7.9
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $1,260
- Average Mileage:
- 67,550 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 395 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (229 reports)
- per Honda consuming 1qt per 1k miles normal (42 reports)
- I heard that Honda replaced worn rings and engine short block (22 reports)
- call American Honda corporation to complain (14 reports)
- rebuilt the engine (14 reports)
- replace engine (13 reports)
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Honda dealer.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
My 2008 Honda V4 burns roughly 1 quart of oil every 1,500 miles. The dealership pointed out that 1 quart each 1,000 miles is normal. Since I typically change the oil every 5,000 miles, I asked them whether it was okay for my car to be 3+ quarts low when brought in for an oil change. Dealership employee danced on this one since he clearly knew this was not acceptable.
Other Key Points:
1. Powertrain Warranty on 2008 Honda Accord - Warranty is 5 years or 60,000 miles.
2. Consumer Reports - I reported this problem on the yearly Consumer's Report survey. Hopefully, most everyone else who has a subscription did/ will do this as well.
- Peter W., Troy, MI, US
I have a 2008 Honda Accord with 46,500 miles on it. Was trying to sell the car to a very interested buyer until he checked the dip stick to find no oil on the dipstick. The oil life had 50 % life left on it according to the meter in the car. I found this website and took my car into Honda. I am on the INFAMOUS oil consumption test! They claim that if it is not burning more than 1 quart every 1000 miles its normal. That's a load of CRAP.
Anyone want to rally up to try to do a class action? Please email me at jexus_christ@hotmail.com. Want to see how many people we can get together.
- khang, Wisconsin, Rapids, US
Honda refuses to admit that there is a problem - similar to the rear brake issue, until the class action law suit came out. "At least it isn't an inferior brand like Toyota with the sudden acceleration problems or Nissan with their multitude of problems." Now there is professionalism at it's best and a stand up response. I have had four Honda vehicles previously - never had to add a quart of oil to them before service. Now it is "within reason" to add a quart every 1,000 miles according to their engineering department. Word of advice, don't spend the extra money for a Honda - not worth it. Maybe I should have bought the additional warranty - but wait, it's a Honda, why buy an additional warranty for such a great product?
- neveragain2, Frederick, MD, US
Ok, this car has been a general nightmare. Had an '05 and loved it. Way to many problems with this car though but the main one now is oil consumption. Burning a quart of oil about every 2400 miles or so they say. But when the oil level is almost at the min. mark I think that is more than a half of a quart. And the mileage is at 1200 miles since the last the last test something isn't right. I think I am burning a quart every 1200 miles. But I was told by honda that since I turned the problem in before the 60,000. powertrain warranty ran out that they would fix it no matter what it takes since it is steadily getting worse. I hope they back up their promise. Or this will be my last Honda. But i hope not.
- Stephen L., Blue Springs, MS, US
I have read through all the complaints regarding excessive oil consumption and can only say that what everyone else is describing is exactly the problem I am having. I am now going through the infamous "oil consumption" test and will update the complaint with the outcomes. Meanwhile, I will carry around a few extra quarts of oil, but while traveling I will not add it unless it is an emergency (per the oil test consumption rules).
- David S., Milwaukee, WI, US
I have had many Honda motorcycles in my life and have never had any problems outside of NORMAL maintenance. When my wife and I decided to buy a new car in 2008 I figured the Honda cars would be just as good, cut from the same mold as the bikes. Boy was I mistaken! My 08 Accord, like most of the others I'm reading about on this blog, has an excessive oil consumption problem. I've been tracking it now for 10,000 miles and it uses an average of 1qt. every 1000-1500 miles. I went in to the dealer today and mentioned it to a service rep. He smirked and replied "well that sounds like normal consumption" I replied Bullshit! He then got all professional and told me to bring it in for an oil consumption test, like he doesn't know how that's going to turn out! I just wanted to bat him upside the head! So when I got home I did some research and found this site. OMG I'm furious like the rest of you. I can't understand how such a reputable company as Honda could not address this problem on some level. I guess we need a class action suit just like the braking problem if we want to get anywhere.
- John S., Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, US
Having the same problem as all the rest. Has anyone had any luck with the dealership resolving the problem after warranty has expired.
- yonge, Utica, NY, US
This is really big problem BS! for HONDA-they better fix as soon as possible or else #$&*. My 2008 Honda EX V6 with 60K is losing 1 liter of oil every 1600 km. I thought I am the only one until I accidentally search the internet for this problem and found out almost everybody has the same problem as me.
This car looks perfect in every aspect except its losing oil. I owned a 1990 Honda Accord and three American cars before the HONDA and I never lost a single drop, ever. I am not an expert on CARS but everybody told me this is not normal by any sense of imagination.
I was advised by the HONDA service shop to come every 1600 KMs for adding oil and recommended an oil consumption test (during the next scheduled service) at my own expense. I read all the complaints on the same car incl. those who have already done the OIL consump. test and nothing was done on their CARS. I don't even know if I will go thru with this time consuming OIL consumption test.
To say that losing 1 liter oil per 1600 kms is normal is totally ridiculous and HONDA should do something about this. Please help!!!!
- ncamaya, Ajax, Ontario, Canada
At 9,000 miles engine would eat a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. Told I didn't change oil every 5,000 miles after taking it in around 24,000. Told him he was full of BS and if he had half a brain he would know how ridiculous that sounded. Spent a year going to the dealer monitoring the oil every 1,000. Finally found out on the internet that flaked teflon scratched the cylinder walls. Lied to by service dept. at Smail Honda Village, Grensburg, PA. Will never purchase another Honda because of that and the rotor warping problems. First Honda was a 1992 Accord. Never a problem until a hydroplaning car totaled it at 145,000.
- Donald W., Leechburg, PA, US
I have been into the dealership every 1000 miles since 31000 miles. I now have 45000 miles on the car and they are saying that they will replace the piston rings. Also have gotten the argument that 1 qt. every 1000 miles is normal. I'm glad this is a lease, will be up in December 2011. I only live 3 miles from the dealership so I have been very diligent about going in. Everyone at the dealership is very nice, but the lack of action is really getting to me. This is my first and last Honda, love the car, but can't stand the constant maintenance. They are also telling me no loaner, that is my cost. When it is warranty repair Ford always gave me a loaner. I have loaner coverage on my insurance I guess I go there next as they say it will take 4+days. They say they will take care of me on the next purchase, but they won't have the chance.
Update from Jul 1, 2011: Just to let you know, the dealership finally came through. I took my car in before I left on a two week vacation and they did the following while I was gone under warrantony:
4 new pistons
new timing chain
bearing replacement
They are saying this will take care of everything and I should have no more problems. Again, it's a lease and they will be getting it back when it's up in December.
- Sandi P., Grandville, MI, US
I too have a 2008 Honda Accord V6 L it is serviced every 10,000 km, the other day i noticed a scraping type of noise coming from the front of the car. Bearing in mind that the car has only done 40,000 km I assumed that something must have come loose on the underbody. It never dawned on me that it had run out of oil. Anyway nothing to be found underneath it, so as a precaution i decided to check the dipstick, which was completely dry, NOT A DROP OF OIL ON IT.
Funny thing is, not one single warning light has ever come on that would indicate, low oil levels, is there a problem with the driver warning system. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated
- Ben M., Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
In 2010 reported for Transmission oil leak. They replaced the Transmission.
In January noticed excessive engine oil consumption and reported on 3/31/2011. They replaced the engine oil and was told to come back after 1000 miles drive. I check the oil after 600 miles. The level of engine oil is lowered. And their is lot of Black residue deposit on the muffler pipe.
Update from May 22, 2011: Honda dealer checked the engine oil on 5/1/2010 found engine oil level low and add 0.7 quart of oil.
- Mohan S., Newark, CA, US
I started a new hardwood lumber sales company back in November 2008 and knew it would be tough sledding for a while due to the economy. So, I bought the most basic car that would give me the minimum of problems that I knew--a Honda Accord, standard shift 4 cyl. I am a tall person and didn't fit into the Civic. I honestly thought that this car would be the least of my problems. WRONG. First the car started making the weird airy sound when I started it--like a fan spinning w-a-y too fast, and I went "hmmmm...." Then the oil light came on intermittently (thank God for that) and I decided to check the oil. Hmmm, there must be something wrong--there is no oil registering. I put 3 quarts of 5/20 synthetic into it, and it started to touch the dipstick. No leaks, no show of leaking oil, but the tailpipe is sooty inside. My Honda serviceman did what he is supposed to do--feigned surprise, then pretended to look up the problem, and told me that Honda says it is OK to burn a Qt of oil per 1000 miles. NOT. The last car that I know that did that was the Chevy Vega. My Volvo 240 with 250,000 miles burns no oil at all. I am taking this to task and Honda better stand behind their car or else.
- Jon I., Cambridge Springs, PA, US
Same problems as everyone else with this car. The rear brakes wear out before the front ones and now the car is using 3 liters of oil between oil changes. Handing it back as soon as the lease is up. Do not buy an 08 Accord!
- sky, Holland Landing, Ontario, canada
This is the same story as everyone else. My 3 year old car is burning oil and has been for the last year. I am in the middle of the "oil consumption" test. I want to know how to end this in the quickest way. The stupid test has to be run twice, it's going to take at least a year to complete it. My red idiot oil light has come on multiple times, I have endless amounts of documentation that the car consumes oil, I've been to 2 different dealerships for help, and this continues on and on. IM DONE!! How do I get them to either replace the engine or buy the car back? Does anyone know, or do I really have to get a lawyer involved for help?? I had a 98 Honda civic previous to this brand new car and never had one problem with it. I shouldve never gotten rid of it. I'm definitely having buyers remorse, and will NEVER NEVER NEVER buy another Honda again. What is the point of having a warranty if the company won't stand behind it? Side note...when I told the dealership that I understand that this is probably an isolated incident (prior to me finding this website) and I just want my car fixed, the tech looked at me straight in the face and said "no its not". What the hell? STAND BEHIND YOUR PRODUCT, stop screwing your customers Honda!!
Update from Jul 16, 2011: Around March I took the car into the dealership I requested a meeting with the territory rep. After a few weeks of being put off, I threatened to sue Honda for faliure of upholding their warrenty. Within a month I had the meeting and the car was at the dealership having the piston rings replaced along with a couple of other things. I have been checking the oil every week and there doesn't SEEM to be a problem anymore, but I guess we'll see when I take it in for the next oil change. DO NOT LET THEM WALK ALL OVER YOU! They promised to stand behind their cars when they offered a warrenty, dammit - make them!!
- sahoregon, Beaverton, OR, US
Like everyone else I had to endure repeated visits to the dealer and the checking the oil every 1k. The dealer check with the Tech Line for Honda and the recommendation is to replace the the cylinders and piston rings. The dealer presented the issue to Honda and they agreed to pay 100%. I did specifically instruct the dealer to make Honda aware that I knew of all the current and previous owners who had similar troubles (via this site and others). I think that help my cause because I am currently out of the original warranty.
Good Luck!
Update from Apr 8, 2011: Honda paid for 100% of the repair. Replaced Piston and Rings with New Spec Parts. Even replaced VTC Acutuator (Engine grinding noise at start-up). Honda is aware of the defective Pistions and Rings, and if pushed hard enough, they will make the repair, even out of warranty.
- zomojo, Rockville, MD, US
Red oil warning light came on intermittently. Checked oil and barely registered on dip-stick. Added two 2 quarts to get back to half-way between the two dip-stick holes. Honda dealer could not find any leaks and asked me to bring it back in a few weeks to check oil level. When I brought it back they asked me to start oil consumption test and indicated that losing 1 quart of oil per 1,000 miles is normal. Changed oil and red oil warning light came on intermittently four weeks / 3,100 miles later. The rate measured was 1 quart per 1,550 miles which is within their published normal level. This 2008 Accord is my third Accord I have purchased since 1996 and this level of oil consumption is not normal. I currently own four Hondas and this will be my last if you do make this right. Honda, what are you going to about your problem?
- Rick K., Medina, OH, US
Same problem everyone else is having, clunk, backfire noise and adding a qt of oil every thousand miles at my expance because Honda says its normal. When I told them about my problem they acted like I was the first one to report such problem and drug me thru an oil consumption test, checking the oil ever 1k miles adding a qt everytime and then tell me its normal to add 7qt in 7000 miles. Honda standards. BS
- ilt_19, Myrtle Point, OR, US
Consumes a litre of oil every 1500 miles since new. Reported to dealer and told it was "normal" but they had never seen it to that extent. Have been living with it since and mention every time it goes in for service (same dealer since new)
- Rich W., Edmonton, Alberta, canada


My story is really no different, but here it goes:
Since June of 2010, I've been hearing my engine begin making the worst rattling/clicking/scraping noise upon start-up. This same noise would occur between first and second gear and would stop making that noise once the car heated up.
After a couple days of this happening, I finally asked a buddy mechanic of mine to check out what was up with my car. He checked the oil level and noticed that it had depleted to half of its normal requirement. My oil life indicator showed that my oil life was at 40% (a little over 3,500 miles since last oil change). He then checked for leaks and couldn't find any. I hadn't noticed any leaks from my car prior to my buddy checking things out, nor after I was aware of the oil getting depleted somewhere. He said that the car may be leaking and to just get an oil change. So I did, but didn't mention anything to Honda because it wasn't a recurring thing.
By winter (2010), the noise started happening again. In fact, the red oil light lit up along with the start of the car. So, I texted another mechanic friend about the issue. He mentioned that since it was so cold outside, the oil can sit and get thick and hard if not heated up fully. He mentioned to just make sure that the car was heated up enough before driving it each time. That method worked for a bit, but a few weeks later, the noise started happening more consistently upon startup and between first and second gear until the car had warmed up. So, I took the car by that second mechanic buddy, and he checked the oil levels. He noticed that the oil life was significantly low - more than a quart low! His response was: Dude! Someone is jipping you on your oil changes! So, he topped off the oil and suggested that if this problem occurs again, to take it to Honda. Since my oil life indicator was at 50% at this point, I didn't hear any nasty noises from my engine at the time of my next oil change (10% oil life).
I had Honda change the oil, mentioned the noises, but couldn't show them the noise (my car was warm by the time I arrived at the dealership). They hadn't heard anyone else complain about this same issue, so they just changed the oil and asked me to bring the car in again if the noise persisted.
March 2011 rolls around, and my stupid car starts making the noise again. I informed that second mechanic friend of mine about the noise. He said something is seriously wrong with the engine if this keeps happening. He said that based on my description of the noise and the fact that there is no leaking at all, then something inside the engine is burning the oil. He thought perhaps pistons or valves were burning the oil. He suggested to try putting in Honda Synthetic Oil as it doesn't burn as easily. So, I took it to Honda right away (oil life was at 60% at this point). I told them everything my friend suggested, but they scoffed at the thought that it could be piston or valve issues. So, I had them check for any leaks. They couldn't find any. I asked to have the synthetic oil put in the car and they agreed that would be a good test. Keep in mind that the oil life was at 60% and the engine had already burned off about 1.5 quarts of oil.
The noise again started making the scraping/rattling/cluthy-grinding/metallic noises on May 1, 2011. I took the car to Honda on May 2, 2011 and they couldn't explain any of this. They again checked for leaks and found none. At this point, the engine had burned ALL of the oil (this is two months after my previous oil change with synthetic oil!) - "All" meaning the dipstick wasn't showing any visible oil. At this check up, Honda came back to me and suggested that I bring in the car after 1,000 miles were driven (sound familiar anyone?!). They said that it could be "possible piston ring siezed-burning oil or valve guides/seals worn. [Customer] Will need to do engine overhaul if problem persists." Exact quote from my visit on paper from Honda. They mentioned that this work would be a minimum cost of $3,000 to tear apart the engine to find the issue. That's when I searched online to see if any other individuals were having this same issue. That's when I found this awesome site.
So, I'm in contact currently with the Honda Dealership that I purchased the car from back in 2008. This Honda is a different dealership than where I live, so this is their first time hearing about this issue. I hope that they take things seriously and that Honda does something drastic about this issue for all '08 Honda Accord owners. I fully expect that, even though I'm out of my factory warranty, that Honda fixes this all on their dime. I have taken great care of this car mechanically.
I'll report back once I find out this weekend what will happen when the dealership I purchased the car from checks things out.
If this many people are reporting this issue, I can't imagine how many more aren't reporting this issue.
- T. M., Chicago, IL, US