2003 Honda Element Brakes Problems

“There is a definite breakdown with the brake calipers. I am not a mechanic but realized the fast deterioration of the calipers and have not heard of that problem with other vehicles. I was told to replace the brake rotors and pads and I have several times but the brakes were never the same. The vehicle has trouble stopping with new brakes. I flushed the brake fluid with official Honda brake fluid and recently noticed the issue is with the calipers. They are rusty and the metal flakes off and the pistons do not function properly on any of the brakes. …”

“The ABS brake system has always had a nice firm pedal pressure. Recently when coming to a stop I noticed the pedal to feel spongy, soft and travel close to the floor. I checked fluids etc. And all seem normal. Still have adequate pad thickness on all pads. This problem with the soft, spongy pedal seems to be consistent now. Checked the internet and see this seems to be a problem on 2007 and 2008 elements. Believe it might also be showing up on other years also. We also have a 2004 Element and the pedal pressure is as the 2003 used to be. …”

“On the morning of october 22, 2005 I started my 2003 Honda Element which was parked in my driveway. I quickly remembered that I wanted an item out of the garage and stepped out of the vehicle. I had not touched the automatic gear shift and the e/r brake was on. The vehicle immediately went into reverse, down the driveway, across the street, the open door struck the neighbors mail box, vehicle proceeded up the neighbors drive way striking their parked vehicle, pushing it 2 fee up their driveway. …”

“2003 Honda Element rear brakes are totally shot needing new pads, rotors etc. And Honda is blaming rust buildup, and saying that it is our fault for not servicing the brakes. The brakes have been inspected each time the oil has been changed or tires rotated. Honda's contention that the brakes should be taken apart and cleaned due to severe conditions is ridiculous. We do live in northeastern ohio but even the owners manual says driving in severe conditions occasionally doesn't necessarily put you in that category. …”

“My rear brakes went at 29,000 miles and then again at 50,000 miles. Honda replaced the rotors and pads under warranty at 29,000 miles. I brought the Element back several times after complaining about the brakes and they blamed it on dirt buildup. At 50,000 miles the rear brakes went again. This time they weren't going to cover it but after complaining they covered the rotors and I had to pay for the pads and labor. I don't go off road or travel on dirt roads. I had my brakes checked a couple of times when I had my tires rotated. …”