My 2008 Element has corrosion on the rear trailing arm of the suspension of the driver's side. The car is unsafe to drive and can't be repaired. The vehicle is a total loss. I noticed several owners on this forum with the same problem posted a couple of years ago.
Honda recalled Elements in Canada for this problem. The attached file describes the Canada recall. Honda has recalled CRVs in the US for this problem if the vehicle was used in northern states that use salt on roads during winter months (NTSB Campaign # 23V-22800). CRVs and Elements share the same suspension parts. In particular, the rear trailing arms of the suspension are identical parts.
This part of the suspension has the ability to trap mud, moisture and road salt, resulting in catastrophic corrosion. Honda acknowledges, via the recalls mentioned above, that the corrosion problems can be so severe that the trailing arm could separate from the body, causing loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.
I called Honda's corporate office first and opened a complaint with Customer Service. I was informed that the recall did not include Elements used in the United States. There was nothing else Customer Service could do, they said.
Next, I called Honda's legal department (310-781-4961). I requested Honda to expand the current recall of CRVs to include Elements for the model years that are affected. The legal department representative told me they will investigate and get back to me by the end of the week.
I also called the NTSB and lodged a complaint. The number for the Vehicle Safety Hotline is 888-327-4236, Monday-Friday 8am-8pm ET. The email is vsh@dot.gov. My complaint is being investigated by the NTSB now.
I will let this forum know what happens with my problem. Have any other Element owners experienced this corrosion problem?
If so:
1. Please reply to this forum
2. Call Honda's legal department
3. Lodge a complaint with the NTSB.
Cash buy outs are included in the recall details for CRVs and Canadian Elements that are deemed to be a total loss, like mine. I am holding out some hope but I also understand this struggle will be like climbing a mountain.
Thank you,
Mike Evenson
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Honda recalled Elements in Canada for this problem. The attached file describes the Canada recall. Honda has recalled CRVs in the US for this problem if the vehicle was used in northern states that use salt on roads during winter months (NTSB Campaign # 23V-22800). CRVs and Elements share the same suspension parts. In particular, the rear trailing arms of the suspension are identical parts.
This part of the suspension has the ability to trap mud, moisture and road salt, resulting in catastrophic corrosion. Honda acknowledges, via the recalls mentioned above, that the corrosion problems can be so severe that the trailing arm could separate from the body, causing loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.
I called Honda's corporate office first and opened a complaint with Customer Service. I was informed that the recall did not include Elements used in the United States. There was nothing else Customer Service could do, they said.
Next, I called Honda's legal department (310-781-4961). I requested Honda to expand the current recall of CRVs to include Elements for the model years that are affected. The legal department representative told me they will investigate and get back to me by the end of the week.
I also called the NTSB and lodged a complaint. The number for the Vehicle Safety Hotline is 888-327-4236, Monday-Friday 8am-8pm ET. The email is vsh@dot.gov. My complaint is being investigated by the NTSB now.
I will let this forum know what happens with my problem. Have any other Element owners experienced this corrosion problem?
If so:
1. Please reply to this forum
2. Call Honda's legal department
3. Lodge a complaint with the NTSB.
Cash buy outs are included in the recall details for CRVs and Canadian Elements that are deemed to be a total loss, like mine. I am holding out some hope but I also understand this struggle will be like climbing a mountain.
Thank you,
Mike Evenson
La Crosse, Wisconsin
