Is 17K miles too early to replace brake pads?

I brought my 2008 Honda Civic in today for a routine check-up/oil change, and got a call letting me know that I should replace my front brake pads. I have about ¾” remaining. There’s a little less than 17K miles on the car – isn’t this a little soon for new brake pads???

(If it matters at all, I do live in a very mountainous region of California…)