2008 Honda Element Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 21%of 113 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 130,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the suspension of the 2008 Honda Element, 21% of the 113 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 130,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While traveling at approximately 20mph on a city street, suspension parts failed causing the vehicle to come to an abrupt stop. Upon inspection, frame rust caused the rear-trailing arm to separate from the vehicle's frame. At higher speeds this may have been catastrophic. This is a common problem in areas that salt their roads. Honda canada has a recall and buyback program for this exact issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11407580, filed 2021-04, 200,000 miles“Heard clunking noise from under carriage of vehicle. Brought into Honda dealership. Their inspection revealed worn ball joints(prematurely). Ball joints could separate causing the vehicle suspension to collapse. This condition would result in vehicle deceleration and a sudden loss of power, also steering controllability would be reduced.”
NHTSA complaint #10648378, filed 2014-10, 58,600 miles“I took my very well maintained Honda Element into the shop for routine maintenance and a pre-spring/summer driving check. They indicated that the driver's side subframe where it meets the rear trailing arm has a dangerous hole and that I should not drive this car any more. We live in Michigan where snow/salt are factors. …”
NHTSA complaint #11589123, filed 2024-05“The front bushing bracket on the left (driver's side) rear trailing arm may have an improper weld and could separate from the arm. I am noticing some rust in this area. I have rustproofed the vehicle to help prolong the life and to avoid a separated bracket which can release the lower portion of the wheel hub and damage the brake system, leading to a loss of vehicle control and an increased risk of a crash.”
NHTSA complaint #11767821, filed 2026-09“My mechanic informed me that this car will no longer pass NYS inspection due to body rust/corrosion holes where the rear trailing arms attach to the car's body. Honda has issued a recall for the same model year CR-V, which has a nearly identical trailing arm attachment design, due to the risk of losing control of the vehicle if the trailing arm mount separates from the body.”
NHTSA complaint #11624062, filed 2024-11Related recalls
- 08V349000Jul 29, 2008Honda is recalling 241 my 2008 element vehicles. The front bushing bracket of the left trailing arm of the rear suspension may have been improperly welded and…Covers: Honda Element 2008
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 2008 Honda Element
34 complaintsAir bags
24 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 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