2003 Honda Element brakes problems

Filed Feb 2, 2013 · Brakes · 25,000 miles · MA

There is a definite breakdown with the brake calipers. I am not a mechanic but realized the fast deterioration of the calipers and have not heard of that problem with other vehicles. I was told to replace the brake rotors and pads and I have several times but the brakes were never the same. The vehicle has trouble stopping with new brakes. I flushed the brake fluid with official honda brake fluid and recently noticed the issue is with the calipers. They are rusty and the metal flakes off and the pistons do not function properly on any of the brakes. Some brakes don't fully brake and one rear caliper is stuck while driving so the pads are on the rotor while driving. I hope that makes sense, the calipers are to squeeze and release and they never have soon after I got the vehicle new. I am disappointed with the honda dealers I have taken it to, before knowing that the problem is with deteriorated calipers. The vehicle was never in a flood or anything like that. I can't imagine I'm the only owner with that problem and I didn't know where to file a complaint earlier or what a caliper was. I would like it investigated and recalled if necessary. Thank you.

Filed Nov 25, 2012 · Brakes · 117,500 miles · OK

The ABS brake system has always had a nice firm pedal pressure. Recently when coming to a stop I noticed the pedal to feel spongy, soft and travel close to the floor. I checked fluids etc. And all seem normal. Still have adequate pad thickness on all pads. This problem with the soft, spongy pedal seems to be consistent now. Checked the internet and see this seems to be a problem on 2007 and 2008 elements. Believe it might also be showing up on other years also. We also have a 2004 element and the pedal pressure is as the 2003 used to be. The 2003 is an ex 2wd auto and the 2004 is an ex auto awd model.

Filed Oct 1, 2012 · Brakes · 109,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda element. The contact stated that while the engine was running and as the brake was depressed, there was smoke seen coming from under the hood. As a result, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who inspected the vehicle and stated that they could not diagnosed the failure. The vehicle was then taken to a mechanic who inspected the vehicle and advised the contact that the smoke was coming from the brakes seizing when they were depressed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 109,000. Updated 10/18/12 *bf the consumer stated to disregard the complaint. The issue was fluid contamination. Updated 10/19/2012

Filed Feb 2, 2012 · Body, Brakes · 700,000 miles · PA · crash

Windshield leaked water, dealership refused to fix. Windshield cracked and was cited by police officer for not fixing, dealership refused to fix. Upon replacement the repair guys just laughed and said that that glass was seated improperly and asked who had replaced it. I responded that it was the original, they told me not to buy any more hondas. Key would no longer work in the driver side door. Replaced something at dealership for $800 as well as the driver side window as it stopped moving due to the motor dying at around 60,000 miles. Now the keys don't work in the passenger side of vehicle nor does the window. In another incident the vehicle failed to stop after fully depressing the brake when traveling about 5-10 MPH and drifting into another vehicle causing moderate damage. Honda has not responded to any inquires made by consumer. Nor has dealership. I still owe 10,000 dollars on this car, have spent over 3000 in repairs and at this point want to drive it into a tree at a high speed.

Filed Aug 13, 2010 · Brakes, Electrical · 00

My ignition on my 2003 honda element,was no longer working, not only could you pull out the key when the engine was running after awhile the key would no longer even turn in the ignition even if you have warranty and paid extra for apparently the best coverage, they find a way the you have to pay out of your pockets, my ignition replacement cost me $1,000.00 and now there is a recall out on it , and again apparently my VIN number is not included in the recall. The brakes and the brake disc had to be replaced every 6 month. The service for honda is the [xxx] , I personally would never buy a honda again. My windshield also cracked I have been a honda service dept often for follow up on the truck they seen my windshield was cracked but would never tell me it was under warranty until the warranty expired. This was my first time ever to buy a brand new vehicle I wanted to feel safe and security, being stuck in a public parking lot a night because the stupid key wouldn't work did not impress me at all, there was a little garage close buy but he couldn't help me because apparently honda does not deliver there parts to other garages, had to get the vehicle towed and stuck with out a car for a couple of days, because honda do not have loaners. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Aug 9, 2010 · Brakes · 55,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 honda element. The contact stated that the emergency brake on the vehicle does not work. The lever can be pulled up or pushed down without depressing the button on the lever. The owner was unable to notify honda USA. The dealer stated that they had no knowledge of the failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 55,000.

Filed Apr 20, 2010 · Brakes · NY

2003 honda element with brakes problems. Consumer requests issue to be fixed , cost of repair and cost of replacement. *tgw the consumer stated the brakes and rotors had to be replaced several times due to abnormal brake wear.

Filed Feb 10, 2007 · Brakes · 51,000 miles · IL

Brakes on 2003 honda element. When having my car serviced recently they said my brake pads needed to be replaced because one of the pads had stuck and worn down to the point of slightly damaging the rotor. The brakes were adjusted on a previous service call by another dealership. This service probably occurred around 20,000 miles. The dealership even admitted that for some reason the one stuck after that service had been done. I feel that honda should have paid for this repair as obviously either the technician didn't adjust the brakes properly or the equipment failed to perform properly.

Filed Mar 23, 2006 · Brakes · 19,000 miles · OH

2003 honda element rear brakes are totally shot needing new pads, rotors etc. And honda is blaming "rust buildup," and saying that it is our fault for not servicing the brakes. The brakes have been inspected each time the oil has been changed or tires rotated. Honda's contention that the brakes should be "taken apart and cleaned due to "severe conditions" is ridiculous. We do live in northeastern ohio but even the owners manual says driving in severe conditions occasionally doesn't necessarily put you in that category. I have never heard of any vehicle that the brakes needed to be disassembled and cleaned every 10,000 miles. Cost to repair is $450.00. In addition, my wife called the dealership twice, first time was about a year and a half ago with complaints about brake noise and was told both times to go out and "jam on the brakes hard to release dirt buildup on the brakes." at no time was she ever advised to bring the car in for inspection.

Filed Nov 8, 2005 · Brakes, Transmission · 45,000 miles · MA · crash · 1 injury

On the morning of october 22, 2005 I started my 2003 honda element which was parked in my driveway. I quickly remembered that I wanted an item out of the garage and stepped out of the vehicle. I had not touched the automatic gear shift and the e/r brake was on. The vehicle immediately went into reverse, down the driveway, across the street, the open door struck the neighbors mail box, vehicle proceeded up the neighbors drive way striking their parked vehicle, pushing it 2 fee up their driveway. Then the vehicle suddenly went into drive, came back down the neighbors driveway, across the street, up my driveway, into my garage striking items in the rear of the garage before stopping. I reached in to shut the car off then ran into the house. When my husband came out to the garage and got into the vehicle he said that the car was in park and the e/r break was on. There was no damage to the neighbors vehicle and approx $3500 damage to the honda element. I believe the transmission/gear box failed and the e/b failed resulting in injury and damage. Vehicle is being repaired at body shop and I have notified honda and will have them check out when repairs completed.