Makes›Honda›Odyssey›2008

2008 Honda Odyssey

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

Honda Odyssey
Pictured: 2021 Honda Odyssey EX-L (facelift), front 1.1.21. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Minivan - 2WD
Body styles
4dr Minivan DX/LX, 4dr Minivan EX/EX-L, 4dr Minivan Touring
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
20 combined · 17 city / 25 hwy
Length
201.2 in
Curb weight
4,385–4,619 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints154 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 35 for similar models — most often about the engine.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2008 Honda Odyssey is a minivan offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 201 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,385 lb (4dr Minivan DX/LX).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 25 highway), 4% better than the 2008 minivan average of 19.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 154 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2008

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

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

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Minivan DX/LX201.2 in77.2 in68.9 in118.1 in66.5 / 66.5 in4,385 lb55/45
4dr Minivan EX/EX-L201.2 in77.2 in70.1 in118.1 in66.5 / 66.5 in4,546 lb55/45
4dr Minivan Touring201.2 in77.2 in70.1 in118.1 in66.5 / 66.5 in4,619 lb55/45

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
Odyssey3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20+4%$3,350444
Odyssey3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 18-6%$3,700494
Spend $4,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.2 MPG2008 Minivan - 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 Odyssey under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2008 minivans

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2008 Honda Odyssey (this car)20 MPGNot rated4
2008 Toyota Sienna19 MPGNot rated7
2008 Kia Sedona18 MPGNot rated5
2008 Nissan Quest19 MPGNot rated2
2008 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan19 MPGNot rated2
2008 Hyundai Entourage18 MPGNot rated4
2008 Chevrolet Uplander19 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (4)

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Mar 14, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V112000 · 886,815 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
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).
Electrical System › Software · Nov 1, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V500000 · 344,187 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
The vehicle may suddenly and unexpectedly brake hard, and without illuminating the brake lights, increasing the risk of a crash from behind.
Fix
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.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Support Device/Strut · Feb 16, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V062000 · 45,747 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
STRUTS WITH DIMINISHED PERFORMANCE CAN LEAD TO UNEXPECTED CLOSURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Fix
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.
Service Brakes, Air · Mar 16, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V098000 · 412,000 vehicles

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

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

Owner-reported problems

154Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
10Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
14Injuries reported
109,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine29
Structure › Body27
Service Brakes23
Unknown Or Other22
Electrical System15
Fuel/Propulsion System11
Power Train9
Vehicle Speed Control8
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
19/07: 219/08: 319/09: 219/10: 119/12: 120/01: 320/05: 120/06: 120/09: 220/10: 220/12: 121/01: 121/03: 121/04: 121/07: 121/10: 222/02: 122/04: 123/03: 124/06: 124/07: 124/10: 125/02: 226/05: 319/0719/1020/0520/1021/0321/1023/0324/10max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2008 Honda Odyssey buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 29 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Structure › Body — 27 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  4. Service Brakes — 23 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 109,000 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 Odyssey. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Odyssey years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Odyssey22–Not rated00
2026 Odyssey22205.1 inNot rated257
2025 Odyssey22205.1 in★★★★★2438
2024 Odyssey22205.1 in★★★★★3121
2023 Odyssey22205.1 in★★★★★5105
2022 Odyssey22205.1 in★★★★★9141
2021 Odyssey22205.1 in★★★★★8147
2020 Odyssey22203.9 in★★★★★14490
2019 Odyssey22203.9 in★★★★★20995
2018 Odyssey22203.9 in★★★★★161,009
2017 Odyssey22202.8 in★★★★★239
2016 Odyssey22202.8 inNot rated6271

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