Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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 62 MPH, a popping noise was heard and the steering wheel became uncontrollable. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder and stop the vehicle and noticed the steering wheel was positioned at an angle and the vehicle could no longer be safely driven. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the front control arm had fractured due to severe corrosion. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 166,000.
Honda body shop switched and stripped components/ parts of my vehicle when State Farm Adjustor wrote the repair assessment like it was in a high speed head on collision when it was actually a left side fender bender. That's fraud... but nonetheless, State Farm agreed to fix the car. It's a Honda CR/V that has had the engine replaced now but it's having drivetrain issues. It rattles and violently vibrates upon takeoff (Automatic transmission) and when going uphill. It has electrical problems due to rodent chewing soy based electrical wires. I've replaced myself many components such as axle CV, electrical, fans, air conditioner, starters (3 in past two years) and basically had to rebuild the entire front end because the Honda body shop was using my car for a parts car. Curry Honda in Chamblee GA. Honda has refused to acknowledge any issues. …
While driving on October 2, 2026, the driver-side rear trailing arm and subframe mounting structure detached from the frame due to severe corrosion. The vehicle was immediately taken to Brandon Honda (Tampa, FL) for inspection under Safety Recall 23V228000 / Campaign 23-032. Brandon Honda documented on Repair Order #250035 that the "DRIVER REAR SUB-FRAME LOOKS TO BE COMPLETELY DETACHED." However, instead of submitting required inspection failure photos to Honda TechLine for corporate repurchase evaluation as mandated by Service Bulletin 23-032, the dealership issued a $4,222.77 customer-pay body shop estimate from Nu Finish Collision Center (Estimate #046670) to replace the suspension crossmember, trailing arm, and frame rails out of pocket. …
Incident started after putting car into drive, as the started to move I heard what sounded like a cell phone being dropped on the floorboard. That did not happen. I proceeded to pull out into road. While driving on road, wheels seemed sweervy/shaky. I kept my speed lower. Stopped vehicle, inspected wheels. Lug nuts and tires were tight. Told husband, he test drove car, kept speed low, on way home, driver, rear tire started to pull out from car. After pulling into driveway and inspecting car, driver, rear frame appeared to be completely corroded. Had car towed to look at by family friend, he said the whole frame was corroded and continued to fall apart moving forward up the frame. We researched the problem and heard there was a recall on this issue in Canada. We had no choice but to by a differ car at that time and no one thankfully hurt. …
While driving my 2008 CRV this morning, the right rear wheel became disengaged from the frame rail. When I had it towed to a local garage, the mechanic took one look and said that corrosion had allowed the rear control arm bolt to rust through and that is could probably not be repaired. We went to his computer and punched in recall information for my car. He said that there had been a recall for this extremely dangerous flaw but that it was limited to Canada. That makes no sense to me. I could easily have been in a very serious accident, as there was virtually no warning that this would happen. I've been researching this issue since I returned to my home, and there are 100s of complaints about this exact issue! Please help me understand how this has not generated a Honda recall. Thank You!
On 08/09/23 at 1108 hours, I called Langdale Honda in Valdosta, GA. I told them of the current recall on my vehicle. It was verified via VIN, and then I was discouraged from bringing in the vehicle. I was told that the recall applied to northern cars that suffered from salt and snow exposure, and that my vehicle should be OK. It clearly states in the recall notice that mud can also be a factor. I reminded the associate of that. I also reminded the associate of Federal Law. Thereafter, he said that I could bring the vehicle in if I desired; however, I was concerned because I bought my vehicle used. I don't know its history, and don't know from where it originally came. I did not make an appointment with Langdale due to mistrust.
The contact's son owns a 2008 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while his son was driving 45 MPH, the vehicle aggressively veered over to the right side of the road. The driver inspected the vehicle and noticed that the rear axle had detached from the frame. The driver was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who was unable to fix the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V228000 (Structure); because parts were not available, and there were additional damages that needed to be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and was working with the dealer to have the vehicle inspected. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
I thought I needed new brakes put on because my brakes sounded like they were grinding and they were going to the floor so I had new brake pads out on but my Mechanic said the brake pads were fine he replaced them anyways. I went to have an oil change and a different mechanic said that I needed and alignment but my entire back end frame was rusted and corroded. He said if I got an alignment my back end would collapse because the suspension is bad. When I go to brake my brakes go to the floor so I'm guessing thats from the suspension being messed up. He said it's not safe to drive
Evidence of corrosion on the rear trailing arms as described in the recent salt belt recall of 07-11 Honda CRV's. Petition to expand the monitoring and repair scope of this recall to include the Appalachian regions of North Carolina and Tennessee as the use of road salt is also prevalent in these areas.
This vehicle had a wheel separation while traveling at low speed. The right rear wheel separated from the car. The cause is excessive rust to the trailing arm and specifically to the subframe to which the trailing arm is attached. The car is available for inspection. I also have photographs that show the problem. The safety issue is clear. After separation the car cannot be controlled if in motion. This particular vehicle has not been inspected. The wheel separation was reported by me to Honda in North America, to "Chris" in "client relations." A case number was issued for my complaint, #00499145. An insurance claim was made, but the insurer denied the claim. My research shows that this model CRV has been recalled in Canada for this precise problem. In Canada, Honda states that this model CRV has "excessive" rust, leading to failure. …
Suspension complaints in other CR-V years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2008 Honda CR-V?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the suspension of the 2008 Honda CR-V, 4% of the model year's 962 complaints. The component named most often is rear (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Honda CR-V suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension 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.