2008 Honda Element Service and Repair Manual

The 2008 Honda Element came in LX, EX and SC trims, all built around the 2.4L L4 (K24A8).

Engines covered

• 2.4L inline-four (144 cu in) — DOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline

Body styles covered

• 4-door sport utility

Trims covered

• EX
• LX
• SC

Known issues on the 2008 Element. Thirteen recalls touch this model year. Seven concern the front air bags: three cover driver-side inflators and three cover passenger-side inflators that can rupture or explode after long-term exposure to heat and humidity, sending metal fragments into the cabin, while the seventh covers a passenger air bag that may have been installed incorrectly during a prior repair. A trailer hitch wiring harness recall covers turn signal wires swapped with the stop lamp wire, so signals only illuminate when the brake lamps do. An automatic transmission secondary shaft bearing recall covers a broken outer race that can short-circuit and stall the engine or let the vehicle roll after the gear selector is placed in park. A brake system recall covers air entering the VSA modular pump during a self-check that runs shortly after each engine start, which can leave the pedal feeling soft. A rear suspension recall covers an improperly welded left trailing arm bushing bracket that can separate and cause a loss of control. An accelerator pedal recall covers a rotating pedal joint that can bind and delay the throttle's return to idle. A seat base recall covers conversion-van power seat bases with a pin that can break. Owners have filed 111 complaints for the year.