I took my Honda Element to the dealer complaining of a vibration in the right front of the car. I was told that my compliance bushings needed replaced but axles were fine. I picked up my car only to have the same problem. Upon further examination, the mechanic came to the conclusion that the right axle was bad. I had that replaced still have a vibration. I have now been told to replace the left axle. I came upon an interesting thread on a forum stating that Honda held education meetings about the frame causing the axles to wear incorrectly. Inner joint bearings rolling out of joint, abnormal wear. Not outside of the surface of the bearings but actual inside bearings octagoned. My vehicle has only 68, 000 miles on it and I have been told by a Honda service manager that it is extremely rare for one axle to go bad and unheard of for 2 to go bad. I am wondering if anything can be done if Honda is covering up a faulty axle problem and possibly faulty design of the vehicle being that the frame is too heavy for the components. I have also been told that my rear struts as well as rear compliance bushings will need to be replaced as well but are not bad enough yet. I also have a driver's seat that rocks back and forth and Honda claims to know nothing about this problem as well. This is also my 4th set of tires on this car. It literally eats the tires until they are bald. I am not the only person with these problems as they are on forums on the internet. Can anything be done about this?

- Mcdonough, GA, USA

2004 Honda Element: (I have 2 and both have the following exact problems)1. Airbags warning lights indicating problems 2. drivers seat is loose and rocks 3. passenger seat causes extreme discomfort to hip and back on long tips (this is occurs with all passengers, young and older) 3. under carriage brushes failure 4. A/C air compressor failure 5. straps in back seats pulled out and seat cannot be reclined 6. engine decelerates without warning. Power cutback during passing makes this very dangerous. 7. drivers seatbelt buckle is difficult to secure (only 1 car with this problem) 8. loud clanking noise when cars are being turned.

- Victoria, TX, USA