Two problems related to brake disc pads have been reported for the 2008 Honda Element. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Honda Element based on all problems reported for the 2008 Element.
Bought 2008 Honda Element new in Dec. 2009. At about 5000mi. (8mo. ) brakes became increasingly mushy and pedal soft. Eventually brakes did not engage until about an inch off floor. Dealer confirmed and replaced brake module. Within a week they were bad again. Dealer rebled brakes said rear pads were worn excessively and unevenly, rotors showed signs of excessive heat, they replaced pads. Solid when picked up, lasted less than a week. Now car has periods of a few hundred miles of solid braking, then periods of soft, fading braking with wild swings of rpms from the vacuum boost. Have had six close calls during these periods.
Premature right rear brake wear (out boad 2. 9mm inboard tapered from 6mm)requiring resurfacing and new pads at approx 22,500 miles. Left rear out/inboard expected nominal 6mm.