2008 HONDA ELEMENT Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2008 Honda Element. This model year has 110 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Brake System.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2008 Honda Element Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Brake System
Suspension Failures
Airbag Malfunctions
Considering a 2008 Honda Element?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2008 Honda Element. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| 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.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Honda Element. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 110 most recent complaints
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.
Recalls for 2008 Honda Element
13 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2008 Honda Element. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2008 Honda Element — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2008 Honda Element reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2008 Honda Element has 110 NHTSA owner complaints, 4 crash-related, and 13 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Brake System (34 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
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?▾
The 2008 Honda Element has 4 crash-related complaints and 0 fire reports out of 110 total NHTSA complaints. 2 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2008 Honda Element have any recalls?▾
Yes — 13 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2008 Honda Element. The largest issue: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2008 Honda Element?▾
The 2008 Honda Element has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Brake System issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
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.
Check Your Specific 2008 Honda Element
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.