2008 Honda Element EX
5J6YH18728L011895
Vehicle history report for the 2008 Honda Element EX (VIN 5J6YH18728L011895). Orange, sport utility vehicle [suv]/multipurpose vehicle [mpv], 2.4L 4-cyl 166 hp, gasoline. 55,944 mi reported. Registered in Ga. No open recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
![2008 Honda Element EX, Orange, Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] — representative vehicle photo for VIN 5J6YH18728L011895](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/34/%2703-%2706_Honda_Element_%28Orange_Julep%29.JPG)
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
What's a 2008 Honda Element worth?
What comparable 2008 Honda Element vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
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See this car's exact value →Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN 5J6YH18728L011895
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls None found
No open NHTSA recall campaigns were found for this 2008 Honda Element.
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Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 110 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Honda Element, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
🔍 Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
🔍 Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 110
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2008 Honda Element.
SUSPENSION
Rotted and rusted out trailing arms
NHTSA ODI #11729158SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Element. The contact stated that while reversing out of a parking spot, the driver’s side rear trailing arm fractured. There were no warning lights illuminated. Upon researching the failure, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V349000 (Suspension). The vehicle was towed to the husband's place of employment…
NHTSA ODI #11687921STRUCTURE
There is a massive rust spot under the driver side seating position where your feet would rest while driving. Seems as there isn't significant drainage holes in this area.
NHTSA ODI #11667334SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
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 separat…
NHTSA ODI #11624062SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
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 serv…
NHTSA ODI #11621850STRUCTURE
I just purchased a 2008 Honda Element and took it for inspection and the entire undercarriage is rusted. I know Honda of Canada will fix or buy back the vehicle. However as I am in the USA my understanding is that for now only the CRV’s are affected. The car cannot be driven as it is a very dangerous concern. Please help.
NHTSA ODI #11608412STRUCTURE
I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a serious safety concern involving the Honda Element model years 2003 through 2011. Specifically, this issue pertains to the rear trailing arm mounting area, which has been observed to rust through on numerous vehicles, including my own 2008 Honda Element. The rusting of the rear trailing arm mounting are…
NHTSA ODI #11606365SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Element. The contact stated while driving 20-30 MPH over a bump, the vehicle started fish tailing. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that he noticed that the rear driver's side tire was sideways. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that …
NHTSA ODI #11596114+ 102 more complaints on record.
