The 2008 Honda Element is a compact crossover SUV that was introduced in 2003 and was in production until 2011. While the Element was generally well-received by reviewers and consumers, it did have some reported problems.
These problems ranged from minor issues to more serious mechanical problems. Some common issues with the 2008 Honda Element included problems with the transmission, suspension, and electrical system.
There were also reports of issues with the fuel pump and fuel system, as well as problems with the power steering. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most common problems reported with the 2008 Honda Element.
2008 Honda Element Problems
1. Door lock may be sticky and not work due to worn door lock tumblers
This issue was reported by 183 people and involves the door lock mechanism becoming stuck or difficult to operate due to the wear and tear of the door lock tumblers.
2. SRS light due to faulty wire harness for seat belts
This problem, reported by 140 people, involves the airbag system’s SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) light being triggered due to a faulty wire harness in the seat belts.
3. Groaning noise on turns due to differential fluid breakdown
This issue, reported by 51 people, involves a groaning noise being heard when making turns due to the breakdown of the differential fluid, which is responsible for lubricating and cooling the gears in the differential.
4. Warped front brake rotors may cause vibration when braking
This issue, reported by 25 people, involves the front brake rotors becoming warped or uneven due to heat and wear, which can cause a vibration sensation when braking.
This can be caused by using poor quality brake pads, driving aggressively or towing heavy loads, or simply due to the rotors reaching the end of their lifespan.
5. Maladjusted rear tailgate will cause rear hatch light to come on
This problem, reported by 19 people, involves the rear hatch light being triggered due to the tailgate being misaligned or improperly adjusted. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including wear and tear on the hinges or latch, or physical damage to the tailgate.
6. Engine leaking oil
This issue, reported by 13 people, involves oil leaking from the engine. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a faulty gasket, a crack in the engine block or oil pan, or a problem with the oil pump.
Oil leaks can lead to engine damage if left unrepaired, so it is important to address this issue as soon as possible.
7. Check engine light due to faulty A/F sensor
This issue, reported by 12 people, involves the check engine light being triggered due to a faulty air-fuel (A/F) sensor.
The A/F sensor is responsible for measuring the air-fuel ratio in the engine and sending this information to the engine control unit (ECU).
If the A/F sensor is not functioning properly, it can cause the engine to run lean or rich, which can lead to reduced performance and potentially cause damage to the engine.
8. Faulty ELD may cause head lights to dim and CEL
This problem, reported by 10 people, involves the head lights dimming and the check engine light being triggered due to a faulty electronic load detector (ELD). The ELD is responsible for regulating the electrical load on the vehicle’s alternator, which powers the electrical systems of the vehicle.
If the ELD is faulty, it can cause the head lights to dim and the check engine light to be triggered. This issue may be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty ELD or a problem with the electrical system of the vehicle.
Possible Solution
| Problem | Possible Solution |
| Door lock may be sticky and not work due to worn door lock tumblers | Replace the door lock tumblers or lubricate them to reduce friction |
| SRS light due to faulty wire harness for seat belts | Replace the faulty wire harness or repair any damaged wires |
| Groaning noise on turns due to differential fluid breakdown | Replace the differential fluid or the entire differential if it is severely damaged |
| Warped front brake rotors may cause vibration when braking | Replace the front brake rotors or have them resurfaced if they are only slightly warped |
| Maladjusted rear tailgate will cause rear hatch light to come on | Adjust the tailgate or replace any damaged hinges or latch |
| Engine leaking oil | Replace the faulty gasket, oil pan, or oil pump, or repair any cracks in the engine block |
| Check engine light due to faulty A/F sensor | Replace the faulty A/F sensor or repair any damaged wiring |
| Faulty ELD may cause head lights to dim and CEL | Replace the faulty ELD or repair any damaged wiring in the electrical system |
2008 Honda Element Recalls
| Recall | Description | Date | Models Affected |
| Recall 19V501000 | Newly Replaced Passenger Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | Jul 1, 2019 | 10 models affected |
| Recall 19V499000 | Newly Replaced Driver’s Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | Jul 1, 2019 | 10 models affected |
| Recall 19V182000 | Driver’s Frontal Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | Mar 7, 2019 | 14 models affected |
| Recall 18V268000 | Front Passenger Air Bag Inflator Potentially Installed Improperly During Replacement | May 1, 2018 | 10 models affected |
| Recall 17V029000 | Passenger Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | Jan 13, 2017 | 7 models affected |
| Recall 16V344000 | Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator Ruptures On Deployment | May 24, 2016 | 8 models affected |
| Recall 15V320000 | Driver’s Front Air Bag Defective | May 28, 2015 | 10 models affected |
| Recall 10V098000 | Honda Recalls 2007-2008 Models Due to Air in Brake System | Mar 16, 2010 | 2 models affected |
| Recall 11V395000 | Automatic Transmission Bearing Failure | Aug 4, 2011 | 3 models affected |
| Recall 12V436000 | Trailer Turn Signals May Not Function as Expected | Sep 6, 2012 | 1 model affected |
| Recall 08V349000 | Left Rear Suspension Link May Fail | Jul 29, 2008 | 1 model affected |
| Recall 10V271000 | Recall 10V271000 | Jun 17, 2010 | 5 models affected |
Recall 19V501000:
This recall involves the passenger air bag inflator rupturing during deployment, which can cause sharp metal fragments to spray out and potentially injure the occupants of the vehicle. This issue affects 10 models of the 2008 Honda Element.
Recall 19V499000:
Similar to the first recall, this one involves the driver’s air bag inflator rupturing during deployment, which can cause sharp metal fragments to spray out and potentially injure the occupants of the vehicle. This issue affects 10 models of the 2008 Honda Element.
Recall 19V182000:
This recall involves the driver’s frontal air bag inflator rupturing during deployment, which can cause sharp metal fragments to spray out and potentially injure the occupants of the vehicle. This issue affects 14 models of the 2008 Honda Element.
Recall 18V268000:
This recall involves the front passenger air bag inflator being potentially installed improperly during replacement, which can cause the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash and increase the risk of injury to the occupants. This issue affects 10 models of the 2008 Honda Element.
Recall 17V029000:
This recall involves the passenger air bag inflator rupturing during deployment, which can cause sharp metal fragments to spray out and potentially injure the occupants of the vehicle. This issue affects 7 models of the 2008 Honda Element.
Recall 16V344000:
This recall involves the passenger frontal air bag inflator rupturing on deployment, which can cause sharp metal fragments to spray out and potentially injure the occupants of the vehicle. This issue affects 8 models of the 2008 Honda Element.
Recall 15V320000:
This recall involves the driver’s front air bag being defective, which can cause the inflator to rupture in the event of a crash and send sharp metal fragments spraying out and potentially injure the occupants. This issue affects 10 models of the 2008 Honda Element.
Recall 10V098000:
This recall involves issues with the brake system, specifically that air can accumulate in the system over time and affect braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash. This issue affects 2 models of the 2008 Honda Element.
Recall 11V395000:
This recall involves the automatic transmission bearing failing, which can cause the engine to stall and potentially cause pieces of the outer race or ball bearing to become lodged in the parking pawl, causing the vehicle to roll after the driver has placed the gear selector in the park position. This issue affects 3 models of the 2008 Honda Element.
Recall 12V436000:
This recall involves the trailer turn signals not functioning as expected, which can prevent the driver’s intent from being communicated and increase the risk of a crash. This issue affects 1 model of the 2008 Honda Element.
Recall 08V349000:
This recall involves the left rear suspension link potentially failing, which can cause the suspension to release the lower portion of the wheel hub, causing a loss of control and potentially damaging the brake system. This issue affects 1 model of the 2008 Honda Element.
Recall 10V271000:
This recall involves issues with the seat base pin potentially breaking, which can cause injury to the seat occupant. This issue affects 5 models of the 2008 Honda Element.
Problems and Complaints Sources
https://repairpal.com/2008-honda-element/problems
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Element/2008/
All Honda Element years we talked –
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