2008 Honda Element suspension problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 29, 2026NYSuspension

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11767821 · source
2. Filed Sep 17, 2025130,000 miWITowedSuspension

   The contact owns a 2008 Honda Element. The contact stated that while reversing out of a parking spot, the driver’s 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…

   NHTSA complaint #11687921 · source
3. Filed Nov 7, 2024NYBody & StructureSuspension

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11624062 · source
4. Filed Oct 24, 2024NJBody & StructureSuspension

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11621850 · source
5. Filed Jun 24, 2024225,000 miMNTowedSuspension

   The contact owns a 2008 Honda Element. The contact stated while driving 20-30 MPH over a bump, the vehicle started fish tailing. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that he noticed that the rear driver's side tire was sideways. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V349000 (Suspension) because the VIN was not included. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11596114 · source
6. Filed May 16, 2024MIOther / UnknownSuspension

   I took my very well maintained Honda Element into the shop for routine maintenance and a pre-spring/summer driving check. They indicated that the driver's side subframe where it meets the rear trailing arm has a dangerous hole and that I should not drive this car any more. We live in Michigan where snow/salt are factors. This specific area has been known to fail in Elements and CR-V's and there was a recall on this specific issue for Honda Elements in Canada and CR-V owners…

   NHTSA complaint #11589123 · source
7. Filed Apr 9, 2024127,000 miWITowedSuspension

   The contact owns a 2008 Honda Element. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the contact lost control of the vehicle. The contact was able to regain control of the vehicle and pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the rear driver’s side tire was leaning outward from the vehicle. The contact called a friend with a trailer and had the vehicle towed to a friend's residence. Upon further inspection, it was discovered that the…

   NHTSA complaint #11582000 · source
8. Filed Feb 18, 2024NHSuspension

   Was just about to drive on a 55mph road when the drivers side rear trailing arm fell off from the frame, no prior indication of failure as it passed inspection the previous year. Had checked by my mechanic and says it is not repairable. Excessive corrosion into frame. Searched internet and found recall in Canada for this specific issue. We are lucky it happened when it did otherwise it would have been fatal.

   NHTSA complaint #11572588 · source
9. Filed Feb 8, 2024WISuspension

   The rear trailing arms are rusting faster than anything else on my beloved Honda. Honda has recalled the Elements of similar model years in Canada for this problem, and the CRV of similar model years in US for this exact problem. This suspension issue could cause a catastrophic failure if left unrepaired. My family and I need this vehicle, but it feels unsafe to operate. Why hasn't Honda recalled the Honda Element for this known issue?

   NHTSA complaint #11570805 · source
10. Filed Nov 6, 2023MNBody & StructureSuspension

    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 NHTSA 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. NHTSA # 23v-228, Transport Canada Recall - 2021024 - HONDA

    NHTSA complaint #11553903 · source
11. Filed Oct 16, 2023NYBody & StructureSuspensionWheels & Tires

    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 (NHTSA #…

    NHTSA complaint #11550176 · source
12. Filed May 31, 2023MISuspension

    Left rear lower control arm frame rusted. Lower control arm detached from the vehicle. Appears to be a recall in Canada on element and CRV but only CRV in USA.

    NHTSA complaint #11524696 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology