Owners have filed 40 complaints
about the 2009 Honda Element with NHTSA between 2010 and 2026.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 12
Against the median year of the Honda Element. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 57
33% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2009 Honda Element
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
820.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 22,000 mi
Suspension
717.5%
Median failure at 125,000 miles
Body & Structure
512.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 152,403 mi
Airbags
512.5%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 67,130 mi
Acceleration & Cruise Control
37.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 154,000 mi
Steering
37.5%
Median failure at 1,500 miles
Other & Unspecified
12.5%
Stability & Traction Control
12.5%
Median failure at 130,000 miles
Wheels
12.5%
Tires
12.5%
Median failure at 274,000 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
12.5%
Median failure at 7,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
12.5%
Median failure at 55,000 miles
Electrical System
12.5%
Median failure at 55,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
12.5%
Engine & Cooling
12.5%
Median failure at 24,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
419.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
314.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
29.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
29.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
14.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
419.0%
150,000+ miles
523.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2010peak 7Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2009 Honda Element
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
EA15001Opened 24 Feb 2015Still openAIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
PE14016Opened 11 Jun 2014Closed 2 Mar 2015AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
Recalls on the 2009 Honda Element
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202102412,641 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear frame could rust. In extreme cases, this could result in a rear trailing arm separating from the vehicle. This recall applies to vehicles originally sold or currently registered in areas of heavy road salt usage (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador). Safety Risk: A rear trailing arm that separates could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Honda will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer for an inspection of the rear trailing arm front mount bolts. If the vehicle passes the inspection, the dealer will apply corrosion protection and install support braces. Honda will offer to repurchase vehicles that do not pass the inspection. In the event the repurchase is declined by an owner, a secondary inspection and body shop repair method may be possible.
Recall 201911783,977 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, there could be a problem with the driver-front airbag inflator. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, pieces could be propelled toward the occupants. This could also cause damage to the airbag assembly and prevent it from inflating properly. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles that had a Takata airbag inflator installed during a previous airbag recall or collision repair. Safety Risk: In a crash where the airbag deploys, there could be an increased risk of injury. Corrective Action: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the driver-front airbag inflator replaced.
Recall 2018001129,348 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator. For the GL1800 model, dealers will replace the airbag module. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected.
Recall 2015225704,770 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Note: This recall supersedes special service campaign 2014567. Correction: Dealers will inspect/replace the driver's frontal airbag inflator. All vehicles having received a replacement inflator as part of any previous driver's inflator campaign will have a replacement inflator installed. Note: Honda Canada has created a special Airbag Inflator Hotline for immediate assistance. For more information, please contact: For Honda Owners: 1-877-445-7754 For Acura Owners: 1-877-445-9844
Recall 2014567704,770 units in Canada
Airbag
Honda Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Campaign concerning the driver's airbag inflator on certain vehicles equipped with Takata airbags. Honda will replace the driver's inflator on affected vehicles. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Note: This special service campaign was replaced by recall 2015225. Please see recall 2015225 for more information: <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2015225">Click here for more information</a>
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 154,000 milesGreensboro, NCCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED, DROVE OVER A CURB, AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FLOW HONDA (2600 PETERS CREEK PKWY, WINSTON SALEM, NC 27127, (888) 902-4024), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 154,000.
NHTSA complaint #11151796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,000 milesFort Mill, SCCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS DRIVING MY HONDA ELEMENT 2009 ON A HWY IN SC. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION AND I HAD A GREEN LIGHT AND THE CAR WAS MOVING FORWARD WHEN A WOMAN WHO WAS DRIVING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, MADE A LEFT TURN IN THE INTERSECTION FAILING TO YIELD ME THE RIGHT OF WAY. MY CAR IMPACTED HER CAR ON ONE SIDE MOST LIKELY THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND THE COLLISION WAS A FRONTAL COLLISION FOR MY CAR. NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS IN MY VEHICLE WERE DEPLOYED. I HIT MY FACE ON THE WINDSHIELD AND I SUFFERED A CONTUSION/ LIGHT FRACTURE ON MY LEFT RIBS AND A HEAD CONCUSSION. CAR WAS PURCHASED AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP ON 12/21/2016 WAS A USED CAR THAT NEVER WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AND HAD A CLEAN TITLE AND CLEAN HISTORY. ACCORDING TO HONDA DEALERSHIP, THE CAR BELONGED TO ONE OWNER ONLY IN THE PAST. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET THE AIRBAGS REPLACED IN FEBRUARY 2017. MY BIGGEST CONCERN WHY THE AIRBAGS WERE NEVER DEPLOYED AND PROTECTED ME AS THEY WERE SUPPOSED?
NHTSA complaint #11056369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,000 milesFort Mill, SCCrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
I WAS DRIVING MY HONDA ELEMENT 2009 ON A HWY IN SC. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION AND I HAD A GREEN LIGHT AND THE CAR WAS MOVING FORWARD WHEN A WOMAN WHO WAS DRIVING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, MADE A LEFT TURN IN THE INTERSECTION FAILING TO YIELD ME THE RIGHT OF WAY. MY CAR IMPACTED HER CAR ON ONE SIDE MOST LIKELY THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND THE COLLISION WAS A FRONTAL COLLISION FOR MY CAR. NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS IN MY VEHICLE WERE DEPLOYED. I HIT MY FACE ON THE WINDSHIELD AND I SUFFERED A CONTUSION/ LIGHT FRACTURE ON MY LEFT RIBS AND A HEAD CONCUSSION. CAR WAS PURCHASED AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP ON 12/21/2016 WAS A USED CAR THAT NEVER WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AND HAD A CLEAN TITLE AND CLEAN HISTORY. ACCORDING TO HONDA DEALERSHIP, THE CAR BELONGED TO ONE OWNER ONLY IN THE PAST. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET THE AIRBAGS REPLACED IN FEBRUARY 2017. MY BIGGEST CONCERN WHY THE AIRBAGS WERE NEVER DEPLOYED AND PROTECTED ME AS THEY WERE SUPPOSED?
NHTSA complaint #11056369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,260 milesSebring, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP SIGN TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE PANEL CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AROUND THREE TIMES IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITH FORCE, METAL FRAGMENTS EJECTED FROM THE AIR BAG. THE CONTACTS GLASSES CAME OFF AND A METAL FRAGMENT PEALED THE CONTACTS RIGHT EYE LID CAUSING EXCESSIVE BLEEDING. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED BRUISES TO THE FACE AND BRUISING FROM THE SEAT BELT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED FURTHER MEDICAL TREATMENT DUE TO THE INJURIES SUSTAINED FROM THE FORCE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHO REMEDIED THE BODY DAMAGES AND THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE IF THE AIR BAGS WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V320000 (AIR BAGS) AND 12V436000 (AIR BAGS). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,260. UPDATED 12/24/15.
NHTSA complaint #10736097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,000 milesPhoenix, AZCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2009 HONDA ELEMENT, UNDER 2000 MILES AFTER CERTIFICATION SUFFERED A BRAKE FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING LEADING TO ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10416913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
La Porte, IN
WHEELS
The car is extremely rusty, so much so that the driver side trailing arm detached from the rest of the frame. The driver side rear suspension components are detached from the car. The car has been garage-kept since new, yet is extremely rusty. This is just like what the Canadian Honda Element recall was all about. The local dealership refused to do anything and said the car was out of warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11755910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
La Porte, IN
SUSPENSION
The car is extremely rusty, so much so that the driver side trailing arm detached from the rest of the frame. The driver side rear suspension components are detached from the car. The car has been garage-kept since new, yet is extremely rusty. This is just like what the Canadian Honda Element recall was all about. The local dealership refused to do anything and said the car was out of warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11755910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
La Porte, IN
STRUCTURE:BODY
The car is extremely rusty, so much so that the driver side trailing arm detached from the rest of the frame. The driver side rear suspension components are detached from the car. The car has been garage-kept since new, yet is extremely rusty. This is just like what the Canadian Honda Element recall was all about. The local dealership refused to do anything and said the car was out of warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11755910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cary, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There is corrosion on the rear trailing arm and surrounding area. Also rust is forming on rear subframe / crossmembers and the front subframe. Over time, this can result in premature structural failure and catastrophic accident. It poses a serious safety risk. It affects the structural integrity of the suspension system. There’s no recall even though multiple complaints exist for similar make/model.
NHTSA complaint #11667627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntley, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Just like the same era's Honda CR-V (the Honda Element's sibling car with many of the same components), the undercarriage rust on my vehicle is excessive: as described in the same era Honda CR-V's NHTSA Recall (23V-228). Large sections of my car’s rear frame are completely missing, as shown in the photographs. My car is now undriveable. I had it towed to two Honda dealerships at my expense and both refused to even look at the car's rust, when I explicitly asked them to determine if the car was safe to drive. Niether dealership would confirm. Honda corporate cited that they were unable to assess the photographs that I sent to it because it does not physically inspect the cars. Honda corporate also insisted that it could not do anything about any dealership’s behavior as they are allegedly completely independent from Honda of North America. Honda corporate also looked up the history of my Hondas that I have owned and Elements that I still own and actually asked me, if I purchased them just to try to have Honda fix them for free. Just like with the CR-V, a recall for the rear frame corrosion first occurred in Canada and then in the US: see NHTSA Recall 23V-228’s chronology. The Honda Element's Canadian recall is as follows: "Transport Canada Recall - 2021024 – HONDA". As of today, there is no NHTSA recall for rear frame corrosion for Honda Elements. I am submitting this complaint for this car now, and also contemporaneous will submit less detailed complaints under different VINs for my other Elements with rust problems: every Honda Element that I have ever owned, even one that had spent its entire 14 year life as a New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas car has had rust problems. In other words, no matter what environment these Elements (which were made for the model years 2003-2011) are in, they corrode right away (within any factory warranties), and eventually become dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11666864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntley, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Just like the same era's Honda CR-V (the Honda Element's sibling car with many of the same components), the undercarriage rust on my vehicle is excessive: as described in the same era Honda CR-V's NHTSA Recall (23V-228). Sections of my car’s rear frame are rusty. Just like with the CR-V, a recall for the rear frame corrosion first occurred in Canada and then in the US: see NHTSA Recall 23V-228’s chronology. The Honda Element's Canadian recall is as follows: "Transport Canada Recall - 2021024 – HONDA". As of today, there is no NHTSA recall for rear frame corrosion for Honda Elements. I am submitting this complaint for this car now, and also contemporaneously am submitting other complaints under different VINs for my other Elements with rust problems: every Honda Element that I have ever owned, even this Element for this complaint that I am submitting right now, that had spent its entire 14 year life as a New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas car has had rust problems. In other words, no matter what environment these Elements (which were made for the model years 2003-2011) are in, they corrode right away (within any factory warranties), and eventually become dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11666868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntley, IL
STEERING
Just like the same era's Honda CR-V (the Honda Element's sibling car with many of the same components), the undercarriage rust on my vehicle is excessive: as described in the same era Honda CR-V's NHTSA Recall (23V-228). Large sections of my car’s rear frame are completely missing, as shown in the photographs. My car is now undriveable. I had it towed to two Honda dealerships at my expense and both refused to even look at the car's rust, when I explicitly asked them to determine if the car was safe to drive. Niether dealership would confirm. Honda corporate cited that they were unable to assess the photographs that I sent to it because it does not physically inspect the cars. Honda corporate also insisted that it could not do anything about any dealership’s behavior as they are allegedly completely independent from Honda of North America. Honda corporate also looked up the history of my Hondas that I have owned and Elements that I still own and actually asked me, if I purchased them just to try to have Honda fix them for free. Just like with the CR-V, a recall for the rear frame corrosion first occurred in Canada and then in the US: see NHTSA Recall 23V-228’s chronology. The Honda Element's Canadian recall is as follows: "Transport Canada Recall - 2021024 – HONDA". As of today, there is no NHTSA recall for rear frame corrosion for Honda Elements. I am submitting this complaint for this car now, and also contemporaneous will submit less detailed complaints under different VINs for my other Elements with rust problems: every Honda Element that I have ever owned, even one that had spent its entire 14 year life as a New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas car has had rust problems. In other words, no matter what environment these Elements (which were made for the model years 2003-2011) are in, they corrode right away (within any factory warranties), and eventually become dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11666864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntley, IL
STEERING
Just like the same era's Honda CR-V (the Honda Element's sibling car with many of the same components), the undercarriage rust on my vehicle is excessive: as described in the same era Honda CR-V's NHTSA Recall (23V-228). Sections of my car’s rear frame are rusty. Just like with the CR-V, a recall for the rear frame corrosion first occurred in Canada and then in the US: see NHTSA Recall 23V-228’s chronology. The Honda Element's Canadian recall is as follows: "Transport Canada Recall - 2021024 – HONDA". As of today, there is no NHTSA recall for rear frame corrosion for Honda Elements. I am submitting this complaint for this car now, and also contemporaneously am submitting other complaints under different VINs for my other Elements with rust problems: every Honda Element that I have ever owned, even this Element for this complaint that I am submitting right now, that had spent its entire 14 year life as a New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas car has had rust problems. In other words, no matter what environment these Elements (which were made for the model years 2003-2011) are in, they corrode right away (within any factory warranties), and eventually become dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11666868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntley, IL
SUSPENSION
Just like the same era's Honda CR-V (the Honda Element's sibling car with many of the same components), the undercarriage rust on my vehicle is excessive: as described in the same era Honda CR-V's NHTSA Recall (23V-228). Large sections of my car’s rear frame are completely missing, as shown in the photographs. My car is now undriveable. I had it towed to two Honda dealerships at my expense and both refused to even look at the car's rust, when I explicitly asked them to determine if the car was safe to drive. Niether dealership would confirm. Honda corporate cited that they were unable to assess the photographs that I sent to it because it does not physically inspect the cars. Honda corporate also insisted that it could not do anything about any dealership’s behavior as they are allegedly completely independent from Honda of North America. Honda corporate also looked up the history of my Hondas that I have owned and Elements that I still own and actually asked me, if I purchased them just to try to have Honda fix them for free. Just like with the CR-V, a recall for the rear frame corrosion first occurred in Canada and then in the US: see NHTSA Recall 23V-228’s chronology. The Honda Element's Canadian recall is as follows: "Transport Canada Recall - 2021024 – HONDA". As of today, there is no NHTSA recall for rear frame corrosion for Honda Elements. I am submitting this complaint for this car now, and also contemporaneous will submit less detailed complaints under different VINs for my other Elements with rust problems: every Honda Element that I have ever owned, even one that had spent its entire 14 year life as a New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas car has had rust problems. In other words, no matter what environment these Elements (which were made for the model years 2003-2011) are in, they corrode right away (within any factory warranties), and eventually become dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11666864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntley, IL
SUSPENSION
Just like the same era's Honda CR-V (the Honda Element's sibling car with many of the same components), the undercarriage rust on my vehicle is excessive: as described in the same era Honda CR-V's NHTSA Recall (23V-228). Sections of my car’s rear frame are rusty. Just like with the CR-V, a recall for the rear frame corrosion first occurred in Canada and then in the US: see NHTSA Recall 23V-228’s chronology. The Honda Element's Canadian recall is as follows: "Transport Canada Recall - 2021024 – HONDA". As of today, there is no NHTSA recall for rear frame corrosion for Honda Elements. I am submitting this complaint for this car now, and also contemporaneously am submitting other complaints under different VINs for my other Elements with rust problems: every Honda Element that I have ever owned, even this Element for this complaint that I am submitting right now, that had spent its entire 14 year life as a New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas car has had rust problems. In other words, no matter what environment these Elements (which were made for the model years 2003-2011) are in, they corrode right away (within any factory warranties), and eventually become dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11666868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,403 milesBronx, NY
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Element. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH and approaching a stop sign, the contact observed a noise coming from the rear driver's side of the vehicle. The contact stated that when the vehicle came to a stop, he opened the driver's door and observed the rear passenger’s side tire was sideways. The vehicle was towed to a body shop where the contact was informed that the frame of the vehicle near the trailing arm was rusted through and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 152,403.
NHTSA complaint #11612582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 274,000 milesHuntley, IL
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Element. The contact stated there was an extreme amount of rust on the vehicle. The contact stated that the trailing arm was corroded and had several holes. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to assist with the repairs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 274,000.
NHTSA complaint #11602751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 274,000 milesHuntley, IL
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Element. The contact stated there was an extreme amount of rust on the vehicle. The contact stated that the trailing arm was corroded and had several holes. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to assist with the repairs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 274,000.
NHTSA complaint #11602751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 274,000 milesHuntley, IL
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Element. The contact stated there was an extreme amount of rust on the vehicle. The contact stated that the trailing arm was corroded and had several holes. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to assist with the repairs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 274,000.
NHTSA complaint #11602751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brattleboro, VT
STRUCTURE:BODY
While driving the left rear wheel went sideway... looking underneath the Unibody had corroded to the point the left control arm separated from the car making it undrivable.... was told to not drive the car as it is not safe...
NHTSA complaint #11590551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Appleton, WI
SUSPENSION
The driver side rear trail arm broke free from under the vehicle. Vehicle loses control much like having flat tires but more violent fish tailing. Vehicle is hard to control to pull over to shoulder. Photos were shown to local Honda dealer representative, Scott Guyette. (Gustman Honda in Appleton Wi). Scott Guyette at the dealership stated that he has seen this numerous times on the Honda Element and they are currently fixing Honda CRVs with the same issue. Email: (scott.guyette@gustman.com) He stated, don't tow it in, just send photos, which I did.
NHTSA complaint #11546349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesUtica, PA
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Element. The contact stated the driver's side rear trailing arm detached from the vehicle while he was reversing at an undisclosed speed, and the vehicle stopped. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the failure occurred due to rust and corrosion. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed them they could not provide assistance, and then the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #11421956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pocono Lake, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
A FAILED MODULATOR. SERVICE ADVISORY A52 MUSHY BRAKES.
NHTSA complaint #11351078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pocono Lake, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE PEDAL TOO SOFT. CHANGED FLUID, STILL THE SAME.
NHTSA complaint #11309330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesSaint Augustine, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
SPONGY BRAKE PEDAL GOES ALMOST TO FLOOR. HAVE NEW ROTORS & PADS AND JUST HAD THE SYSTEM FLUSHED AND BLED. NO CHANGE IN OPERATION. STILL SPONGY AND TRAVEL ALMOST TO FLOOR. SYMPTOMS HAVE EXISTED FOR YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #11299636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesOrchard Park, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
THE BRAKE PEDAL IS VERY SOFT AND THE BRAKES WEAR UNEVENLY AND CLAPPERS LOCK UP EVEN AFTER REPLACEMENT OF PADS ROTERS, CLAPPERS, HOSES,AND BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM
NHTSA complaint #11242404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,000 milesGreensboro, NCCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED, DROVE OVER A CURB, AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FLOW HONDA (2600 PETERS CREEK PKWY, WINSTON SALEM, NC 27127, (888) 902-4024), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 154,000.
NHTSA complaint #11151796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesTampa, FL
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THE CAR ACCELERATES INCORRECTLY MAKING IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE. NO MATTER HOW MUCH GAS YOU GIVE IT, THE CAR WILL ONLY GO 15 MPH. THIS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS, ESPECIALLY WHEN ENTERING A HIGHWAY OR TURNING LEFT. THE ONLY WARNING YOU GET IS A LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD. THE PROBLEM ON THE COMPUTER TEST SHOWS A P2138(37) CODE. APP SENSOR A/B (THROTTLE POSITION TO SENSOR.
NHTSA complaint #11090933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,000 milesFort Mill, SCCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS DRIVING MY HONDA ELEMENT 2009 ON A HWY IN SC. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION AND I HAD A GREEN LIGHT AND THE CAR WAS MOVING FORWARD WHEN A WOMAN WHO WAS DRIVING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, MADE A LEFT TURN IN THE INTERSECTION FAILING TO YIELD ME THE RIGHT OF WAY. MY CAR IMPACTED HER CAR ON ONE SIDE MOST LIKELY THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND THE COLLISION WAS A FRONTAL COLLISION FOR MY CAR. NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS IN MY VEHICLE WERE DEPLOYED. I HIT MY FACE ON THE WINDSHIELD AND I SUFFERED A CONTUSION/ LIGHT FRACTURE ON MY LEFT RIBS AND A HEAD CONCUSSION. CAR WAS PURCHASED AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP ON 12/21/2016 WAS A USED CAR THAT NEVER WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AND HAD A CLEAN TITLE AND CLEAN HISTORY. ACCORDING TO HONDA DEALERSHIP, THE CAR BELONGED TO ONE OWNER ONLY IN THE PAST. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET THE AIRBAGS REPLACED IN FEBRUARY 2017. MY BIGGEST CONCERN WHY THE AIRBAGS WERE NEVER DEPLOYED AND PROTECTED ME AS THEY WERE SUPPOSED?
NHTSA complaint #11056369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,000 milesFort Mill, SCCrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
I WAS DRIVING MY HONDA ELEMENT 2009 ON A HWY IN SC. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION AND I HAD A GREEN LIGHT AND THE CAR WAS MOVING FORWARD WHEN A WOMAN WHO WAS DRIVING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, MADE A LEFT TURN IN THE INTERSECTION FAILING TO YIELD ME THE RIGHT OF WAY. MY CAR IMPACTED HER CAR ON ONE SIDE MOST LIKELY THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND THE COLLISION WAS A FRONTAL COLLISION FOR MY CAR. NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS IN MY VEHICLE WERE DEPLOYED. I HIT MY FACE ON THE WINDSHIELD AND I SUFFERED A CONTUSION/ LIGHT FRACTURE ON MY LEFT RIBS AND A HEAD CONCUSSION. CAR WAS PURCHASED AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP ON 12/21/2016 WAS A USED CAR THAT NEVER WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AND HAD A CLEAN TITLE AND CLEAN HISTORY. ACCORDING TO HONDA DEALERSHIP, THE CAR BELONGED TO ONE OWNER ONLY IN THE PAST. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET THE AIRBAGS REPLACED IN FEBRUARY 2017. MY BIGGEST CONCERN WHY THE AIRBAGS WERE NEVER DEPLOYED AND PROTECTED ME AS THEY WERE SUPPOSED?
NHTSA complaint #11056369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.