2008 Honda Accord
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe EX/EX-L, 2dr Coupe EX-L V6, 4dr Sedan EX/EX-L, 4dr Sedan EX-V6/EX-L V6
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 177–268 hp
- Transmission
- 5-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 190.9–194.5 in
- Curb weight
- 3,236–3,578 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 8 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 268 hp, versus about 500 hp for similar 2008 models.
- Many owner complaints540 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 126 for similar models — most often about the air bags.
- 8 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Honda Accord is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,287 lb (2dr Coupe EX/EX-L).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 31 highway), 14% better than the 2008 compact car average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 540 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2008
- New body dimensions: 3.1 in longer, wheelbase +2.8 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- No hybrid version any more
- Engine added: 3.5L 6-cyl
- Engine dropped: 3.0L 6-cyl
- Best combined MPG down from 27 to 25
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Accord →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Marysville, Ohio
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2008 Accord configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe EX/EX-L | 190.9 in | 72.8 in | 56.3 in | 107.9 in | 62.2 / 61.8 in | 3,287 lb | 61/39 |
| 2dr Coupe EX-L V6 | 190.9 in | 72.8 in | 56.3 in | 107.9 in | 62.2 / 61.8 in | 3,578 lb | 62/38 |
| 4dr Sedan EX/EX-L | 194.1 in | 72.8 in | 58.3 in | 110.2 in | 62.2 / 61.4 in | 3,358 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan EX-V6/EX-L V6 | 194.5 in | 72.8 in | 58.3 in | 110.2 in | 62.2 / 61.4 in | 3,574 lb | 62/38 |
| 4dr Sedan LX | 194.1 in | 72.8 in | 58.3 in | 110.2 in | 62.2 / 61.4 in | 3,236 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accord Coupe | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | +14% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Accord | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | +37% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Accord Coupe | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | +10% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Accord | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 31 / 24 | +32% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Accord Coupe | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | 0% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Accord | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 29 / 22 | +21% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Accord Coupe | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -9% | $3,350 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Honda Accord under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Honda Accord (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2008 Ford Mustang | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2008 Chevrolet Impala | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Toyota Camry | 34 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Dodge Charger | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (8)
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jun 27, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V502000 · 9,555 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · May 16, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V378000 · 19,138 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Apr 26, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V268000 · 1,335 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Aug 31, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V545000 · 3,257 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 10, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V030000 · 977,708 vehicles
- Problem
- 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, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV and 2007-2008 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- 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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · May 24, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V346000 · 2,719,386 vehicles
- Problem
- 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, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- 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.
Air Bags · Feb 2, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V056000 · 341,444 vehicles
- Problem
- American Honda Motor Company, Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Accord vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.
- Risk
- If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control units, free of charge. Parts are expected to be available in Fall 2016. Interim notifications have been mailed to owners on March 15, 2016, and a second notice will be mailed when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is JW9. Note: This recall supersedes Recall 15V665.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) · Aug 4, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V395000 · 1,512,107 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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.
Not every 2008 Honda Accord is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Honda Accord buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 284 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Engine — 153 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 39 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 97,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Honda Accord. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Accord years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Accord | 48 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 15 |
| 2025 Accord | 48 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 120 |
| 2024 Accord | 48 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 6 | 231 |
| 2023 Accord | 48 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 9 | 231 |
| 2022 Accord | 47 | 192.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 315 |
| 2021 Accord | 48 | 192.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 293 |
| 2020 Accord | 48 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 6 | 404 |
| 2019 Accord | 48 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 6 | 792 |
| 2018 Accord | 47 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 2,012 |
| 2017 Accord | 48 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 584 |
| 2016 Accord | 30 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 611 |
| 2015 Accord | 47 | 189 in | Not rated | 6 | 638 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Honda. How we calculate this →