2005 Honda Element Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 8%of 159 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 86,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the suspension of the 2005 Honda Element, 8% of the 159 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,000 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.
“The bushing that holds the left rear axel to the frame of my 2005 Honda Element fell apart and dropped the axel causing damage to the tire and wheel axel and other parts. Looking at the bushing after the fact, I can see where the two 1 stub bolts have worn the bushing in a oblong hole causing the bushing to fail. I do feel this is a design issue with all elements. Please check into this, as I'm almost afraid to drive this car as for it happening again.”
NHTSA complaint #10273980, filed 2009-06, 48,000 miles“Since the purchase of my new 2005 Honda Element ex, there has been a really loud noise coming from the suspension, both front and back. It mostly makes this noise when hitting a dip in the road, or coming into my driveway. It sounds as though someone is hitting there hands down on the keys of a piano. Also, this vehicle has been wearing tires at an alarming rate, for this is the second set of tires it has gone through within 27,000 miles. They were rotated as scheduled by the manufacturer, and the vehicle is in alignment. …”
NHTSA complaint #10217922, filed 2008-02, 20 miles“The air bag stays on even after a the left air bag assembly replaced. There is a loud knocking front end which is worse when it is going about 15-30 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11386038, filed 2021-01, 153,600 miles“I was driving and all of a sudden vehicle became hard to control. I got it stopped and noticed drivers side rear tire was sideways. upon inspection I noticed trail arm was broke loose at frame. apparently it had rusted through at the frame.”
NHTSA complaint #11555888, filed 2023-11“I was driving and left rear trail arm connecting wheel to frame broke loose. upon inspection I noticed the frame was so rusted in that one spot causing trail arm to break loose which caused me to lose control of vehicle very dangerous!”
NHTSA complaint #11552468, filed 2023-10Related service bulletins
- 10016780Aug 16, 2005(front) stabilizer link assembly noise.
- 10018183Jun 16, 2005Front stabilizer link assembly noise.
- 10016307May 16, 2005Noise-front stabilizer link assembly noise.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 9% |
| 2010 | 6 | 20% |
| 2009 | 8 | 26% |
| 2008 | 24 | 21% |
| 2007 | 14 | 13% |
| 2006 | 10 | 8% |
| 2005 | 13 | 8% |
| 2004 | 16 | 6% |
| 2003 | 25 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2005 Honda Element
76 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsSeats
12 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsEngine
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Honda Element
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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