2004 Honda Element body problems

Filed Jul 1, 2025 · Body, Suspension · NC

my control arm mount and frame of my element is rusted out, it is an ongoing problem with the honda element as i am seeing a lot of people online with similar issues. if this fails, it could put people at risk, i also see other elements on the road with a camber'd out back tire on the driver side. i believe these wheels would fall into the car causing an accident. there are no warning lights that pop on, this is hard to get a look at until you get under the vehicle. they have done recalls on this exact problem in canada already, we need it here as well in the usa. the crv has also had the same issues and was given a recall in usa. i am very concerned with the amount of these cars on the road that many do not know the danger they are in.

Filed May 23, 2024 · Body, Suspension · PA

The rear left trailing arm mounting point is completely corroded through, making the car unsafe to drive. If it were to fall off during driving the chances of it creating an accident are high. There are many other Elements with this specific spot rusting through.

Filed May 15, 2024 · Body · MN

● The area of the body that serves as the forward mounting point for the rear driver-side trailing arm has completely rusted though. At this mounting point, the trailing arm mounting bracket has become entirely separated from the body leaving only one bolt securing the trailing arm to the body. This is the same issue for which these vehicles have been recalled in Canada. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. ● Continuing to operate the vehicle in this condition presents the possibility of catastrophic failure of the trailing arm mount, resulting in loss of control of the vehicle, endangering the lives of those in and outside of the vehicle. ● No, I have not taken the vehicle to a dealer or service center. ● No the vehicle/component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representative. ● No warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the appearance of the problem on [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 19, 2024 · Body · MI

There is a corrosion recall on 2003-2014 Honda elements in Canada because, from salted roads, the frame rusts and extremely important safety parts can break and cause death to the driver. Seeing as these elements are made in the same factories and are in the same region (mine is in Detroit Michigan, only 10 minutes from Canada) this recall NEEDS to be extended to the USA or at least the regions where salted roads and snow are prevalent. My Honda element suffers from this exact problem but I can do nothing about it.

Filed Oct 5, 2023 · Body · 182,000 miles · MN

The contact owns a 2004 Honda Element. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced intermittent vibrations. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rear control arm mounting joint. The contact was informed that the joint was almost completely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 182,000.

Filed Jun 2, 2023 · Body, Steering · MN

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.

Filed Jul 12, 2019 · Body · CO

Key in driver side will not turn. It gets stuck and will not unlock or lock . I have to insert, remove and re-insert many times in hopes that it will unlock or lock. There are many times it just won't work and I will have to enter from the trunk. Vehicle is stationary/parked.

Filed Jul 15, 2008 · Body, Visibility · 52,000 miles · TN

While on the interstate coming from myrtle beach the windscreen was cracked on the element I purchased about 3 weeks before the trip. I did not see a rock hit , I assumed that is what happened until I started reading the forum on the element owners club about similar situations that has happened to other element owners. The fix was $330 out of pocket to replace the windscreen.

Filed Mar 31, 2006 · Body · 24,500 miles · NY · crash

On a resent trip to colder climates, where there was still some snow on the ground, while parking in a parking lot, I hit a small patch of snow and slid into a tree. Normally I would expect no damage due to the low speed I was traveling at around 5 MPH and car bumpers to protect the vehicle in low speed mishaps. However, with the design of the 2004 honda element I own there is no bumper in the front center for approximately 30 inches. This leaves the car with no protection if struck in that area. There were two passengers in the car at the time. While we were hardly even jolted by the impact, the car sustained considerable damage in the amount of over $7000. However my concern here is not limited to what happened to me at such a low speed impact but also what would be the result at highway speeds if the car was struck or skidded in a similar way as my accident. The results would probably be disastrous with considerable losses possible. If possible then, this problem should be corrected as soon as possible.

Filed Mar 29, 2006 · Body, Visibility · CA

2004 honda element. Cracked windshield x3 fixes.....cracked again by no fault of rocks.