This weekend I had my rear brake pads replaced at 23,000. I was first made aware of the problem at Fairfax Honda during my routine oil change at about 20,000 miles. The service rep told me that my pads looked thin and wanted to redo the rear pads for approx $250. I said no thanks. Then at about 22,000 miles I heard the brake wear indicator on the right rear wheel. I still could not believe my pad wore down at this amount of minimum miles.

I had several conversations with a local mechanic that I TRUST and he suggested to take my car in to the dealer and have the pads replaced which should be covered by Honda. I took my car into Koons Honda in Manassas after I did my research on the issue of premature rear brake pad wear on 2008 Honda Accords. There is a wealth of information on the web. I described my problem with the service rep who then took my keys to look at the car. Within 5 minutes, the service rep told me that yes, I need new rear pads and he could do the job for $180. I really do not believe he put my car on a rack to review the pads because he came back with an answer so quickly and could tell me which pad inner or outer wore down the most.

Then I held a conversation that I didn't expect to pay for replacing my rear pads under 25,000 miles. I told the rep that I was aware of the issue of premature read brake pad wear and Honda should cover replacement. The rep said he could not cover replacement as there are no technical bulletins out there on this issue for 2008 Honda Accords. I asked if he received a lot of cases for premature brake wear. He said yes and because Honda redesigned the braking system, the rear pads wear down faster. I then got the service rep to agree with me that replacing the rear pads under 25,000 miles is crazy and he would be upset as well if he had to replace pads every 25,000 miles.

I took my car away from Koons Honda in Manassas and took it to my local mechanic. This is what I found from my local mechanic: my rear inner brake pads were wore down so much that I would not pass VA state inspection (wore down to the brake wear indicator). I had approximately half remaining on the outer rear brake pad which is still quite an accomplishment for rear brake pad wear. Per my mechanic, it doesn't matter what type of pad you own. There was a problem with the rear disc brake caliper design as noted by the inner brake pad wear. Recall that the rear inner brake pad was wore down to its indicator.

The rear calipers appear to have a design flaw as the pressure is not being distributed evenly. I had my pads redone at this mechanic. Overall, this is a major issue. I plan to write American Honda on the dealer's service, I plan to write American Honda on this design flaw, and I plan to contact the BBB Auto Line http://www.bbb.org/us/auto-line/ to state my complaint. Please 2008 Honda Accord Owners report your cases like this on Edmunds, the web and other outlets. In addition, report to American Honda.

Update from Apr 7, 2010: GOOD NEWS: On April 6, 2010, the NY Times posts blog on a settlement of a Class Action Suit over Brakes on the 2008 Honda Accord EX-L V-6 sedan.

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/06/honda-settles-class-action-suit-over-brakes/

In my case, I went to arbitration with the BBB Auto Line and won. I was reimbursed for the expenses incurred for all brake repairs by American Honda Corp. I no longer own this car due to this experience and with Honda's unwillingness to resolve this issue until arbitration.

Same problem as all Honda Accords 2008. Rear break Pads squeaking. Take to Honda Dealer. Car is 8 months old. They say this a problem that occurs with all 2008 Accords. Brake pads will need to be replaced every 18,000 miles.

Took car to Midas. They replace brake pads and they come with lifetime warranty against wear.

Lesson learned. Do not take care to the Honda Dealer unless its warranty work.

Next..... Putting car up on Cars.com and purchasing a car that I will not have to worry about the quality.

During state inspection, I was told by the Honda Dealer that my front brake pads are "7" and the rear pads are "4" and I would need to replace the rear ones soon though the state inspection had passed. I was wondering why the brakes wore out so fast and now I see many people have the same complaint!!! I was told by the Honda Dealer that normal wear & tear items such as brakes, tires, etc are not covered under the warranty. But if many consumers have the same complaint then Honda needs to address it.

I brought my car into the dealership first thing the representative asks me is what can he do for me. Well, I told him I just recently started hearing this squealing weird noise in the rear. He took a quick look at my rear wheels/tires and he diagnosed that my brakes were worn out and are in need to be replacement. What!?!? He had already given me an estimated price of $179 + tax even before the mechanic's inspection. Hmmm... Caution sign here!!! Shocked as I was to learn that they've worn down at only 17.8K but not as shocked when I was told it wasn't covered under warranty reasoning that its a "wear and tear" issue therefore it's not covered.

I asked if I can have it inspected by the mechanic and give me an assessment quote and advice. I refused any services and got my car and left. I'm sure Honda is already fully aware that there's a obvious problem here because how else is a rep going to take a glimpse of my wheels and fully diagnose that my brakes in the rear needs replacing. My only guess is he has seen this occurring more frequently with this particular model.

I have already found another mechanic to replace my rear brakes later this week a fraction of what they are charging me and I will be keeping my receipt as well just in case this problem is issued a recall.

This is not only costly but most important of all a SAFETY issue that should be dealt with the highest attention. Especially to the unaware owners who don't know they are driving with worn out brakes and could in fact, god forbidden, cause accidents.

I have already filed a complaint with American Honda Motors. They don't tell me anything else that I already haven't heard but if we all work together and file our complaints one after the other, we all should be heard and hopefully finally issue a RECALL!!!

Please don't hesitate to call @ 800-999-1009

Well, I'll be the next in a very long line of disgruntled Honda owners to voice complete dissatisfaction with the rear brake wear on my 2008 Honda Accord. I began to notice a slight squealing sound that quickly worsened. When I brought it to the dealership, they first tried to sell me a tune-up that would cost me $265 (not including brakes). When I declined stating that I had just had my oil changed and that I conducted routine maintenance on the car, they then tried to tell me that it would be a $35 charge for a brake inspection. I replied that due to the very low mileage and that the sound was only coming from the left rear wheel, it must be a product defect that should be covered by the warranty. I was told that if it was normal wear and tear then it would not be covered. Not surprisingly, the next morning I received a call that the rear brake pads needed to be replaced due to excessive wear caused by normal wear and tear (can those co-exist?). I mentioned that I had researched the issue and was aware that numerous 2008 Accord owners had the same problem and that it was obviously a product defect, which is no better evidenced than by the fact that the 2009 Accord brakes were re-engineered to address this problem. The service person let me know that he was well aware of this problem with 2008 Accords and that he sees it all the time. He then stated that his hands were tied because Honda did not yet consider it a warranty issue. I asked if his dealership had filed a complaint with Honda America. He, of course, did not know. I then mentioned that Honda was going to lose a substantial number of otherwise loyal customers over this issue. But, like many of us, I had to give in and have the work done because they had me over a barrel and I need my car. This is unacceptable. Disgruntled consumers unite! File complaints with the BBB, your state Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, and the Federal Consumer Products Safety Commission. Honda has a problem and they need to fix it. Times are tough for many automakers, but their faults should not be subsidized by reaching further into our respective back pockets (or purses, as the case may be).

I will add to the growing complaints about the 2008 Accord and tell the world how angry I am about the entire situation. Upon taking my vehicle in for routine maintenance I received a call shortly after dropping it off that my brakes had worn down to 1/32" (which passing a state inspection requires a person to have at least 2/32"). So at 20,000 miles this problem would have had to occurred well before the current mileage mark. I asked that they hold off and call in a warranty claim, and they advised me that it was a normal wear and tear item and that it was not covered under warranty. They then went on to admit that it is a known problem, but nothing was being done about it to correct the problem. They did offer to pay for the parts, which seems to be normal procedure, but that I would be responsible to pay for the labor, still about $120. I guess if you spent $25,000 + a little over a year ago, adding more for normal wear and tear is expected. I do not think so and from what everyone else thinks, neither do they. They told me that they offered the deal to restore customer faith, how does that restore my faith? It loses it because they know they have a problem and will not stand by their products.

The warranty book says, and I quote, "Your complete satisfaction with your Honda automobile is our main goal." I guess someone should point that back out to them. Needless to say I guess we have to bend over and take it because if we choose to have it fixed at a dealership the same problem will occur again in 20,000 or if we choose to go outside the dealership we have to pay for parts and someone else to put them on. Damned if you do and damned if you don't! I urge anyone with this problem to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) and maybe, the dollar signs will turn into a light bulb and they will realize that their is a major problem there? Then again they are too greedy to care about the hard working person. As long as they get their sales quota's and bonuses it does not matter what we think. I for one will not longer buy a Honda product and for that I am already looking at selling my Accord and get something new. What's next, the Engine or an axle or even maybe they forgot to put a bolt in the seat and when I turn it will simply tip over and eject me from the car?

Consumers need to take a stand against the sellers of products like this. Enough people together can make a difference, but one person alone is not going to do that. Tell your friends and relatives of the problem, heck go to the dealerships (Honda that is) and browse, but simply put a bug in potential buyers ears about the car and drive them away. Please try to not let this happen to anyone else!!!!

Word to the wise, get rid of the Accord. I traded mine in this past week end! Honda will not stand by their products and even admitted to there being a problem. I also filed complaints with the BBB and NHTSA. The BBB is stating there is nothing they can do though because it is not a defect, but a wear and tear item. I am not sure when people are going to wake up and realize the severity of the issue. I guess someone has to be seriously injured or killed before they will look at it. We all paid a lot of money for the Accord and the history of it being a good car has now gone out the window. I honestly can say that I will never own a Honda again, nor will I ever give Honda any of my business or even recommendations. I am so angry with Honda and I know language is monitored, but I say F Honda.

This complaint is regarding the brakes on the 2008 Honda. I have filed a complaint with Honda head quarters and gone through their procedures and they have decided to do nothing. I filed a complaint with the BBB online and they state that they can't do anything because brake issues are apart of the normal wear and tear on a vehicle.

File a complaint with your State Attorney General Office. Then we need to find a way to file a Class Action Suit against Honda. Too many consumers are having the same issue and being told the same crappy things. We trusted Honda to provide safe vehicles and they aren't. We are not being treated as valued customers. Those who are interested and live in the state of Florida, where you purchased your vehicle. Contact me at my email address so that we may discuss how to file a suit before someone is injured or killed behind the negligence of this company. In this bad economy we can't afford to spend money we really don't have. My email address is kimdavis40ga@aol.com.

Update from May 26, 2009: Complain Please! Many of us seem to be having severe and constant problems with the brake wear on the 2008 honda accords. In addition to complaining on the BBB online site, file a complaint with the attorney general in your state and look up your states lemon law. For those who bought the car in Florida like myself. The lemon law states that if you have a car repaired 3 times and the car is still not working properly or the car has been out of operation for more that 15 days. The car could be declared a lemon. We all work hard for our money and bought these cars in good faith that the cars were dependable, safe and reliable. Honda knows that this is an issue but is taking their time in resolving the matter. Keep your reciepts for repairs made because at some point we got to get reimbursed. Honda should make the repairs at no cost to the consumer until the matter is resolved.

I have had my rear brakes replaced three times and my car only has 33,000 miles. Front brakes are the original brakes that came with the car.I'm waiting to hear from the BBB and I also filed a complaint with the Florida States Attorney Office and the spoken to Honda Corporate Offices. Honda has a new rep that is taking over these problems as of April 1, 2009 and I'm being told no one can assist me until this gentlemen starts his new position.

Ladies and gentlemen complain to every responsible party that can possibly do something about this matter we deserve better.

I have been a loyal Honda customer for the past 10 years. My previous car was a Honda Civic. I purchased a 2008 Honda Accord back in May of 2008 and here it is not even 1 year later and I am having to have the Brakes replaced. Because I have seen all the complaints on line about going to the dealer and what they are charging, I am having them done elsewhere.

This is truly ridiculous that we have to have them replaced so fast. Honda really needs to get it together if they truly care about their customers being loyal!

car suddenly made screeching sounds, thought it was a rock or something caught between the disk or something. turns out i needed new brake pads. never have i had to replace brakes at 21,500 let alone a car just over a year old. i'm even cheap when it comes to using my brakes- i release the gas early if i see a red light ahead.

this is my 4th Honda vehicle under my name within the past 6 years (2 accords, 1 pilot, 1 tl).

the dealer charged me for the brake inspection($14.95), which i thought was ridiculous. then they wanted me to pay $210.00 for new brakes. i said no thanks and went to a local shop and paid $110.00 for a brake job with Honda parts.

Honda should pay otherwise I'm not staying loyal to Honda.

I am LIVID! I went to a Honda dealer for an oil change and tire rotation. With 22,000 miles on my 2008 Accord I was told I needed to replace the rear brake pads. 22,000 miles??? You have GOT to be kidding -this is a HONDA - previously known as R-E-L-I-A-B-L-E. I had a fit (pleasant but firm)!

After repeating at least 5 times, "22 thousand miles and needing rear brake pads? This is not the quality I expect from a Honda" the service tech and manager did admit there had been quite a few similar problems but "not enough yet for Honda to do anything about it".

Should I be expecting new rotors at 32,000? As soon as I left the parking lot I called the Honda customer service number and explained to the very polite lady in the "brake Issues"department that I was now a very UNHAPPY loyal Honda owner. I am very, very displeased that Honda's quality seems to have tanked?!?! Guess what the nice lady said? She appreciated my feedback because similar feedback led Honda "TO MAKE CHANGES" to address this. In other words if you - like me- got a first batch 2008 Accord V6 instead of waiting for the "corrected"second batch ............right now, we lose!!!

I still drive my 1999 Accord EX V6 that has 168,000+ miles and although I have replaced brake pads frequently on this car, I sure as heck have never replaced pads with 22,000 miles. I'd say the average life has been 40,000, give or take 4,000.

Yes, most of my driving is around town but I do NOT ride my brakes and I do not slam down on them either. I am MAD MAD MAD and I will be writing letters. And, I will mail the same letter every 2 days for a few weeks just to be certain I get the reply I'm looking for. RECALL THIS -fix this for all of the unlucky first batch owners.

Update from Dec 18, 2009: Returned to my dealer last week for regular maintenance and inquired about Honda stepping up to take care of their (crappy) brake pad problems. The service tech told me "they (Honda) are working on something". At 38000 miles believe it or not I did not need new brake pads - again. Amazing!!!

This is my first experience with a Honda, always bought American. At the recent 15,000 mile checkup I was told that my brakes will need to be replaced before 20,000 miles. Totally Absurbed, especially when 85% of my driving is highway. Then I had a service manager try to tell me that this was normal. I've been around long enough to know that cheap product was installed on this new car. I got more out of my Chrysler and Nissan 350Z. I also got the idea that thsi will continue occur.

Funny, thing is that a friend's 2007 Civic has 42,000 on his and does the same amount of highway driving. This really needs attention by Honda.

Disgusted first time buyer.