda will not allow a consumer to access, even though this is a documented problem. There are numerous complaints on this website regarding this issue. The dealership and Honda corp state there is no safety recall for this VIN and therefore the problem does not exist, even though it does. There are no warning messages and the vehicle does not recognize there is a problem. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Honda Civic. The contacted stated that the transmission would pop out of third gear intermittently and without warning while driving. The contact also noticed an abnormal grinding sound while the vehicle was in third gear. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (lamacchia Honda, 932 w genesee st., syracuse, ny, 13204), but they were unable to duplicate and diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. There were times that the contact called and went to the dealer for regular maintenance, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not contacted. Over time, the popping noise worsened and the vehicle was currently unable to move. The failure mileage was approximately 17.
Transmission has to be completely rebuilt after 105000 miles approximately; mechanic told me he could estimate how much longer I have if it was something that he saw more often, but this isn't something he sees often. The vehicle would run heavy, and I was told an engine mount was bad and was subsequently replaced under warranty. There is still a tendency for the car to vibrate and shake as I drive between 17-30 MPH, and attribute this to the issue of the transmission. The vehicle also does not shift well, and clicks on certain shifting points. Dealership stated the car is outside of the powertrain warranty, even though this issues started prior to the end of that warranty.
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.
This car started leaking coolant on the driveway. One day later my wife drives car and when she returns home steam is coming from engine and a lot more coolant is leaking on driveway. Towed it to the dealer. Turns out there is a factor defect causing engine block to crack prematurely. Luckily engine didn't overheat and lock-up while on the freeway. Scary that the symptoms and onset of crack were so sudden. Only started dripping on driveway one day previous to near overheat. Not sure if my wife or I would have been able to safely get the car to the side of the road if it overheated while driving on the freeway.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Honda Civic. The contact stated that there was a grinding noise upon shifting gears and progressed when downshifting. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the third gear synchronizer needed to be replaced. The failure progressed when there was high rpms. The dealer also indicated that there was a manufacturer recall for the power steering but the part was not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Honda Civic. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated. The contact stated that the vehicle was then shifted into park and the engine began to rev. The vehicle was taken to o'malley Honda (3405 stewart ave, wausau, wi 5440[phone]) but a diagnostic test was not completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
Pulled into a parking space at place of work. Placed foot on brake. Put vehicle in park. Did not remove key from ignition and car moved forward hitting a fence and into a building (brick wall) finally stopping. Vehicle is a 2008 Honda Civic 4-door ex model. Unable to stop vehicle.
There has been no wreck or fire---this is a complaint for your TSB compilations....we have an 08 Civic lx: the transmission shifts roughly, and with delays. Slowing down and then re accelerating lightly causes a delay----as if the transmission/control module can't figure out which gear to get into--- and then a rough engagement. From d to reverse, there is a harder engagement than should be. It's as if there is a problem with the control module or the torque converter. My dealer says all these things are normal in a Civic auto transmission. We have an 07 accord exl and it has none of these problems, nor did any other vehicles I've had in the past with a.t. It seems there should be some control module reprogramming or software patch for this transmission. Also, as a safety problem, it is harder to see out of this windshield during rain, ESP. At night, than any car I've driven. …
Currently I have 32,277 miles and don't drive it, it's not safe to drive. I take a bus :) 1# trans locked at 60mph on hwy and caused almost a fatal crash! At 23,000 miles. Car was able to drive up to 15mpg having appx. 6000rpms. Car left at dealership and only PCM software was upd. No lockups are occurring, but trans is weaving, harsh start/stop often!/unexpected shutdown. Dealership found service bulletin #08-014 (harsh engagement), upd. The on board computer and symptoms are much worse than previously. Lower mpg ( 25-28 ), much worse performance, unexpected battery discharge, weaving, low accel. Dealer duplicated problems, but said "it's OK" and problems is untouched. Since they updated the system, the hybrid option is not kicking in as before. Prev. I was able to drive slowly only on hybrid, now I can't. No actions are taken to resolve the issue. …
Transmission complaints in other Civic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2008 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2008 Honda Civic, 6% of the model year's 916 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Honda Civic transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 35,000 miles, and 40% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.