Honda Element Complaints

1,283 consumer complaints on file.

#11525996June 8, 2023
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11525107June 2, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY, STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving down a city street, heard a very loud crack/bang, and lost control of the vehicle. Fortunately I was going slow, 20-30mph and was able to safely stop. Upon exiting the vehicle, the rear driver side wheel was hanging at a weird angle. Looking under the car, the entire trailing arm and wheel assembly has broken off of the frame. If I was going faster, or had been on the highway, this would have caused an accident/rollover and injury for sure. Looking online for more information, I see that this is a known issue, and Honda has already issued a recall, but only for Canada. Vehicle was towed to and inspected by a AAA certified auto shop; they have written it off as a total loss, and suggest to sell the vehicle for parts. I contacted Honda, and they have told me to take it to a dealership for additional inspection by them.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11524696May 31, 2023
SUSPENSION
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11523670May 24, 2023
SUSPENSION
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11523484May 23, 2023
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2004 Honda Element. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the rear trailing arm detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 201,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11523545May 23, 2023
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2005 Honda Element. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and making a right turn, the rear driver’s side wheel assembly separated from the vehicle. The contact was able to park the vehicle in a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the rear driver’s side wheel assembly separated from the hub and needed to be replaced. The dealer was contact and stated that the vehicle was not under the recall for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and case was filed but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 14,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11523265May 22, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SUSPENSION
My air conditioner went out and I was going to put car in reverse to see if the fans were working. When I put the key in I didn't start the car because my key wouldn't go forward or backwards it was just stuck and the steering column locked up. When I first purchased the vehicle in October 2022 I had to have to front end suspension joints replaced the bar in the middle was cracked. It sounded and felt like the motor was going to fall out. I need to replace the back suspension due to very loud noises when driving like something is going to fall apart.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11521261May 9, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
Defect where rear controller arm connects to frame is rusted out. This would cause the rear tires to fall off. The rest of the car isn’t that bad. Canada there is a recall for this but not in the USA.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11520563May 5, 2023
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle, the vehicle would roll forward or backward. The contact stated that he restarted the vehicle and shifted into park(P), and the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and unintendedly striking the gear shifter, the vehicle shifted out of gear. The contact stated that he would manually shift back into the intended gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the ignition switch had failed to turn and was repaired by a locksmith; however, the failure recurred. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired free of charge because it was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V364000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11520604May 5, 2023
SUSPENSION
Rusted detached rear trailing arm. This is the same part involved in the Honda CR-V recall. This recall should be extended to the Honda Element which is on the same platform.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11518491April 23, 2023
SUSPENSION
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11518386April 22, 2023
SUSPENSION, WHEELS
LEFT REAR (DRIVER SIDE) TRAILING CONTROL ARM CAME OUT OF THE MOUNTING BRACKET CAUSING THE TIRE ASSEMBLY TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND NARROWLY ESCAPED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THIS DEFECT HAS A RECALL NOTICE IN CANADA BUT NOT USA. I NOTICED SIMILIAR COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WHICH IS A DESIGN DEFECT BY HONDA WITH NO GOOD REMEDIATION. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS INJURY TO MYSELF AND GRANCHILDREN IN THE CAR.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11518170April 20, 2023
AIR BAGS, STRUCTURE:BODY, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Seems Honda is hiding specific vin needing recal replacement of airbag fue to fact it's deployed. Attempt to cover up recall regarding this specific vin possibly aware that damage is done and if airbag deployed, vin check results "no current recalls" for vehicle. 2003 Honda Element had first recall replacement done. At that time Honda had person come to house to notify. This time, second recall, too late. It deployed and air bag is on recall list. Please provide honest facts. Correct me please if I misunderstood.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11516650April 12, 2023
SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE:BODY
I've been informed by my mechanic of excessive rust on the rear suspension. The car will not pass state inspection due to safety issues related to this. An appointment has been made with the Honda dealership to confirm. Honda has put out a recall/buy back for the same issue on the Element and the CRV in Canada, where there are areas of high salt usage. Honda has done the same for the CRV in northern 'high salt use' states but not yet the Element. I first heard knocking in the rear about 6 months ago but have generally been ignoring it. After an inspection following an unrelated issue is when I was alerted that the knocking was due to this. These are the details for the Canada recall: Honda is recalling all 2003-2011 Element SUVs, warning of rusting rear frames that could result in the complete separation of the rear trailing arm. According to Transport Canada, this recall applies to vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in areas of heavy road salt usage. This includes, but is not limited to Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. Signs of a worn rear trailing arm include difficulty to maintain a straight line, thudding noises coming from the rear and the appearance of the vehicle having been lifted. In a worst case scenario, the vehicle may lose control. Transport Canada elaborates that owners will be notified by mail to send their vehicle to dealers, who will inspect the vehicle for corrosion in the rear trailing arm front mount bolts. If passed, corrosion protection and support braces will be installed. If failed, Honda will offer to repurchase the vehicle. However, secondary inspections and body shop repairs are also possible. For more information on recall number 2021024, visit Transport Canada.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516723April 12, 2023
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516442April 11, 2023
SUSPENSION
The left rear trailing arm mount is very rusty as is the inner rocker. This is a problem with both the CRV and Element ,it's a safety issue because the mount can detach and cause a accident. This vehicle has had a yearly inspection in my state and has passed I am concerned it won't in the future because of trailing arm rust. The element are built on the same platform as the CRV witch is being recalled for this problem. The elements are being recalled in Canada for this problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516320April 10, 2023
STRUCTURE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11515985April 7, 2023
SUSPENSION
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11509959March 3, 2023
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vtec oil pressure switch low voltage threw a code so I replaced entire mechanism, I don't know the name buy removed wire snaps and three bolts and replaced with brand new, and reattached. Unplugged battery till all reserve was gone. Plugged back up [battery] drove, but still as I hit 3000 rpm and vtec turns on shoots check engine light and vehicle jukes. I have already changed oil, made sure proper level proper weight had flushed as to clean out any debris. Made sure all connections were tight, but nothing fixes problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11505768February 6, 2023
AIR BAGS
I drive a 2004 Honda Element and on Friday 2/3/23 I was in a car accident where I t-boned a car going 25 mph and my airbags did NOT deploy.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0

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