Recall 12V436 affects 5,216 2007-2011 Honda Element vehicles for trailer turn signals that only work during braking. Repair is free at any franchised Honda dealer.
Honda is recalling 5,216 2007-2011 Element vehicles with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness because the trailer turn signals light only when the brake lamps are on. Without trailer turn signal illumination, other drivers do not see the towing driver's intended turn, raising crash risk, and the Honda dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The trailer hitch wiring harness on 2007-2011 Honda Element vehicles is the electrical link between the Element and the trailer lights. When it is wired correctly, it sends separate signals for the brake lamps and the trailer turn signal lights, so drivers behind the trailer know whether you are stopping or turning.
On affected Elements, the power wire for the trailer turn signal lights was switched with the stop lamp wire inside the accessory trailer hitch harness. That mix-up means the trailer turn signals work only when the brake lamps are on. With the brake pedal released, the trailer does not show the intended turn signal, even though the vehicle's own lights are working.
There is no warning sign before failure. The practical check is outside the vehicle: connect the trailer, switch on each turn signal, and confirm the trailer lights flash without pressing the brake pedal.
Who's affected?
Spans 5 model years, with trailer hitches and wiring called out as separate affected components.
| 2007 Honda Element | Trailer hitches |
|---|---|
| 2007 Honda Element | wiring |
| 2008 Honda Element | Trailer hitches |
| 2008 Honda Element | wiring |
| 2009 Honda Element | Trailer hitches |
| 2009 Honda Element | wiring |
| 2010 Honda Element | Trailer hitches |
| 2010 Honda Element | wiring |
| 2011 Honda Element | Trailer hitches |
| 2011 Honda Element | wiring |
| Units affected | 5,216 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
Without working trailer turn signals, drivers behind you do not get a clear signal before a turn or lane change. That raises crash risk because your intent is not communicated. Use extra caution while towing and schedule the recall repair. Repair will be free at any franchised Honda dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2007-2011 Honda Element is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Honda dealer to schedule the free trailer-hitch wiring repair that restores trailer turn-signal operation.
- Bring the recall notice if Honda mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V436 when you call.
- Avoid towing a trailer until the repair is complete because the trailer turn signals do not show your intended turn unless the brake lamps are on.
What happens at the repair
Honda began this safety recall on September 20, 2012. At the dealer, a Honda technician repairs the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harness so the trailer turn signal and stop lamp circuits operate in the correct order. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by Honda. If your vehicle has the trailer hitch wiring harness, ask the service desk to confirm the recall applies to your VIN before the repair order is opened.
Timeline
| September 5, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 20, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V436?
Recall 12V436 covers 5,216 2007-2011 Honda Element vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness. The trailer turn signal power wire was switched with the stop lamp wire, so trailer turn signals illuminate only when the brake lamps are on.
What should I do if my 2007-2011 Honda Element is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Element is included in recall 12V436. If it is, contact a franchised Honda dealer to schedule the trailer hitch wiring harness repair. Reference recall number 12V436 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Honda's remedy says dealers will repair affected vehicles free of charge. Use a franchised Honda dealer, and reference recall number 12V436 when scheduling the repair.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that the trailer's turn signals do not communicate the driver's intent unless the brake lamps are illuminated. A following driver or nearby road user loses that signal, increasing crash risk. Honda dealers repair the wiring issue for free.
What if I bought my Honda Element used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2007-2011 Honda Element is included, then call a franchised Honda dealer and reference recall number 12V436.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V436000 |
|---|---|
| Honda customer service | 1-800-999-1009 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V436 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V436000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →