Vehicle recall 12V436000 · September 5, 2012
2007-2011 Honda Element
The wire that supplies power to the trailer turn signal lights was inadvertently switched with the stop lamp wire.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- Honda is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 Element passenger vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness. The wire that supplies power to the trailer turn signal lights was inadvertently switched with the stop lamp wire. As a result the turn signals only illuminate when the brake lamps are illuminated. This does not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence
- Without trailer turn signal illumination, the driver's intent is not communicated, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on September 20, 2012. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
- Notes
- Honda's recall campaign number is S53.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 12V436000
- Reported to NHTSA
- September 5, 2012
- Filed by
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Manufacturer campaign
- S53
- Owner notification
- September 20, 2012
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 5,216
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Trailer hitches; Electrical system › Wiring
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
Has your Honda been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. Recall repairs are free.