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2008 Honda Civic

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

Honda Civic
Pictured: Honda Civic e-HEV Sport (XI) – f 30062024. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
2dr Coupe FWD DX/DX-G/LX, 2dr Coupe FWD EX-L, 2dr Coupe FWD SI, 4dr Sedan FWD DX/DX-G/LX/EX-L
Engines
1.3L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl
Horsepower
110–140 hp
Transmission
5-speed automatic, CVT
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline, CNG, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
42 combined · 40 city / 45 hwy
Length
174.8–176.8 in
Curb weight
2,597–2,888 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 42 MPG combined — 92% better than the average 2008 compact car (21.9 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints433 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 66 for similar models — most often about the air bags.
  • 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2008 Honda Civic is a compact car offered with 3 engines (1.3L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 175 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,597 lb (2dr Coupe FWD DX/DX-G/LX).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 42 MPG combined (40 city / 45 highway), 92% better than the 2008 compact car average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $1,600 a year in fuel.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 433 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2008

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Civic — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Civic →

Trims, performance & features

Engine140 hp1.8L 4-cyl
Engine110 hp1.3L 4-cyl hybrid
Transmission5-speed automatic · CVT

Trims

LXEXHybrid

Built in: East Liberty, Ohio · Alliston, Ontario · Suzuka, Mie

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2008 Civic configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2dr Coupe FWD DX/DX-G/LX174.8 in68.9 in53.5 in104.3 in59.1 / 59.4 in2,597 lb60/40
2dr Coupe FWD EX-L174.8 in68.9 in53.5 in104.3 in59.1 / 59.4 in2,703 lb60/40
2dr Coupe FWD SI174.8 in68.9 in53.5 in104.3 in59.1 / 59.4 in2,888 lb60/40
4dr Sedan FWD DX/DX-G/LX/EX-L176.8 in68.9 in56.7 in106.3 in58.3 / 59.4 in2,643 lb60/40
4dr Sedan SI176.8 in68.9 in56.7 in106.3 in58.3 / 59.4 in2,877 lb60/40
Hybrid 4dr Sedan FWD176.8 in68.9 in56.7 in106.3 in58.3 / 59.4 in2,875 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Civic Hybrid Hybrid1.3L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive40 / 45 / 42+92%$1,600212
Civic1.8L 4-cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive25 / 36 / 29+37%$2,300306
Civic1.8L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 34 / 29+37%$2,300306
Civic CNG CNG1.8L 4-cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive24 / 36 / 28+33%$1,650251
Civic2.0L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24+14%$3,400370
Save $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.9 MPG2008 Compact Cars average

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 Civic under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2008 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2008 Honda Civic (this car)42 MPGNot rated6
2008 Toyota Corolla31 MPGNot rated7
2008 Toyota Prius46 MPGNot rated3
2008 Mazda 327 MPGNot rated0
2008 Volkswagen Golf/GTI25 MPGNot rated0
2008 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport22 MPGNot rated0
2008 Hyundai Elantra28 MPGNot rated5

Recalls (6)

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2008 Honda Civic is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

433Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
28Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
21Injuries reported
105,656 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags150
Engine130
Structure › Body49
Unknown Or Other46
Electrical System17
Fuel/Propulsion System14
Visibility/Wiper13
Wheels12
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/05: 122/06: 222/07: 522/08: 622/09: 222/11: 223/02: 123/04: 223/05: 123/06: 223/07: 323/08: 223/09: 123/10: 123/11: 223/12: 124/05: 125/03: 125/05: 225/08: 225/09: 126/02: 126/06: 126/07: 222/0522/0823/0223/0623/0923/1225/0526/02max 6

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2008 Honda Civic buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 150 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Engine — 130 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Structure › Body — 49 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 105,656 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. 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 Civic. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Civic years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Civic49183.9 inNot rated132
2025 Civic49183.9 inNot rated2106
2024 Civic36183.9 inNot rated3142
2023 Civic36183.9 inNot rated5336
2022 Civic36183.9 in★★★★★4961
2021 Civic36178 in★★★★★4161
2020 Civic36178 in★★★★★5237
2019 Civic36178 in★★★★★4459
2018 Civic36178 in★★★★★6756
2017 Civic36178 in★★★★★6606
2016 Civic35182.3 inNot rated51,083
2015 Civic44178 inNot rated1394

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Honda. How we calculate this →