2008 Honda Element problems
Owners have filed 129 complaints about the 2008 Honda Element with NHTSA. Air bags account for 17.8% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of suspension at 17.8%.
Complaints129
Crashes5
Fires0
Injuries2
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Air bags 17.8% · 23
Suspension 17.8% · 23
Service brakes, hydraulic 17.8% · 23
Structure 10.9% · 14
Service brakes 5.4% · 7
Visibility 4.7% · 6
Electrical system 4.7% · 6
Unknown or other 3.1% · 4
Severity
Of those complaints, 5 describe a crash and 2 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 6 model years of the Honda Element in this data, 2008 draws comparatively few complaints; 2003 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 16 in the last three years against 24 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 26,500 miles.
In owners' own words
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. Suspension
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. Suspension · reported at 200,000 miles
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. Suspension · reported at 70,400 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…