2009 Honda Element Problems
Shopping for a used 2009 Honda Element? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 29 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Brake System the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2009 Honda Element has 29 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.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2009 Honda Element Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2009 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.
2009 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 2009 Honda Element has 29 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Brake System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Honda
- Model
- Element
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 29
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 9
- 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 2009 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 2009 Honda Element?
The 2009 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 2009 Honda Element
Inspection Focus
- Inspect brake system for any signs of wear or malfunction.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for suspension and airbag components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect brake system for any signs of wear or malfunction.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for suspension and airbag components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 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
Based on 29 NHTSA complaints for the 2009 Honda Element, issues are concentrated in the brake system, suspension, and airbags. The data suggests potential concerns with these components, though the low complaint volume limits confidence.
- Brake system complaints are the most reported issue with 8 complaints.
- Suspension failures account for 6 complaints, the second most common.
- Airbag malfunctions are noted in 5 complaints.
- Brake System
- Suspension Failures
- Airbag Malfunctions
Full breakdown
All 2009 Honda Element complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Honda Element. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| 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.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Honda Element. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
Safety recalls
2009 Honda Element recalls
9 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Honda Element. 9 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
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2009 Honda Element buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Honda Element reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 29 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 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 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?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Honda Element, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 29 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Honda Element have any recalls?▾
Yes. 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Honda Element. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 9 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 2009 Honda Element?▾
The 2009 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 2009 Honda Element based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
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.