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

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented suspension 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 suspension problems

moderate 23 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $900

Complaints

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$900

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 08V349000 29/07/2008

HONDA IS RECALLING 241 MY 2008 ELEMENT VEHICLES

A SEPARATED BUSHING BRACKET COULD CAUSE THE SUSPENSION TO RELEASE THE LOWER PORTION OF THE WHEEL HUB, CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL AND DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE SYSTEM WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Fix: OWNERS WILL BE CONTACTED BY PHONE AND ADVISED TO STOP DRIVING THEIR VEHICLES UNTIL THEY HAVE TAKEN THEIR VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LEFT REAR TRAILING ARM AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 25, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

What owners are reporting 5 most recent

suspension · filed 11/07/2024

My mechanic informed me that this car will no longer pass NYS inspection due to body rust/corrosion holes where the rear trailing arms attach to the car's body. Honda has issued a recall for the same model year CR-V, which has a nearly identical trailing arm attachment design, due to the risk of losing control of the vehicle if the trailing arm mount separates from the body.

suspension · filed 11/06/2023

The drivers side rear trailing arm mounting point on my Honda Element has completely rotted out, making my car a seriously unsafe vehicle to drive. This is a well known issue to both Honda and the NHTSA as Honda has already recalled both the Element and CR-V in Canada, and the CR-V here in the USA, but not the Element. NHTSA # 23v-228, Transport Canada Recall - 2021024 - HONDA

suspension · filed 10/24/2024

The driver side rear trail arm broke off bending the strut with the tire hanging, it happened in my apartment parking lot, I could have lost my life if this had happened at high speeds or killed somebody else. I’m very lucky to be alive!! Currently it is not inspectable due to the damage. The problem has not been reproduced by a dealer or an independent service centre. The vehicle has not been in…

suspension · filed 10/17/2014

HEARD CLUNKING NOISE FROM UNDER CARRIAGE OF VEHICLE. BROUGHT INTO HONDA DEALERSHIP. THEIR INSPECTION REVEALED WORN BALL JOINTS(PREMATURELY). BALL JOINTS COULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE VEHICLE SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE. THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN VEHICLE DECELERATION AND A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER, ALSO STEERING CONTROLLABILITY WOULD BE REDUCED. *TR

suspension · filed 10/16/2023

My Honda Element unibody has rusted out resulting in the real axle trailing arm separating from the vehicle. This happened while my daughter was driving - luckily she was not injured. This is a known issue at Honda. Honda Elements years 2003-2011 have already been recalled for a repair or reimbursement in Canada (see recall # 2021024) and all Honda CR-Vs in the United States model years 2007-20…

Common questions

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

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 23 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $900 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the suspension 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 $900 for suspension 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 suspension?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover suspension 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.