KnownCarProblems2008 Honda CR-V Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 962 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Honda CR-V, most often about the air bags (34% of complaints, typically around 91,500 miles). It is 4th of 27 CR-V model years by number of complaints and has 11 recalls.
Most common 2008 Honda CR-V problems
Air bags
325 complaints · 34%Half of these problems showed up before 91,500 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.
Takata recall: received a recall notice in april 2015 advising to not drive car until drivers side air bag was replaced. Honda provided a rental car until repairs were completed. (approx 3-4 weeks.) july 2015 receive another notice that the side bag is needing replacement and that no one should sit in the passenger…
Vehicle was in an accident and repaired. Air bag never deployed and now 3 years later the SRS system has three faults the bernadi Honda said were related to the accident. Insurance company refused to repair system saying it was maintenence. 33-10 open in the left side curtain airbag first inflator. E1-11 left front…
Electrical
218 complaints · 23%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles. Parts named most often: starter assembly, instrument panel.
I stepped out of my car while it was running and the car locked itself. I had to walk home, get the spare key, and then walk back to my car. Then, the car would not unlock with the spare key, manually or by pushing the unlock button. I also tried the valet key--it wouldn't work either. The drivers' door is the only…
Electric door locks malfunction automatically locking or refusing to lock on passenger and read doors.. I am told there is an electrical problem with the locking system that needs to be replaced at a high cost. Creating a safety issue with rear doors for our grandchildren as doors may lock or unlock as the car is…
Doors and locks
200 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 71,000 miles. Parts named most often: doors, electronic lock/latch actuator.
The power locks on the doors keep unlocking themselves while driving . It has potentially unlocked while driving even though the lock has been placed. Manually unlocking or locking doors is not an option as the lock seems to unlock by itself. Very dangerous to use with children even if the safety lock is placed the…
The first problem uncovered: the driver's door cannot be manually unlocked with a key. My daughter drove the car to a concert using the valet key and discovered at midnight that she couldn't enter the car. After family arrived with electronic key it was determined that it would not manually open the door either.…
Body and structure
94 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 98,500 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
I am constantly replacing, tail lights, brake lights, third brake lights and reverse lights! All the locks whine when I put my vehicle in drive. They said that it would cost me $1200.00 to replace them all ! I do not believe that they all need replacing! My lamp light is out and they said it would cost $180.00 to fix…
When unlocking the doors using key button or driver door button, a long wired sound is coming from the front passenger door and the door is unlocked. When I took the vehicle to the dealer they told that the front passenger door actuator is broken and told there is a recall of the actuator only for the driver side…
Other or unspecified
72 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 100,000 miles.
After parking my car, while unlocking the doors, the rear driver side door was not getting unlocked. So I manually unlocked the door from inside and after that the rear driver side door is never getting locked again. This is a very difficult situation as already the front passenger door actuator is broken and now the…
Honda replaced both the drivers and passenger front airbags. I was in an accident april 2017. I was broadsided, drivers door was impacted. My head went hrough the drivers window. None of the side airbags inflated. The body shop was disturbed that the airbags did not deploy. I have been in physical therapy since the…
Steering
70 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 71,000 miles. Parts named most often: rack and pinion.
Whine in power steering which dealer wants to charge one hour to replace o-ring in power steering line. Many reports of the same problem in Honda cars found online, a tech bulletin issues on some models but not on mine.
Bought our 2008 crv, brand new from the dealer. Brought car for routine oil change. Mechanic mentioned that in his years of working there, this is on of the worst leaks he has seen. My car is driven in the suburbs, to pick up kids and no long road trips. We bought a Honda specifically for their craftsmanship and…
Engine
42 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 62,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system, cooling system.
2008 Honda crv-compressor needs replacing 65,000 miles at the time the compressor went out. Honda warranty only covers 36,000 miles. Did not by extended warranty. Has not replaced part due to cost. Honda purchased at paris Honda has talked to them however, 1200 dollars for a rebuilt compressor to be installed and much…
After several days of intermittent air-conditioning (cooling) function, the AC compressor failed. Dealer mechanic reports the compressor coil failed (melted?). Conditions at the time were high ambient temperatures (ca. 90-100 degrees f). I'm filing this report to corroborate numerous online accounts of similar…
Suspension
38 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 38,500 miles. Parts named most often: rear, front.
Vehicle began experiencing steering wheel shimmy/vibration at highway speeds (65-80ish) and slight pull to the right. Rotated tires. Had tires balanced. Purchased new tires. All actions did nothing to reduce the vibration/pulling issues.
Took my ca in for scheduled maintenance service to the dealers and they said my structs and or shocks seals are cracked and leaking , my car only has 37,000 miles on it. Well taken care of, only use to shopping or doctors. Structs and shocks should not have gotten that bad. Need to find out if an warranty or…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2008 Honda CR-V recalls
Body and structure: frame and members
Risk: A detached rear trailing arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed may 22, 2023. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is ue3.
Full defect summary
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, west virginia, washington d.c., and wisconsin. An accumulation of road salt may cause the frame to corrode and possibly detach the rear trailing arm.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began august 12, 2019. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are f5f and q5e.
Full defect summary
Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 acura tsx, 2011-2014 tsx sport wagon, 2010-2013 zdx, 2008-2012 honda accord, 2010-2011 accord crosstour, 2006-2011 civic and civic hybrid, 2008-2010 civic gx ngv, 2012-2015 crosstour, 2007-2011 cr-v, 2009-2013 fit, 2014 fit EV, 2010-2014 insight, and 2009-2015 pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began august 12, 2019. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are s5b and w59.
Full defect summary
Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain 2013 acura ilx, 2015 rdx, 2005-2010 and 2012 rl, 2009-2014 tl, 2010 and 2012 zdx, 2007-2011 cr-v, 2011-2013 and 2015 cr-z, 2009-2013 fit, 2013 fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 insight and 2007-2014 ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began july 5, 2019. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are m4o, p4r, t4q, and w4p.
Full defect summary
Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 acura tsx, 2011-2013 tsx sport wagon, and 2010-2012 zdx and 2008-2012 honda accord, 2010-2011 accord crosstour, 2006-2011 civic, civic hybrid and civic ngv, 2012-2014 crosstour, 2007-2011 cr-v, 2009-2013 fit, 2010-2013 insight, and 2009-2015 pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began june 22, 2018. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are k1p, and m1o.
Full defect summary
Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 honda accord and pilot, 2010 accord crosstour, 2001-2011 civic, 2002-2011 cr-v, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 element, 2007 and 2009-2013 fit, 2010-2012 insight, 2002-2004 odyssey, and 2012 ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began october 30, 2017. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are o07, y0a, n06, g05, m04, y01, and o09.
Full defect summary
Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain 2008-2012 accord, 2010-2012 accord crosstour, 2006-2011 civic, 2007-2011 cr-v, 2009-2012 fit and pilot, 2010-2012 insight, and 2009-2012 acura tsx vehicles that received replacement passenger frontal air bag inflators. One dealership may have incorrectly installed the replacement air bag inflators.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: If an inflator with an incorrect wire harness is installed, the air bag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on august 3, 2017. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is kf9.
Full defect summary
Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain 2007-2011 honda cr-v vehicles which have had the passenger frontal air bag replaced. The air bag inflator repair kit may have been assembled by the supplier with an incorrect wire harness.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has mailed an interim notification, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are ke1 and ke2.
Full defect summary
Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain 2009-2012 acura tsx, 2011-2012 acura tsx wagon, 2010-2012 acura zdx, 2008-2012 honda accord, 2010-2012 honda accord crosstour and honda insight, 2009-2012 honda fit, 2009-2012 pilot, 2007-2011 honda cr-v, 2012 honda fcx clarity and 2006-2011 honda civic, civic hybrid, civic ngv vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in alabama, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. Virgin islands, or "zone a." additionally, if not included in "zone a" above, honda is recalling certain 2009 acura tsx, honda fit and pilot, 2008-2009 honda accord, 2006-2009 civic, civic hybrid and civic ngv, and 2007-2009 honda cr-v vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in arizona, arkansas, delaware, district of columbia, i
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began march 2017. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall is ka4, ka5, ka6, and ka7.
Full defect summary
Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 acura tsx, 2011 tsx wagon, 2010-2011 acura zdx, 2008-2011 honda accord, 2010-2011 accord crosstour, 2006-2011 civic, civic hybrid, and civic gx, 2007-2011 cr-v, 2010-2011 fcx clarity and insight, and 2009-2011 fit, and pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in alabama, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. Virgin islands, or "zone a." additionally, unless already included in "zone a" above, honda is recalling certain model year 2008 honda accord, 2006-2008 civic, civic hybrid and civic gx, and 2007-2008 cr-v vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in arizona, arkansas, delaware, the district of columbia, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, maryland, missouri, neb
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began march 2017. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are jy0, jy1, and jy2.
Full defect summary
Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 honda cr-v, 2011-2015 cr-z, 2010-2014 fcx, and insight, 2009-2013 fit, 2013-2014 fit EV, 2007-2014 ridgeline, 2013-2016 acura ilx, 2013-2014 acura ilx hybrid, 2007-2016 rdx, 2005-2012 acura rl, 2009-2014 acura tl, and 2010-2013 acura zdx vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Risk: This could result in a short circuit causing the engine to stall. Additionally, broken pieces of the outer race or ball bearing from the secondary shaft may become lodged in the parking pawl resulting in the vehicle rolling after the driver has placed the gear selector in the park position. Engine stall and unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash or personal injury to persons within the path of a rolling vehicle.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact honda automobile customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2008 Honda CR-V
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Honda CR-V?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (325 complaints, typically around 91,500 miles); electrical (218 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles); doors and locks (200 complaints, typically around 71,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2008 Honda CR-V have?
- 11 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from March 30, 2023 (body and structure). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2008 a bad year for the Honda CR-V?
- It is 4th of 27 CR-V model years by number of complaints, with 962 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.