The Lemon Index

All cars · Honda Odyssey · 2008

2008 Honda Odyssey. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index133100 = average car
Complaints182NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold135,493U.S. model year
Per 100K sold134complaints
Year rank#14 of 23#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 1

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
3.5L 6-cylAuto 5-spdFWD16 / 23 / 18Regular$3,450

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 21,000 and 92,900 miles. Median 50,000, from 420 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Body structure70,00041,900–95,000107
Brakes9,5002,900–25,00077
Brakes66,50049,800–100,40058
Transmission & drivetrain37,30019,100–64,50036
Engine94,00070,000–125,40035

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Brakes46%
Transmission & drivetrain9%
Body structure9%
Steering7%
Brakes (electric)6%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
4993783809

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 5

  • 14E049000 Jul 2014 Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Fuel Pump

    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.

    Risk. 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.

  • 14V112000 Mar 2014 Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Fuel Pump

    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.

    Risk. 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,

  • 13V500000 Nov 2013 Electrical System / Software

    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.

    Risk. 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 1-800-999-1

  • 12V062000 Feb 2012 Structure / Body / Hatchback/Liftgate

    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.

    Risk. 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.

  • 10V098000 Mar 2010 Service Brakes, Air

    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.

    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.

    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.

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
ClosedInappropriate autonomous braking20132013
ClosedStabilus rear liftgate struts failing20122012
ClosedUnexpected closing of power liftgate20112012
ClosedAir in brake system20092010
ClosedAir in brake system20092009

Manufacturer communications 60

Honda filed 60 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • Sliding door does not open all the way even though window is closed
  • Power doors continually lock, multiple times, while driving
  • The engine shuts off, power on, but in accessory; never use conventional wheel & tire assemblies

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardNoNo

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
2005192231174,275Brakes
2006156193177,919Equipment & accessories
2007199305173,046Brakes
2008133182135,493Brakes
20098269100,133Body structure
20106275108,182Transmission & drivetrain
201194121107,068Electrical

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

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