2009 HONDA ELEMENT Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2009 Honda Element. This model year has 29 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Brake System.
Before you buy — check the actual VIN
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 2009 Honda Element Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Brake System
Suspension Failures
Airbag Malfunctions
Considering a 2009 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 2009 Honda Element. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 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 2009 Honda Element. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 29 most recent complaints
There is corrosion on the rear trailing arm and surrounding area. Also rust is forming on rear subframe / crossmembers and the front subframe. Over time, this can result in premature structural failure and catastrophic accident. It poses a serious safety risk. It affects the stru…
Just like the same era's Honda CR-V (the Honda Element's sibling car with many of the same components), the undercarriage rust on my vehicle is excessive: as described in the same era Honda CR-V's NHTSA Recall (23V-228). Large sections of my car’s rear frame are completely missin…
Just like the same era's Honda CR-V (the Honda Element's sibling car with many of the same components), the undercarriage rust on my vehicle is excessive: as described in the same era Honda CR-V's NHTSA Recall (23V-228). Sections of my car’s rear frame are rusty. Just like with t…
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Element. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH and approaching a stop sign, the contact observed a noise coming from the rear driver's side of the vehicle. The contact stated that when the vehicle came to a stop, he opened the driver'…
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Element. The contact stated there was an extreme amount of rust on the vehicle. The contact stated that the trailing arm was corroded and had several holes. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was un…
While driving the left rear wheel went sideway... looking underneath the Unibody had corroded to the point the left control arm separated from the car making it undrivable.... was told to not drive the car as it is not safe...
The driver side rear trail arm broke free from under the vehicle. Vehicle loses control much like having flat tires but more violent fish tailing. Vehicle is hard to control to pull over to shoulder. Photos were shown to local Honda dealer representative, Scott Guyette. (Gustma…
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Element. The contact stated the driver's side rear trailing arm detached from the vehicle while he was reversing at an undisclosed speed, and the vehicle stopped. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the failure occurred due t…
A FAILED MODULATOR. SERVICE ADVISORY A52 MUSHY BRAKES.
BRAKE PEDAL TOO SOFT. CHANGED FLUID, STILL THE SAME.
SPONGY BRAKE PEDAL GOES ALMOST TO FLOOR. HAVE NEW ROTORS & PADS AND JUST HAD THE SYSTEM FLUSHED AND BLED. NO CHANGE IN OPERATION. STILL SPONGY AND TRAVEL ALMOST TO FLOOR. SYMPTOMS HAVE EXISTED FOR YEARS.
THE BRAKE PEDAL IS VERY SOFT AND THE BRAKES WEAR UNEVENLY AND CLAPPERS LOCK UP EVEN AFTER REPLACEMENT OF PADS ROTERS, CLAPPERS, HOSES,AND BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED, DROVE OVER A CURB, AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT…
THE CAR ACCELERATES INCORRECTLY MAKING IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE. NO MATTER HOW MUCH GAS YOU GIVE IT, THE CAR WILL ONLY GO 15 MPH. THIS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS, ESPECIALLY WHEN ENTERING A HIGHWAY OR TURNING LEFT. THE ONLY WARNING YOU GET IS A LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD. THE PROBLEM ON T…
I WAS DRIVING MY HONDA ELEMENT 2009 ON A HWY IN SC. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION AND I HAD A GREEN LIGHT AND THE CAR WAS MOVING FORWARD WHEN A WOMAN WHO WAS DRIVING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, MADE A LEFT TURN IN THE INTERSECTION FAILING TO YIELD ME THE RIGHT OF WAY. MY CAR IMPACTED HER …
TAKATA RECALL : AFTER SERVICING OUR HONDA VEHICLE TODAY, THERE IS A WARNING NOT TO ALLOW A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT, AND THEY CANNOT OR WILL NOT REPAIR/REPLACE THE DANGEROUS AIRBAG. WHY CAN THEY NOT DISABLE IT UNTIL THEY CAN REPLACE OR REMOVE IT? HOW CAN I USE THIS AUTO FOR…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V320000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE…
INTERIM SHAFT BEARING BROKEN - REPLACED BY TWO DIFFERENT DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENTS AT 20K MILES IN JUNE 2014 AND ALSO AT 30K MILES IN DEC 2015 WITH ORDINARY SUBURBAN DRIVING
BRAKE PEDAL IS SOFT AND GOES TO THE FLOOR WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. WHEN THE ENGINE IS OFF THE PEDAL IS HARD AND DOES NOT GO TO THE FLOOR.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP SIGN TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE PANEL CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AROUND THREE TIMES IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITH FORCE, METAL …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Honda Element.
Recalls for 2009 Honda Element
9 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 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.
2009 Honda Element — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2009 Honda Element reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2009 Honda Element has 29 NHTSA owner complaints, 4 crash-related, and 9 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Brake System (8 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Honda Element?▾
#1: Brake System (8 complaints). #2: Suspension Failures (6 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (5 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Honda Element?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Honda Element?▾
The 2009 Honda Element has 4 crash-related complaints and 0 fire reports out of 29 total NHTSA complaints. 2 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Honda Element have any recalls?▾
Yes — 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 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 2009 Honda Element?▾
The 2009 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 2009 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.