NHTSA Complaint #11663602 — 2010 HONDA ELEMENT

Left rear trailing arm rusted right out of the mount while driving. I was driving about 10 mph off of a two-way stop, crossing the intersection of [XXX] (straight, no turn) As I got through the intersection the back left end dropped, something metal scraped and halted my vehicle. I did not run over any bumps or potholes. It just happened with no external cause. It was my rear tailing arm dragging on the road (see pictures). Which had detached from the arm mount above. Luckily, I was no longer on the highway when it happened. Had I been driving at 55 or 60mph it would have caused a serious accident, which is very scary. The vehicle is in great condition otherwise. It recently had new tires put on and an oil change, so I know folks were under there less than 3 months prior. After research, I now know that this issue is a regular complaint of those who own Honda Elements in northern climates, so much so that in Canada there was a recall on the models 2003-2010. I don't know why there hasn't been a recall or lawsuit in the United States, as this was a very rapid, dangerous on-the-road failure. There were no visible warning signs or statements issued by Honda to be on the lookout for this, and the most troubling aspect is that it was likely rusting from the top of the mount down, which is why it doesn't spark alarm by repair shops and tire changes. I am calling my insurance today to talk it over. I'm grateful for my safety and others in this situation, but fear that it has not worked out that way for someone else. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)