2008 Honda Element body problems

Filed Jun 17, 2025 · Body · NY

There is a massive rust spot under the driver side seating position where your feet would rest while driving. Seems as there isn't significant drainage holes in this area.

Filed Nov 7, 2024 · Body, Suspension · NY

My mechanic informed me that this car will no longer pass NYS inspection due to body rust/corrosion holes where the rear trailing arms attach to the car's body. Honda has issued a recall for the same model year CR-V, which has a nearly identical trailing arm attachment design, due to the risk of losing control of the vehicle if the trailing arm mount separates from the body.

Filed Oct 24, 2024 · Body, Suspension · NJ

The driver side rear trail arm broke off bending the strut with the tire hanging, it happened in my apartment parking lot, I could have lost my life if this had happened at high speeds or killed somebody else. I’m very lucky to be alive!! Currently it is not inspectable due to the damage. The problem has not been reproduced by a dealer or an independent service centre. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone or manufacturer. No warning light were present before the failure.

Filed Aug 14, 2024 · Body · NY

I just purchased a 2008 Honda Element and took it for inspection and the entire undercarriage is rusted. I know Honda of Canada will fix or buy back the vehicle. However as I am in the USA my understanding is that for now only the CRV’s are affected. The car cannot be driven as it is a very dangerous concern. Please help.

Filed Aug 4, 2024 · Body · UT

I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a serious safety concern involving the Honda Element model years 2003 through 2011. Specifically, this issue pertains to the rear trailing arm mounting area, which has been observed to rust through on numerous vehicles, including my own 2008 Honda Element. The rusting of the rear trailing arm mounting area poses a significant safety risk, as it can compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle's suspension system. This deterioration can lead to potential failure of the rear trailing arm, resulting in loss of control of the vehicle, particularly at higher speeds or during emergency maneuvers. The prevalence of this issue across multiple model years suggests a systemic problem that warrants investigation and potential recall. My vehicle, like many others, has experienced this issue despite regular maintenance and care. The rusting has occurred in a manner that is not typical of normal wear and tear, indicating a possible manufacturing or design defect. Given the safety implications of this problem, I urge the federal safety agency to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the root cause and ensure the safety of all affected Honda Element owners. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your prompt response and action.

Filed Nov 6, 2023 · Body, Suspension · MN

The drivers side rear trailing arm mounting point on my Honda Element has completely rotted out, making my car a seriously unsafe vehicle to drive. This is a well known issue to both Honda and the federal safety agency as Honda has already recalled both the Element and CR-V in Canada, and the CR-V here in the USA, but not the Element. the federal safety agency # 23v-228, Transport Canada Recall - 2021024 - HONDA

Filed Oct 16, 2023 · Body, Suspension · NY

My Honda Element unibody has rusted out resulting in the real axle trailing arm separating from the vehicle. This happened while my daughter was driving - luckily she was not injured. This is a known issue at Honda. Honda Elements years 2003-2011 have already been recalled for a repair or reimbursement in Canada (see recall # 2021024) and all Honda CR-Vs in the United States model years 2007-2011 have also been recalled in the Unites States for the same issue (the federal safety agency # 23V‑228). This issue represents an extremely hazardous risk in the Honda Elements, as well as the potential complete loss of the vehcile. The recall for the Elements should be extended to the United States immediately.

Filed Jul 21, 2023 · Body · 124,000 miles · MN

The contact owns a 2008 Honda Element. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear driver's side trailing arm fractured without warning. The contact was able to veer the vehicle off the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear driver's side trailing arm was rusted and needed to be replaced. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

Filed Jun 8, 2023 · Body · 136,999 miles · MI

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.

Filed Apr 10, 2023 · Body · 148,000 miles · WI

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 the federal safety agency 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.