2006 Honda Element Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 8%of 122 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the suspension of the 2006 Honda Element, 8% of the 122 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“I am located in ohio and the rear trailing arm has rusted out to the point that it is on the verge of breaking off on the passenger side. This was found out because I was driving and the car would sway back and forth in the rear every time I hit a bump in the road. I went to my nearest tire shop thinking it could be a wheel alignment issue and they brought me to the back and showed me the issue. It is being held by about 4-5 inches of the frame. They advised me to have the car towed as it was not safe for me to drive home. …”
NHTSA complaint #11403002, filed 2021-03, 163,000 miles“Our car, traveling at 40 MPH was hit from the side at the left front, airbags deployed, significant damage to the left front. The tire and part of the axle were detached and about 10 feet from the car. The sheriff told us that he has seen this type of car in similar accidents where the tire and axel have detached from the car and found it unusual in this type of crash.”
NHTSA complaint #10242880, filed 2008-09, 22,000 miles“I live in Minnesota and my Elements rear trailing arms are badly rusted. There is a recall for the same issue in Canada but not in the US. This is my 2006 Honda Element with 96k miles. I would love to be able to get another at least 100k miles if not lots more. These cars can go to 400k if maintained well.”
NHTSA complaint #11674062, filed 2025-07“We got a letter in the mail about the recall on the airbags. Air bag light always on. We have a knocking sound in the engine ,the driver door gets stuck, we have no A/C , one fan under the hood work,shocks missing up tires, battery die all the time, and have had problems with the car just cutting off at lights or when stoped by itself.”
NHTSA complaint #11129519, filed 2018-09“These cars have severe issues with their frames and they rot. There are TONS of recalls in Canada and I am wondering why the same recalls are not in the US - this is equally dangerous regardless of location - especially upstate NY where the climate is extremely similar to Canada. I have had TWO LIFE THREATENING INCIDENTS recently - one with the front axel completely breaking several months ago, and yesterday when the frame and rear axel fell apart. Fortunately both times, I was barely moving or I would likely not be here to be typing this. …”
NHTSA complaint #11537675, filed 2023-08Suspension: 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 2006 Honda Element
55 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsSeats
9 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 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