Service Bulletin - Warranty Extension: Customer Support Program For Front Passenger's Airbag Inflator.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Honda Element airbags problems
severe 23 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Complaints
23
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 23 airbags complaints filed for the 2008 Honda Element, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 7 model years of Honda Element in our records for airbags problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Airbags accounts for 21% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 8 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passenger's airbag inflator only.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passenger's airbag inflator only.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passengers airbag inflator only.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The bulk of complaints center on Takata inflator recalls (campaigns 14V700000, 15V320000, 16V344000, 14V351000) affecting both driver and passenger airbags. The inflator design is prone to rupture and expel metal fragments in high heat and humidity; as these 2008 models age, the risk climbs. Driver-side replacement began first but dragged for months—one owner waited March to September. Passenger-side inflator recall came later, with wait times stretching to 8+ months. Multiple owners report Honda and dealerships could not provide firm ship dates or completion estimates, some claiming parts distribution was broken. Honda refused loaner vehicles in most cases and occasionally contradicted its own recall letter's risk description to customers.
A separate failure mode involves a weight sensor in the seat occupant detection system; airbag warning light stays on, and repair cost was estimated at $1,240.47, but Honda excluded this from warranty coverage despite the sensor being integral to airbag function.
One catastrophic case reported: airbags did not deploy in a 15 mph head-on collision at 198,318 miles, and the owner sustained neck and back injuries. Another reported unintended deployment of both passenger-side front and curtain airbags at 65 mph with no impact or damage.
Owners describe extended wait times, poor communication, and frustration with the pace and availability of recall repairs.
Same Honda Element airbags reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Takata Inflator Rupture / Deflagration (Recalled)
Takata-brand inflators prone to rupturing and expelling metal fragments during deployment or in high heat/humidity conditions. Driver-side airbags were recalled first; passenger-side airbags identified as similar design and vintage, also needing replacement.
When: Multiple model years; owners report exposure over years as vehicles age in high-temperature and high-humidity environments
Symptoms owners cite: No crash required for risk—inflator rupture hazard present as vehicle ages; Metal fragments ejected from airbag during deployment
Codes mentioned: NHTSA 14V700000 (2003–2004 Element recall, similar design), NHTSA 15V320000, NHTSA 16V344000, NHTSA 14V351000
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement inflators. Dealerships reported 1–2 month waits for driver-side parts; passenger-side parts took 8+ months to become available in some cases. One owner waited March to September for driver-side inflator.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda issued multiple recall campaigns (14V700000, 15V320000, 16V344000, 14V351000) for Takata inflators. Customer service acknowledged parts shortages and delays but did not provide loaner vehicles in most cases. One service person contradicted the recall letter, claiming no metal ejection risk.
Airbag Warning Light / Weight Sensor Failure
Airbag warning light remaining illuminated, dealer diagnosis pointing to weight sensor malfunction in the seat occupant detection system (SRS). Sensor is integral to safe airbag deployment but excluded from manufacturer warranty.
When: Specific mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light stays on
Codes mentioned: Weight sensor fault (occupant detection system)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer estimated repair cost $1,240.47. Parts reported not available at time of complaint; shipping date TBD. Owner disputed warranty exclusion since seatbelts and airbags themselves are covered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda warranted seatbelts and airbag assemblies but refused to warranty the weight sensor, claiming it is not part of the SRS warranty coverage.
Airbag Non-Deployment in Frontal Collision
Airbags failed to deploy during a frontal head-on collision at 15 mph. Owner sustained neck and back injuries requiring medical attention. Vehicle not inspected at a dealer; independent mechanic performed repairs.
When: At approximately 198,318 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags did not deploy during head-on impact collision at 15 mph; Owner sustained neck and back injuries
Repairs/costs cited: Repaired by independent mechanic; no dealer diagnosis documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was not notified of the failure
Unintended Airbag Deployment (Front Passenger Seat and Curtain)
Passenger-side front seat airbag and side curtain airbag deployed while driving at 65 mph on the freeway without any collision or visible vehicle damage.
When: While driving 65 mph on freeway (mileage not stated)
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger frontal airbag deployed without impact; Side curtain airbag deployed without impact; No collision, no visible damage to exterior or underside
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narrative
Synthesized from 23 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
2008 Honda element consumer is requesting a recall expansion regarding takata air bags. *cn
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Honda element. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14v351000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed was not available. The dealer was unable to provide a specific date for when the part would become available. The manufacturer was notified. The contact did not experience a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Honda element. While driving 15 MPH and making a left turn, the contact was struck head on by another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained neck and back inquiries that required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. An independent…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Honda element. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v344000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Honda element. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v344000 (air bags). However, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Honda element. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v344000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Part distribution disconnect.
Had airbags trouble with your 2008 Honda Element?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2008 Honda Element?
It's a meaningful issue. 23 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Based on the 23 complaints filed, airbags issues most often appear around 112,106 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Honda/Element.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.