2008 Honda Element problems
The Honda Element is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by Honda and marketed in North America over a single generation for model years 2003–2011 — and noted for its boxy exterior styling with bi-parting side doors and its boxy, flexible interior layout.
Manufactured in East Liberty, Ohio, the Element used a modified second generation CR-V platform with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. By late 2010, shortly before its discontinuation, production had totaled approximately 325,000.
Overview
The Element followed a concept called Model X which was developed by a core group of Honda R&D engineers in 1998 and debuted at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Model X was designed as an activity-oriented vehicle combining features of a pickup truck and a sport utility vehicle, and its styling was inspired by a lifeguard station, its roofline arched to evoke the curve of a surfboard.
Noted for its four bi-parting side doors that open to provide a clear aperature of 55.5 inches, the structure of the Element eliminates the B-pillars by reinforcing and enlarging the side sills, floor and roof cross members, and providing five bulkheads per side. The rear door structure have a reinforced vertical beam and, when closed, connect to the body side sill via a hook and catch system, effectively creating a B-pillar. The rear-hinged rear side doors can open only after the forward doors.
The production Element debuted at the 2002 New York International Auto Show with an interior featuring TPO-coated textured urethane flooring; stain-resistant fabric; individually reclining and removable rear seats that stow.
The four-cylinder i-VTEC 2.4 Litre K Engine produced 166 hp (124 kW) at 5800 rpm and 162 lb⋅ft (220 N⋅m) of torque at 4000 rpm for 2007-2011 model years and 160 hp (119 kW) at 5500 rpm and 160 lb⋅ft (217 N⋅m) of torque at 4500 rpm in 2003-2006 model years. Drive is either front-wheel drive or optionally, all wheel drive — via a hydraulically actuated on demand system that engages with front wheel slippage, marketed as "Real Time 4WD". The Element has a towing capacity of 680 kg, or 1500 lbs and a gross weight of 4450 lbs (2018 kg).
In 2007, the Element won the Dogcars.com "Dog Car of the Year" award because of its "versatile cargo space, easy-clean flooring, crate-friendly rear design and optional 4 wheel drive." and in 2010 it won the "Small SUV" category as a "Top Safety Pick" in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Annual Awards.
With projected first year sales of 50,000, the Element sold 67,478 units in 2003 in the US. In 2010, just over 14,000 were sold. According to a 2003 survey, 67% of buyers were over 35, 38% were women, and the median age was 42.
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Common 2008 Honda Element problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Honda Element 2008, several common problems have been reported:
- Sticky Door Locks: Owners have experienced issues with sticky door locks due to worn door lock tumblers. This problem can lead to difficulty in locking and unlocking the doors, impacting the overall security and convenience of the vehicle.
- Wobbly Driveshaft: Some owners have reported wobbly driveshaft issues in the Honda Element 2008. A wobbly driveshaft can cause vibrations, noise, and potentially affect the vehicle's drivability and overall performance.
- Oil Leaks from VTC Solenoid: Another common problem is oil leaks from the Variable Timing Control (VTC) solenoid. Oil leaks can lead to engine performance issues, reduced lubrication, and potential damage if not addressed promptly.
- Faulty Ignition Switch: Owners have also faced troubles with a faulty ignition switch in the Honda Element 2008. A faulty ignition switch can result in starting problems, electrical issues, and in some cases, complete failure to start the vehicle.
These issues can impact the overall driving experience, safety, and maintenance costs of the Honda Element 2008. It is essential for owners to address these problems promptly to ensure the longevity and reliability of their vehicle.
Do Honda Elements have issues?
If you want to keep driving your Honda Element for a long time, you'll have to resolve any issues as soon as they pop up. Engine oil leaks, differential fluid breakdowns, and faulty door locks can all interfere with your Element's driveability, even with its high reliability rating.
Is Honda Element a reliable car?
The Honda Element is a reliable vehicle, but it's not without issues. Here are some of them: Engine oil leaks: Elements of model 2003-2011 suffered from engine oil leaks due to faulty oil pressure sensors. This problem is usually indicated with the illumination of the check engine light.
How many miles can you get out of a 2008 Honda Element?
How long do Honda Elements last? According to getjerry.com, you can expect to get 250,000-300,000 miles out of the Honda Element. It's one of the sturdiest cars available and taking excellent care of it could boost it to survive even past this average.
Why did Honda quit making the Honda Element?
Honda Motors discontinued production of the Element because the model's gas mileage was too low, holding Honda's overall fleet averages above the regulatory targets imposed by U.S. Department of Transportation on manufacturers' Corporate Average Fuel Economy.
2008 Honda Element car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Honda Element problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Air bags problems
- Suspension problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Honda Element vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2008 Honda Element
The NHTSA has received 106 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Honda Element. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2008 Honda Element vehicles.
2024-10-24
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-24
- VIN: 5J6YH28718L
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.
2024-08-14
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-12
- VIN: 5J6YH28788L
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.
2024-08-04
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-04
- VIN: 5J6YH27358L
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.
2024-06-24
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-23
- VIN: 5J6YH28338L
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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.
2024-05-16
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-09
- VIN: 5J6YH28788L
- Components: SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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.
2024-04-09
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-07
- VIN: 5J6YH28798L
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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.
2024-02-18
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-16
- VIN: 5J6YH28748L
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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.
2024-02-08
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-01
- VIN: 5J6YH28788L
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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?
2023-11-06
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-05
- VIN: 5J6YH287X8L
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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
2023-10-16
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-10
- VIN: 5J6YH28328L
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,WHEELS
- Summary: 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.
2023-08-11
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-10
- VIN: 5J6YH28778L
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: Rear wheel suspension broke while driving. Wheel forced into wheel well. ( Rear Trailing arm Broke?)
2023-07-21
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-20
- VIN: 5J6YH28798L
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.
2023-06-08
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-02
- VIN: 5J6YH28708L
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.
2023-05-31
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-31
- VIN: 5J6YH28758L
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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.
2023-05-24
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-23
- VIN: 5J6YH27768L
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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.
2023-04-23
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-21
- VIN: 5J6YH287X8L
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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.
2023-04-12
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-16
- VIN: 5J6YH28758L
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: 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.
2023-04-10
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-05
- VIN: 5J6YH28758L
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.
2023-04-07
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-22
- VIN: 5J6YH28748L
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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.
2022-10-03
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-23
- VIN: 5J6YH28798L
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: The front passenger window regulator went out. Window dropped down into the door panel.
2022-10-03
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-23
- VIN: 5J6YH28798L
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: Driver side window regulator went out. Window dropped down on it's own.
2022-08-13
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-11
- VIN: 5J6YH187X8L
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
2022-07-28
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-01
- VIN: 5J6YH28748L
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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.
2022-05-30
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-28
- VIN: 5j6yh28798l
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.
2022-03-02
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-08-01
- VIN: 5J6YH28708L
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: No incident, Soft Brake Pedal all the time
2008 Honda Element recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 13 recalls for different components of the 2008 Honda Element.
2019-10-10
- Manufacturer: Dorman Products, Inc.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
- Summary: Dorman 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."
- Consequence: If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5. Dorman's number for this recall is AS1019XXXX.
2019-06-27
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (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.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.
2019-06-27
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (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.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.
2019-03-06
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (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.
- Consequence: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.
2018-04-26
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (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.
- Consequence: An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.
2017-01-10
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (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.
- Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall bagan March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KD9 and KE0.
2016-05-24
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (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.
- Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.
2015-05-28
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (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.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153. Honda's numbers for this recall are JQ9, JR0, JR1, JR2, JR3, JR4, JR5, JR6, JR7, and JR8.
2012-09-05
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
- Summary: Honda 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."
- Consequence: Without trailer turn signal illumination, the driver's intent is not communicated, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on September 20, 2012. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
2011-08-04
- Manufacturer: HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
- Summary: HONDA 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.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL. ADDITIONALLY, BROKEN PIECES OF THE OUTER RACE OR BALL BEARING FROM THE SECONDARY SHAFT MAY BECOME LODGED IN THE PARKING PAWL RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AFTER THE DRIVER HAS PLACED THE GEAR SELECTOR IN THE PARK POSITION. ENGINE STALL AND UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH OR PERSONAL INJURY TO PERSONS WITHIN THE PATH OF A ROLLING VEHICLE.
- Remedy: HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 27, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AUTOMOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
2010-06-15
- Manufacturer: ALL IN ONE MOBILITY, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
- Summary: ALL 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.
- Consequence: THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY BE INJURED IF THE SEAT BASE PIN WERE TO BREAK.
- Remedy: ALL IN ONE MOBILITY WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE VEHICLES WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ALL IN ONE MOBILITY AT 1-503-255-5005.
2010-03-16
- Manufacturer: HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
- Summary: HONDA 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.
- Consequence: IF THE OWNER DOES NOT HAVE ANY BRAKE SERVICE OR MAINTENANCE PERFORMED OVER A PERIOD OF MONTHS OR YEARS, THE SYSTEM CAN CONTINUE TO ACCUMULATE ENOUGH AIR TO AFFECT BRAKING PERFORMANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNER AND HONDA DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VSA MODULATOR BY REMOVING ANY EXISTING AIR IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM THEN APPLY SEALANT AND CAPS TO PREVENT AIR FROM ENTERING THE BRAKE SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 3, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
2008-07-29
- Manufacturer: HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- Summary: HONDA 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.
- Consequence: A SEPARATED BUSHING BRACKET COULD CAUSE THE SUSPENSION TO RELEASE THE LOWER PORTION OF THE WHEEL HUB, CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL AND DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE SYSTEM WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
- Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE CONTACTED BY PHONE AND ADVISED TO STOP DRIVING THEIR VEHICLES UNTIL THEY HAVE TAKEN THEIR VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LEFT REAR TRAILING ARM AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 25, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
Negative 2008 Honda Element car reviews
Positive 2008 Honda Element car reviews
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I bought it for the fun, but this is a practical car that you can use for your bikes, camping, or the long winters in Wisconsin. Plus, it's the most comfortable car you'll ever sit in. The MPG is fair, averaging 24-26, mostly on the highway. The MT is silky smooth, even better than my S2000.
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As a fellow car enthusiast, I completely understand the importance of finding a comfortable vehicle that meets your needs. I was delighted to hear that you were able to find a car that met your expectations and provided you with the comfort you were looking for. It's great to hear that the controls are easy to use and that the handling and steering are responsive. It sounds like you've had a positive experience with the car so far, and I hope that it continues to meet your needs. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the car's fit and finish, it's always helpful to hear from someone with such extensive experience in the automotive industry.
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I'm so glad I found this car! It's exactly what I've been looking for. I've owned several Accords and a Civic in the past, and they were all great cars, but I needed something more versatile to haul stuff on occasion after buying a house. The SC model is perfect for me because it sits lower on larger tires than the EX or LX, making it look sleeker and improving the handling. Plus, I love the Root Beer color, which is only available on the SC. I don't need 4WD, so the SC was the perfect choice for me. I'm really happy with my purchase and expect to keep this car for a long time because it fits all my needs.
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Hi there! I noticed that you own a 2005 Element EX AWD with a four-speed automatic. Did you know that the 2008 EX AWD has a five-speed automatic that gets better gas mileage than a five-speed manual? When I drive my 2005 at 80-85mph on the freeway, I average around 20-21mpg. However, on a recent all-freeway trip from Columbus to Dayton, I was able to average 24mpg while driving at an average speed of 90mph. Pretty impressive, right?
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I drove several different vehicles, including the tiny Fit and a luxurious CRV. However, as soon as I got into the Element, I knew it was the right one for me. The kiwi-metallic color puts a smile on my face every time I see it, and it is so much fun to drive. The factory stereo is amazing, and it bumps! It accelerates well enough, and I don't drive too aggressively. The kid seat fits with tons of room left over. Although I wish the rear windows rolled down, they pop open, but that can be a hassle while driving. The seats are fairly comfortable, a little stiff, but that helps a bad back on a long drive, and they provide good support. The interior room is massive, and it feels like a real sturdy vehicle. It drove WAY better than the Pilot. I have never loved a car like I love my Element!!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2008 Honda Element problems:
Common issues with the element : r/HondaElement
https://www.reddit.com/r/HondaElement/comments/1069t48/common_issues_with_the_element/
Jan 8, 2023 ... Some problems can cause the engine to go into limp home mode which limits the maximum RPM. Dirty oil clogging ports can cause this. In limp mode ...
Honda Element Common Problems | Honda Element Owners Club
https://www.elementownersclub.com/threads/honda-element-common-problems.43751/
Mar 5, 2008 ... Honda Element Common Problems · 1. change oil to synthetic · 2. change air filter. OR · 3. get a cold air intake system: let your engine breath a ...
2008 Honda Element Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2008-honda-element/problems
Problem with your 2008 Honda Element? Our list of 8 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2008 Honda Element.
The Four Horsemen of Element Problems : r/HondaElement
https://www.reddit.com/r/HondaElement/comments/wdqgb3/the_four_horsemen_of_element_problems/
Aug 1, 2022 ... 97 votes, 69 comments. 14K subscribers in the HondaElement community. A subreddit for Honda Element enthusiasts! The Honda Element was a ...
2008 Honda Element Reliability - Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/element/2008/reliability/
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Exhaust · Body Hardware · Climate System · Drive System · Engine Electrical · Paint And Trim · Electrical Accessories.
Other years of Honda Element
Are you having problems with your 2008 Honda Element?
Bo Keeling 2024-11-28
I've owned four Hondas before I bought the Element and I liked them all. However, the Element has a few drawbacks. It has too many blind spots, the clam-shell doors begin to squeak and rattle after a while, and they can blow around on the road when it's windy. The fuel economy is not that great, and when facing a headwind, it decreases even more. The windshield pillars are large enough to easily hide a mini-van and even a school bus depending on their position. Vision to the sides and rear suffers the same. I took it on several long-distance trips, and it proved to be uncomfortable. It pitches and yaws enough to make you feel motion sickness. Eventually, I traded it for another Accord.
Wyatt Bailey 2024-11-23
The Element is an excellent choice for families with messy children and pets. Its spacious interior and easy-to-clean design make it a breeze to haul stuff, even with the rear seats up. While the ride quality is rather spartan, this is to be expected. The engine could benefit from a little more horsepower, and the gas mileage is not great, but a hybrid version may be available soon. Despite being 6'2
Jerrod Dietrich 2024-09-17
I purchased this Honda with 30K miles and found that it had a lower fuel economy than expected. In town, I was getting around 20 mpg, while on the interstate at 75/78 mph without AC, I was able to achieve 25 mpg with Super Unleaded Fuel. However, 23 mpg was more typical for this underpowered 4 cyl. engine. Despite this, the engine is very smooth and torquey at the bottom. The transmission gearing could have been better, as it shifted hard and constantly between 4th and 5th gear at highway speeds. The 'no carpet' floor would have been a great idea if it were rubber instead of the hard, slippery plastic. Additionally, the car was prone to bugs and rocks on the windshield, as well as wind noise. Overall, this was not my favorite Honda in terms of performance and fuel economy, but it still had some positive qualities.
Barton Keeling 2024-04-29
I recently purchased this vehicle as an upgrade from my Nissan Pickup which I had for 6 years. My main reason for purchasing it was to be able to transport my bikes inside the vehicle instead of in the bed of the pickup. The interior is functional and perfectly suited to my needs. However, I have noticed some issues with the performance such as bad hesitation upon acceleration and difficulty accelerating quickly. The tires also tend to squeal on sharp corners and the car feels unsteady in the rain, which is a concern. Additionally, the mileage is quite poor at only 21 MPH for a 4 cylinder engine. I have some concerns about the potential for rollover as well. Lastly, the sunroof is located in the back and cannot be opened remotely, which is a bit inconvenient. Despite these issues, I am overall satisfied with my purchase and look forward to using it for my biking adventures.
Nels Macejkovic 2024-03-14
Congratulations on your first new car at 54! It's great to hear that you were excited to buy a Honda, especially the Element. Although you've had some issues with the fuel tank sensor, it's good to know that you're enjoying driving it. The Element has a unique and cool look that's hard to resist. It's understandable that the small irritations like the defrosters, radio speakers, and driver's side doors can be frustrating, but it's good to know that you've taken good care of it despite these issues. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!