Summary
The Honda Element has 9 recalls spanning the 2003–2011 production run, with the most serious being a rear suspension defect on certain 2008 models where a trailing arm bushing bracket can separate, releasing the wheel hub and causing loss of vehicle control while also damaging the brakes.
The 2010 model year with an automatic transmission has a shift cable that was incorrectly set during assembly, which can prevent the transmission from actually entering the selected gear even though the shift lever moves normally. This can trap the ignition key, prevent shifting into or out of park, or prevent engagement of reverse. On 2007–2008 models, air can gradually enter the brake system's stability control pump each time the engine starts. Over months or years without brake service, enough air can accumulate to reduce braking effectiveness. The 2005 passenger frontal airbag inflator can degrade over time due to heat and humidity cycling, which can cause the airbag to deploy with excessive force in a crash. There is also a 2005-specific issue with the trailer hitch wiring harness where an incorrectly wired connector can cause trailer brake and turn signal lights to operate incorrectly, or blow a fuse and eliminate trailer brake light and turn signal function entirely.
Going back to early production, the 2003–2004 models with automatic transmissions have an ignition switch interlock lever that can deform or wear, allowing the ignition key to be removed before the transmission is in park and permitting the vehicle to roll away. On 2003 models originally sold or registered in heavy road salt areas of Canada, the rear frame can rust severely enough that a trailing arm separates from the vehicle, causing sudden loss of control. Rounding out the recall history, 2007–2011 models equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness have the turn signal and brake light wires reversed, so trailer turn signals only illuminate when the brakes are applied rather than when signaling a turn.
