Makes›Honda›CR-V›2008

2008 Honda CR-V

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

Honda CR-V
Pictured: Honda CR-V e-HEV Elegance AWD (VI) – f 14072024. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD EX/EX-L, 4dr SUV FWD LX
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl
Horsepower
166 hp
Transmission
5-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined · 20 city / 27 hwy
Length
178 in
Curb weight
3,404–3,536 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
11 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2008 SUV - (18.9 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints613 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 98 for similar models — most often about the air bags.
  • 11 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). 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 CR-V is a SUV - offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 178 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,536 lb (4dr SUV AWD EX/EX-L).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway), 22% better than the 2008 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.

It has 11 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 613 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 CR-V — a carry-over year in the data.

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

Trims, performance & features

Engine166 hp2.4L 4-cyl
Transmission5-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD · FWD

Trims

EX-LEXLX

Built in: Sayama, Saitama · East Liberty, Ohio

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

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD EX/EX-L178 in71.7 in66.1 in103.1 in61.4 / 61.4 in3,536 lb57/43
4dr SUV FWD LX178 in71.7 in66.1 in103.1 in61.4 / 61.4 in3,404 lb57/43

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
CR-V 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23+22%$2,900386
CR-V 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22+26%$3,050404
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.9 MPG2008 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD 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 CR-V under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2008 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2008 Honda CR-V (this car)23 MPGNot rated11
2008 Toyota RAV424 MPGNot rated13
2008 Hyundai Tucson22 MPGNot rated1
2008 Subaru Forester22 MPGNot rated1
2008 Kia Sportage22 MPGNot rated3
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe20 MPGNot rated3
2008 Ford Escape32 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (11)

Structure › Frame And Members · Mar 30, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V228000 · 616,128 vehicles

Problem
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.
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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Jun 27, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V500000 · 1,558 vehicles

Problem
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.
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.
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 · Jun 29, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V417000 · 629 vehicles

Problem
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.
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.
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 › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Feb 3, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V061000 · 2,232,187 vehicles

Problem
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.
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.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2008 Honda CR-V is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

613Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
20Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
18Injuries reported
100,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags305
Electrical System93
Unknown Or Other65
Steering45
Structure › Body35
Latches/Locks/Linkages24
Suspension21
Structure19
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/02: 123/04: 423/05: 623/06: 823/07: 623/08: 423/09: 323/10: 323/11: 223/12: 424/01: 124/03: 124/05: 124/06: 224/07: 225/02: 225/03: 225/05: 125/10: 225/12: 126/03: 126/06: 226/09: 126/10: 223/0223/0623/0923/1224/0525/0225/1026/06max 8

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2008 Honda CR-V buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 11 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 305 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Electrical System — 93 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Steering — 45 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 100,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. 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 CR-V. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other CR-V years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 CR-V40–Not rated00
2026 CR-V40184.6 inNot rated2177
2025 CR-V40184.6 in★★★★★6290
2024 CR-V40184.6 in★★★★★5481
2023 CR-V40184.6 in★★★★★8633
2022 CR-V38180.7 in★★★★★6348
2021 CR-V38180.7 in★★★★★5444
2020 CR-V38180.7 in★★★★★9444
2019 CR-V30180.7 in★★★★★81,107
2018 CR-V30180.7 in★★★★★52,161
2017 CR-V30180.7 in★★★★★71,777
2016 CR-V29179.5 inNot rated3394

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