2008 Honda Element: common problems and reliability

The 2008 Honda Element has 110 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 13 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and suspension. Owners most often flag engine misfires (codes p0302, p0303) — recurrent issue linked to ignition coils, spark plugs, or more serious internal problems like valve issues or head gasket failure. frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2008 model year

110
Owner complaints
13
Recalls
4
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Honda Element vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

service brakes
34
suspension
23
air bags
23
hydraulic
23
structure
14

Recalls affecting the 2008 Element

air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

Campaign 19V182000

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 20…

vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal

Campaign 19E068000

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,…

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 19V501000

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, 2007-20…

air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

Campaign 19V499000

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 E…

What owners say across generations

Overwhelmingly positive sentiment among long-term owners, characterized by deep affection for the vehicle's unique practicality, durability, and versatility. The Element is consistently praised for its cavernous, configurable interior with a flat, rubberized f

  • Engine misfires (codes P0302, P0303) — recurrent issue linked to ignition coils, spark plugs, or more serious internal problems like valve issues or head gasket failure. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Oil consumption/burning — very high oil consumption (2-3 quarts in 500 miles) reported in some high-mileage examples, often accompanied by knocking. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Overheating/cooling system problems — coolant overflow, suspected cracked block or head gasket failure, particularly in high-mileage vehicles. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Drivetrain failure — complete loss of propulsion while driving; described as a "thunk" and rolling in neutral, suspected axle or differential failure. Frequency: isolated.
  • Transmission/clutch issues — manual transmission models experiencing sudden lurching or loss of power in gear, suspected clutch or internal failure. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Element.

Typical used price

Used Element listings typically run $8,366–$13,799 across 2003 to 2011 model years.

Other Element model years

2003 Element
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