2008 Honda Element Problems
Shopping for a used 2008 Honda Element? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 110 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Brake System the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2008 Honda Element has 110 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Brake System.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2008 Honda Element Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2008 Honda Element trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2008 Honda Element Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated20.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
20.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2008 Honda Element has 110 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 13 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Brake System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Honda
- Model
- Element
- Model year
- 2008
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 110
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 13
- Top reported component
- Brake System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2008 Honda Element problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Brake System
Suspension Failures
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Suspension Failures, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2008 Honda Element?
The 2008 Honda Element shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2008 Honda Element
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the brake system for any signs of wear or malfunction.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for suspension, airbag, and hydraulic components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the brake system for any signs of wear or malfunction.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for suspension, airbag, and hydraulic components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2008 Honda Element, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2008 Honda Element are concentrated in the brake system, suspension, airbags, and hydraulic components. The data suggests potential issues with these systems, but the low confidence level and limited sample size warrant caution.
- Brake system complaints are the most numerous among reported issues.
- Suspension failures and airbag malfunctions each account for a significant portion of complaints.
- Hydraulic problems are also frequently reported, tied with suspension and airbags.
- Brake System
- Suspension Failures
- Airbag Malfunctions
Full breakdown
All 2008 Honda Element complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Honda Element. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 34 | 3 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 23 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 23 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 23 | 2 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Honda Element. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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: 08…
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, du…
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 th…
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 i…
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, includi…
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…
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 l…
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 dri…
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 in…
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 f…
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…
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…
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 indep…
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 …
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. Th…
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 w…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2008 Honda Element.
Safety recalls
2008 Honda Element recalls
13 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2008 Honda Element. 13 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
SUSPENSION:REAR
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2008 Honda Element buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2008 Honda Element reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 110 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 13 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2008 Honda Element shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Honda Element?▾
#1: Brake System (34 complaints). #2: Suspension Failures (23 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (23 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Honda Element?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2008 Honda Element?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2008 Honda Element, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 110 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2008 Honda Element have any recalls?▾
Yes. 13 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2008 Honda Element. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 13 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2008 Honda Element?▾
The 2008 Honda Element shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Brake System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Honda Element reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2008 Honda Element based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.