VehicleVerdict

2008 Honda Odyssey problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 617 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Odyssey year — the 2008 model ranks #13 of 34 Odyssey years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 53 injuries in total across these filings.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 169 reports (27% of the total).

617

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

5

Investigations

46

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

53

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Odyssey years?

See all Odyssey years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Honda Odyssey problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes16927%
Body & Structure13622%
Engine549%
Electrical System498%
Transmission417%
Other356%
Speed Control305%
Steering285%
Fuel System193%
Airbags122%
Tires & Wheels81%
Visibility & Wipers71%
Seats61%
Suspension51%
Child Seat51%
Latches & Locks41%
Lighting41%
Seat Belts30%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)20%

Does the 2008 Honda Odyssey have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14E049000Fuel SystemJuly 28, 2014 · 280 units

Defect

Delphi Automotive Systems, LLC (Delphi) is recalling certain replacement fuel pump modules, part number FG1155-11B1, sold for use in 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The affected fuel pump may send an incorrect fuel reading to the fuel gauge possibly causing the vehicle to run out of fuel. The fuel gauge will always read 3/4 full to full regardless of the actual level.

Consequence

A vehicle that runs out of fuel and stalls has an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Delphi has begun notifying dealers and distributors, and will replace the fuel pump modules, free of charge. Owners may contact Delphi customer service at 1-877-411-8770. Delphi's number for this recall is GL14-004.

14V112000Fuel SystemMarch 14, 2014 · 886,815 units

Defect

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured June 23, 2004, through September 4, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the fuel pump strainer cover may deteriorate allowing fuel to leak out.

Consequence

A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Parts to permanently repair the affected vehicles are not currently available. Honda will notify owners with an interim letter during May 2014. A second notice was mailed to owners October 6, 2014 when the remedy became available. Any vehicles that are currently leaking from the fuel pump cover will get a replacement, original cover. All vehicles, including those receiving the interim repair, will get an improved cover when they are available. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. The recall numbers associated with this campaign are JD9 (inspection and/or preliminary part replacement) and JE0 (final parts replacement).

13V500000Electrical SystemNovember 1, 2013 · 344,187 units

Defect

American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured August 8, 2006, through September 8, 2008. Due to a combination of system components and software, the Vehicle Safety Assist System (VSA) may apply the brakes unexpectedly.

Consequence

The vehicle may suddenly and unexpectedly brake hard, and without illuminating the brake lights, increasing the risk of a crash from behind.

Remedy

Parts to remedy these vehicles will not be available until the spring of 2014. Honda will send owners an interim letter notifying them of the issue and instruct them how to prevent unintended braking. A second notification will be sent when the parts become available. Interim notification was mailed in December 2013. The recall began on April 29, 2014. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or visit their website at www.recalls.honda.com. Honda's recall number is JC5.

12V062000Body & StructureFebruary 16, 2012 · 45,747 units

Defect

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 ODYSSEY VEHICLES, THE GAS-FILLED STRUTS THAT HELP TO RAISE AND SUPPORT THE LIFTGATE OF VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM MAY BE PRONE TO EARLY LIFE FAILURES DUE TO A MANUFACTURING FLAW. THE FLAW CAN RESULT IN A LEAK OF THE PRESSURIZED GAS, LEADING TO REDUCED STRUT PERFORMANCE.

Consequence

STRUTS WITH DIMINISHED PERFORMANCE CAN LEAD TO UNEXPECTED CLOSURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH POWER LIFTGATE GAS STRUTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.

10V098000BrakesMarch 16, 2010 · 412,000 units

Defect

HONDA HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 AND 2008 ODYSSEY AND ELEMENT PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JULY 28, 2006 AND AUGUST 21, 2008. AIR CAN ENTER THE VSA MODULAR PUMP DURING AN INITIAL SELF-CHECK PROCESS THAT OCCURS SHORTLY AFTER EACH TIME THE ENGINE IS STARTED. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR ENOUGH AIR TO ENTER THE SYSTEM TO RESULT IN A BRAKE PEDAL THAT FEELS SOFT OR LOWER TO THE FLOOR.

Consequence

IF THE OWNER DOES NOT HAVE ANY BRAKE SERVICE OR MAINTENANCE PERFORMED OVER A PERIOD OF MONTHS OR YEARS, THE SYSTEM CAN CONTINUE TO ACCUMULATE ENOUGH AIR TO AFFECT BRAKING PERFORMANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNER AND HONDA DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VSA MODULATOR BY REMOVING ANY EXISTING AIR IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM THEN APPLY SEALANT AND CAPS TO PREVENT AIR FROM ENTERING THE BRAKE SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 3, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

BRAKES ARE TOO SOFT. HAD ACCIDENT TWICE ALREADY BECAUSE BRAKES DONT REACT LIKE THEY ARE SUPPOSE TO. YOU HAVE TO PUSH THE BRAKE DOWN REALLY HARD. WITH THAT ALSO SAID TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE DAY 1. YOU HEAR A LOUD NOISE WHEN YOU CHANGE GEARS. WENT TO THE HONDA DEALER AND THEY SAID ITS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 20, 2009 · crash

MY CAR WAS STATIONARY, AND SOMEONE HIT IT ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND SPED OFF. THEY BACKED INTO ME HARD THOUGH AND MESSED UP THE BACK DRIVER SIDE DOOR OFF WON'T OPEN

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 4, 2021 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FLAMES EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND EVENTUALLY ENGULFED THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED WHO DETERMINED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD FAILED AND CAUSED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 7, 2014 · crash · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN HER GARAGE AND IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF FIRE WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION WITH…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 24, 2013 · fire

BRAKES ARE TOO SOFT. HAD ACCIDENT TWICE ALREADY BECAUSE BRAKES DONT REACT LIKE THEY ARE SUPPOSE TO. YOU HAVE TO PUSH THE BRAKE DOWN REALLY HARD. WITH THAT ALSO SAID TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE DAY 1. YOU HEAR A LOUD NOISE WHEN YOU CHANGE GEARS. WENT TO THE HONDA DEALER AND THEY SAID ITS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 20, 2009 · crash

2008 Honda Odyssey — common questions

Is the 2008 Honda Odyssey reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 617 complaints put the 2008 model at #13 of 34 Odyssey years. It is one of the Odyssey years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 Odyssey problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (169 complaints), body & structure (136 complaints), engine (54 complaints).

Does the 2008 Honda Odyssey have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Honda Odyssey. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2008 Honda Odyssey under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Honda Odyssey years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Odyssey years to avoid are 2018, 2019, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2006, 2020, 2000, 2001, 2004, 1999, 2008, 2025, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024. The cleanest record among Odyssey years belongs to 1994.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.