Photo: IFCAR / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2008 Honda Odyssey: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Odyssey years.
499 owner complaints, most about service brakes. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 2008 Odyssey?The 2008 Honda Odyssey has 499 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and structure. Owners most often flag vcm (variable cylinder management) system problems: causes excessive oil consumption, fouled spark plugs, and premature piston ring wear leading to engine damage. very frequent mention for 2005-2017 models.
Safety record for the 2008 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Honda Odyssey vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Odyssey years only. How we score it
Is 2008 a good year for the Odyssey?
Across the 30 Odyssey model years we track, complaint volume runs from 27 (1997) to 990 (2018). With 499 complaints, the 2008 Odyssey sits above the model's median of 307.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2008 Odyssey
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 14E049000Delphi 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.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 14V112000American 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.
structure:body:hatchback/liftgate
Campaign 12V062000HONDA 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.
electrical system:software
Campaign 13V500000American 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.
Show 1 more recall
service brakes, air
Campaign 10V098000HONDA 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.
What owners say across generations
The sentiment is strongly positive regarding the Odyssey's core attributes of practicality, comfort, and long-term reliability, particularly for family transportation.
- VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) system problems
Causes excessive oil consumption, fouled spark plugs, and premature piston ring wear leading to engine damage. Very frequent mention for 2005-2017 models.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Odyssey. See the full Odyssey owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Odyssey listings typically run $13,397–$29,354.
Other Odyssey model years
Compare every Odyssey year side by side to see how 2008 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Odyssey against its rivals
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