Should I buy a 2008 Honda Element with documented brakes problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented brakes issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2008 Honda Element brakes problems

severe 30 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450

Complaints

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$450

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 10V098000 16/03/2010

HONDA HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 AND 2008 ODYSSEY AND ELEMENT PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JULY 28, 2006 AND AUGUST 21, 2008

IF THE OWNER DOES NOT HAVE ANY BRAKE SERVICE OR MAINTENANCE PERFORMED OVER A PERIOD OF MONTHS OR YEARS, THE SYSTEM CAN CONTINUE TO ACCUMULATE ENOUGH AIR TO AFFECT BRAKING PERFORMANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNER AND HONDA DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VSA MODULATOR BY REMOVING ANY EXISTING AIR IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM THEN APPLY SEALANT AND CAPS TO PREVENT AIR FROM ENTERING THE BRAKE SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 3, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

What owners are reporting 5 most recent

brakes · filed 12/02/2015

RECENTLY BECAME SECOND OWNER OF VEHICLE. NOTICED IT HAD A SOFT BRAKE PEDAL. RECALL PERFORMED BY FIRST OWNERS DEALER, BUT, THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.

brakes · filed 11/12/2009

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH HE APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. CONSEQUENTLY, HE REAR-ENDED THE PROCEEDING VEHICLE. THE DRIVER IN THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL IN AN AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE RECEIVED $4,000 WORTH OF DAMAGES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A…

brakes · filed 10/28/2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE HAVING THE OIL CHANGED BY THE AUTHORIZED DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR BRAKES HAD BECOME WORN. THE CONTACT NOTICED WHILE DRIVING THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD EXTEND TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 22,644.

brakes · filed 10/19/2011

SINCE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE NEW IN JUNE 2008, I HAVE EXPERIENCED A SOFT BRAKE PEDAL AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 2000-5000 MILES. BLEEDING THE BRAKES SEEMS TO CORRECT THE SOFT BRAKE PEDAL. HOWEVER, AFTER DRIVING FOR APPROXIMATELY ANOTHER 2000-5000 MILES THE PEDAL IS AGAIN SOFT AND CONTINUES TO GET SOFTER. I HAVE BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER REPEATEDLY AND THEY HAVE REPLACED THE MASTER …

brakes · filed 10/18/2010

PURCHASED A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT IN SEPTEMBER 2010. CAR HAD 29K MILES ON IT. BRAKE PEDAL WAS SOFT DURING INITIAL TEST DRIVE (WENT TO FLOOR). DEALER BLED BRAKES. DEALER REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER ON 10/14 DUE TO SOFT PEDAL (GOES TO FLOOR). NOTE THAT DEALER CONFIRMED THE RECALL WORK HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE AND DID NOT WORK. THIS CAR IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I NEVER KNOW IF IT WILL S…

Common questions

How serious is the brakes problem on the 2008 Honda Element?

It's a meaningful issue. 30 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.

At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes 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 brakes?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover brakes issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.