2004 Honda Element Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 2%of 281 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Honda Element, 2% of the 281 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Brake pedal was soft, could be pushed to the floor despite bleeding of the brake lines. Replacing the master brake cylinder did not fix the problem whether driving or stationary. Bleeding the ABS modulator would temporarily improve braking, but turning the ignition on and off 6 times would introduce air into the ABS modulator. Replacing the ABS modulator seemed to fix the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10838797, filed 2016-02, 117,000 miles“Brakes keep grinding and squealing. Have repaired brakes and mechanism associated with it a total for four times. Rear passenger brake keeps going out. Grinding away part of the rotar and brake keeps sticking to disc.”
NHTSA complaint #11315414, filed 2020-03, 100,000 miles“The contact stated a screeching noise was heard from the rear brakes while depressing the brake pedal at speeds of 2 MPH and above. The vehicle was taken for an inspection due to the noise. The inspector determined the brake pads were worn and the rotors were scored. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for inspection. The rear brake pad and rotors were replaced. However, the dealer stated the tires were worn around the tread although, no incidents or problems were reported about the tires previously. …”
NHTSA complaint #10150721, filed 2006-02, 32,500 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Honda Element. The contact stated when depressing the brakes from any speed, the brakes would abnormally squeak. The dealer replaced the front brakes. The failure recurred within nine months. The dealer then replaced the rear driver side brakes. The failure recurred within one year and a half. The contact then had the vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic who replaced the front brakes, rotors and calipers. The failure recurred within eight months. The vehicle was taken back to the failure mileage was 8,000 and the current mileage is 38,000. Updated 11/03/10. …”
NHTSA complaint #10346752, filed 2010-08, 8,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10014295Aug 1, 2004Noise from the rear when backing up.
Brakes: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Honda Element
107 complaintsAir bags
73 complaintsSeats
26 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsTires
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Honda Element
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology