HONDA ELEMENT · model year

2007 HONDA ELEMENT

142 NHTSA complaints, 10 crash reports, and 12 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2007HONDAELEMENT carries 142 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 10 crashes, 0 fires, 11 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2007 ELEMENT is air bags with 27 filings, followed by electrical system (17) and suspension (13). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 12 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2007 ELEMENT. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

142
Complaints
10
Crashes
0
Fires
11
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

142 filings

Crashes Reported

10 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS27
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM17
SUSPENSION13
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
ENGINE7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL5
SERVICE BRAKES5
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)5
STRUCTURE:BODY5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD3
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR3
WHEELS3
POWER TRAIN3

Recalls (12)

15V32000028/05/2015

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acur

19V49900027/06/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. The

19V50100027/06/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles.

18V26800026/04/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air b

16V34400023/05/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, Calif

10V09800016/03/2010

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

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. AIR CAN ENTER THE VSA MODULAR PUMP DURING AN INITIAL SELF-CHECK PROCESS THAT OCCURS SHORTLY AFTER EACH TIME THE ENGINE IS STARTED.

09E02500011/05/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES

19E06800010/10/2019

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-

17V02900010/01/2017

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2011 Honda Element vehicles, 2005-2012 Acura RL vehicles, 2006-2012 Honda Ridgeline vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, i

19V18200006/03/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV

12V43600005/09/2012

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Honda is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 Element passenger vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness. The wire that supplies power to the trailer turn signal lights was inadvertently switched with the stop lamp wire. As a result the turn signals only illuminat

11V39500004/08/2011

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 ACCORD, 2007-2010 CR-V, AND 2005-2008 ELEMENT PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 1, 2004, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 3, 2010. THE OUTER RACE OF THE SECONDARY SHAFT BEARING MAY BE BROKEN DURING CERTAIN DRIVING STYLES. A BROKEN OUTER RACE MAY CAUSE ABNORMAL

Recent Complaints

20250614CrashWHEELS

Rear Trailing Arm Rusted Out, Car Can not be repaired per two citified mechanics.

20250614CrashSUSPENSION

Rear Trailing Arm Rusted Out, Car Can not be repaired per two citified mechanics.

20241227ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2007 Honda Element. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V436000 (Electrical System, Trailer Hitches) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The contact was advised by the local dealer that the vehicle was not eligible for recall repairs due to the title being salvaged and that the part was not an attachment for the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issues.

20241227TRAILER HITCHES

The contact owns a 2007 Honda Element. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V436000 (Electrical System, Trailer Hitches) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The contact was advised by the local dealer that the vehicle was not eligible for recall repairs due to the title being salvaged and that the part was not an attachment for the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issues.

20240903SUSPENSION

While driving up my driveway on the way home the left swing arm seperated from the unibody allowing the left rear wheel to move aft jamming the left rear tire into the rear inside fender effectively locking that wheel at about a 20 degree angle.

20240813SUSPENSION

The rest frame has rusted from the inside out, frame actually broke when going in for repairs. Was raised on lift for basic brake repair and the frame separated on the rear driver side. Same exact issue that was recalled in crvs of same year.

20240813POWER TRAIN

The rest frame has rusted from the inside out, frame actually broke when going in for repairs. Was raised on lift for basic brake repair and the frame separated on the rear driver side. Same exact issue that was recalled in crvs of same year.

20240728SUSPENSION

Left rear trailing arm completely broke off while I was on the highway. Very unsafe. This Element needs to be recalled, like the CRV. It was recalled in Canada. This is absolutely dangerous and I could have died.

20231017STRUCTURE:BODY

Brought vehicle (2007 Honda Element) to have new brakes and tires put on vehicle. Discovered rusted through rear frame. Declined to finish work of vehicle upgrades due to being unsafe to further drive vehicle. Mechanic said he didn't feel comfortable working on vehicle in the condition. Suggested taking to body shop to attempt replacing but would cost more than vehicle was worth. Suggested taking to dealer and seeing if they would offer recall since one was issued in Canada a couple years ago. He wouldn't recommend driving vehicle due to potential break and loss of control of vehicle rear control arms.

20231012SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2007 Honda Element. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the rear end of the vehicle became unstable and the rear driver's side wheel failed rendering the vehicle undrivable. The vehicle was towed to a friend's home and later examined by a local mechanic who diagnosed that the rear driver's side suspension swing arm had fractured due to severe rusting and corrosion of the vehicle's subframe. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 169,000.

Mileage: 169,000

20230919SUSPENSION

I was driving with my family to the local fair a few miles from home. When the steering got loose around a sharp bend at 35-40 mph. I was able to keep control and slow to where I could safely look at issues. Thankfully I was going slow. The mount for the rear trailing arm pulled out of the mounting location on the driver side.

20230908SUSPENSION

We are trying to sell our 2007 Honda Element and have found there is extensive rust under the car, likely due to the NY road salt. We have older cars in the family / area without this problem. We found out Canada has issued a recall over this matter. I have lost confidence that our car is safe to drive, well before the expected end of serviceable life. Can you have Honda remedy this situation

20230505SUSPENSION

Rusted detached rear trailing arm. This is the same part involved in the Honda CR-V recall. This recall should be extended to the Honda Element which is on the same platform.

20230411SUSPENSION

The left rear trailing arm mount is very rusty as is the inner rocker. This is a problem with both the CRV and Element ,it's a safety issue because the mount can detach and cause a accident. This vehicle has had a yearly inspection in my state and has passed I am concerned it won't in the future because of trailing arm rust. The element are built on the same platform as the CRV witch is being recalled for this problem. The elements are being recalled in Canada for this problem.

20220922SUSPENSION

REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE DUE TO EXCESSIVE CHASSIS COROSION. FORTUNATELY FAILURE OCCURRED AT LOW SPEED. TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL WOULD RESULT AT HIGH SPEED. INDEPENDENT BODY SHOPS CONFIRM THIS DEFECT IS NOT REAIRABLE. PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR HONDA ELEMENTS IN CANADA FOR THIS SAME DEFECT. I CALLED AMERICAN HONDA AND THEY DENY ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THIS DEFECT IN THE U.S.

20220922SUSPENSION

Rear suspension failure due to excessive corrosion. Fortunately failure occurred at low speed. Total loss of control would have happened at high speed. Independent body shops confirm this damage is not repairable. Please note that there is a recall for Honda Elements in Canada for the same defect. I called American Honda and they deny any knowledge of this defect in the U.S.

20220306STRUCTURE:BODY

The frame of the vehicle has rusted out at the bolt where the rear trailing arm connects to the frame. The rust has caused the vehicle to fail Maine State Inspection. This vehicle defect has led to a recall in Canada: “On certain vehicles, the rear frame could rust. In extreme cases, this could result in a rear trailing arm separating from the vehicle. This recall applies to vehicles originally sold or currently registered in areas of heavy road salt usage (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador).” https://recallmonitor.ca/recall/2021024 Maine and New Hampshire, where this vehicle has been registered for its entire life, are areas of heavy road salt usage. According to Honda Canada, “ A rear trailing arm that separates could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash.” The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. It was inspected by a garage certified to provide Maine State Inspections. The manuf

20210930CrashSUSPENSION

While driving, without notice at all, the drivers side rear suspension ,wheel, and all the holds it together became dislocated/disassembled from the car while going about 40mph. Upon further investigation, I found the whole frame mount for the rear suspension had completely rotted away and caused this whole issue. NO PRIOR WARNING AT ALL!! This is a potentiality deadly issue.. I had just come off the highway doin 70 mph... if this would of happened there...it would of been a completely different outcome. The year/make/model of my vehicle has already been recalled for this issue.. BUT my vin # wasn't included?.?.?. THIS IS WRONG!! THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE THAT NO AMOUNT OF MAINTENANCE WILL STOP!!

20210830SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2007 Honda Element. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the contact drove over a pothole and noticed that the driver’s side control arm on the rear axle fractured and detached from the vehicle, causing the rear driver’s side tire to stick out from underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was inspected and diagnosed. The contact was informed that rust and corrosion on the rear axle had caused the failure and that the axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

Mileage: 102,000

20210126AIR BAGS

ODOMETER ROLLED BACK IN RE-SALE; RESULT OF RETURN DUE TO NATURAL DISASTER. (2000MILES)

Compare 2007HONDAELEMENT to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2007 HONDA ELEMENT have?
The 2007 HONDA ELEMENT has 142 NHTSA complaints, 10 crashes, 0 fires, 11 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2007 HONDA ELEMENT?
Yes, the 2007 HONDA ELEMENT has 12 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2007 HONDA ELEMENT?
The most-complained component for the 2007 HONDA ELEMENT is AIR BAGS with 27 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and SUSPENSION.
Is the 2007 HONDA ELEMENT safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.