Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
The contact owns a 2008 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle was slow to respond. The vehicle lost motive power and shut off. The contact stated that after five minutes, the vehicle was restarted; however, while driving at an undisclosed speed the vehicle inadvertently shut off. The contact was eventually able to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as designed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 180,290.
A/C compressor in 2007-2011 Honda CR-V has a known defect in the A/C compressor clutch. The clutch component of the compressor includes the pulley which turns the compressor motor. When the clutch fails, the compressor motor seizes up and stops the pulley from turning. The pulley on the compressor is driven by one serpentine belt on a tensioner which turns the alternator, the power steering motor, the crankshaft, the water pump, and the A/C compressor. When the A/C compressor seizes up, the belt will snap in two every time because the A/C pulley will not turn. The car will not be operable unless the A/C compressor is replaced. To replace the A/C compressor, the refrigerant must be vacuumed out, the condenser and desiccant replaced, the compressor replaced, the system recharged, and a new belt put on. This costs about $2500 at Honda or at another shop around $1700. …
Just bought this used and am already having transmission issues. Happy to have it available for an inspection. My safety, the safety of their drivers and that of my passengers is put at risk frequently. The engine shudders at certain speeds under40. In order to remedy that it is necessary for me to take my foot off the gas with no warning of brake lights. I haven't taken it to a Honda dealer yet but after I bought this CRV a month ago I learned they are rank with transmission issues. There is no warning in any way, shape or form other than the sudden shuddering which can range from a gentle shudder to one that feels like the car is falling apart. I don't know when this issue started but may be why it's been sold via private sale several times.
I had driven the car from florida to ny with my dog. While travelling north on i95 I noticed some intermittent bucking, hard shifting, and going into neutral. It was intermittent so I assumed it was some anomaly. After stopping at my families residence in yonkers ny. I drove the car to riverdale to visit my mother. After leaving the nursing home I proceeded on the return trip to yonkers. I was northbound on the sprain parkway and exited at tuckahoe road. There is a full stop sign at the intersection. I was fully stopped looked both ways an inched out to make a right turn ( the visibility of oncoming traffic in the eastbound direction is limited because of an incline and the road has high traffic volume during the day) I am not certain if the car slipped back into neutral or the individual behind me failed to make a full stop. I was hit rather hard in the rear end. …
There was a loud banging sound and the air conditioner, which was on and working great, stopped blowing cold air. I researched the problem and found that this has been very common on Honda CR-vs. From my experience and the four different failure modes that have been identified, it sounds like the ac compressor exploded or imploded and could have left shards of metal on the highway I was driving on. Two other failure modes of this problem include the clutch axle shaft shearing and the clutch itself melting. Here are the ridiculously high number of complaints that I've found within 15 minutes of researching: 1. Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fldx1wvjqsc 2. Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4ajblxnh2e 3. Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asy6stixtq4&feature=youtu.be 4. Http://www.ebay.com/gds/the-Honda-crv-s-problematic-ac-compressor-black-death-/[VIN]/g.html 5. …
I was in a parking lot and wanted to move to another one. I put car in gear and as I started out I heard the engine rev very loud and car lurched forward. I applied brakes and placed the car in park. Engine was still revving high. I turned off engine and then back on again. Car seemed to behave normally and I drove home (about 1 mile). I called a Honda dealer service number and explained what happened. They were supposed to call back but did not. The next day I called the service at another dealer (dch Honda of paramus). I spoke to an [redacted] who told me there were no recalls for unintended acceleration for any 2008 crv's. I wrote an e-mail to her to document the phone conversation then called another
Air conditioning is not working. My husband found a video regarding this model year & make which said that Honda had a recall going on for this problem. Called to make an appointment, couldn't get in till July 13. Went away from the phone for a little bit, the dealer called back & left a message to say my car isn't included in any recall for air conditioning and I can make an appointment for a diagnostic. After checking numerous sites I've realized my original contention is correct, this is definitely an engineering flaw from Honda and should be fixed by them at little (maybe for coolant refill) to no charge, just for their poor design.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Honda CR-v. While making a right turn at 25 MPH, the vehicle lunged forward and then dramatically accelerated. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into someone's place of residence. There were no warning lights illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was completely destroyed and all of the air bags deployed. The contact sustained minor injuries and the house was moderately damaged. The vehicle has not been inspected to determine the cause of the failure. A police report was filed. The contact has pictures of the vehicle after the failure. The failure and current mileages were 4,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Honda CR-v. While driving 35 MPH, the vsa and check engine warning indicators illuminated and the vehicle violently jerked. The contact had to release the accelerator pedal or pull over, shift into park, and wait a couple of minutes before shifting back into drive in order for the jerking to stop. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic testing was performed, but the contact was unaware of the failure codes. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
While driving, when I stop at a traffic light, the engine light, vsa light, and the ! Warning light would turn on and after that when I try to accelerate, the car will barely respond and fastest it will go is 10 MPH! I literally have to put on my hazards and wave cars by then find a place I can stop my car, turn it off, restart it, then the warning lights are gone and I can drive again. This has happened 2 times in the past one month. I took to a mechanic & he stated I need to replace the accelerator pedal position sensor & v-tec solenoid. I believe this is a manufacturing defect.
Engine complaints in other CR-V years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 Honda CR-V?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 Honda CR-V, 4% of the model year's 962 complaints. The component named most often is engine (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Honda CR-V engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2008 Honda CR-V, though it has 11 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 CR-V engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.