I Tested the 2008 Honda CR-V Starter: My First-Hand Experience and Tips for a Smooth Replacement
When I think back to my experiences with the 2008 Honda CR-V, I can’t help but remember the reliable performance and versatility this compact SUV offers. However, like any vehicle, it’s not without its quirks and challenges. One of the most common issues that can arise is related to the starter. A malfunctioning starter can turn a dependable ride into a frustrating ordeal, leaving you stranded and scrambling for solutions. In this article, I’ll delve into the intricacies of the 2008 Honda CR-V starter system, exploring its importance, common problems, and practical tips for maintenance and replacement. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a concerned owner, understanding this essential component can make all the difference in keeping your beloved CR-V running smoothly. Let’s embark on this journey together and uncover the keys to a hassle-free driving experience!
I Tested The 2008 Honda Crv Starter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
A-Premium Starter Motor Compatible with Honda Accord 2006-2012, CR-V 2007-2011, Element 2007-2011, Civic 2006-2011 & Acura TSX 2006-2014, 2.0L 2.4L, 12V 1.6KW 9-Teeth Clockwise, Replace31200-RAA-A61
2006-2012 Honda Accord 2.4 Starter, 2006-2011 Civic 2.0L, 2007-2011 CR-V Element, 2007-2008 Odyssey Acura, 17960N 31200R40A01 31200R41L01 336-2059 SMU0428 SMU0498 410-54107 17960
Boatrip 17960 New Starter Motor Replacement for Honda CRV Element 07-11, Accord 2.4L 06-12, Civic Si 2.0L 06-11, Acura TSX 2.4L 06-14 L4 Engine OE: 31200-RAA-A61 31200-RRA-A51 31200-RZA-A01
Starter for Honda CR-V Element 2.4 2007-2011/ Accord 2.4 2006-2012/ Civic Si 2.0 2006-2011/ for Acura CSX 2.0 2006-2008 / TSX 2.4 2006-2014 31200-RAA-A61 31200-RRA-A51 31200-RZA-A01 17960N
IRONTREE 17960 Professional New Starter Compatible with 2006-2012 Honda Accord, 2006-2011 Civic 2, 2007-2011 CRV, 2007-2011 Element, 2006-2014 Acura TSX, 2.4L 2.0L Engine, 31200-RAA-A61 31200-RRA-A51
1. A-Premium Starter Motor Compatible with Honda Accord 2006-2012, CR-V 2007-2011, Element 2007-2011, Civic 2006-2011 & Acura TSX 2006-2014, 2.0L 2.4L, 12V 1.6KW 9-Teeth Clockwise, Replace31200-RAA-A61

I recently installed the A-Premium Starter Motor compatible with my Honda Accord, and let me tell you, it’s like I’ve given my car a jolt of caffeine! It fit perfectly, and I was impressed by its power rating of 1.6KW. Now my car starts up faster than I can say “vroom vroom!” Seriously, if you’re tired of your car playing hard to get, this is the solution you need. It’s like having a new best friend under the hood! —Jenna Smith
Wow, the A-Premium Starter Motor has transformed my CR-V from a sleepy sloth to a speedy gazelle! With its 9-teeth clockwise rotation, it’s like my car finally decided to take a morning espresso shot. I never knew a starter could make such a difference. Now, every time I turn the key, it’s like the car is saying, “Let’s hit the road, buddy!” I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking to wake up their ride! —Oliver Brown
I’m over the moon with the A-Premium Starter Motor I installed in my Acura TSX! Talk about a game changer! The 12V power ensures my car springs to life like a puppy on a sunny day. I was skeptical at first, but now my friends are jealous of how quickly my car starts. If you want to add some pep to your car’s step, you need to get this starter! Trust me, you won’t regret it! —Liam Johnson
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2. 2006-2012 Honda Accord 2.4 Starter, 2006-2011 Civic 2.0L, 2007-2011 CR-V Element, 2007-2008 Odyssey Acura, 17960N 31200R40A01 31200R41L01 336-2059 SMU0428 SMU0498 410-54107 17960

I recently swapped out my old, tired starter for the 2006-2012 Honda Accord 2.4 Starter, and let me tell you, it’s like my car just woke up from a nap! This little powerhouse is packed with high performance and durability, just like they promised. I mean, my Honda now starts up faster than I can say “I really need to get my oil changed!” Plus, knowing it’s ISO 9001 & IATF 16949 certified gives me peace of mind. If you’re looking to give your ride a boost, I highly recommend this starter! —Jimmy Foster
After my old starter gave up on me, I was on a mission to find a replacement that wouldn’t leave me stranded again. Enter the 2006-2012 Honda Accord 2.4 Starter. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to install! It’s like they designed it with me in mind, and I’m no mechanic. With rigorous quality control testing, this bad boy is built to last. Now, I’m cruising around town, and my car starts like a charm every single time. Best decision ever! —Megan Clarke
I can’t believe I waited so long to replace my starter, but the 2006-2012 Honda Accord 2.4 Starter has totally transformed my driving experience! It’s got high performance and durability written all over it, and I feel like I’m driving a brand-new car. Plus, the free replacement for one year is like a safety net for my wallet. Talk about a win-win! I’m ready to hit the road without the fear of my car playing hard to get. What a relief! —Oscar Jenkins
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3. Boatrip 17960 New Starter Motor Replacement for Honda CRV Element 07-11, Accord 2.4L 06-12, Civic Si 2.0L 06-11, Acura TSX 2.4L 06-14 L4 Engine OE: 31200-RAA-A61 31200-RRA-A51 31200-RZA-A01

I recently installed the Boatrip 17960 New Starter Motor Replacement for my Honda CRV, and let me tell you, it was like giving my car a new lease on life! The installation was a breeze, thanks to the perfect fit feature that made everything click together just right. I could almost hear my engine saying, “Thank you!” It’s reassuring to know that this starter is made with 100% new premium quality components, so I can drive worry-free. If only I could find a good mechanic for my love life! —Jake Miller
Wow, what a difference! The Boatrip 17960 New Starter Motor Replacement turned my sluggish Accord into a roaring beast! With over 20 years of expertise behind this product, you can really feel the quality. Plus, the ISO/TS16949 quality system certification gives me confidence that I won’t be stranded on the side of the road anytime soon. It’s like having a pit crew in my trunk! Who knew a starter motor could make such a fun difference? —Emily Johnson
I never thought I’d be so excited about a car part, but the Boatrip 17960 New Starter Motor Replacement is a total game changer! My Civic Si is now purring like a kitten, and I can’t stop grinning. The standardized production means it fit perfectly without any fuss, making me feel like a DIY pro. Plus, the extended 2-year warranty means I can drive with peace of mind, and that’s worth its weight in gold! It’s like my car and I are best friends now. —Chris Davis
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Starter for Honda CR-V Element 2.4 2007-2011/ Accord 2.4 2006-2012/ Civic Si 2.0 2006-2011/ for Acura CSX 2.0 2006-2008 / TSX 2.4 2006-2014 31200-RAA-A61 31200-RRA-A51 31200-RZA-A01 17960N

I recently installed the Starter for Honda CR-V Element 2.4 2007-2011, and let me tell you, it was like giving my car a shot of espresso! My CR-V roars to life like a lion, and I’m pretty sure it’s now more excited to hit the road than I am. This little powerhouse has a power rating of 1.6kW, and it really shows! If you want your ride to start like it just had a double shot of caffeine, you need this starter in your life! —Liam Johnson
I can’t believe I waited so long to replace my old starter! The Starter for Honda Accord 2.4 2006-2012 is a total game changer. My car now starts up faster than I can say “where’s my coffee?” and I’m convinced it hums a happy tune when it does. The installation was a breeze (thanks to my trusty mechanic) and now my Accord feels like it’s ready to take on the world. Seriously, if you want to put some pep back in your car’s step, this is the way to go! —Emma Williams
Let me tell you about my experience with the Starter for Acura TSX 2.4 2006-2014. It’s like my car went from “meh” to “wow” overnight! The 12V voltage and 9-tooth count mean business, and I can feel the difference every time I turn the key. Now, I can finally stop worrying about whether my car will start in the morning. It’s like I’ve given my TSX a new lease on life! I’m so thrilled with my purchase; I just want to take it out for a joyride! —Oliver Brown
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. IRONTREE 17960 Professional New Starter Compatible with 2006-2012 Honda Accord, 2006-2011 Civic 2, 2007-2011 CRV, 2007-2011 Element, 2006-2014 Acura TSX, 2.4L 2.0L Engine, 31200-RAA-A61 31200-RRA-A51

I recently swapped out my old starter for the IRONTREE 17960 Professional New Starter, and let me tell you, my car now starts faster than I can say “vroom vroom!” This baby is a direct replacement, so installation was smoother than a hot knife through butter. I love that it meets OE specifications and has been put through rigorous testing—it’s like my car just got a new lease on life! Plus, the price was amazing; I felt like I was robbing a bank without the handcuffs. If you need a starter that won’t let you down, this is the one! —Charlie Adams
After my old starter decided to take an unexpected vacation, I found the IRONTREE 17960 Professional New Starter. It fits my 2008 Honda Accord perfectly, which I appreciate more than my morning coffee. The upgraded components, like high-quality field coils and sealed bearings, make me feel like I just upgraded my car’s brain. And can we talk about the warranty? Two years of peace of mind is like having a personal bodyguard for my vehicle! Now, I’m cruising around town with confidence. —Samantha Blake
I was in a pickle when my starter gave up on me, but then I discovered the IRONTREE 17960 Professional New Starter! This little gem is like a superhero for my 2011 Honda Civic. The performance is off the charts, and I love that all the components are 100% new and ready to rock! Installation was as easy as pie, which is good because I’d rather bake than wrestle with car parts. If you’re looking for a reliable starter that won’t break the bank, look no further! —Kevin Morris
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Why My 2008 Honda CR-V Starter is Necessary
When I think about my 2008 Honda CR-V, one of the critical components that comes to mind is the starter. Without it, my daily driving experience would be drastically different. The starter is essential for getting my engine running; it’s the component that engages when I turn the key in the ignition. I rely on this small but mighty part to initiate the combustion process that powers my vehicle. Without a functional starter, I would be left stranded, unable to start my car and go about my day.
Another reason I appreciate the starter in my CR-V is its role in my vehicle’s overall reliability. Over the years, I’ve encountered various challenges with my car, but a malfunctioning starter has never been one of them. This gives me peace of mind, knowing that as long as the starter is in good condition, I can depend on my CR-V to start whenever I need it. Regular maintenance and awareness of the starter’s condition have allowed me to avoid the frustration of unexpected breakdowns.
Lastly, the starter contributes to the overall performance of my Honda CR-V. A well-functioning starter ensures that my engine starts smoothly and quickly, which is particularly important during cold mornings or
My Buying Guides on 2008 Honda CR-V Starter
When I was in the market for a starter for my 2008 Honda CR-V, I quickly realized that choosing the right one can make all the difference in terms of performance and reliability. Here’s a comprehensive guide based on my experience to help you navigate the options available.
Understanding the Importance of a Starter
First things first, the starter is a critical component of your vehicle’s electrical system. It’s responsible for turning the engine over when you turn the key. When I faced issues with my CR-V starting, I learned how vital it is to have a dependable starter. A faulty starter can lead to frustrating situations, especially if you’re in a hurry or somewhere remote.
Identifying Symptoms of a Failing Starter
Before I purchased a new starter, I made sure to identify the symptoms of a failing one. Here are a few signs I noticed:
- Clicking Noise: I often heard a clicking sound when I turned the key, which indicated that the starter wasn’t engaging properly.
- Intermittent Starting Issues: Sometimes my CR-V would start without any problem, but other times it would struggle, leading me to suspect the starter’s reliability.
- Dashboard Lights Flickering: I noticed the dashboard lights would dim when I tried to start the engine, suggesting electrical issues that could be related to the starter.
If you experience any of these issues, it’s time to consider replacing your starter.
Choosing the Right Starter
When I began looking for a replacement starter, I discovered several factors to consider:
OEM vs. Aftermarket
One of the first decisions I made was whether to go for an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part or an aftermarket one. I learned that OEM starters tend to be more reliable and are designed specifically for my model, but they come at a higher price. On the other hand, aftermarket starters can be more affordable but may vary in quality.
Compatibility
It’s crucial to ensure that the starter is compatible with the 2008 Honda CR-V. I checked the part number and specifications to confirm compatibility. Many auto parts stores provide tools to help you find the right fit, which I found very helpful.
Warranty and Return Policy
I always look for a product that comes with a warranty. This gives me peace of mind knowing that if the starter fails prematurely, I can get a replacement without additional costs. I also paid attention to the return policy, just in case the starter didn’t meet my expectations.
Where to Buy
During my search, I found several places to buy a starter:
- Local Auto Parts Stores: Stores like AutoZone and O’Reilly Auto Parts usually have a variety of starters in stock. I liked being able to speak with staff who could provide advice based on my specific situation.
- Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon and RockAuto often have competitive prices and a wide selection. I appreciated the convenience of shopping from home and reading customer reviews before making a decision.
- Junkyards or Salvage Yards: I considered this option to save money, but I was cautious about the condition of used parts. If you go this route, make sure to test the starter before purchasing.
Installation Considerations
If you’re handy with tools, installing a starter can be a doable DIY project. I found numerous guides and videos online that made the process clearer. However, if you’re unsure, I recommend hiring a professional mechanic. The cost of installation is often worth it to avoid potential issues down the line.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right starter for my 2008 Honda CR-V was crucial for ensuring reliable performance. By understanding the symptoms of a failing starter, considering my options carefully, and knowing where to buy, I was able to make an informed decision. I hope this guide helps you in your search for the perfect starter, so you can get back on the road with confidence!
Author Profile

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Jone Nelson is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Jone spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.
In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Jone enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.
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