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 CR-V owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On October 9, 2022, I filed a complaint with NHTSA regarding this vehicle due to excessive and extreme rear frame corrosion. On May 6, 2023, my son was driving this vehicle and was involved in an incident while the vehicle was in motion. The rear subframe separated from the vehicle on the driver side. My son lost control of the vehicle. Fortunately, my son was able to avoid a direct collision with oncoming traffic. On May 15, 2023, the vehicle was towed to Victory Honda in Monroe, Michigan. The vehicle was inspected, and we were assigned a case number (#13814983). We were promised a loaner vehicle (which has never been made available). As a result, my son had to resign his position at work because he lost his mode of transportation. I have called American Honda on a weekly basis requesting an update. I've been told our case is almost completed. …
The contact owns a 2008 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V228000 (Structure) and an unknown door latch recall; however, while driving after the vehicle was returned, the contact became that the doors were no longer closing securely, and the vehicle failed to respond immediately while depressing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the dealer had stated in the recall repair work order that the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V228000 (Structure) could not be completed on the vehicle due to severe frame corrosion and that the sub frame needed to be replaced; however, the dealer installed support braces on the vehicle and marked the recall as Complete. …
The contact owns a 2008 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V228000 (Structure) and the vehicle was repaired under the recall; however, the contact was informed that the dealer had observed a 3X8 inch hole located 2 inches away from where the support brace was installed. The contact stated that despite the hole, the dealer determined that the vehicle was safe to drive, and the vehicle passed inspection. The contact believed that the recall repair failed to adequately address the safety concerns of the recall, potentially leaving the vehicle with a rear trailing arm that could still detached in the future. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed regarding a possible buyback; however, the request was denied due to the age of the vehicle. The failure mileage was 211,600.
The contact owns a 2008 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V228000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact self-inspected the vehicle and noticed that the power steering fluid level was low. The contact filled the power steering fluid reservoir; however, two days later, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the passenger's side front ball joints were replaced, the power steering kit was installed, and the drive belt was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,500.
The contact owns a 2008 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle felt as if it was driving over a bump in the road, causing the steering wheel to be unstable. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the rear trailing arm was rusted. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V228000 (Structure); as a possible cause for the failure; however, the recall repair was marked as completed. The dealer determined that the recall repair was not performed. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 202,713.
The contact owns a 2008 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V228000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer informed the contact that there was an extreme amount of rust to the frame of the vehicle. The bolts failed to release due to the extreme rust. The vehicle was not able to be placed on the lift due to frame rust. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 133,267. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2008 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle into an independent mechanic for service, the contact was made aware that the rear trailing arm had severe frame corrosion, potentially compromising the vehicle safety. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnosis and advised the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V228000 (Structure) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
The contact's son owned a 2008 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 35 MPH, the rear axle detached from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The vehicle was then towed on two occasions to two separate independent mechanics, who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V228000 (Structure) and deemed the vehicle inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired and was towed to a salvage yard. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2008 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while having an inspection performed on the vehicle, she was informed that the rear sub frame was corroded and had holes. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V228000 (Structure). The contact stated that the rear support brace was added. The vehicle was repaired but the mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was not drivable. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving approximately 20-25 MPH, the rear passenger's side frame stiffeners detached and separated from the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. Additionally, the contact stated that the frame stiffeners were severely rusted. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 262,000.
Related recalls
Structure › Frame and members
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2007-2011 CR-V vehicles that were sold, or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia,…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and install a support brace or repair the rear frame, as necessary, free of charge. Depending on the extent of any corrosion damage, Honda may offer to repurchase the vehicle.
Body complaints in other CR-V years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2008 Honda CR-V?
NHTSA has 94 complaints about the body & structure of the 2008 Honda CR-V, 10% of the model year's 962 complaints. The component named most often is body (53 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Honda CR-V body problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 23V-228 (frame and members, Mar 30, 2023). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Honda CR-V body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 99,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 6 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.