2008 HONDA ELEMENT Complaints

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.

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?

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

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 # 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.

Rear wheel suspension broke while driving. Wheel forced into wheel well. ( Rear Trailing arm Broke?)

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.

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.

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.

The contact owns a 2008 Honda Element. The contact stated while changing the rear driver’s side tire, the contact became aware that the trailing arm link rail on the rear driver’s side had separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that they were aware of the failure but there was no recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 197,000.

The contact owns a 2008 Honda Element. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the rear driver’s side trailing arm had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 170,000.