2003 Honda Element rear brakes are totally shot needing new pads, rotors etc. And Honda is blaming "rust buildup, " and saying that it is our fault for not servicing the brakes. The brakes have been inspected each time the oil has been changed or tires rotated. Honda's contention that the brakes should be "taken apart and cleaned due to "severe conditions" is ridiculous. We do live in northeastern Ohio but even the owners manual says driving in severe conditions occasionally doesn't necessarily put you in that category. I have never heard of any vehicle that the brakes needed to be disassembled and cleaned every 10,000 miles. Cost to repair is $450. In addition, my wife called the dealership twice, first time was about a year and a half ago with complaints about brake noise and was told both times to go out and "jam on the brakes hard to release dirt buildup on the brakes." At no time was she ever advised to bring the car in for inspection.

- Chagrin Falls, OH, USA