5J6YH28798L0083362008 HONDA ElementEX
2008 HONDA Element was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 13 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 110 owner complaints include 2 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
Executive Summary
2008 HONDA Element
2008 HONDA Element was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 13 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 110 owner complaints include 2 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- 13 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Airbag system recall; Brake system recall)
- 2 injuries reported across 110 owner complaints
- Common owner-reported issues: rust/corrosion
- Brakes is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL — inflator can rupture and send metal shrapnel into the cabin. Do NOT drive until repaired.
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
- Manufacturer delayed recall by 3.4 years after first complaints — pattern of slow response to known defects
110 owner complaints filed — top areas: Brakes (29%), Suspension/Wheels (24%), Safety Systems (22%). Common issues: rust/corrosion. 4 crashes reported.
Takata airbag inflators can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin — this defect has caused at least 27 deaths and 400+ injuries worldwide. Do NOT drive this vehicle until this recall is repaired. Contact your dealer immediately.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- HONDA
- Model
- Element
- Year
- 2008
- Trim / Series
- EX
- Body Style
- Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
- Vehicle Type
- MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
- Drive Type
- 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 4-cyl 2.359737216L
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Doors
- 5
- Manufacturer
- AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
- Assembly
- EAST LIBERTY, OHIO, UNITED STATES (USA)
- Curb Weight
- 3,742 lbs
- GVWR
- Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: EAST LIBERTY, OHIO
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Airbag system recall
- ▸Brake system recall
- ⚠7 recalls on same component: Safety Systems
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones
One failed component has created stress on connected systems. Repair costs compound quickly — a $500 fix can become $3,000+ if cascade damage is ignored.
Owners of the 2008 HONDA Element report brakes issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 2008 HONDA Element report suspension/wheels issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 2008 HONDA Element report safety systems issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
13 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 13 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 13 recalls is ~81%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
HONDA completes recalls at a good rate (92%), averaging about 16 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~16 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.Read full details...
~6% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
SummaryDorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles.
The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.Read full details...
~6% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles.
These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.Read full details...
~6% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.Read full details...
~6% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2011 Honda Element vehicles, 2005-2012 Acura RL vehicles, 2006-2012 Honda Ridgeline vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A."
Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2009 Acura RL and Honda Element vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles and 2006-2009 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B."
Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2008 Acura RL, Honda Element and Honda Pilot vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.Read full details...
~6% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A."
Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B."
Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.Read full details...
~6% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.Read full details...
~6% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
SummaryHonda is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 Element passenger vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness. The wire that supplies power to the trailer turn signal lights was inadvertently switched with the stop lamp wire. As a result the turn signals only illuminate when the brake lamps are illuminated. This does not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
SummaryHONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 ACCORD, 2007-2010 CR-V, AND 2005-2008 ELEMENT PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 1, 2004, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 3, 2010. THE OUTER RACE OF THE SECONDARY SHAFT BEARING MAY BE BROKEN DURING CERTAIN DRIVING STYLES. A BROKEN OUTER RACE MAY CAUSE ABNORMAL NOISE, THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT TO TURN ON, AND ALLOW CONTACT BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION IDLE GEAR AND AN ELECTRONIC SENSOR HOUSING WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
SummaryHONDA 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.Read full details...
~32% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
SUSPENSION:REAR
SummaryHONDA IS RECALLING 241 MY 2008 ELEMENT VEHICLES. THE FRONT BUSHING BRACKET OF THE LEFT TRAILING ARM OF THE REAR SUSPENSION MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY WELDED AND COULD SEPARATE FROM THE TRAILING ARM.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
SummaryALL IN ONE MOBILITY IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2008 CONVERSION VANS EQUIPPED WITH VMI/RICON 6-WAY POWER SEAT BASES. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF A DEFECTIVE WELD AT THE JOINT BETWEEN THE PIVOTING PLATE AND THE PIVOTING PLATE PIN.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Recall Remedy Effectiveness — Complaints Continue After Fix
RECALL DIDN'T FIX ITOwner complaints filed AFTER recall remedies were issued for the same components
86% of complaints about "POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)" were filed AFTER recall campaign 11V395000 (2011-04-08) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.
Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.
Manufacturer Recall Response Time
Time between first owner complaint and recall issuance
First complaint was filed 3.4 years before the recall was issued — manufacturer was aware of this issue for years before acting.
Complaint Intelligence
110 complaints analyzed across 9 system categories
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME110 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
Rotted and rusted out trailing arms
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Element. The contact stated that while reversing out of a parking spot, the driver’s side rear trailing arm fractured. There were no warning lights illuminated. Upon researching the failure, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V349000 (Suspension). The vehicle was towed to the husband's place of employment. The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed there was no recall coverage on the VIN for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
There is a massive rust spot under the driver side seating position where your feet would rest while driving. Seems as there isn't significant drainage holes in this area.
My mechanic informed me that this car will no longer pass NYS inspection due to body rust/corrosion holes where the rear trailing arms attach to the car's body. Honda has issued a recall for the same model year CR-V, which has a nearly identical trailing arm attachment design, due to the risk of losing control of the vehicle if the trailing arm mount separates from the body.
The driver side rear trail arm broke off bending the strut with the tire hanging, it happened in my apartment parking lot, I could have lost my life if this had happened at high speeds or killed somebody else. I’m very lucky to be alive!! Currently it is not inspectable due to the damage. The problem has not been reproduced by a dealer or an independent service centre. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone or manufacturer. No warning light were present before the failure.
I just purchased a 2008 Honda Element and took it for inspection and the entire undercarriage is rusted. I know Honda of Canada will fix or buy back the vehicle. However as I am in the USA my understanding is that for now only the CRV’s are affected. The car cannot be driven as it is a very dangerous concern. Please help.
I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a serious safety concern involving the Honda Element model years 2003 through 2011. Specifically, this issue pertains to the rear trailing arm mounting area, which has been observed to rust through on numerous vehicles, including my own 2008 Honda Element. The rusting of the rear trailing arm mounting area poses a significant safety risk, as it can compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle's suspension system. This deterioration can lead to potential failure of the rear trailing arm, resulting in loss of control of the vehicle, particularly at higher speeds or during emergency maneuvers. The prevalence of this issue across multiple model years suggests a systemic problem that warrants investigation and potential recall. My vehicle, like many others, has experienced this issue despite regular maintenance and care. The rusting has occurred in a manner that is not typical of normal wear and tear, indicating a possible manufacturing or design defect. Given the safety implications of this problem, I urge the NHTSA to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the root cause and ensure the safety of all affected Honda Element owners. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your prompt response and action.
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Element. The contact stated while driving 20-30 MPH over a bump, the vehicle started fish tailing. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that he noticed that the rear driver's side tire was sideways. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V349000 (Suspension) because the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 225,000.
I took my very well maintained Honda Element into the shop for routine maintenance and a pre-spring/summer driving check. They indicated that the driver's side subframe where it meets the rear trailing arm has a dangerous hole and that I should not drive this car any more. We live in Michigan where snow/salt are factors. This specific area has been known to fail in Elements and CR-V's and there was a recall on this specific issue for Honda Elements in Canada and CR-V owners in the US and Canada: "The 2007-2011 Honda CR-V is being recalled because the rear trailing arm can fall off due to excessive corrosion, the NHTSA disclosed Thursday. In some cases, the rear frame may be so corroded that Honda will offer to buy the vehicle back from owners to get the safety hazards off the road." Why have the US Elements not been recalled when this is a known safety hazard and the exact same issue as the CR-V's? I am in numerous online forums of Element owners and have seen photographs where this caused life-threatening issues while people were driving. Thankfully, we caught it before that happened to us, but now my loved daily driver is out of commission for a known safety hazard. No one in our family was harmed, but this could have been life threatening if it had not been discovered. The area has not been inspected by police or insurance. Only by our mechanic who specializes in servicing Hondas, Toyotas and Subarus. There were no warning lamps or other warning signs. It just happened to be discovered during routine inspection/service.
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Element. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the contact lost control of the vehicle. The contact was able to regain control of the vehicle and pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the rear driver’s side tire was leaning outward from the vehicle. The contact called a friend with a trailer and had the vehicle towed to a friend's residence. Upon further inspection, it was discovered that the front mounting bracket on the rear trailer arm had become severely corroded which led to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle, but offered no further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Was just about to drive on a 55mph road when the drivers side rear trailing arm fell off from the frame, no prior indication of failure as it passed inspection the previous year. Had checked by my mechanic and says it is not repairable. Excessive corrosion into frame. Searched internet and found recall in Canada for this specific issue. We are lucky it happened when it did otherwise it would have been fatal.
The rear trailing arms are rusting faster than anything else on my beloved Honda. Honda has recalled the Elements of similar model years in Canada for this problem, and the CRV of similar model years in US for this exact problem. This suspension issue could cause a catastrophic failure if left unrepaired. My family and I need this vehicle, but it feels unsafe to operate. Why hasn't Honda recalled the Honda Element for this known issue?
The drivers side rear trailing arm mounting point on my Honda Element has completely rotted out, making my car a seriously unsafe vehicle to drive. This is a well known issue to both Honda and the NHTSA as Honda has already recalled both the Element and CR-V in Canada, and the CR-V here in the USA, but not the Element. NHTSA # 23v-228, Transport Canada Recall - 2021024 - HONDA
My Honda Element unibody has rusted out resulting in the real axle trailing arm separating from the vehicle. This happened while my daughter was driving - luckily she was not injured. This is a known issue at Honda. Honda Elements years 2003-2011 have already been recalled for a repair or reimbursement in Canada (see recall # 2021024) and all Honda CR-Vs in the United States model years 2007-2011 have also been recalled in the Unites States for the same issue (NHTSA # 23V-228). This issue represents an extremely hazardous risk in the Honda Elements, as well as the potential complete loss of the vehcile. The recall for the Elements should be extended to the United States immediately.
Rear wheel suspension broke while driving. Wheel forced into wheel well. ( Rear Trailing arm Broke?)
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Element. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear driver's side trailing arm fractured without warning. The contact was able to veer the vehicle off the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear driver's side trailing arm was rusted and needed to be replaced. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Element. The contact stated while receiving a routine service at the dealer, the mechanic became aware that the rear driver’s side sub frame was rusted. The contact was informed that sub frame needed to be replaced and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 136,999.
Left rear lower control arm frame rusted. Lower control arm detached from the vehicle. Appears to be a recall in Canada on element and CRV but only CRV in USA.
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Element. The contact stated while changing the rear driver’s side tire, the contact became aware that the trailing arm link rail on the rear driver’s side had separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that they were aware of the failure but there was no recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 197,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Element. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the rear driver’s side trailing arm had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 170,000.
The contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle stopped independently. The contact stated that she depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that two brake pads, one brake line, and one caliper on the front brakes needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V119000 (Electronic Stability Control). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000. The contact stated there is an appointment to have repairs made on 05/23/23 and the dealership is also charging $150 diagnostic fee in addition to repairs.
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Element. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for brake repair however, the mechanic became aware of corrosion on the driver's side rear trailing arm. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and could not be repaired. The vehicle was awaiting an appointment with the local dealer. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V228000 (Structure) however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened but had since closed as the vehicle was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 148,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Element. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal rubbing underneath the vehicle. The contact was able to park the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the rear driver’s side trailing arm had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 170,000.
The front passenger window regulator went out. Window dropped down into the door panel.
Driver side window regulator went out. Window dropped down on it's own.
Airbag warning light stays on. Dealer indicates that the problem is a weight sensor. Dealer stated that seat belt issues and airbag issues were warranted by Honda. Dealer indicated that the weight sensor issue, which is used to deploy the airbag is not warranted. If seatbelts and airbags are warranted, why would the weight sensors that are an integral part of the SRS not be warranted? Dealer has estimated the cost of repairs at $1,240.47. Part to complete the repair is not available at this time. Per the dealer, it has been ordered with shipping date TBD.
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Element. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for an inspection, it was discovered that the rear suspension front bushing bracket trailing arm was rusted. The vehicle failed the inspection due to the failure. The contact was informed by the mechanic that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the same failure had been recalled in Canada but not in the United States. No further information was available. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 200,000.
The rear trailing arm mounts rust right off the car and the entire piece falls off out of nowhere. I was lucky to be going about 10 mph when this happened to me and it slide the car sideways .I have no doubt I would have flipped at highway speeds. I’ve seen hundreds of other elements with the same issues on forums it’s bad enough that in Canada they have a buyback. The police where there quickly and saw it and said the same but. Insurance won’t do anything cause it’s a part that broke. Away from the body and I was going slow enough. No warning even had tires installed a few days prior and they didn’t see anything that was scary.
No incident, Soft Brake Pedal all the time
while driving 65 mph on the freeway my side passenger curtain airbag and the airbag in the from passenger seat deployed. We did not hit anything nor is there any visible damage to the exterior or underside of the car
WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 20MPH ON A CITY STREET, SUSPENSION PARTS FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO COME TO AN ABRUPT STOP. UPON INSPECTION, FRAME RUST CAUSED THE REAR-TRAILING ARM TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE'S FRAME. AT HIGHER SPEEDS THIS MAY HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN AREAS THAT SALT THEIR ROADS. HONDA CANADA HAS A RECALL AND BUYBACK PROGRAM FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE.
WE JUST BOUGHT A USED 2008 HONDA ELEMENT AND WE THOUGHT THE BRAKE PEDAL NEEDED TO BE PUSHED TO THE FLOOR BECAUSE OF LOW BRAKE FLUID THAT THE HONDA SERVICE OF BATON ROUGE APPARENTLY DID NOT FILL, BUT IT STILL WAS NOT WORKING. WE BROUGHT IT IN AND OUR MECHANIC PULLED UP A SAFETY RECALL FOR AIR IN THE VSA MODULATOR, WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT THE BRAKES ARE DOING. THE HONDA DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THE RECALL HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE IN 2016, SO THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO, EXCEPT GO IN AND CHARGE US TO DO THE SAME PROCESS AGAIN.
2 OF 4 GENERAL GRABBER TIRES ARE LEAKING AIR FROM THE SIDEWALLS.. HAVE TO ADD AIR DAILY. *TR
AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE, I HEARD A SLIGHT RATTLING SOUND. I THEN SAW THE LEFT SIDE WINDSHIELD MOLDING GARNISH COMPLETELY BREAK OFF OF MY CAR AND FLY INTO THE ROAD. I INSPECTED THE PART AND NOTICED THAT THE PLASTIC BRACKETS THAT HELD IT TOGETHER WERE WORN OUT FROM NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, AND BECAME WEAK. THIS CREATED A ROAD HAZARD THAT NEARLY HIT THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME, AND I WAS NOT IN A SPOT WHERE I COULD SLOW DOWN AND RETRIEVE THE PART WITHOUT CAUSING A GREATER TRAFFIC HAZARD MYSELF, AS THIS OCCURRED DURING RUSH HOUR.
TAKATA INFLATORS, I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET HONDA TO FIX THE AIRBAG PROBLEM SINCE WE GOT THE FIRST LETTER IN THE MAIL AND EVEN HAD PEOPLE FROM HONDA COME TO OUR HOUSE AND WE HAVE SET UP VARIOUS APPOINTMENTS FOR THEM TO COME OUT TO REPLACE AIRBAGS TO ONLY HAVE AN EXCUSE OR NO SHOW, AS I TYPE THIS I HAVE BEEN ON THE PHONE FOR 40 MIN NOW TRYING TO GET THEAIR BAGS FIXED BUT STILL NO RESPONSE, I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON GETTING THE SAME TREATMENT FROM HONDA
BRAKE SYSTEM NEEDS REPLACEMENT CONSTANTLY. CALIPERS GET STUCK CAUSING BRAKES AND ROTORS TO GET STUCK AND FREEZE UP. ALSO BRAKES ARE ON WHEN DRIVING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT WAS STRUCK HEAD ON BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INQUIRIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 198,318.
5 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION: #1- DIFFICULTY ENGAGING SHIFTER INTO ANY GEAR (NOT IN MOTION). #2- SHIFTER/TRANSMISSION POP OUT OF GEAR TO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING (CITY AND HIGHWAY). #3- DIFFICULTY UP AND DOWN SHIFTING SMOOTHLY. THERE ARE LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT MANUAL SHIFTER ISSUES WITH HONDA ELEMENT. THIS PROBLEM CAUSES LACK OF MOTION OF THE CAR AND TEMPORARY DISTRACTION WHILE DRIVING.
RECALL NEVER DONE ON RECALL NO 08V349000
MY LOW BEEMS STOPPED WORKING WHEN I USE THE HIGH BEEMS THEY SUDDENLY TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING WE CHANGED THE LIGHT BULBS AND THEY STILL DON,T WORK
PASSENGER FRONTAL AIRBAG INFLATOR HAD A RECALL IN JULY 2016. FINALLY, IN MARCH 2017, THE PART IS AVAILABLE AND CAN BE REPLACED, MORE THAN 8 MONTHS LATER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE MAKING LEFT AND RIGHT TURNS AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE. THE DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE THE FAILURE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
HONDA ELEMENT 2008 BEGAN EXPERIENCING SOFT PEDAL WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, 2 LIGHTS CAME ON VSA AND ABS! . I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THAT PARTICULAR DAY AND WHEN I TUNED OFF ENGINE AND TURNED IT BACK ON LIGHTS DISAPPEARED FOR A SMAL AMOUNT OF TIME. BRAKES FELT AS THOUGH I WOULD BE UNABLE TO STOP BECAUSE OF SUCH PLAY IN THEM. I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY FOR APPROX 15 MILES AND ALSO CITY DRIVING FOR ABOUT 10 MILES.
DESPITE NORMAL MAINTENANCE AND CARE THE PAINT HOOD OF MY CAR BEGAN CRACKING. THE CRACKING CONTINUES TO SPREAD. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I LEARNED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH CERTAIN HONDA VEHICLES, INCLUDING MY '08 ELEMENT. ONE EXAMPLE: HTTP://WWW.HONDAPROBLEMS.COM/TRENDS/PEELING-PAINT/ HONDA WIPES THEIR HANDS CLEAN OF THIS DESPITE KNOWINGLY PUTTING FAULTY PAINT AND CLEAR COAT ON THEIR VEHICLES. THIS IS UNFAIR BUSINESS PRACTICE AND SWINDLES CONSUMERS.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PART DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TAKATA RECALL - I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP (STUART, FL HONDA) TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. I WAS TOLD THEY CAN ORDER THE PART BUT HAVE NO IDEA WHEN IT WILL BE IN AND THAT IT COULD BE WEEKS OR MONTHS. THE MAN SAID PEOPLE WAITED FROM MARCH UNTIL SEPT TO GET DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAGS, AND THE HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THEY WILL GET THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG TO FIX MY CAR. FURTHER, IN DIRECT CONFLICT WITH THE RECALL LETTER FROM HONDA, THE SERVICE PERSON SAID THERE IS NO RISK OF METAL COMING OUT OF THE AIRBAG. THE DEALER ALOS REFUSED TO PROVIDE A LOANER CAR. I THEN CALLED AMERICAN HONDA, THEY GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER AND ALSO COULD NOT TELL ME WHEN I CAN GET MY CAR FIXED. I SPOKE TO GLORIA WHO SAID THERE IS NO ROSK TO THE BACK SEAT. I RECEIVED THE HONDA RECALL LETTER IN JULY 2016 AND HONDA STILL CANNOT PROVIDE A ESTIMATE FOR WHEN I CAN HAVE THE CAR FIXED, OR PROVIDE A LOANER CAR.
2008 HONDA ELEMENT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG RECALL NOTICE AND REQUESTS ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION. *SMD
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 09/20/16*LJ *TR
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TAKATA RECALL- I FEEL THAT HAVING TO WAIT AN ESTIMATED ONE TO TWO MONTHS FOR A REPLACEMENT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS UNACCEPTABLE. WE ARE UNABLE TO USE OUR VEHICLE FOR CARPOOLING WHICH IS HOW WE UTILIZE THIS VEHICLE. ALSO, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG WAS RECALLED LONG AGO--- I FEEL THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG HAS PROBABLY BEEN A DANGER FOR A LONG TIME AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED WHEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG WAS RECALLED. I FEEL THAT THE SAFETY OF CONSUMERS HAS BEEN COMPROMISED BY THE DELAY IN ISSUING A RECALL AND THE DELAY IN GETTING THE NECESSARY PARTS WHEN THE RECALL WAS INITIATED.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR THE AIR BAGS. THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVALIABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. ....UPDATED 09/14/16 *BF *CN
RECENTLY BECAME SECOND OWNER OF VEHICLE. NOTICED IT HAD A SOFT BRAKE PEDAL. RECALL PERFORMED BY FIRST OWNERS DEALER, BUT, THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.
I PRESSED DOOR UNLOCK BUTTON. THE UNLOCK BUTTON ROSE UP, BUT DOOR REMAINED LOCKED. I TRIED THIS A FEW TIMES MORE. THEN I TRIED MY REMOTE SEVERAL TIMES BY PRESSING THE LOCK AND UNLOCK BUTTONS SEVERAL TIMES. THE ONLY WAY I COULD UNLOCK THE DOOR WAS BY OPENING THE WINDOW, AND USING THE HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V320000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES; HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
MY CARS BRAKE PEDAL HAD BEEN SOFT FOR SOME TIME. YET NO PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES OR WITH THE VSA. I STARTED MY CAR ON SATURDAY MORNING (6/13/2015) AND THE VSA, ABS AND TRIANGLE EXCLAMATION LIGHT CAME ON AND WOULD NOT GO OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED ON THE 30TH OF APRIL 2010 AND NO CHANGE WAS MADE TO THE VSA SINCE NO PROBLEM WAS REPORTED. I AM DISABLED AND DO NOT USE THE VEHICLE THAT OFTEN. IT IS WELL MAINTAINED AND IN EXCELLENT RUNNING ORDER. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY REGULAR MECHANIC AND HE TESTED THE CAR QUICKLY AND TOLD ME TO TAKE TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIR. IT IS DOING EXACTLY WHAT SERVICE BULLETIN 10-017 WAS REPORTING. I CALLED HONDA OF AMERICA ON THE 17TH OF JUNE 2015 TO SPEAK WITH THEM AND THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. I HAVE A CASE NUMBER FROM THEM... .UPDATED 07/22/15 *BF
THERE HAS BEEN NO CRASH AS SUCH--I AM COMPLAINING ABOUT HONDA'S LACK OF RESPONSIVENESS TO THE AIRBAG INFLATOR RECALL. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THIS RECALL TAKEN CARE OF FOR SOME TIME. CURRENTLY, A HONDA DEALERSHIP HAS MY CAR BUT I CAN GET NO INFORMATION FROM THEM ABOUT WHEN THE PART WILL BE IN--THEY DID NOT EVEN SEEM FAMILIAR WITH THE RECALL WHEN I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE & SHOWED THEM THE LETTER. I DO HAVE A RENTAL CAR FOR NOW, BUT THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE AS A LONG-TERM SOLUTION. A CALL TO CUSTOMER SERVICE RESULTED IN MY BEING TOLD (POLITELY!!) THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, IT WAS A BIG RECALL, IT WAS ALL IN THE HANDS OF THE DEALERSHIP. I DID RECEIVE A CASE NUMBER TO ASSIST IN GETTING A BETTER RENTAL, BUT WAS TOLD THEY WOULD CALL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE--??WHENEVER THAT IS. I FEEL THAT I AM RECEIVING THE RUNAROUND FROM THIS HONDA DEALERSHIP, THAT POSSIBLY HONDA IS STALLING ON THE RECALL, HOPING PEOPLE WILL JUST GET TIRED AND GIVE UP. *TR
I AM FOLLOWING UP ON MY RECENT REPLACEMENT OF THE RECALLED DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG. WORRIED THAT THE SAME PROBLEM COULD EXIST ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, I HAVE CONTACTED HONDA TO INQUIRE IF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS SIMILAR TO THE RECALLED ITEM AND ALSO IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. HONDA HAS TOLD ME THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG IS A TAKATA BRAND BUT A DIFFERENT MODEL. UPON RESEARCH ON YOUR SITE, I FOUND THAT HONDA ELEMENT YEARS 2003-2004 HAVE HAD A RECALL FOR A SIMILAR DESIGN AND VINTAGE AIR BAG UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN 14V700000. THIS RECALL IS FOLLOWING THE SAME DECISION MAKING PROCESS THAT HAS LED TO THE LARGER DRIVER SIDE RECALL. RATHER THAN WAIT FOR SIMILAR EVENTS TO OCCUR, WOULDN'T IT BE PRUDENT TO REPLACE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG IN MY VEHICLE NOW INSTEAD OF WAITING FOR THE REPORT OF INJURIES IN BOTH HIGH HUMIDITY AND MORE NORTHERN SITES? AS THESE VEHICLES AGE, THEY HAVE MORE EXPOSURE TO HIGH TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY WEATHER AND WILL VERY LIKELY HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS. *TR
HEAVY SNOW CONDITIONS (CT FEB. 6, 2015) CAR TRANSMISSION LIGHT APPEARED, PULLED OVER, READ MANUAL WHICH INSTRUCTED DRIVER TO PROCEED MODERATELY, WITHOUT RAPID ACCELERATION, TO EITHER A SERVICE GARAGE OR SAFE PLACE. DROVE HOME (4.5 MILES) BUT DRIVE IS STEEP. SOME WHEEL SLIPPAGE THEN CAR STALLED AND WOULD NOT START. TOWED FEBRUARY 6 TO CHAMPAGNE MOTORS OF MANSFIELD, CT. RESEARCHED PROBLEM ON LINE AND DISCOVERED A RECALL FOR TCM THAT WAS NOT PERFORMED ON CAR. CHAMPAGNE COULD NOT DO REPAIRS AND CAR ENDED UP AT HONDA OF MANCHESTER,CT. AFTER 4 WEEKS CALLED HONDA TO MENTION THE RECALL (NHTSA # 11V-395) AND SERVICE CLERK SAID THEIR REPAIRS HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE PROBLEM UNLESS I WAS SHIFTING FROM D-N-R TO ROCK THE CAR IN SNOW. I SAID I WAS IN DRIVE UP A HILL, SLIPPED, SHIFTED TO N THEN R TO BACK UP, THEN D, AND IT FAILED. DEALER NEVER CHECKED FOR OPEN RECALLS WHEN CAR (BOUGHT USED) WAS PURCHASED. NOT SURE IF THEY ARE REQUIRED TO BY LAW. *TR
2008 HONDA ELEMENT CONSUMER IS REQUESTING A RECALL EXPANSION REGARDING TAKATA AIR BAGS. *CN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V351000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT DID NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE.
HEARD CLUNKING NOISE FROM UNDER CARRIAGE OF VEHICLE. BROUGHT INTO HONDA DEALERSHIP. THEIR INSPECTION REVEALED WORN BALL JOINTS(PREMATURELY). BALL JOINTS COULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE VEHICLE SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE. THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN VEHICLE DECELERATION AND A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER, ALSO STEERING CONTROLLABILITY WOULD BE REDUCED. *TR
[XXX] - SPEEDOMETER GAUGE NEEDLES FELL OFF BOTH THE TAC AND SPEEDOMETER. NOW BRIGHT LIGHTS IN YOUR EYES! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE THROTTLE BODY WAS CLEANED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY AND THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,883 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,000. *TR
I REPLACED THE TIRES ON MY NEW 2008 HONDA ELEMENT ON 10/21/2007 AT 869 MILES SINCE THE TIRES THAT THE CAME WITH THE VEHICLE HAD POOR TRACTION IN RAIN. A MONTH LATER, THE TPMS LIGHT CAME ON AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER ON 11/26/2007 AT 1056 MILES. HONDA OF SEATTLE CONCLUDED THAT THE SYSTEM JUST NEEDED A RESET AND PROCEEDED WITH DOING SO. SEVERAL DAYS LATER, THE TPMS LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN SO I TOOK IT TO HONDA OF SEATTLE ON 12/05/2007 AT 1161 MILES. THEY FOUND THAT ONE TIRE SENSOR WAS NOT SENDING OUT A SIGNAL SO IT WAS REPLACED. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER THE TPMS SENSOR CAME ON AGAIN SO IT WAS TAKEN TO HONDA OF SEATTLE ON 01/04/2008 AT 1840 MILES. THIS TIME HONDA OF SEATTLE REPLACED ANOTHER TPMS SENSOR AND THE TPMS RECEIVER UNIT, HOWEVER THE TPMS LIGHT WAS STILL ON. AT THIS TIME, HONDA OF SEATTLE CONCLUDED THAT THE NEW TIRES THAT WERE INSTALLED (ELSEWHERE) HAD TOO MUCH CARBON IN THEM THUS BLOCKING THE SIGNALS FROM TPMS SENSORS AND THEREFORE THE PROBLEM WOULD NOT RESOLVE ITSELF UNTIL THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. FIVE YEARS LATER, SINCE I WAS WANTING TO REPLACE THE TIRES AGAIN, I TOOK IT TO HONDA OF SEATTLE TO CONFIRM THEIR PREVIOUS DIAGNOSIS THAT THE TIRES WERE A PROBLEM. NOW THEY STATED THAT THE TPMS LIGHT WAS ON DUE TO THE FAILURE OF ALL FOUR SENSORS RELATED TO WATER CORROSION. THEY REPLACED ALL FOUR SENSORS ON 09/25/2012 AT 28206 MILES. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, THE TPMS LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND HONDA OF SEATTLE FOUND THAT ONE OF THE NEW TPMS SENSORS HAD FAILED SO THEY REPLACED IT ON 10/03/2012 AT 28317 MILES. AFTER THAT, WITH NO LIGHT COMING FOR WEEKS, I FELT COMFORTABLE THAT THE TPMS PROBLEM WAS FINALLY CORRECTED AND REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES ON 10/20/2012 AT 28518 MILES. HOWEVER ON 11/11/2012 THE TPMS LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO HONDA OF SEATTLE ON 11/14/2012 AT 28691 MILES. TWO OF THE NEW SENSORS HAD FAILED AGAIN AND WERE REPLACED. *TR
SINCE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE NEW IN JUNE 2008, I HAVE EXPERIENCED A SOFT BRAKE PEDAL AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 2000-5000 MILES. BLEEDING THE BRAKES SEEMS TO CORRECT THE SOFT BRAKE PEDAL. HOWEVER, AFTER DRIVING FOR APPROXIMATELY ANOTHER 2000-5000 MILES THE PEDAL IS AGAIN SOFT AND CONTINUES TO GET SOFTER. I HAVE BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER REPEATEDLY AND THEY HAVE REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER AND MODULATOR WHICH DID NOT CORRECT MY SOFT PEDAL. I WENT THROUGH SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY TOLD ME "NO PROBLEM FOUND" AND BASICALLY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS MY IMAGINATION. FINALLY, HONDA CAME OUT WITH THE RECALL FOR EXACTLY THE ISSUE I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT. HONDA PERFORMED THE RECALL "SAFETY RECALL: BRAKE PEDAL MAY BE SOFT OR LOW" AND IT DID NOT CORRECT MY SOFT PEDAL. AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2000-5000 MILES THE PEDAL IS ONCE AGAIN SOFT AND CONTINUING TO GET SOFTER. I HAVE OPENED A CASE ([XXX]) WITH AMERICAN HONDA COMPLAINING ABOUT MY BRAKES IN AN EFFORT TO GET THEM TO CORRECT MY BRAKE ISSUE. THE DEALER HAS RECHECKED THE BRAKES AND STATES "NO PROBLEM FOUND" SINCE THERE IS NOT A BRAKE "FAILURE". I AM STILL EXPERIENCING A VERY SOFT BRAKE PEDAL AND CANNOT GET ANYONE AT HONDA TO CORRECT THE SITUATION. I AM AFRAID THAT IF THE PEDAL CONTINUES TO GET SOFTER THAT I WILL EXPERIENCE A BRAKE FAILURE RESULTING IN A COLLISION. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
IGNITION SWITCH SEIZED LOCKING ALL CONTROLS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
AT 22,294 MILES MY 2008 HONDA ELEMENT, HAS SEVERE PREMATURE BRAKE PAD, ROTOR WEAR. I HEARD AND FELT A SEVERE GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. I HAD TIRES PUT ON MY CAR AND THE BRAKE PADS INSPECTED AND MECHANIC FOUND NOTHING UNUSUAL. TWO WEEKS LATER THE NOISE RETURNED LOUDER AND WHEN I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, THEY FOUND NO REAR BRAKE PAD ON RIGHT REAR WHEEL AND MY ROTOR WAS COMPLETELY RUINED. MY FRONT BRAKE PADS WERE FINE AND WAS GIVEN NO EXPLANATION BY HONDA WHY THIS COULD'VE OCCURRED. HONDA WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIRS UNDER WARRANTY AND I HAVE SINCE DISCOVERED MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD EXACT SAME PROBLEM OCCURRING AROUND THE SAME MILEAGE. I RECENTLY HEARD THAT HONDA HAS RECALLED ACCORDS OF THE SAME YEAR FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT NOT MY MODEL OR YEAR. I'M APPALLED AT THE AUDACITY OF HONDA TO IGNORE THE SAME PROBLEMS FROM THE SAME MANUFACTURER ON DIFFERENT MODELS. CLEARLY HONDA IS AWARE OF THEIR FAULTY ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS AND CHOOSES TO OVERLOOK THIS PROBLEM. I DID NOT EXPECT TO PAY 400.00 FOR A PROBLEM OF THIS MAGNITUDE FOR A CAR WELL MAINTAINED WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. I INTEND TO GO AFTER HONDA TO BE FULLY RE-IMBURSED FOR THEIR NEGLIGENCE. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE HAVING THE OIL CHANGED BY THE AUTHORIZED DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR BRAKES HAD BECOME WORN. THE CONTACT NOTICED WHILE DRIVING THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD EXTEND TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 22,644.
PURCHASED A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT IN SEPTEMBER 2010. CAR HAD 29K MILES ON IT. BRAKE PEDAL WAS SOFT DURING INITIAL TEST DRIVE (WENT TO FLOOR). DEALER BLED BRAKES. DEALER REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER ON 10/14 DUE TO SOFT PEDAL (GOES TO FLOOR). NOTE THAT DEALER CONFIRMED THE RECALL WORK HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE AND DID NOT WORK. THIS CAR IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I NEVER KNOW IF IT WILL STOP. *TR
2008 HONDA ELEMENT, 21,000 MILES, NEEDED NEW REAR BRAKE JOB FOR 600$. THIS WAS 2500 MILES AFTER IT WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR BRAKE RECALL MODIFICATION OF SOME SORT. *TR
MY 2008 HONDA ELEMENT HAD THE RECALL WORK DONE IN JUNE 2010 RE; SOFT BRAKE PEDAL. BACK TO DEALER ON AUGUST 24 FOR RECURRING SOFT PEDAL ISSUE. DIAGNOSIS WAS AIR IN BRAKE SYSTEM. SYSTEM BLED AGAIN. BRAKE PEDAL FIRM FOR NOW. SERVICE MANAGER COULD NOT OFFER AN EXPLANATION OTHER THAN MAYBE WE DID NOT GET ALL THE AIR OUT DURING THE RECALL WORK. HONDA HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS SAFETY DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODELS SINCE 2003. I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN THE FIX. *TR
PREVIOUSLY FILED A COMPLAINT (ODI # 10321852) VIA EMAIL WITH NHTSA REGARDING THE "SOFT BRAKE PEDAL" ISSUE WITH MY 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. A RECALL WAS ISSUED IN 2010, THE WORK WAS PERFORMED IN JUNE 2010, A POSITIVE IMPROVEMENT. BRAKES ARE SLOWLY BUT SURELY RETURNING TO THEIR PREVIOUS SOFT PEDAL DEFECT. I AM HAVING TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL ONE TIME TO GET A FIRM PEDAL. THIS DEFECT ON CERTAIN HONDA MODELS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE 2003. HONDA RE- ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN # 07-045 ON MARCH 5, 2009 REGARDING "BRAKE PEDAL IS LOW AND FEELS SOFT" COVERING CERTAIN MODELS FROM 2003-2008. APPARENTLY THERE WERE PREVIOUS SERVICE BULLETINS ISSUED AS EARLY AS 2007, THE 07 IN THE ABOVE REFERENCED SERVICE BULLETIN (07-045) INDICATES 2007 ISSUE. I AM A RETIRED CAREER POLICE OFFICER WHO SPENT OVER HALF OF MY 25 YEAR CAREER IN THE TRAFFIC DIVISION INVESTIGATING TRAFFIC COLLISIONS INCLUDING THOSE INVOLVING FATALITIES. I CONSIDER THIS BRAKE PROBLEM A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT, THAT COULD ULTIMATELY LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY OR LOSS OF LIFE UNLESS A PERMANENT REPAIR OR TOTAL RECALL OF THE AFFECTED HONDA VEHICLES IS REQUIRED BY NHTSA. HONDA HAS KNOWN ABOUT THE PROBLEM FOR YEARS AND HAS NOT FOUND A PERMANENT REPAIR. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND MANY REPORTS REGARDING THIS DEFECT. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF POSTS REGARDING THE SOFT BRAKE ISSUE @HTTP://WWW.ELEMENTOWNERSCLUB.COM UNDER THE THREAD TITLED RECALLS, TSB'S AND NOTICES. THANK YOU *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR THE NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V098000. AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SOFT AND WHEN THEY WERE APPLIED, THE PEDAL CONTINUED TO EXTEND TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 17,300.
I PURCHASED A USED HONDA CERTIFIED 2008 HONDA ELEMENT FROM HONDA DEALERSHIP IN DECEMBER 2009. ATTEMPTED TO USE AIR CONDITIONER FOR THE FIRST TIME MAY 2010. AIR CONDITIONER DID NOT WORK. I TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT A ROCK DAMAGED CONDENSER. TO MY AMAZEMENT, THE CONDENSER IS IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR, AND OEM GRILL IS TOTALLY NON EFFECTIVE IN OFFERING PROTECTION. THE COST OF REPAIR IS APPROXIMATELY $750.00. I LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND DISCOVERED THAT NUMEROUS OWNERS HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINT. THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN FLAW. IT IS HIGHLY LIKELY THAT I WOULD PAY FOR THE REPAIR ONLY TO HAVE IT HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR
TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. SHE STATED AFTER PARKING HER VEHICLE WHEN SHE GETS OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND REACH FOR THE DOOR SHE GETS SHOCKED. SHE STATED THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,297. VWB
2008 HONDA ELEMENT HAS HAD VERY SOFT BRAKE PEDAL FROM DAY ONE. DEALER REPLACED VSA MODULATOR PER TSB WITH NO CHANGE IN PEDAL FEEL. DEALER DID A RECALL PLACING CAPS ON PLUGS IN ABS UNIT AND BLED BRAKES WITH NO CHANGE IN PEDAL FEEL. PEDAL WILL STILL GO ALMOST TO THE FLOOR WITH VERY LITTLE PRESSURE APPLIED. *TR
BRAKES WERE SOFT ALMOST TO THE FLOOR,MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP AND ENDED UP HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE. HAVE CONTACTED HONDA AND THEY ARE RECALLING MY MODEL OF CAR BUT NOT MINE FOR THE SAME REASON. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT TRIED TO STOP ABRUPTLY TO AVOID HITTING A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM; HOWEVER, HE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE OTHER VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE SCENE. THE BODY DAMAGE WAS REPAIRED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20-25 MPH, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THEY FAILED TO ENGAGE AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DAMAGED BODY WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR RECALL 10V098000 (SERVICE BRAKES, AIR). POLICE REPORTS WERE FILED FOR EACH CRASH THAT OCCURRED. THE CONTACT DID NOT REPORT ANY INJURIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 11,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 48,000.
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) I PURCHASED A NEW 2008 HONDA ELEMENT EX ALL WHEEL DRIVE [XXX] ON APRIL 24, 2009. FROM DOBBS HONDA, 2785 MENDENHALL, MEMPHIS TN. I RETURNED TO SERVICE DEPT IMMEDIATELY AFTER STOPPING AT 2ND TRAFFIC LIGHT BECAUSE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SOFT AND WENT COMPLETELY TO FLOOR. SERVICE REP ADVISED ME THE SOFT PEDAL WAS NORMAL. RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP A COUPLE WEEKS LATER ON ANOTHER ISSUE AND COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SOFTNESS OF THE BRAKE PEDAL, AGAIN WAS TOLD IT WAS NORMAL. RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP ON JULY 20, 2009 AND PRESENTED THE SERVICE REP WITH A COPY OF HONDA SERVICE BULLETIN 07-045 TITLED " BRAKE PEDAL IS LOW AND FEELS SOFT" (EXACT SYMPTOMS I HAD DESCRIBED 3 TIMES). MY ELEMENT FALLS IN THE VIN #'S COVERED. I ASKED THAT THE SERVICE MGR ROAD TEST MY ELEMENT. THE WORK ORDER # 368081 WRITTEN NARRATIVE STATES "SERVICE MANAGER TEST DROVE THE VEH AND FOUND VEH OPERATING TO FACTORY SPEC AT THIS TIME). COMMENCING ON THE FIRST DAY I PURCHASED THE ELEMENT I HAVE BEEN COMPELLED TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL AT LEAST ONCE TO FEEL COMFORTABLE STOPPING, WHEN I DEPRESS THE PEDAL AND IT FALLS TO THE FLOOR A SENSE OF PANIC IS FELT. I RECENTLY LEARNED FROM THE HONDA ELEMENT OWNERS CLUB WEB SITE THAT A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR LATE APRIL ALONG WITH AN IMMEDIATE STOP SELL ORDER ON 07 AND 08 ELEMENTS. APPARENTLY HONDA HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS BRAKE DEFECT SINCE 2007 (SB 07 INDICATES 2007 ISSUE DATE). BETWEEN APRIL 09 AND JULY 09 THE DEALERSHIP ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS DENIED ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE SOFT PEDAL AND PEDAL HITTING THE FLOOR ALTHOUGH THE SERVICE BULLETIN CLEARLY STATES THE NECESSARY PART #'S AND STEPS REQUIRED TO CORRECT THIS DEFECT. WHAT HAS TAKEN HONDA SO LONG TO ADMIT TO AND ISSUE A RECALL TO CORRECT THIS KNOWN UNSAFE BRAKE DEFECT? *TR
I AM AN OWNER OF A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT WHICH RECENTLY CAME OUT WITH A MEDIA RELEASE FROM HONDA THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH BRAKE FAILURE. ONE YEAR AGO I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH YOU REGARDING BRAKE FAILURE ON MY ELEMENT. THE DEALER AT THAT TIME FOUND THAT I HAD VERY SPONGY BRAKES AND AIR BUBBLES IN THE LINE BUT COULD NOT GIVE ME AN ANSWER OF WHY THIS WOULD HAPPEN AND NOT GUARANTEE THAT IT COULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. I HAVE WORRIED CONSTANTLY ABOUT THIS AND SO I STILL CONTINUED TO FEEL THE SPONGY BRAKES SO I TOOK IT TO A DIFFERENT DEALER THAT CHECKED OUT AND SAID THAT IS JUST THE WAY HONDA ELEMENT BRAKES ARE. SO 2 MONTHS AGO THE BRAKES WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR AGAIN ( I HAVE TO PUMP THEM QUICKLY SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY FINALLY GRAB) I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY ONCE AGAIN CHECKED IT AND FOUND NOTHING, WELL SINCE THIS MEDIA RELEASE CAME OUT THAT THERE WAS GOING TO BE A RECALL ON 410,000 HONDA VEHICLES I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALER SERVICE MANAGER HE WAS VERY APOLOGETIC AND SAID THAT WAS EXACTLY MY VEHICLE, AND AGREED WITH ME THAT IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE UNTIL THEY GET THE PARTS TO REPAIR IT; HE HAD ME CALL HONDA AN THEY TREATED ME VERY VERY RUDELY THEY TOLD ME JUST TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, I TOLD THEM I ALREADY HAD AND THAT IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE SINCE I'VE ALREADY EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM, THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WON'T GIVE ME A RENTAL CAR AND JUST KEPT REPEATING TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID THAT I COULD NOT BE CERTAIN THAT MY VEHICLE HAD THIS MALFUNCTION. I'M VERY FRUSTRATED THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE ON THE ROAD AND EVEN THE DEALER AGREES WITH ME ,IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY BUT HONDA BASICALLY JUST DOES NOT CARE AND THEY TREATED ME LIKE I'M MAKING A BIG DEAL ABOUT THIS. PLEASE HELP! *TR
I OWN A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT AND THE BRAKE PEDAL HAS BECOME EVEN SOFTER AND THE PEDAL TRAVEL LONGER THAN IT WAS WHEN WE PURCHASED IT.....SIMILAR TO WHAT I NOTICED ON THE USED ELEMENT WE TEST DROVE PRIOR TO OUR PURCHASE. *TR
0TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT LX. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF 10 MPH DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE BRAKE PEDAL FELL CLOSER TO THE FLOORBOARD THAN USUAL. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE BRAKE SEAL TESTED NORMAL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,000. UPDATED 05/10/10 *BF UPDATED 05/12/10.*JB
SOFT, MUSHY BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, PEDAL SLOWLY GOES TO THE FLOOR AND MUST BE PUMPED TO MAINTAIN BRAKE PRESSURE. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAS IMPROPERLY WELDED A FRONT BUSHING BRACKET ON THE LEFT TRAILING ARM OF THE REAR SUSPENSION. RECALL#08V349000, SUSPENSION:REAR BUT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED; THEREFORE, HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,400.
DUE TO LOOSE BRAKE, IT TAKES TIME TO STOP (AT SPEED OF 15 MPH). I FELT IT COULD BE DANGEROUS IF I WERE TO BE DRIVING FASTER. *TR
BOUGHT 2008 HONDA ELEMENT NEW IN DEC. 2009. AT ABOUT 5000MI. (8MO.) BRAKES BECAME INCREASINGLY MUSHY AND PEDAL SOFT. EVENTUALLY BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE UNTIL ABOUT AN INCH OFF FLOOR. DEALER CONFIRMED AND REPLACED BRAKE MODULE. WITHIN A WEEK THEY WERE BAD AGAIN. DEALER REBLED BRAKES SAID REAR PADS WERE WORN EXCESSIVELY AND UNEVENLY, ROTORS SHOWED SIGNS OF EXCESSIVE HEAT, THEY REPLACED PADS. SOLID WHEN PICKED UP, LASTED LESS THAN A WEEK. NOW CAR HAS PERIODS OF A FEW HUNDRED MILES OF SOLID BRAKING, THEN PERIODS OF SOFT, FADING BRAKING WITH WILD SWINGS OF RPMS FROM THE VACUUM BOOST. HAVE HAD SIX CLOSE CALLS DURING THESE PERIODS. *TR
REAR BRAKES FAILED 2008 HONDA ELEMENT HEARD WHINING NOISE 5 MONTHS PRIOR IN REAR BRAKES. DEALER CHECKED AND SAID NOTHING FOUND. 5 MONTHS LATER DEALER SAID REAR BRAKES 'GONE' AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. 1/3 OF ONE OF REAR ROTORS WAS MISSING/ERODED AWAY. VEHICLE ONLY HAD 24000 MILES. ROTOR AND PADS REPLACED. INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS MULTIPLE SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH ELEMENT . SEE: ELEMENTOWNERSCLUB.COM. *TR
WHILE STANDING NEXT TO OUR 2008 HONDA ELEMENT, WHICH WAS PARKED BESIDE OUR HOUSE UNDER THE CARPORT, THE REAR SIDE WINDOW OF THE CAR SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED AND STRUCK BOTH MY WIFE AND I WITH GLASS. WE WERE NOT INJURED BY THE SAFETY GLASS. THE WINDOW SEEMED TO EXPLODE, FROM THE INSIDE OUT, AND GLASS PIECES FLEW OVER A WIDE AREA. NO ONE WAS IN THE CAR, AND THE CAR WAS NOT RUNNING. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE SHADE, UNDER THE CARPORT, AND THE TEMPERATURE WAS AROUND 40 DEGREES. THERE IS NO CHANCE THAT ANYTHING COULD HAVE STRUCK THE WINDOW SINCE IT WAS FAR OFF THE STREET IN OUR DRIVEWAY BEHIND OUR IRON GATE. THE SHATTERED WINDOW WAS PROTECTED FROM THE POSSIBILITY OR FLYING OBJECTS BY OUR HOUSE. WE HAVE READ REPORTS ONLINE WHERE THIS SAME SITUATION HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER HONDA ELEMENTS. NO PROPERTY WAS DAMAGED EXCEPT THE WINDOW, WHICH MUST BE REPLACED. HAD THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, WE THINK THE SURPRISE AND VIOLENCE OF THE EXPLODING WINDOW COULD HAVE CAUSE A DANGEROUS SITUATION, INCLUDING A CRASH. IF WE HAD A PASSENGER OR CHILD IN THE REAR SEAT, THAT PERSON WOULD HAVE BEEN STRUCK WITH GLASS. APPROXIMATELY 20 PERCENT OF THE GLASS PIECES WERE IN THE VEHICLE, WITH THE REST FALLING OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH HE APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. CONSEQUENTLY, HE REAR-ENDED THE PROCEEDING VEHICLE. THE DRIVER IN THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL IN AN AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE RECEIVED $4,000 WORTH OF DAMAGES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE ANTI- LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM COMPUTER MODULE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 4,000.
I BELIEVE THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT ON MY CAR IS A SAFETY HAZARD. THIS BELT CINCHES SO TIGHTLY THAT I MUST REMOVE IT WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. IT IS EQUIPPED WITH THE RACHETING SYSTEM INTENDED FOR A CHILD SAFETY SEAT. IT IS UNSAFE AND HONDA HAS NO FIX FOR THIS. BMW FIXED MY 5-SERIES, AND GM PROVIDED ME A SEAT BELT EXTENDER WHICH SOMEHOW STOPS THE CINCHING FROM OCCURRING. A FRIEND HAS THE SAME CAR (OLDER MODEL) AND SHE HAS DISABLED HER SEAT BELT BECAUSE SHE CAN'T BREATHE. IS THERE SOMETHING WHICH CAN BE DONE TO AID ME IN GETTING HONDA TO FIX THIS SCARY SITUATION. THE PROBLEM IS ONGOING, THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT. THANK YOU. *TR
I HAVE AN 08 HONDA ELEMENT THAT I BOUGHT NEW. FROM 1ST DAY I'VE OWNED IT I THOUGHT THE BRAKES FELT SOFT/MUSHY. I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST ME GETTING USED TO A NEW VEHICLE, AT TIMES NOW BRAKES WHEN I'VE STOPPED HARD IT FELT LIKE ELEMENT PEDAL WAS AT THE FLOOR AND I WONDERED IF VEHICLE WAS GOING TO STOP. I NOW KNOW THAT SEVERAL OTHER ELEMENT OWNERS HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM AND HONDA HAS ISSUED A TSB ON IT. SEVERAL THAT HAVE HAD THE TSB DONE ARE SAYING THAT THEY STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I BROUGHT MINE IN AND THE DEALER HAS ORDERED THE VSA MODULATOR. I JUST WANT TO BE ON RECORD THAT THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM THAT HONDA MAY HAVE TO DO MORE THAN THEY ARE CURRENTLY DOING TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. BRAKES ARE NOT A PROBLEM TO TAKE LIGHTLY. I BOUGHT MY ELEMENT NEW IN APR 08. *TR
2008 HONDA ELEMENT BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL IS EXCESSIVE AND THE BRAKES ARE AT TIMES SOFT. *TR
MUSHY BRAKES. *TR
PURCHASED NEW 2008 HONDA ELEMENT ON 23 SEP 2008 DURING FAMILY EMERGENCY VISIT TO OHIO WHILE TRAVELING TO FLORIDA. THE CAR WAS TO BE LICENSED IN FLORIDA WHERE I HAVE A HOME SO A THIRTY DAY TAG WAS ISSUED WITH ARRANGEMENTS FOR ANOTHER THIRTY DAY TAG TO BE SENT TO LOCATION IN ROUTE IF NEEDED. AFTER PICKING UP THE CAR I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED A BRAKE NOISE AND VIBRATION WHEN STOPPING. I WAS TRAVELING TO FLORIDA THE NEXT DAY BUT DID CALL THE SALESMAN, WHO ADVISED ME THAT AS THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING, THIS WAS NORMAL AND I SHOULD DRIVE THE CAR AND \"BURN IN\" THE BRAKES. I THEN TRAVELED IN THE CAR TO BOSTON TO VISIT FRIENDS AND THEN WORKED MY WAY DOWN THE EAST COAST. I STOPPED AT A HONDA DEALER IN VIRGINIA BEACH, VA WHERE THEY WERE KIND ENOUGH TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE THE SECOND THIRTY DAY TAG SENT BUT THEY COULD NOT LOOK AT THE CAR FOR A FEW DAYS. MY SCHEDULE WOULD NOT PERMIT A DELAY SO I CONTINUED THE TRAVEL TO FLORIDA. THE CAR WAS PARKED IN A GARAGE IN MY HOME IN FLORIDA DURING DECEMBER 2008 TO FEBRUARY 2009 WHILE I RETURNED TO GERMANY TO TIE UP LOOSE ENDS. I RETURNED TO FLORIDA IN LATE FEBRUARY 2009 AND TOOK THE CAR TO BLOUNT HONDA IN LEESBURG, FL FOR 6000 MILE CHECKUP IN EARLY MARCH. I ASKED THEM TO SPECIFICALLY LOOK AT THE BRAKES. AS I WAS WAITING FOR THE CAR, THE MECHANIC ADVISED ME THAT THEIR WAS ROTOR DISTORTION CAUSED BY THE CAR SITTING, THE ROTORS WOULD HAVE TO BE TURNED, AND IT WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. THE CAR DID SIT FOR TWO AND A HALF MONTHS WHILE IN MY POSSESSION BUT I DISMISSED THIS AS THE CAUSE AS THE BRAKE PROBLEM WAS NOTICED THE INSTANT I GOT THE CAR IN SEPTEMBER 2008. IT WOUND UP COSTING ME $160.00 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT THE CAR WAS RECEIVED BY JAY HONDA DEALER IN JANUARY 2008 AND THEY HAD IN THEIR POSSESSION FOR ALMOST NINE MONTHS. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH AMERICAN HONDA WHO SAID THAT IT WAS UP TO THE SELLING DEALER TO REIMBURSE ME. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THEY WOULD NOT. *TR
PREMATURE RIGHT REAR BRAKE WEAR (OUT BOAD 2.9MM INBOARD TAPERED FROM 6MM)REQUIRING RESURFACING AND NEW PADS AT APPROX 22,500 MILES. LEFT REAR OUT/INBOARD EXPECTED NOMINAL 6MM. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT PURCHASED FOUR NEW RIMS AND A TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR MONITOR. LAST FALL, THE TPMS ICON FLASHED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR WAS NOT WORKING. THE DEALER HAD TO ENTER A NEW CODE INTO EACH SET OF TPMS' TO ENABLE THE SYSTEM. FIVE MONTHS LATER, THE DEALER CHANGED THE TIRES. AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER, THE TPMS LIGHT FLASHED AGAIN. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE DEALER IS RIPPING OFF CONSUMERS BY CHARGING $50 TO ENABLE THE CODE TO ACTIVATE THE TPMS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,500. UPDATED 5/27/09 *CN UPDATED 06/01/09.*JB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PULL INTO A PARKING SPACE AT NO MORE THAN 8 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A CURB AND INTO A LAWN. SHE HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKES NUMEROUS TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS AIR IN THE BRAKE LINES. THEY DRAINED AND REPLACED ALL THE FLUID FROM THE BRAKES AND PRESSURIZED THE BRAKE LINES. THE DEALER COULD NOT EXPLAIN WHY THE FAILURE OCCURRED OR IF IT WOULD RECUR. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED BECAUSE THE DEALER HAS DEALT WITH THIS ISSUE IN THE PAST. SHE WAS ADVISED TO CONSTANTLY PUMP THE BRAKES TO PREVENT THE FAILURE FROM RECURRING. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 13,000.
GOT INTO THE CAR AND SAW A CRACK ON THE FRONT WINDSHIELD THAT IS COMING FROM THE MIDDLE PORTION, UNDER THE MOLDING LEFT TO RIGHT. (IF SITTING IN CAR.) CONTACTED HONDA AND STILL NO RESPONSE. ALWAYS WE WILL CALL YOU BACK. *TR
I HAVE A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT WITH BRAKE PROBLEMS. I TOOK THE CAR TO ONE DEALER IN SOUTH HILL VIRGINIA WHO TOLD ME NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE IT WAS TOO DANGEROUS AND NEEDED A NEW MASTER CYLINDER. SOMEONE ELSE PICKED THE CAR UP FOR ME AFTER THEY SAID IT WAS FIXED. I DROVE THE CAR AND THOUGHT THEY WERE STILL "SOFT", SO A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER I TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALER IN DANVILLE VIRGINIA AND ASKED THAT THEY TEST DRIVE THE CAR. THEY SAID , YOU BETTER NOT DRIVE THIS CAR , IT IS DANGEROUS, AND ORDERED ANOTHER MASTER CYLINDER. I POCKET THE CAR UP TODAY AND GUESS WHAT? THE BRAKES ARE THE SAME. WHAT DO I DO? THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS. THE BRAKES DO NOT REACT AS SOON AS APPLIED AND THEY LOOSE PRESSURE UNDER FOOT. *TR
THE TPMS LIGHT ON MY 2008 HONDA ELEMENT EX WILL NOT TURN OFF. IT HAS BEEN THIS WAY SINCE NOVEMBER OF 2007. AFTER FIVE VISITS, THE HONDA DEALER CONCLUDED THAT IT WAS THE TIRES AND NOTHING TO DO WITH THEIR TPMS. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 2,000 MILES ON IT. AT 500 MILES I REPLACED THE ORIGINAL TIRES WITH BRIDGESTONE DUELER ALENZA'S OF THE SAME SIZE. IT IS THESE TIRES THAT HONDA IS SAYING IS THE PROBLEM. MY RESPONSE IS THE TPMS SHOULD WORK WITH ALL SAME SIZE TIRES! *TR
I JUST NOTICED I HAVE A CRACKED WINDSHIELD ON MY NEW 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. I DON'T RECALL ANY DEBRI OR ANYTHING HITTING MY WINDSHIELD BUT I NOTICED A CRACK? IN MY 37 YEARS OF DRIVING I HAVE HAD ONLY 1 CRACKED WINDSHIELD AND IN THAT CASE I SAW AND HEARD THE ROCK HIT MY WINDSHIELD BACK IN 1995ISH. *TR
ALL THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKED OUT OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. VEHICLE ONLY SLID BACKWARDS UNTIL PLACED IN PARK. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER FOR REPAIR. DEALER PUT IN TRANSMISSION FLUID, CHECKED PRESSURE AND RETURNED TO OWNER. IN 5-7 DAYS VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK BACKWARDS FORCEFULLY. RETURNED VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REPAIR. VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT DEALER FOR 4 DAYS NOW. DEALER FIRST REPLACED SOLENOID SWITCH. HONDA WOULD NOT RELEASE TO DEALER NEW TRANSMISSION UNTIL SOLENOID WAS REPLACED. NOW DEALER HAS TO KEEP CAR LONGER TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines
▸ Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances
▸ Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable
▸ Engine derate or no-start condition — DEF system failure puts vehicle into limp mode limiting speed to 5mph
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 110 total NHTSA complaints filed over 20 years, with the worst year being 2010 (20 complaints, including 2 crash reports).
The amber reliability line averaged 97/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 90/100 in 2018.
The red dashed lines mark recall issuance — the first recall came 4 years after owners began filing complaints, a lag that indicates the manufacturer was slow to formally acknowledge these problems.
Red dots on the amber line flag 3 years (2009, 2010, 2018) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $34,614 (~$577/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2008 HONDA Element — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
15% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
- ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for 5J6YH28798L008336. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
HONDA has been fined $93M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2016: Additional penalties related to Takata airbag recall management.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 5J6YH28798L008336 |
| Model Year | 2008 |
| Make | HONDA |
| Model | Element |
| Trim | EX |
| Vehicle Type | MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV) |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] |
| Doors | 5 |
| Drive Type | 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Automatic |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.359737216 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. |
| Assembly City | EAST LIBERTY |
| Assembly Country | UNITED STATES (USA) |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 5J6 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 9 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | 8 |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | L |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 008336 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 13 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 110 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 8/2/2026, 5:54:33 PM.