2008 Honda Element Problems: 10 Known Issues

2008 Honda Element Problems: 10 Known Issues | Au7o

NHTSA Recalls17 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles nationwide. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2012 Acura RL, 2011 Honda Element and 2011-2013 Ridgeline vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Lastly, if not included above, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2011 Honda Element, 2010-2012 Acura RL and 2010-2013 Ridgeline vehicles in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign #18V66200027/09/2018

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."

Campaign #19E06800010/10/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.

Campaign #19V18200006/03/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign #19V50100027/06/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign #19V49900027/06/2019

+ 12 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Honda Element problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,180+ owner reports, the 2008 Honda Element has 10 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Alternator Failure, Timing Chain Rattle on Cold Start (K24A), AC Compressor Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Honda Element reliable?

The 2008 Honda Element has 10 known issues documented across 1,180+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Alternator Failure and Timing Chain Rattle on Cold Start (K24A). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Honda Element problems?

Repair costs for known Honda Element issues range from $0 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Alternator Failure, typically costs $500-$850 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2003-2011 Honda Element Alternator Failure?

Alternator diode failure causing persistent battery drain even after replacement. Common failure point around 140k miles. OEM Honda alternators strongly preferred over aftermarket by Element community - aftermarket often fail prematurely. Test with multimeter (should read 13.5-14… Repairs typically run $500-$850. Severity: high.

What is the 2003-2011 Honda Element Timing Chain Rattle on Cold Start (K24A)?

K24A engine timing chain tensioner wear causes rattling noise on cold start. Many Elements reach 200k+ miles without chain issues - don't replace unless confirmed diagnosis per Element community consensus. If persistent rattling: Replace timing chain, tensioner, guides, and VTC o… Repairs typically run $1,500-$2,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2003-2011 Honda Element AC Compressor Failure?

AC compressor clutch failure around 100k-140k miles is most common Honda AC issue across all Element years. Pressure sensor failure (most common), clutch coil failure, or metal shavings blocking orifice tube cause warm air. Denso and UAC brand compressors preferred by Element Own… Repairs typically run $800-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2011 Honda Element Power Door Lock Actuator Failure?

Door lock cylinders wear prematurely, tumblers become worn/pitted. Usually affects driver side door first. Manual lock still works but keyless entry doesn't respond. Honda TSB addresses nickel-plated tumbler replacement. DIY-friendly repair with door panel removal - YouTube tutor… Repairs typically run $150-$400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2011 Honda Element Engine Oil Consumption (K24A High Mileage)?

K24A engine develops abnormal oil consumption after 100k-150k miles. Stuck oil control rings from infrequent changes or wrong viscosity oil. Mobil 1 synthetic 5W-20 is Element Owners Club community standard. Change oil every 5,000 miles (not 7,500) to prevent consumption. Avoid c… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2011 Honda Element Sunroof/Hatch Water Leaks (SC Models)?

Clogged sunroof drain tubes, sealant degradation around hinge bolts, poor drainage design causes water pooling in spare tire well and floorboards. Most common on SC (Street Custom) models with sunroof. Kinked/pinched drain hoses, plugged drain holes, and clogged AC drain are root… Repairs typically run $0-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2011 Honda Element Rear Differential Noise (AWD Models)?

AWD Elements experience whining/grinding noise from rear differential during turns or acceleration. Differential fluid breakdown or bearing wear. CRITICAL: Change rear differential fluid every 30,000-40,000 miles with Honda "Double Pump II" fluid (1.1 quarts) ONLY. Many Element o… Repairs typically run $150-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2011 Honda Element Power Steering Fluid Leaks?

Power steering hose cracks, pump seal failure, connection leaks cause grinding/whining noise and stiff steering. Rubber hose deterioration over time, worn pump seals, loose connections. DIY-friendly if just hose replacement according to Element Owners Club. Check all connections… Repairs typically run $200-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2011 Honda Element Tailgate/Liftgate Hinge and Lift Support Problems?

Hinges damaged by hyperextension, plastic flap broken, lift supports degrade over time. Lift supports (spring struts) degrade causing difficulty opening/closing tailgate. Replace lift supports before failure - falling gate is safety hazard. Plastic flap repair is popular DIY item… Repairs typically run $100-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2011 Honda Element 5-Speed Automatic Transmission Harsh Shifts?

5-speed automatic transmission exhibits harsh shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, "searching" between gears, occasional grinding sounds. Transmission fluid oxidation with clutch material buildup at high mileage, worn motor/transmission mounts. Element community reports most transmissi… Repairs typically run $200-$3,500. Severity: medium.

All 10 Known Issues

2003-2011 Honda Element: Alternator Failure#

2003-2011 Honda Element: Power Door Lock Actuator Failure#

2003-2011 Honda Element: Timing Chain Rattle on Cold Start (K24A)#

2003-2011 Honda Element: Engine Oil Consumption (K24A High Mileage)#

2007-2011 Honda Element: Sunroof/Hatch Water Leaks (SC Models)#

2003-2011 Honda Element: Tailgate/Liftgate Hinge and Lift Support Problems#

2003-2011 Honda Element: Rear Differential Noise (AWD Models)#

2003-2011 Honda Element: 5-Speed Automatic Transmission Harsh Shifts#

2003-2011 Honda Element: AC Compressor Failure#

2003-2011 Honda Element: Power Steering Fluid Leaks#

Other Honda Models