BRAKE PEDAL IS SOFT AND GOES TO THE FLOOR WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. WHEN THE ENGINE IS OFF THE PEDAL IS HARD AND DOES NOT GO TO THE FLOOR.
2009 Honda Element brakes problems
severe 8 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450
Complaints
8
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$450
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
A FAILED MODULATOR. SERVICE ADVISORY A52 MUSHY BRAKES.
THE BRAKE PEDAL IS VERY SOFT AND THE BRAKES WEAR UNEVENLY AND CLAPPERS LOCK UP EVEN AFTER REPLACEMENT OF PADS ROTERS, CLAPPERS, HOSES,AND BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM
2009 HONDA ELEMENT, UNDER 2000 MILES AFTER CERTIFICATION SUFFERED A BRAKE FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING LEADING TO ACCIDENT. *KB
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2009 Honda Element?
It's a meaningful issue. 8 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?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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