Wrench.Pro

2007 Honda Element Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2007 Honda Element has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Instrument panel gauge needle failure.” Honda vehicles use the Maintenance Minder system — your dashboard displays a Code A (oil change) or Code B (oil change plus inspections) along with sub-codes 1-6 for additional services. Intervals adjust based on how you drive. The schedule below reflects Honda's underlying targets.

Save this car as:

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2007 Honda Element.

Reported to NHTSA

Instrument panel gauge needle failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

21 NHTSA complaints · 2011-03 → 2020-01

“TACHOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER NEEDLES RANDOMLY FELL OFF. I WAS JUST DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, AND THE TACHOMETER NEEDLE FELL OFF, AND ABOUT A WEEK LATER, THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE DID THE SAME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10825792
“I WAS DRIVING MY ELEMENT DOWN A BACK ROAD IN INDIANAPOLIS WHEN AFTER HITTING A POTHOLE I NOTICED 4 BRIGHT LIGHTS SHINING DIRECTLY AT ME. ALL THE NEEDLES IN MY DASH FELL RIGHT OUT AND ARE CURRENTLY NESTLED IN PLAIN VIEW BEHIND THE CLEAR PLASTIC FACE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10608737
“SPEEDOMETER IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, READS LOW BY AT LEAST 20 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10681274

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Soft brake pedal and VSA modulator failure

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

19 NHTSA complaints · 2007-06 → 2017-12

“WHILE THE VEHICLE MOVING SLOWLY, SUDDENLY THE ABS, VSA (VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST) AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS ALL CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME AND STAYED ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11054018
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD FALL INTO THE FLOORBOARD INTERMITTENTLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10328128
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKING SYSTEM IS POOR ON HIS VEHICLE. THE BRAKES ONLY WORK FOR THE FRONT WHEELS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10194778

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Spontaneous windshield cracking

VISIBILITY

4 NHTSA complaints · 2007-04 → 2009-04

“10 INCH LONG CRACK APPEARED IN WINDSHIELD FROM RIGHT SIDE. NOTHING HIT THE GLASS AND THERE ARE NO CHIPS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10266194
“2007 HONDA ELEMENT, PURCHASED MARCH OF 2007. FEBRUARY 15, 2008 CRACK SHOWED UP ON WINDSHIELD STARTING FROM RIGHT SIDE FRAME OF WINDSHIELD, GROWING DAILY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10218270
“HONDA ELEMENT PURCHASED 4/16/07: A CHIP A WEEK ON WINDSHIELD! TODAY IS 4/28/07”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10189164

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Powertrain shudder and clutch failure

POWER TRAIN

4 NHTSA complaints · 2011-05 → 2016-05

“VEHICLE SHUTTERS BETWEEN THE SPEEDS OF 20MPH TO 40MPH. FEELS LIKE ITS THE TRANSMISSION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10649042
“MY HONDA ELEMENT HAS A VIOLET SHUDDERING WHICH OCCURS ONLY DURING LIGHT ACCELERATION AT 30 TO 40 MPH. THE SHUDDERING STOPS ONCE I LET OFF THE GAS PEDAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10400914
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH AND CHANGING GEARS, THE CLUTCH DISENGAGED. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10862831

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear trailing arm and frame corrosion

SUSPENSION

15 NHTSA complaints · 2021-08 → 2025-06

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11604942
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11549609
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11455411

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata airbag recall parts delay

AIR BAGS

14 NHTSA complaints · 2015-04 → 2017-05

“TAKATA INFLATORS THIS IS OUR ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION TO OUR JOBS WITH OUT CHILDREN ONE OF WHICH HAS A LOT OF MEDICAL APTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10892326
“I HAVE BEEN WAITING TO HAVE MY AIRBAG INFLATOR REPLACED AND IT STILL HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED 4 MONTHS LATER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10744800
“TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10970086

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag deployment failure in crashes

AIR BAGS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2007-02 → 2019-09

“THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED A CHAIN REACTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11258997
“WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON 8/22/12. I WAS DRIVING A 2007 HONDA ELEMENT AWD AT 55MPH. AN ACCIDENT HAPPENED IN FRONT OF ME WHICH RESULTED IN ME HITTING A TRUCK AND A VAN HITTING ME. THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED... NOT ONE!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10472093
“CAR CRASH, THE PERSON I HIT RAN A STOP SIGN GOING ABOUT 40 MILES AN HOUR. 2007 HONDA ELEMENT AIR BAGS WENT OFF, AND LOST PERMANENT HEARING LOSS IN BOTH EARS, L EAR 50% AND R EAR 70%”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10181315

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Code A)

Every 7,500 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter. The Maintenance Minder triggers Code A between 7,500 and 10,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires front-to-back to even out wear. Honda triggers Sub-code 1 alongside every other oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection (Code B)

Every 15,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake. Code B includes a multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and fluids.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid (Sub-code 5)

Every 45,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 3 years regardless of mileage to prevent moisture absorption and corrosion of ABS components.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission / CVT Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF or CVT fluid. Honda CVT models (Civic, HR-V, Accord LX) use Honda HCF-2 — do not substitute. The Maintenance Minder triggers earlier under heavy stop-and-go.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid (AWD models, Sub-code 5)

Every 30,000 mi

AWD CR-V, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline: replace rear diff fluid every 30,000 miles, sooner if towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 4)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Honda uses a long-life cellulose element on most port-injected engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Honda uses iridium-tipped plugs rated for 100,000+ miles. Replace at 105,000 miles or whenever Sub-code 6 displays.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant (Sub-code 5)

Every 60,000 mi

Honda Long-Life Type 2 (blue) coolant: first change at 120,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles. Do not mix with other coolant types.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 3)

Every 15,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter — accessible behind the glove box on most Hondas. Honda recommends 15,000 miles in dusty conditions, longer in clean climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Valve Clearance Adjustment (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Inspect and adjust valve clearances at 105,000 miles. Critical on K-series and L-series engines to prevent valve recession.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$495–$535

Shop

~$345–$375

DIY

Pro only

Mechanical-bucket valvetrains (many Honda 4-cyls, older Toyotas) need this. Hydraulic lifters don't. Shop work — feeler-gauge precision required.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Modern Honda engines (K-series, L-series, R-series, plus all Earth Dreams 1.5T and 2.0T) use a timing chain designed to last the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

29 crashes 1990–2024

How the 29 occupant deaths break down

19

driver deaths

10

passenger deaths

29

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2007 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

6

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2007 Honda Element reflects Honda's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →