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 CR-V owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and failed to respond as needed while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently while driving. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V395000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. Additionally, the vehicle was bouncing abnormally while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where an alignment was performed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly lost motive power before returning to normal functionality. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V395000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 190,000
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. …
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. …
Hello Sir/Madam, I own 2008 HONDA CR V. Yesterday when I tried to start my car, I head loud abnormal loud noise and the MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT LIT ON the dash board. Since the noise was very abnormal and very loud, I decided not to drive the car. Next, I searched on internet to see if other Honda owners have same issue. I went to https://owners.honda.com/servicemaintenance/recalls?id= website and found the following. HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 ACCORD, 2007-2010 CR-V, AND 2005-2008 ELEMENT PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 1, 2004, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 3, 2010. THE OUTER RACE OF THE SECONDARY SHAFT BEARING MAY BE BROKEN DURING CERTAIN DRIVING STYLES. A BROKEN OUTER RACE MAY CAUSE ABNORMAL NOISE, THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT TO TURN ON, AND ALLOW CONTACT BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION IDLE GEAR AND AN ELECTRONIC SENSOR HOUSING WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Honda CR-v. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to stop the vehicle and crashed. The air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt failed to secure the contact on impact. The contact stated that the a-pillar where the seat belt was attached became separated. A police report was filed. The contact suffered injuries to the collar bone, head, and a pinched nerve above the hairline, which required medical attention. The vehicle was taken to a collision center. The VIN was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 60,099.
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. …
Car "jerks" or slips when going uphill. Reported to mcminnville Honda, mcminnville, oregon 97128 beginning of 2016. Service manager said unable to duplicate "jerking" or slipping action when going uphill. Told me to contact Honda customer service, which I have done twice now. My Honda care warranty expires tomorrow, 10/11/16. Now I have to worry that after tomorrow my dealership will find the "jerking" or slipping problem and I will be handed a huge bill which I cannot pay. My 2008 CR-v has 95,000 miles on it currently and I was told "you will get about 200,000 miles on this car by the salesman" who sold me this car! I am 70 years old and on a fixed income and cannot afford an expensive repair. I have discussed this with Honda customer service and my dealership and now I am desperate. I paid over $1200. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Honda CR-v. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle and shutting off the engine, the vehicle erroneously rolled backwards making contact with the person and knocking her to the ground. During the incident, the tire rolled over the left foot causing a fracture of the foot. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the incident. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA campaign number 11V395000(power train). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Takata inflator: I.m a driver on my veicle this is the way I sustent my self. Working as "uber driver". My concern is about the safety isues for me and my pasangers.. I know thereis arecall for this veicle, therefore it would be required to takecare!. Also my windows power is allready making a big noise, on the doors locks, with the risk of shooting of at any time. On Tuesday at 5:pm I got my kcar key look inside of the car wille it was on. Because the locks got lock by it self. Causing for me to call triple aaa. My veicle was on. At the parking lot of ralphs in the city of brea ca, 92821. By brea blvd, & imperial hwy. This is a safety issue.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Honda is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 accord, 2007-2010 cr-v, and 2005-2008 element passenger cars manufactured from July 1, 2004, through September 3, 2010. The outer race of the secondary shaft bearing May be broken during certain driving styles.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners and dealers will update the automatic transmission control module software free of charge. The safety recall began on August 27, 2011.
Transmission complaints in other CR-V years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2008 Honda CR-V?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2008 Honda CR-V, 4% of the model year's 962 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Honda CR-V transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 11V-395 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Aug 4, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Honda CR-V transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries 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.