CarRecallWatchThe 2008 Honda Element has 12 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 113 complaints with NHTSA, including 5 crashes, 2 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Suspension (24 reports).
2008 Honda Element recalls
Driver Airbag Inflator Can Explode, Sending Metal Shrapnel
The driver-side frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles may rupture because its propellant can degrade over time after long-term exposure to high humidity, heat and temperature swings.
Passenger airbag may explode and spray metal shards
The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in certain vehicles may rupture due to propellant degradation after long-term exposure to high humidity, heat and temperature cycling.
Driver airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments
The driver's frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles may rupture during deployment because of a manufacturing error.
Passenger Air Bag May Deploy Improperly in a Crash
A front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly when it was replaced, so it may not deploy properly in a crash.
Passenger Front Airbag Can Rupture and Spray Metal Fragments
The passenger-side front airbag inflator in these vehicles may rupture during a crash that requires the front airbags to deploy.
Passenger Airbag May Rupture and Spray Metal Fragments
The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator can rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash.
Driver Airbag Inflator Can Rupture, Sending Metal Fragments
The driver's frontal airbag inflator can be affected by moisture intrusion and manufacturing variability.
Most common 2008 Honda Element problems
Problem areas named in the 113 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Suspension | 24 |
| Air Bags | 24 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 23 |
| Structure | 14 |
| Service Brakes | 7 |
| Visibility | 6 |
| Electrical System | 6 |
| Power Train | 4 |
| Tires | 4 |
| Unknown Or Other | 4 |
What owners report
The front bushing bracket on the left (driver's side) rear trailing arm may have an improper weld and could separate from the arm. I am noticing some rust in this area. I have rustproofed the vehicle to help prolong the life and to avoid a separated bracket which can release the lower portion of the wheel hub and damage the brake system, leading to a loss of vehicle control and an increased risk of a crash.
We were driving on a bumpy road and our driver side curtain airbag deployed and cracked the windshield
I was driving on a 65 mph highway when another vehicle forced me off the road causing my vehicle to spin out and hit a guardrail pretty much head on at about 60-65mph. Should my airbags have gone off? My safety could have been at risk because of how my vehicle went from highway speed into a guardrail, my car bounced off of the guardrail and spun so I was facing traffic coming towards me. I have sent a message to Honda asking about the airbags but I have not received a response, no the vehicle has not been inspected by anyone. I had no airbag sensors light up on my dash. I have a sensor for the passenger airbag as well which said it was off because no one was in the passenger seat. My car is
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 driverâs side rear trailing arm fractured. There were no warning lights illuminated. Upon researching the failure, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V349000 (Suspension). The vehicle was towed to the husband's place of employment. The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed there was no recall coverage on the VIN for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
2008 Honda Element questions
Does the 2008 Honda Element have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 12 safety recalls for the 2008 Honda Element: Driver Airbag Inflator Can Explode, Sending Metal Shrapnel; Passenger airbag may explode and spray metal shards; Driver airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments; Passenger Air Bag May Deploy Improperly in a Crash; Passenger Front Airbag Can Rupture and Spray Metal Fragments. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Honda Element?
Based on 113 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Suspension (24), Air Bags (24), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (23).
How do I check if a recall on my 2008 Honda Element has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.