2008 Honda Element problems
NHTSA has received 131 complaints about the 2008 Honda Element, and 26% of them involve brakes. After that come air bags (18%) and suspension (18%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 131 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Brakes 26% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 5 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 2 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 27,000 miles 76 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 26 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 14 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 6 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 6 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 4 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 7 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 4 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 3 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 1 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 2 |
| 200k+ miles | 3 |
What the data shows
Among the 76 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 26,000 miles. For brakes specifically, the median reported mileage is about 17,000 miles (31 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 5 complaints mention a crash; 2 injuries reported. Its complaints are less severe on average than those of 85% of model years in our database.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2008 ranks 6th most-complained-about out of 8 model years of the Honda Element with enough data (49 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 12 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 honda element. While driving between 35-40 MPH he applied pressure to the brake pedal, but the vehicle would not stop. Consequently, he rear-ended the proceeding vehicle. The driver in the other vehicle was transported to the hospital in an ambulance. A police report was filed. The front end of the vehicle received $4,000 worth of damages. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for repairs. The failure was contributed to the anti- lock brake system computer module.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 honda element. While driving 15 MPH and making a left turn, the contact was struck head on by another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained neck and back inquiries that required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. An independent mechanic repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 honda element. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the contact tried to stop abruptly to avoid hitting a vehicle in front of him; however, he crashed into the rear of the other vehicle when the brakes did not engage. The contact drove the vehicle from the scene. The body damage was repaired by an authorized dealer.
Purchased a 2008 honda element in september 2010. Car had 29k miles on it. Brake pedal was soft during initial test drive (went to floor). Dealer bled brakes. Dealer replaced master cylinder on 10/14 due to soft pedal (goes to floor). Note that dealer confirmed the recall work had already been performed on this vehicle and did not work. This car is a safety hazard. I never know if it will stop.
As I was driving down the interstate, I heard a slight rattling sound. I then saw the left side windshield molding garnish completely break off of my car and fly into the road. I inspected the part and noticed that the plastic brackets that held it together were worn out from normal wear and tear, and became weak.