How many problems does the 2003 HONDA Element have?

The 2003 HONDA Element currently has 449 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2003 HONDA Element?

The most common problems reported for the 2003 HONDA Element are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2003 HONDA Element problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2003 HONDA Element comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

2003 HONDA Element Problems

VISIBILITY

224 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO FUNCTION WHEN THEY WERE ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE SIMILAR DEFECT PERTAINING TO THE 2003 HONDA ACCORD AND THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS 08V169000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE MALFUNCTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Jan 17, 2012

2003 HONDA ELEMENT WINDSHIELD CRACKED AT BOTTOM OF PASSENGER SIDE WHILE SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY SO I HAD IT REPLACED. A COUPLE MONTHS LATER CRACKED SAME LOCATION AND EVENTUALLY SPLIT ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD BLOCKING VIEW. CALLED MFG AND WAS TOLD DUE TO BEING OVER 60,000 MILES I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. WHAT DOES THE MILEAGE HAVE TO DO WITH THE WINDSHIELD. MY VEHICLE HAD 63,000 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME, WHICH WAS 2008. NOW I FIND THAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED DUE TO BEING WITHIN THE 6 YEARS OR 60,000 MILES BUT THEY WITHHELD THAT INFORMATION. HONDA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THESE DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELDS!! WHAT IS BEING DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND WHY IS HONDA NOT GIVING ALL THE DETAILS? DO WE NEED TO HIRE A LAWYER TO HANDLE THIS SITUATION? *TR

Mar 17, 2010

DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR FAILS WITH LOUD BANG AND WINDOW FALLS INTO DOOR WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE TWICE, ONCE IN APRIL 2008 AND AGAIN FEBRUARY 2010. ON-LINE RESEARCH WITH "ELEMENT OWNERS CLUB" INDICATES THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY OTHERS. *TR

Feb 04, 2010

STRESS CRACKS ON FRONT WINDSHIELD ON 2003 HONDA ELEMENT AS DESCRIBED BY OTHER HONDA OWNERS. *TR

Sep 05, 2008

HAVE ALREADY REPLACED THE WINDSHEILD ONCE. IT CURRENTLY HAS 3 SEPERATE CRACKS AT THE MOMENT THAT WERE NOT FROM ANYTHING HITTING PLUS ONE THAT IS. THAT IS A TOTAL OF 4. *TR

Nov 28, 2007

+ 219 more complaints for this component

AIR BAGS

48 complaints

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V370000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that the vehicle was at the dealer for a week for the recall repair. The contact stated that while the vehicle was still at the dealer, the vehicle was started, and the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that a diagnostic test was needed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Jul 01, 2024

While driving on a rough road the driver's seat airbag deployed injuring my arm (big bruise and tennis-ball size laceration). I plan to take the vehicle into the dealership to find out why this happened.

Feb 01, 2024

Injuries: 1

Airbag lights keeps turning on and off and has now stayed on permanently. This is a safety issue if airbags fail to deploy.

Aug 05, 2021

TAKATA RECALL: I SOLD THIS VEHICLE (2003 HONDA ELEMENT) IN EARLY 2011. WHEN THE AIRBAGS WERE RECALLED, I BEGAN RECEIVING NOTICES FORM HONDA ABOUT THE RECALL. I HAVE RETURNED THE MAILINGS AND ALSO CALLED THE 800 NUMBER (AT LEAST 4 TIMES IN TOTAL), EACH TIME LETTING THEM KNOW THAT I NO LONGER OWN THE VEHICLE. I CONTINUE TO RECEIVE RECALL NOTICES, DESPITE NOTIFYING THEM THAT I AM NOT THE OWNER. THIS WOULD POINT TO THE FACT THAT THE ACTUAL OWNER OF THE CAR IS NOT RECEIVING NOTICES. IF HONDA IS NOT ACCURATELY UPDATING THEIR DATABASE, OWNERS AT RISK FROM THIS RECALL MAY BE OBLIVIOUS TO IT.

May 19, 2018

I HAD A MINOR ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAG'S POWDER, WHITE SUBSTANCE BURNED MY SKIN.

Jan 18, 2018

Crash: 1

Fire: 1

Injuries: 1

+ 43 more complaints for this component

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

23 complaints

DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK TUMBLERS SEIZED MY KEY WHEN I TRIED TO UNLOCK THE CAR. THEY KEY WAS STUCK MIDWAY - I COULD NOT REMOVE THE KEY NOR TURN IT EITHER WAY. SINCE THE KEY WAS CAUGHT IN THE LOCK, THE KEY FOB WOULD NOT OPEN THE PASSENGER'S DOOR OR REAR LATCH. I WAS LOCKED OUT OF THE CAR WITH MY LITTLE GIRL TRAPPED INSIDE. AFTER A POP-A-LOCK VISIT, I WAS ABLE TO GET MY SPARE KEY TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, BUT I STILL HAD THE ORIGINAL KEY STUCK IN THE DOOR LOCK. I DROVE TO HONDA SERVICE CENTER; THEY WERE UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY ALSO. THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $450 TO HAVE THE LOCK TUMBLER REPLACED. I ASKED THEM IF THEY WOULD REMOVE THE DOOR PANEL BECAUSE THE KEY IN THE DOOR WAS A THEFT ISSUE. THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $112.50 FOR THEM TO REMOVE THE PANEL. WHEN I ASKED IF THEY WOULD REMOVE THE PANEL FOR FREE SO I COULD TRY TO REMOVE THE KEY, THEY REFUSED, CITING LIABILITY ISSUES. THE SERVICE CENTER IS ONLY WILLING TO HELP WHEN PAID ASTRONOMICAL RATES LIKE $112.50 TO REMOVE A DOOR PANEL (WITHOUT BEING ASKED TO PUT IT BACK ON) AND $450 TO REPLACE A $40 PART THAT IS MALFUNCTIONING. I HAVE NEVER HEARD ANY OTHER CAR MANUFACTURERS' CARS SEIZING A KEY IN THE DOOR LOCK EVER IN MY LIFE! WE COULD HAVE BEEN IN GREAT DANGER IF WE HAD BEEN IN A REMOTE AREA OF IF IT HAD BEEN NIGHTTIME. HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE REFUSES TO FIX MY PROBLEM BECAUSE THERE IS NO RECALL, DESPITE THE PROBLEMS OF OTHERS. EVEN WHEN I ASKED THAT THE REPAIR BE DONE AS "GOODWILL' THE REPRESENTATIVE REFUSED TO CONSIDER. POOR QUALITY WORKMANSHIP ON DOOR LOCKS -- SOMETHING AS INEXPENSIVE AND LOW TECH AS A LOCK, YET SO CRITICAL TO SAFETY AND THEFT -- REFLECTS POORLY ON HONDA AND DRAWS INTO QUESTION THEIR REPUTATION FOR QUALITY. THAT HONDA REFUSES TO STAND BY THEIR WORK WHEN THEIR POOR QUALITY ENDANGERS DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS, DEMONSTRATES THEIR DISREGARD OF HUMAN BEINGS SAFETY. PROFIT OVER PEOPLE IS HONDA'S MOTTO. *TR

Jan 28, 2015

DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK HAS MALFUNCTIONED AND WOULD NOT UNLOCK. SOMETIMES WOULD NOT LOCK. I HAD SAME PROBLEM SEVERAL YEARS AGO AND HAD LOCK REPLACED AT HONDA DEALER HOWEVER RECENTLY IT STARTED AGAIN. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON HONDA PROBLEM. I REALLY LIKE THE ELEMENT HOWEVER THESE TYPES OF PROBLEMS LEAVE ME TO PROBABLY NEVER BUY ANOTHER HONDA. NOW THE AIRBAG RECALL WHICH HAS NOT EVEN RECOGNIZED THE NEED TO REPLACE IN WV. *TR

Dec 19, 2014

THE DRIVER SIDE LOCK STOPPED WORKING FROM THE OUTSIDE. FIRST THE ALARM AND AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK STOPPED WORKING. IT WOULD ARM AND UNARM THE ALARM AND UNLOCK THE BACK AND SIDE DOOR BUT NOT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THAT WAS ANNOYING BUT I HAVE THE KEY AND WOULD THEN JUST UNLOCK THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR BUT THE LOCK WOULD STICK AND NOT ALLOW THE KEY TO TURN. I WOULD THEN HAVE TO TAKE THE KEY OUT AND TRY AGAIN. OVER A FEW WEEKS IT GOT WORSE AND WORSE EVENTUALLY NOT ALLOWING THE KEY TO EVEN COMPLETELY ENTER. IT WOULD ALSO GET STUCK IN THE LOCKED POSITION AND I WOULD HAVE TO MANUALLY UNLOCK IT TO GET OUT. EVENTUALLY IT STOPPED WORKING ALL TOGETHER. TO GET IN I WOULD HAVE TO UNARM THE ALARM AND FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE USE AN UMBRELLA TO REACH ACCESS THE SEATS TO MANUALLY UNLOCK THE DOOR. I WOULD THEN HAVE TO WALK AROUND THE CAR TO GET IN. I WOULD ALSO HAVE TO MANUALLY LOCK THE DOOR BEFORE DRIVING AS IT WOULD NOT LOCK ON ITS OWN. TO GET OUT I WOULD HAVE TO DO THE WHOLE PROCESS AGAIN BUT IN REVERSE ORDER. IF I LOCKED THE DOOR WITH THE DOOR OPEN IT WOULD NOT SHUT COMPLETELY. IT PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE OVER ABOUT A YEAR. I HAD IT REPAIRED ALMOST TWO YEARS AGO AND HAVE NOT HAD ISSUES SINCE. I DID NOT HAVE TO CHANGE KEYS, ELECTRONIC LOCKS, OR ALARMS. THIS WAS SOME TIME AGO SO I DO NOT REMEMBER WHAT THEY HAD TO DO TO FIX IT BUT I REMEMBER IT NOT BEING CHEAP AND TAKING MUCH OF THE DAY AS THEY HAD TO TAKE THE DOOR APART. I AM NOT SURE IF THE DEALER OR MY REGULAR REPAIR PLACE FIXED IT BUT MORE INFORMATION CAN BE REQUESTED FROM THEM IF NEEDED. THE REPAIR GUYS HAD NOT MENTIONED THIS BEING AN ISSUE WITH 2003 HONDA ELEMENTS BUT AFTER SEEING MULTIPLE REPORTS ON HERE I DECIDED TO ADD MY INFORMATION FOR MORE CONTEXT AND DETAILS IN HOW THE PROBLEM STARTED AND ADVANCED. *TR

Dec 06, 2014

DRIVER SIDE EXTERIOR DOOR LOCK DOES NOT ACCEPT A KEY. THIS IS EXTREMELY PROBLEMATIC DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE ELEMENT DID NOT INCLUDE AUTO LOCKS. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN IN A PARALLEL PARKING SITUATION WHERE MY DRIVER DOOR WAS FACING A BUSY STREET. I WAS TRYING TO GET INTO THE CAR WHEN THE LIGHT BEHIND ME TURNED GREEN AND THE CARS CAME WHIPPING BY. IT IS ALSO SCARY AT NIGHT WALKING TO MY CAR IN A PARKING LOT AS I DON'T KNOW IF MY LOCK WILL WORK AND SOMEONE COULD EASILY FOLLOW ME OUT TO MY CAR AND HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO ATTACK ME. I HAVE A DAUGHTER AND HER SAFETY IS MOST IMPORTANT. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE FIXED NOT ONLY FOR CONVENIENCE BUT ALSO PEACE OF MIND. *TR

Oct 28, 2014

THE LOCK ON DRIVER SIDE DOOR NO LONGER ACCEPTS THE KEY. I HAVE TO UNLOCK FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. WHEN TRYING TO LOCK OR UNLOCK FROM THE DRIVER SIDE, MY KEY GETS STUCK IN THE LOCK AND DOES NOT TURN. *TR

Aug 14, 2014

+ 18 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

20 complaints

2003 HONDA ELEMENT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO HONDA SAFETY RECALL CONCERNING IGNITION INTERLOCK SYSTEM FAILURE. *AS THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS.*JS

May 10, 2019

DEFECTIVE DASH GAUGE CONTROLS KEEP THE CAR FROM STARTING. IT'S A KNOWN DEFECT AND HONDA KNOWS IT ALSO

Jul 26, 2018

IGNITION WILL ALLOW KEY TO BE REMOVED WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION. WAS TAKEN IN FOR RECALL ON 11/13/15 AND PROBLEM STILL PERSISTED AND NOW IGNITION SWITCH IS INOPERABLE. CONTACTED DEALER AND THEY SAID PROBLEM WAS FIXED AND NOT WILLING TO LOOK OVER IT AGAIN. WAS INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT COOPERATE NUMBER AND THEY JUST TRIED TO TALK CIRCLES AROUND ME ABOUT IT. JUST OVER A YEAR LATER AND RECALL IS WORSE.

May 11, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE COULD REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION IN ANY GEAR WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V364000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000.

Jul 27, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. AFTER THE IGNITION KEY WAS TURNED TO THE START POSITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V364000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Apr 26, 2016

+ 15 more complaints for this component

SUSPENSION

12 complaints

Please see attachment:

Nov 04, 2025

Rear driver side trailing arm separating from body non repairable. Needs professional inspection. Northern state purchased Michigan driven in salt conditioned roadways. Canadian recall for same issue. Recall Details Transport Canada Recall Number2021-024 Recall Date2021-01-26 Last Updated2023-07-07 Notification TypeSafety TC SystemStructure Issued byHONDA Manufacturer Recall NumberHO65 Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall.12,641 CategorySUV Recall Description Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear frame could rust. In extreme cases, this could result in a rear trailing arm separating from the vehicle. This recall applies to vehicles originally sold or currently registered in areas of heavy road salt usage (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador). Safety Risk: A rear trailing arm that separates could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Honda will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer for an inspection of the rear trailing arm front mount bolts. If the vehicle passes the inspection, the dealer will apply corrosion protection and install support braces. Honda will offer to repurchase vehicles that do not pass the inspection. In the event the repurchase is declined by an owner, a secondary inspection and body shop repair method may be possible. MakeModelModel Year(s) Affected HONDAELEMENT2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Manufacturer NameContact NumberWeb Site HONDA1-888-946-6329CHECK IF THIS RECALL APPLIES TO Y

Aug 19, 2025

in 2023 while driving my 2003 Honda Element the control arm ripped out of the frame I had it fixed to the tune of $1800. Fast forward to this week when servicing my Element I found a major rust spot on the other trailing arm bracket. After more research there is a recall in Canada to fix this but not in US. how can this be? It is a major flaw and concern that at high speeds the arm can rip out. Honda has a fix, but it is not offered in the US. please help!

Jan 03, 2025

Crash: 1

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 25 MPH, the rear driver’s side tire detached from the vehicle. Despite the failure, the contact's daughter managed to drive the vehicle to the residence. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the rear trailing arm had detached from the vehicle. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. The VIN was not available.

Dec 04, 2023

I was driving and felt something broke from the driver rear. I had a mechanic look at it and it was the trailing arm. inspector said it not safe to drive. I see there is a recall in Canada but not in America. This is a safety matter. how can we fix this since it the frame?

Oct 19, 2023

+ 7 more complaints for this component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

12 complaints

The rear frame brace of my Honda element is rusted. Same exact situation as the recalls on 2007-2011 Honda CRV

Oct 23, 2023

This car was recalled in the past for a faulty ignition switch. I had the recall done, then paid for one from the dealer a second time as it happened again, and now I am having the issue a third.time. I believe the replacements are also faulty.

Sep 03, 2022

THE LOCK ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT WORK WITH THE KEY. THIS IS A 2003 AND A REMOTE LOCKING DEVICE WAS NOT OFFERED BY THE MANUFACTURER ACCORDING TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THIS PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE SINCE WE OWN THIS VEHICLE DATING BACK TO 10/2015. THE ABILITY TO RELIABLY LOCK AND UNLOCK YOUR VEHICLE IS A FUNDAMENTAL COMPONENT TO AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY

Apr 29, 2018

DOOR LOCKS ARE DEFECTIVE- CANNOT INSERT MY KEY IN DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. MY REMOTES DON'T LIFT THE LOCKS ANY MORE. LIGHTS FLASH OK, BUT I HAVE A FEELING THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK IS INVOLVED. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS COMMON IN THIS VEHICLE

Aug 06, 2016

DEALERSHIPS ROLLING THE MILAGE BACK 3000AND SCAMS DISABLE PEOPLE OUT OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND 28% LAWSUIT CRIMMAL AND CIVIL PLEASE CALL ME.

Oct 19, 2015

+ 7 more complaints for this component

STRUCTURE

11 complaints

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the rear trailing arm was severely corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear trailing arm had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

Nov 10, 2025

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT INSERTED THE KEY INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR TO UNLOCK THE DOOR BUT THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. THE CONTACT UNLOCKED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND ENTERED THE VEHICLE. AFTER SOME TIME, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO UNLOCK INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

Nov 28, 2012

I PULLED THE HOOD RELEASE LATCH AND IT BROKE. IT ALMOST HIT ME IN THE LEFT EYE. *TR

Jul 21, 2012

CRACK FORMED ON THE LOWER DRIVER SIDE OF MY 2003 HONDA ELEMENT WITH NO SIGN OF IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. *TR

Aug 11, 2008

I TOOK THE CAR IN TO HAVE THE SRS SYSTEM CHECKED BECAUSE THE LIGHT CAME ON. THE DEALER DID A 40 POINT INSPECTION WHICH RESULTED IN THE RECOMMENDATION TO REPLACE THE FRONT MOTOR MOUNT DUE TO A "FAILURE" IN THE SYSTEM. I WAS TOLD THE MOUNTS (FRONT, SIDE AND BACK) FAIL ON THE HONDA ODYSSEY'S (NEWER MODELS, OURS IS AN '03) OFTEN. THE RESULT OF MOTOR MOUNT FAILURE IS EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT OF THE ENGINE WHEN UNDER "LOAD." I WAS TOLD THAT MEANS THE ENGINE MOVES WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT DURING BRAKING, SHARP TURNS, BUMPS AND ACCELERATION. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT ONCE ONE MOTOR MOUNT "BREAKS" THE OTHERS HAVE MORE TENSION AND WILL ALSO FAIL. IT WAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE PART BE REPLACED BEFORE THE OTHER MOTOR MOUNTS FAIL AND CAUSE MAJOR PROBLEMS. THIS IS CURRENTLY NOT A RECALL OR FREE LIFETIME WARRANTY. OUR LOCAL HONDA MECHANIC TOLD US THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS SHOULD NEVER FAIL (ESPECIALLY ON SUCH A NEW CAR). HE SAID MOTOR MOUNTS SHOULD OUTLAST THE ENGINE/CAR AND HE HAD NEVER IN ALL OF HIS EXPERIENCE SEEN A MOTOR MOUNT FAIL. *TR

Nov 29, 2007

+ 6 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

11 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. UPON PLACING THE GEAR SELECTOR IN PARK AND BRIEFLY EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE GEAR INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED FROM PARK AND ROLLED INTO REVERSE. THE CONTACT WAS ALMOST RUN OVER. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS SHAKEN BY THE EXPERIENCE AND RECEIVED MEDICAL TREATMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD ESCALATE THE MATTER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,425.

Dec 17, 2018

Crash: 1

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A VOLUNTARY RECALL RELATED TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER TO VERIFY WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS ELIGIBLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.

Feb 07, 2011

MY SON WAS DRIVING OUR 2003 HONDA ELEMENT TO HIS INTERNSHIP AS HE HAS DONE MANY TIMES. AS HE BEGAN UP A HILL AND AROUND A CURVE THAT TURNS SHARPLY TO THE LEFT, HE HEARD A LOUD CRACK. THE CAR VEERED OFF OF THE ROAD SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT, LESS THAN AN INCH DROPOFF. WHEN HE TRIED TO STEER THE CAR TO THE LEFT, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT MOVE THE CAR. AS THE CURVE IN THE ROAD BEGAN TO END, THE CAR MOVED QUICKLY TO THE LEFT BUT STILL WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE STEERING WHEEL. IT RAN OFF THE ROAD TO THE LEFT AND WENT INTO A DITCH ABOUT 18 INCHES DEEP. THEN, APPARENTLY THE RIGHT WHEEL BENT UP UNDER THE CAR. THE WHEEL BROKE IN TWO, AS DID THE ROTOR. THE WHEEL THEN DUG INTO THE PAVEMENT AND CUT A GROOVE INTO THE PAVEMENT ABOUT 8 FEET LONG. APPARENTLY THIS RAPID SLOWING DOWN OF THE RIGHT SIDE, COUPLED WITH THE CONTINUED MOVEMENT OF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR, PROJECTED THE CAR OUT OF THE DITCH AND CAUSED IT TO ROLL OVER TWICE AND LAND ON ITS ROOF. THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. MY SON WAS ABLE TO DISENGAGE THE SEATBELT AND LOWER HIMSELF DOWN ONTO THE ROOF AND GET OUT OF THE SHATTERED DRIVER SIDE WINDOW. HE WAS UNINJURED EXCEPT FOR SOME SMALL SHARDS OF GLASS IN HIS RIGHT HAND AND FOREARM. WHEN WE LOOKED AT THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR, WE SAW THAT THE RIGHT FRONT AXLE WAS SNAPPED IN TWO AT THE TRANSMISSION. BOTH THE WHEEL AND THE ROTOR WERE BROKEN IN HALF. THE CAR WAS DECLARED "TOTALED." MY CONCERN IS THAT WHATEVER SNAPPED OR CRACKED INITIALLY RENDERED THE CAR UNSTEERABLE. I WOULD LIKE AN INVESTIGATION THAT MIGHT PERHAPS PREVENT SUCH A THING HAPPENING TO ANYONE ELSE. *TR

May 18, 2009

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

I PURCHASED A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT IN JUNE 2003 OF WHICH HAD MANY MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS/FAILURES. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT OF THESE FAILURES PROVED TO BE WITH THE DRIVE TRAIN MECHANISM SPECIFICALLY CV BOOTS AND STEERING FUNCTION. LOUD NOISES DEVELOPED WHEN TURNING WHICH GREW LOUDER OVER TIME AS WELL AS A "GRINDING" SOUND AND VIBRATION FROM UNDERNEATH APPROX. AT MID-ALE LOCATION. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP OUT OF REVERSE WHILE MOVING INTO NEUTRAL AT WILL. THESE ISSUES CULMINATED IN MY STEERING CEASING TO OPERATE AS THOUGH "FROZEN" WHILE I WAS MAKING A SLOW LEFT HAND TURN CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A TREE ALONG SIDE OF A MAJOR STREET AND INTERSECTION. THE DRIVERSIDE AIR-BAG DID DEPLOY AND THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY IN-OPERABLE AND HAD TO BE FLAT BED TOWED DUE TO THE SEVERITY OF FRONT-END DAMAGE. I COMPLETED AND MAINTAINED ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE STOP REQUIREMENTS AND YET SUFFERED CATASTROPHIC DRIVE TRAIN FAILURE AT ONLY 82,000 MILES. MY RESEARCH ON THIS MAKE/MODEL FAILURES PROVED TO BE NUMEROUS IN NUMBER AS REPORTED ON VERIFIABLE/REPUTABLE WEBSITES. ONE OF WHICH WAS HONDA'S OWN - TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN'S SITE! *TR

Mar 04, 2008

Crash: 1

WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT A STEADY 60MPH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BEGAN SHIFTED FROM 5TH GEAR TO 2ND GEAR WITH NO WARNING OR INDICATIONS OF ANY KIND. THIS ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE HAD THE RECALL REPAIR IN 2004 FOR A KNOWN TRANSMISSION FAULT BUT THIS HAS OBVIOUSLY NOT FIXED THE ISSUE. THE INCIDENT HAS OCCURRED 3 TIMES. *TR

Oct 29, 2007

+ 6 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

7 complaints

2003 HONDA ELEMENT WITH BRAKES PROBLEMS. CONSUMER REQUESTS ISSUE TO BE FIXED , COST OF REPAIR AND COST OF REPLACEMENT. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES AND ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO ABNORMAL BRAKE WEAR.

Apr 20, 2010

BRAKES ON 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. WHEN HAVING MY CAR SERVICED RECENTLY THEY SAID MY BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE ONE OF THE PADS HAD STUCK AND WORN DOWN TO THE POINT OF SLIGHTLY DAMAGING THE ROTOR. THE BRAKES WERE ADJUSTED ON A PREVIOUS SERVICE CALL BY ANOTHER DEALERSHIP. THIS SERVICE PROBABLY OCCURRED AROUND 20,000 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP EVEN ADMITTED THAT FOR SOME REASON THE ONE STUCK AFTER THAT SERVICE HAD BEEN DONE. I FEEL THAT HONDA SHOULD HAVE PAID FOR THIS REPAIR AS OBVIOUSLY EITHER THE TECHNICIAN DIDN'T ADJUST THE BRAKES PROPERLY OR THE EQUIPMENT FAILED TO PERFORM PROPERLY. *NM

Feb 10, 2007

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 $450.00. 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. *NM

Mar 23, 2006

SINCE I BOUGHT MY PILOT LAST NOV. EVERYTIME I APPLY THE BRAKES, GOING LESS THAN 10 MPH, BUT MORE THAN 5 MPH, MY BRAKES POP VERY LOAD, IT CONTINUES EVEN AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING ALL DAY. I BOUGHT IT IN TWICE TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY TOLD ME IT'S SUPPOSE TO DO THAT. I TALK TO PEOPLE THAT OWN PILOTS AND HAVE KNOW PROBLEM WITH LOAD POPPING NOISES WHEN THEY APPLY THE BRAKES. *JB

Dec 01, 2005

MY BRAKES AND ROTORS HAVE CONTINUALLY HAD PROBLEMS SINCE ABOUT 4,000 MILES. I NOW HAVE 44,000 MILES ON MY 2003 HONDA ACCORD LX, AND THE BRAKES/ROTORS HAVE BEEN SERVICED 9 TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR. THE BRAKE PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED; ROTORS HAVE BEEN TURNED AND ALSO REPLACED THROUGHOUT THIS PERIOD. THE BRAKES GRAB WHEN APPLIED, WHICH HAS OCCURRED SINCE IT WAS NEW. THERE HAS ALSO BEEN OCCASIONS WHEN THE BRAKES MADE A POPPING NOISE; ALWAYS VIBRATE WHEN APPLIED, AND A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS WHERE THE CAR ALMOST DID NOT STOP.*JB

Sep 05, 2005

+ 2 more complaints for this component

SEATS

6 complaints

THE STEEL FRAME IN THE DRIVERS SEAT COMPLETELY CRACKED AND BROKE, CAUSING THE SEATBACK TO BECOME SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. LOCAL HONDA DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED THE BREAK AND OFFERED A $2,400 NEW SEAT OPTION. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND THE CAR IS WELL MAINTAINED. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE AND A FRONT/REAR COLLISION WOULD HAVE CAUSED BODILY INJURY. PHOTOS AND VIDEO ARE AVAILABLE.

Mar 07, 2016

HONDA HAS A TSB FOR THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT SEAT. THE ISSUE IS THE SEAT ROCKS AS YOU ACCELERATE OR BRAKE LIKE A ROCKING CHAIR. I HAD MY LOCAL DEALER FIX THE SEAT UNDER THE TSB, HOWEVER SOON AFTER IT WAS FIXED THE ROCKING RETURNED AND I WAS TOLD THE WORK IS NO LONGER COVERED. THE OTHER ISSUE IS THE BOTTOM OF THE SEAT WHERE YOU SIT ALONG THE LEFT SIDE IS WORN AND THE FABRIC IS CRACKED. I REALIZED THE WEAR AND TEAR IS ABOVE THE SEAT BASE WHERE THE TSB REPAIR WAS MADE. THE WEAR AND TEAR IS FROM THE INSIDE OF THE SEAT, NOT FROM THE DRIVER. I WAS TOLD THAT IT ISN'T COVERED AND I TRIED TO EXPLAIN HOW IT IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE SEAT ROCKING. NONE OF THE OTHER SEATS HAVE A PROBLEM AND THIS IS ALONG THE SEAT FROM THE FRONT TO BACK, SAME AS THE BASE OF THE SEAT WHERE THE ROCKING TAKES PLACE. I WOULD LIKE THIS INVESTIGATED AND THE BASE OF THE SEAT RECALLED. THANK YOU. *TR

Feb 02, 2013

THE PASSENGER HEAD REST FOAM HAS DETERIORATED. YOU CAN NOW FEEL THE METAL FRAME STICKING OUT AGAINST THE BACK OF THE SKULL. IN A COLLISION, INSTEAD OF THE HEADREST PROTECTING THE HEAD AND NECK, IT SEEMS AS THIS DEFECT IN THE HEADREST COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FATAL INJURY. *TT

Aug 26, 2011

FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT IS LOOSE AND IT ROCKS. DEALER FIXED IT ONCE UNDER WARRANTY AND NOW WANTS $ 130 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. NO INJURY YET, BUT WHY WANT UNTIL ONE OCCURS. THERE IS A WEBSITE OF OTHER HONDA OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. YOU DO NOT LIST THE HONDA ELEMENT IN YOUR COMPLAINT SYSTEM FOR 2003. SHAME ON YOU. *TR

Mar 04, 2008

MY 2003 HONDA ELEMENT EX DRIVER'S SEAT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH WHENEVER I STOP OR START MOVING FORWARD. IT TURNS OUT MANY OTHER HONDA ELEMENT OWNERS ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE. I FOUND MORE THAN 30 OWNERS ON WWW.ELEMENTOWNERSCLUB.COM, COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. WHEN MY VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP, MY DRIVER SEAT ROCKS FORWARD BY ABOUT 0.5 INCH. WHEN I ACCELERATE, THE SEAT ROCKS BACKWARDS BY ANOTHER 0.5 INCH. MY DEALER TELLS ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT, BUT I FEEL LIKE IT'S A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *NM

Dec 10, 2006

+ 1 more complaint for this component

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

4 complaints

Vehicle has extreme corrosion of the frame near the rear trailing arm which is nearing catastrophic failure. Trailing arm is in danger of separating from the frame. This is similar to NTSB Campaign # 23V-22800 for the CR-V which shares suspension parts with the Element on these model years. If the trailing arm separates at highway speeds it could be fatal. This is a pre-emptive report of failure/loss, as I just attempted to jack up my vehicle on the drivers' side in the rear and had a great deal of the rusted frame detach near the point of the trailing arm attachment. I fear that it won't be long before the rest of the frame rusts through and if this occurs, that it may occur at highway speed and cause injury or death.

Sep 14, 2024

Inspection of the underbody revealed complete rusting away of the frame mount point for the passenger side lower control arm. The mounting has not failed yet, but the metal surrounding the bolt point is no longer providing any structure. I would not ordinarily have thought inform the NHTSA of this failure, but Internet searching has turned up many other owners of Elements experiencing this same failure and Honda has issued a recall in Canada for Elements for this problem. CR-Vs in the US that use the same chassis have had a recall for the same problem. Why has the recall not been extended to US Elements that are exposed to road salt? I have not yet contacted Honda regarding this issue.

Nov 04, 2023

Same as the recalls for Honda ELEMENT of Canada and American Honda CRV of America In Honda’s words: SUMMARY: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain 2007-2011 model year CR-V vehicles. In salt-belt states where de-icing agents are used to maintain the roadway, the de-icing agents, along with mud and water, could enter the rear frame through drainage/positioning holes when the vehicle is driven through flooded areas or puddles at high speeds. Over time, the accumulated de-icing agents/mud/water mixture could cause corrosion to the frame's internal structure. If this occurs, the rear trailing arm can fall off. SAFETY RISK: The corrosion to the frame's internal structure can cause the rear trailing arm to fall off, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Oct 29, 2023

I'M CONCERNED WITH THE AMOUNT OF RUST UNDER THE VEHICLE. MY ELEMENT IS FROM PENNSYLVANIA AND THEY DO USE SALT ON THE STREETS IN THE WINTER. TOOK CAR TO MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS VERY RUSTED UNDERNEATH. CHANGING PARTS UNDER THE CAR IS A DIFFICULT TASK DUE TO THE REST. MECHANIC SAID IT WAS CAUSE CAR WAS DRIVEN IN PENNSYLVANIA THE CAUSE IS TO HOW THE ROADS ARE SALTED. I DID READ THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN CANADA AND OTHER PLACES AND VERY DANGEROUS BUT IN AMERICA NOT AS MUCH. I'M WONDERING HOW I GET THIS LOOKED AT BY HONDA AND THE PROBLEM BE FIXED LIKE OTHER ELEMENTS ARE BEING FIXED OR TO SEE IF IT PASSES TO HAVE THE UNFORCED BRACKET PUT ON.

Apr 28, 2021

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 complaints

GOING ALONG HIGHWAY I90 AT 65MPH AND I DECIDED TO ENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL SETTING ON MY 2003 HONDA ELEMENT . WHEN TRAFFIC BECAME TOO CONGESTED I DECIDED TO SHUT OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL , ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT NOW I COULDN'T ACCELERATE. IT SEEMS THIS ISSUE HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH A FAULTY THROTTLE CABLE . EITHER WAY THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED IMMEDIATELY .

May 30, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 20 MPH DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE AND FLIPPED THE VEHICLE. NO ONE WAS INJURED DURING THE CRASH. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO MAKE THEM AWARE OF THE CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000.

Jan 30, 2012

Crash: 1

WHEN ENGINE IS COLD STARTED(NO MATTER WHAT TEMP OUTSIDE), THE ENGINE FAST IDLES AT ABOUT 1500 RPM. WHEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE THE ENGINE ACCELERATES TO 2500 RPM. HEAVY BRAKING AND LURCHING RESULTS. CAR WILL REACH SPEED OF 20MPH.*AK THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT 6 MOS

Mar 14, 2004

VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD, AND CONSUMER HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES VERY HARD IN ORDER TO STOP VEHICLE. THIS OCCURRED WHEN VEHICLE WAS SLOWING DOWN. *AK

Feb 13, 2004

STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

4 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE THE KEY REMOTE UNLOCK FEATURE. IN ADDITION, THE KEY WOULD NOT UNLOCK THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR EVEN WHEN IT WAS MANUALLY INSERTED. IN ORDER TO UNLOCK THE DRIVER'S DOOR, THE PASSENGER DOOR HAD TO BE UNLOCKED TO GET TO THE DRIVER'S DOOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THE RESULTS WERE NOT PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 185,000.

Jun 13, 2016

BOTH DOOR LOCKS (DRIVER AND PASSENGER) ARE JAMMED. AT TIMES THE KEY GOES IN AND OTHERS IT DOESN'T BUT DO NOT TURN. I HAVE TWO KEYS AND NEITHER OF THEM OPEN EITHER DOOR. I HAVE TO ENTER THROUGH THE BACK DOOR, CLIMB OVER THE BACK SEATS TO GET TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THIS APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH MANY HONDA ELEMENTS MADE IN 2003. I HAVE READ MANY REVIEWS AND SEE THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE. I HAVE BACK PROBLEMS AND CANNOT BE CLIMBING IN THROUGH THE BACK OF MY CAR TO OPEN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR TO ENTER MY CAR. I THINK HONDA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING THESE LOCKS. *TR

Aug 05, 2014

LIKE MANY OTHERS, DRIVER SIDE DOOR KEY WAS DIFFICULT TO INSERT. THEN IT INSERTED AND WAS UNABLE TO TURN; DESPITE GREASING LOCK. NOW USING PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK. I AM HOPING THIS DOES NOT GET STUCK ON ME TOO LIKE IT HAS HAPPENED WITH MANY OTHERS. LOCK COSTS ~$33 ON EBAY AND $55 FROM DEALER, BUT THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE INSTALLATION AND IT LOCK WILL HAVE A SEPARATE KEY. I WAS QUOTED AROUND $350-375 TO HAVE A MATCHING LOCK INSTALLED. I AM WORRIED TO EVEN DO THIS BECAUSE IT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS A RECURRING PROBLEM EVEN AFTER REPLACEMENT. THIS NEEDS TO BE MADE A RECALL. *TR

Jul 10, 2012

THE DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCKS WILL FREEZE UP AND NOT ALLOW THE KEYS TO BE REMOVED. THIS KEEPS THE CAR FROM BEING ABLE TO BE LOCKED. HONDA WILL NOT HONOR A WARRANTY OR RECALL ON THIS ITEM THEY CHARGE $250.00 PER DOOR TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENED TO BOTH THE DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGERS SIDE DOORS, AND IS A VERY COMMON COMPLAINT AMONG HONDA ELEMENT OWNERS. *TR

Oct 24, 2011

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

3 complaints

2003 HONDA ELEMENT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND IGNITION SWITCH SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS IMPROPERLY REPAIRED DURING THE RECALL REPAIR PROCESS. *JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT, DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE.*JS *JS

Aug 20, 2020

2003 HONDA ELEMENT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNSATISFACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP WITH IGNITION SWITCH AND AIRBAG REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON OCCASIONALLY. ALSO, THE KEY WOULD GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AT TIMES WHEN THE CONSUMER TURNED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. *JB

Mar 29, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 10V364000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), 14V351000 (AIR BAGS), AND 14V700000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIMEFRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

May 13, 2015

SEAT BELTS

3 complaints

THE SEATBELT FOR THE DRIVER IT DOES NOT RETRACT PROPERLY AND STILL LOOSE AFTER IT BUCKLE UP ALSO THE SEATBELT LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME EVEN AFTER THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. THAT IS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION. I READ IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL THAT THE SEATBELT HAS A WARRANTY FOR THE LIFE OF THIS VEHICLE.

Oct 11, 2017

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE SRS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM HAD NOT FAILED. ONE MONTH LATER, THE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN AND WAS DIAGNOSED AS AN INTERNAL FAILURE OF THE SRS SYSTEM. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HE HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,000.

Jan 04, 2008

SEATBELT CATCHES UNDER SEAT-RECLINE LEVER

Nov 03, 2006

ENGINE

3 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 227,590. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Nov 09, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POP AND BLACK SMOKE EMITTED THROUGH ALL OF THE VENTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKES BECAME INOPERABLE AND THE VEHICLE IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO ESCAPE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.

Jul 02, 2015

Fire: 1

I STOPPED TO CHECK MY MAIL AND TURNED OFF MY VEHICLE TO USE THE MAIL BOX KEY AND WHEN I TRIED TO START MY CAR AGAIN, IT WOULD NOT START. ALL I GOT WAS A BUZZING NOISE FROM UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT OVER THE LAST WEEK THERE WERE TIMES MY CAR WOULD NOT START. I WOULD MAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AND IT WOULD FINALLY START. THE BATTERY AND STARTER WERE CHECKED AND IN WORKING CONDITION. *TR

Aug 14, 2014

TIRES

3 complaints

RE: TIRES MICHELIN XCX/APT 215/70 R16 DOT HNXO EKFX 4405 WHEN PUTTING AIR IN MY TIRES ON 3/21/2015 I FOUND ALL FOUR TIRE SIDEWALLS HAD A LOT OF CRACKS (ONE INCH AND BIGGER) PLUS A LOT OF OTHER TIRE FAILURE PROBLEMS. THESE WERE NOT NOTICE BY HONDA DEALER GARAGE ON TIRE ROTATION THAT WAS PERFORMED WITHIN THE LAST SIX MONTHS. NEITHER HAD I NOTICE THIS SINCE THAT ROTATION, THE TIRE TREAD ON THESE TIRES ARE STILL GOOD. I AM AWARE THAT THERE WERE NO RECALL AND THESE TIRES HAVE "EXPIRED" SO TO SPEAK. MY CONCERN IS THAT MICHELIN TIRES HAD NOT WARNED ME OF THIS POSSIBLE PROBLEM PUTTING MY FAMILY, MYSELF AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD IN DANGER. I WANT MICHELIN TO REPLACE THOSE TIRES. ANYONE ELSE HAVING THESE TIRES SHOULD BE TOLD. I HAVE PHOTOS. *TR

Mar 23, 2015

THERE WERE NO SIGNIFICANT EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE. THE TIRE SEEMED TO SPONTANEOUSLY SPLIT WHERE THE TREAD MEETS THE SIDE WALL WHICH RESULTED IN AN IMMEDIATE BLOW OUT. FORTUNATELY THE VEHICLE WAS GOING AT A SLOW SPEED AT THE TIME SO NO CRASH OCCURRED. WE HAVE SINCE BEEN INFORMED THAT THIS TIRE IS UNSAFE TO USE AT WARMER TEMPERATURES EVEN THOUGH IT IS Q99 RATED. THE TIRE IS A BRIDGESTONE BLIZZAK 215/70QR16 THAT IS ON A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE TIRE WAS PROPERLY INFLATED AND WAS JUST PUT ON NOVEMBER OF 2004.

May 17, 2005

COMPLAINT RECEIVED VIA E-MAIL. WHILE RIDING ABOUT 60 MPH ON I-10, SLIDELL, LOUISIANA. FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE SUDDENLY BLEW. OUT. RIP WAS IN SIDEWALL, ABOUT 2 3/4 INCHES LONG (TEARDROP SHAPE), BOTTOM OF TEARDROP AT LEAST 1/2 INCH FROM TREAD. OTHER END OF RIPPED ENDS IN SIDEWALL BETWEEN M&S AND P215. HAD OIL CHANGED, AND TIRES CHECKED AT ROYAL HONDA, METAIRIE, LA, BEFORE THIS TRIP. PLIES TREAD: 2 POLYESTER + 2 STEEL. SIDEWALL-2 POLYESTER. MADE IN JAPAN. *AK

Dec 20, 2004

SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaints

THERE IS A DEFINITE BREAKDOWN WITH THE BRAKE CALIPERS. I AM NOT A MECHANIC BUT REALIZED THE FAST DETERIORATION OF THE CALIPERS AND HAVE NOT HEARD OF THAT PROBLEM WITH OTHER VEHICLES. I WAS TOLD TO REPLACE THE BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS AND I HAVE SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE BRAKES WERE NEVER THE SAME. THE VEHICLE HAS TROUBLE STOPPING WITH NEW BRAKES. I FLUSHED THE BRAKE FLUID WITH OFFICIAL HONDA BRAKE FLUID AND RECENTLY NOTICED THE ISSUE IS WITH THE CALIPERS. THEY ARE RUSTY AND THE METAL FLAKES OFF AND THE PISTONS DO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY ON ANY OF THE BRAKES. SOME BRAKES DON'T FULLY BRAKE AND ONE REAR CALIPER IS STUCK WHILE DRIVING SO THE PADS ARE ON THE ROTOR WHILE DRIVING. I HOPE THAT MAKES SENSE, THE CALIPERS ARE TO SQUEEZE AND RELEASE AND THEY NEVER HAVE SOON AFTER I GOT THE VEHICLE NEW. I AM DISAPPOINTED WITH THE HONDA DEALERS I HAVE TAKEN IT TO, BEFORE KNOWING THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH DETERIORATED CALIPERS. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER IN A FLOOD OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. I CAN'T IMAGINE I'M THE ONLY OWNER WITH THAT PROBLEM AND I DIDN'T KNOW WHERE TO FILE A COMPLAINT EARLIER OR WHAT A CALIPER WAS. I WOULD LIKE IT INVESTIGATED AND RECALLED IF NECESSARY. THANK YOU. *TR

Feb 02, 2013

THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM HAS ALWAYS HAD A NICE FIRM PEDAL PRESSURE. RECENTLY WHEN COMING TO A STOP I NOTICED THE PEDAL TO FEEL SPONGY, SOFT AND TRAVEL CLOSE TO THE FLOOR. I CHECKED FLUIDS ETC. AND ALL SEEM NORMAL. STILL HAVE ADEQUATE PAD THICKNESS ON ALL PADS. THIS PROBLEM WITH THE SOFT, SPONGY PEDAL SEEMS TO BE CONSISTENT NOW. CHECKED THE INTERNET AND SEE THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM ON 2007 AND 2008 ELEMENTS. BELIEVE IT MIGHT ALSO BE SHOWING UP ON OTHER YEARS ALSO. WE ALSO HAVE A 2004 ELEMENT AND THE PEDAL PRESSURE IS AS THE 2003 USED TO BE. THE 2003 IS AN EX 2WD AUTO AND THE 2004 IS AN EX AUTO AWD MODEL. *TR

Nov 25, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AND AS THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED, THERE WAS SMOKE SEEN COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE BRAKES SEIZING WHEN THEY WERE DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000. UPDATED 10/18/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED TO DISREGARD THE COMPLAINT. THE ISSUE WAS FLUID CONTAMINATION. UPDATED 10/19/2012 *JS

Oct 01, 2012

STEERING

3 complaints

I WAS DRIVING WEST ON VA. STATE ROUTE 33 WHEN I NOTICED A SMALL DEER IN THE ROAD. AS I MANUVERED TO AVOID THE DEER, THE CAR WENT COMPLETETLY OUT OF CONTROL. CAR STRUCK EMBANKMENT AND ROLLED OVER. CAR LANDED RIGHT SIDE UP. ALL REAR WINDOWS BROKEN OUT.VEHICLE IS TOTAL LOST. I HAVE HAD TO AVOID DEER IN TWO OTHER VEHICLES AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM. IF THIS IS A CHARACTERISTIC OF CAR, DRIVERS NEED TO BE NOTIFED.*AK

Jul 17, 2004

Crash: 1

TRAVELING WEST ON RESIDENTIAL ROAD AT APROX. 15 MPH. WAS STRUCK IN REAR PASSENGER PANEL BY A 4 DOOR SEDAN WHO WAS STOPPED ON ROAD TO THE NORTH WAITING TO TURN EAST. MY HONDA ELEMENT SKID UNTIL FACING NORTH AND PROCEDED TO ROLL AND SLIDE ON DRIVERS SIDE, BECAME AIRBORN LANDED ON PASSENGER FRONT ROOF CORNER, THEN ONTO PASSENGER SIDE AND COMMING TO A REST IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. I WAS DRIVING. TWO YEAR OLD SON IN CAR SEAT BEHIND ME. SEVEN YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN REAR PASSANGER SEAT. ALL BUCKLED SAFELY. INJURIES CONSIST OF SOFT TISSUE/CONNECTIVE TISSUE DAMAGE THUS FAR. CHILDREN EXPERIENCED NAUSSEA AND VOMMITING FOR SEVERAL DAYS AFTER. THE ELEMENT WAS A TOTAL LOSS. I AM VERY CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHER ELEMENT DRIVERS. *AK

Jun 08, 2004

Crash: 1

Injuries: 3

(HONDA REFLES MOTOR SCOOTER NSS250/A 2003)STEERING MECHANISM LOCKED FORCING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF MOTORCYCLE.*MR *TS (LAWYER STEPHEN KANDELL ON BEHALF OF CLIENT DAVID CALRK) *JB

Jul 24, 2003

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

The trailing arm connection that connects to the subframe has completely rusted make the car unsafe to drive. Parts will break and driver will lose control of the car. These same parts were recalled in Canada many years ago.

Oct 05, 2025

The car was being driven at a low speed across a school parking lot when there was a loud bang, the car dropped in the back and stopped movong. The rear trailing arm came apart from the body causing it to be inoperable. If I the car wasn't in a school zone and traveling at a high rate of speed this could have been a very serious accident. If there was a vehicle behind they would have rear ended the honda. If this happens on going down a hill it would have rolled over. If this happened on a busy highway it would have caused a multi car accident. Honda is aware of this issue in Canada but has done nothing to address it here in the United States. The vehicle is available for inspection for now. I can't have a vehicle sitting in my driveway that's inoperable due to city codes. The safety of the driver, passengers, pedestrians walking and other vehicles on the road are in danger. This is a very top heavy vehicle that could easily flip and roll over causing seriously injury even death. I had the vehicle towed from where it broke, the tow truck driver is a mechanic who looked at it. He said what broke. I had another mechanic stop and look because he is a welder and said it can't be repaired at this point. There were no warning lights or signs of this happening. Unless you live in Canada where they sent owners a recall in the mail as long as they live in areas that have high salt usage on their roads.......not sure why that just pertains to Canada because, Michigan, New York, Vermont, new hampshire, Maine all get bad winters where salt is used. A vehicle should not disintegrate and fall apart like the hondas are. They are a danger on the road right now. This is the recall for this exact same problem in Canada https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&mk=1954!4785!35936!42257!39379&mkName=HONDA&md=ELEMENT&fy=2003&ty=2003&ft=&ls=0&sy=0&syName=All%20Systems&all=0&rn=2021024&cf=SearchResult&pg=0

Oct 18, 2022

Crash: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaints

I was driving and my odometer light and dash lights went dim on me. I changed the bulbs it didn't make a difference. I had to replace the instrument cluster. Other complaint is drivers seat keeps loosening from the floor

Jul 17, 2025

THE DASHBOARD LIGHT OF THE HONDA ELEMENT GOES DARK INTERMITTENTLY. AT THE BEGINNING I THOUGHT THIS WAS AN ISOLATED EVENT - BUT FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE ON INTERNET FORUMS. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE PROBLEM IS SO INCONSISTENT THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE IT. FROM READING THE COMPLAINT OF THE OTHER ELEMENT OWNERS IT SEEMS THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE ELECTRICAL WIRING SYSTEM OF THE ELEMENTS. I REQUEST THE NHTSA TO PERFORM A DETAILED INVESTIGATION INTO THIS -AS THIS POSES A SERIOUS RISK WITH THE INSTRUMENTS CLUSTER FAILING RANDOMLY. *TR

Feb 02, 2013

STRUCTURE,SUSPENSION

2 complaints

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. The contact stated that while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the trailing arm fractured. In addition, the rear of the vehicle dropped to the ground and the driver's rear side of the vehicle was dragging on the ground. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Mar 11, 2024

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the independent mechanic informed him that the trailing arm mount was corroded, and that the subframe needed to be replaced. The mechanic advised the contact that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Oct 11, 2023

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaints

HEAD LIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING. THIS ALSO HAPPENED ON 9/23/2011. BULBS ARE OK. DEALER SAID IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. HONDA SAID IT'S NOT A RECALL. MANY PEOPLE REPORT SAME PROBLEM ON WEB. ALSO CRV HAS THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Jan 25, 2013

I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLAMP LOW BEAM THAT IS DESCRIBED IN THE NEWEST RECALL ANNOUNCED BY HONDA. I BELIEVE THAT THE SAME COMPONENT IN MY VEHICLE IS IN THE CRV AND OTHER MODELS. HOW DOES THIS ISSUE GET ADDRESSED. *JS

Mar 31, 2012

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 complaints

WHILE DRIVING ON I-5 GOING THROUGH GRANTS PASS IN OREGON UPHILL, MY 2003 HONDA ELEMENT SUDDENLY DECELERATED FROM 65MPH TO BARELY 35 MPH. CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR TWO DAYS, THERE WERE NO CODES INDICATING AN ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED IT BE SEEN BY A ENGINE MECHANIC. CAR IS STILL EXPERIENCING THE ISSUE AFTER A TRANSMISSION FLUSH, NEW SPARK PLUGS, FUEL SYSTEM CLEANING. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE, THE CAR ONLY HAS 82500 MILES ON AND HAS NEVER BEEN PLACED IN STORAGE. *TR

Jan 10, 2012

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

MY 2003 HONDA ELEMENT HAS A SULPHUR SMELL THAT IS BEYOND ANNOYANCE. THE SMELL IS SO INTENSE THAT IT TAKES YOUR BREATH AWAY. MY DEALER IS UNABLE TO REPAIR AND HONDA SEEMS INDIFFERENT TO THE PROBLEM. WHILE NOT LIFE THREATENING, IT COULD, I BELIEVE BE DETRIMENTAL TO MY HEALTH AS WELL AS THE HEALTH OF MY PASSENGERS.*AK

Jan 29, 2004

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT

2 complaints

I LIKE MANY OTHER 2003 HONDA ELEMENT OWNERS HAVE AN ISSUE WITH MY DRIVER SIDE LOCK. KEY WONT ALWAYS GO IN AND IF DOES GO IN WONT UN LOCK THE DOOR. I HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. I HAVE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS AND HOPE TO SEE MORE ON HERE SO WE CAN GET A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. *TR

Mar 09, 2011

THE HORN AND THE ALARM SYSTEM FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY. THE DEALER MADE REPAIRS BACK IN DEC. 15, 2003 AND NOW THE PROBLEM HAS RECURRED, THE SOUND OF THE HORN DIMINISHED WHEN USED AND THE AUTO REMOTE WAS FAILING TO ACTIVATE THE ALARM SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *JB *MR

Sep 08, 2004

EQUIPMENT

2 complaints

AIR CONDITIONING WENT OUT ON 2003 HONDA CRV TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP, WHERE PARTS WERE COVERED BUT HAD TO PAY FOR LABOR. *JB

Jul 27, 2007

HONDA ACCORD 2003 AIR CONDITIONER (A/C) FAILURE . A/C STOPPED WORKING DUE TO FAULTY COMPRESSOR CLUTCH, AND COIL . A/C DID NOT BLOW COLD AIR OR WORK ANY LONGER DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE COMPRESSOR WAS NOT FUNCTIONING TO KICK A/C ON. *AK

Jun 24, 2007

VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE

2 complaints

CONSUMER HAD WINDSHIELD REPLACED ON FOUR OCCASIONS, BECAUSE IT MADE A HOWLING NOISE. *TS THE COMPANY THAT REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD BLAMED THE MANUFACTURER FOR NOT FIXING A BAD WELD. THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMED THE CONSUMERS MODEL WAS PRONE TO BREAKAGE BECAUSE OF THE VERTICAL POSITION WHEN STRUCK BY EVEN THE SLIGHTEST IMPACT WITHIN THE BLACK AREA ON THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE GLASS, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER DISAGREED WITH THAT THEORY, STATING THERE HAD BEEN OTHER VEHICLE DOWN THROUGH THE YEARS THAT HAD THIS TYPE OF WINDSHIELD POSITIONING WITHOUT EXCESSIVE WINDSHIELD BREAKAGE. *JB

Oct 06, 2005

LEASED THIS VEHICLE MAY 27, 2003. RATTLES, POPPING NOISES AT WINDSHIELD AREA. POPPING NOISE AT DRIVER'S SIDE PILLAR. HAD WINDSHIELD REPLACED, FRAMEWORK WELDED, DASHBOARD REMOVED TWICE, FOAM INSTALLED, AND WINDSHIELD MOLDING REPLACED. PILLAR ADJUSTED. NOISES CONTINUE. VERY FEARFUL WHEN DRIVING THIS VEHICLE KNOWING THAT FRAME HAS BEEN REPAIRED AND THERE ARE PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDSHIELD. THE NOISES ARE DISTRACTING. HONDA SERVICE TECH, SERVICE MANAGER,AND FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE HEARD ALL SOUNDS. HONDA WILLING TO ATTEMPT PILLAR REPAIR ONLY. *LA

Oct 31, 2003

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,WHEELS

1 complaint

Rust corrosion

Jul 14, 2025

SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

The drivers side mount for the rear trailing arm has rusted to the point it may be unsafe to drive according to my mechanic. I looked online and saw that Honda has issued a recall campaign in Canada but not the US. I do know from my local dealer that Honda did have them bring in several customer cars for inspection and several of those also had the same problem. These cars that have been affected certainly are not safe to drive in my opinion.

Feb 11, 2024

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle, the vehicle would roll forward or backward. The contact stated that he restarted the vehicle and shifted into park(P), and the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and unintendedly striking the gear shifter, the vehicle shifted out of gear. The contact stated that he would manually shift back into the intended gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the ignition switch had failed to turn and was repaired by a locksmith; however, the failure recurred. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired free of charge because it was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V364000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000. The VIN was unavailable.

May 05, 2023

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

Seems Honda is hiding specific vin needing recal replacement of airbag fue to fact it's deployed. Attempt to cover up recall regarding this specific vin possibly aware that damage is done and if airbag deployed, vin check results "no current recalls" for vehicle. 2003 Honda Element had first recall replacement done. At that time Honda had person come to house to notify. This time, second recall, too late. It deployed and air bag is on recall list. Please provide honest facts. Correct me please if I misunderstood.

Apr 20, 2023

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

STEERING,SUSPENSION

1 complaint

The rear trailing arm of the car came off while driving. The part of the frame where the suspension connects rusted through. I looked up related cases and it seams that there is a recall only in Canada and not in the US. This is dangerous and almost sent me off the road with no warning. Everything else on the car works wonderfully and the car rand and drove great until this happened.

Jul 22, 2021

STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

THE DOOR LOCK CYLINDERS FOR THE DRIVER/PASSENGER/TAILGATE WILL NOT ACCEPT A KEY TO UNLOCK THE DOORS. THE LOCKS ARE IMMOVABLE FROM THE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE, REQUIRING A LOCKSMITH TO OPEN THE DOORS OR COMPLETE REMOVAL OF THE DOORS TO SAFELY ENTER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE KEY, WHEN INSERTED INTO THE LOCK IN ATTEMPT TO ENTER THE VEHICLE, OFTEN WILL NOT RELEASE FROM THE SEIZED LOCK CYLINDER RESULTING IN THE KEY FIRMLY LODGED IN THE LOCK OF THE DOOR, RENDERING IT IMPOSSIBLE THEN TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE ABOVE MENTIONED CYLINDER LOCKS ARE SAFETY HAZARDS FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS: CHILDREN AND ADULTS ENTERING AND EXITING THE VEHICLE MAY BE PRONE TO INJURY FROM ONCOMING TRAFFIC DUE TO DOOR CYLINDER LOCKS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY AND CAUSING THE DOOR TO JAM REQUIRING FORCEFUL PRESSURE TO BE APPLIED FROM THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE IN ORDER FOR THE DOOR TO OPEN. INFANTS AND ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS INCAPABLE OF THE MOTOR SKILLS NECESSARY TO OPEN DOORS AND LOCKS MAY BE LOCKED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WITH UNCONTROLLABLE IN CABIN TEMPERATURES RESULTING IN EXCESSIVE HEAT/COLD FOR AN EXTENDED AMOUNT OF TIME THAT COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH. QUICK AND SAFE ENTRY AND EXIT TO AND FROM THE VEHICLE IS IMPOSSIBLE, RESULTING IN AN INCREASE OF THE PROBABLE INSTANCES OF THEFT OR DAMAGE TO PERSONS/PROPERTY ATTEMPTING TO ENTER/EXIT THE VEHICLE IN LESS THAN PERFECTLY SAFE CONDITIONS. THE FEE INVOLVED WITH SERVICING THE REPLACEMENT OF THIS DOOR LOCK CYLINDER IS EXORBITANT. A QUOTE FROM THE DEALERSHIP PUT ME AT $200.00 JUST FOR THEM TO OPEN THE DOOR PANEL AND LOOK AT IT. TO REPLACE THE CYLINDER AND RE-KEY IT WOULD COST UPWARDS OF $400.00 MORE. $600.00 TO REPLACE A CYLINDER LOCK ON A CAR DOOR. THERE ARE MANY OTHER 2003 HONDA ELEMENT OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE AS WELL, OFTEN PAYING THE MONEY TO HAVE THE CYLINDERS REPLACED, ONLY TO HAVE THEM FAIL AGAIN A YEAR LATER.

Mar 18, 2021

Injuries: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

DRIVERS SIDE DOOR KEY CEASED TO WORK AS STATED NUMEROUS TIMES BY OTHERS. ONLY WAY TO GET IN AND LOCK THE DOOR IS FROM PASSENGER SIDE...PLACING DRIVER IN UNSAFE AND VUNERABLE POSITION. ALSO WHEN DRIVING SLOWLY APPROX 10 MPH CAR HAS FREQUENTLY IRRACTICALLY ACCELERATED OF ITS OWN ACCORD. HAVE TO STAND ON THE BRAKES TO GET CAR TO STOP. WITH THE CAR AT A STOP, AND IN DRIVE IT WILL SELF ACCELERATE...VERY DANGEROUS!!! AS OTHERS HAVE NOTED THERE IS A SERIOUS ELECTRICAL SHORT?? AS DASH LIGHTS ARE DULL THEN AND HAVE TO HIT DASH TO GET THEM TO LIGHT UP. HEADLIGHTS ARE CONSTANTLY SURGING FROM LIMITED LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO NORMAL.

Jan 31, 2019

Injuries: 2

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

I HAVE REPLACED EVERYTHING POSSIBLE THAT WOULD CONTROL THE HEADLIGHTS. AS I DRIVE OR AFTER THE CAR HEATS UP WHILE PARKED, WHETHER ON DIM OR BRIGHT THE LIGHTS DIM AND BRIGHTEN THEMSELVES CAUSING IT HARD TO SEE SOMETIMES. I MYSELF AND OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE TALKED ABOUT THIS ONLINE ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE KEY FOB. IT STOPPED WORKING AND THEN IT STARTS WORKING AGAIN BUT THE DRIVER DOOR LOCK WONT WORK AFTER THAT. *TR

Dec 11, 2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK NO LONGER WORKING WHEN ALARM IS ACTIVATED. KEY GETS STUCK SOMETIMES IN THE LOCK. I THEN HAVE TO GO AROUND TO PASSENGER SIDE TO GET IN TO OPEN DRIVER SIDE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE.

Oct 02, 2016

STEERING,POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

TAKATA RECALL : AIRBAG RECALL SLIP, NO PARTS AVAILABLE, STEERING SEEMS TO HAVE ISSUES ON DRIVERS FRONT,WHILE IN MOTION, TRANSMISSION WHINES, WHILE BACKING AND DRIVING ANY ROAD STYLE, REMOTE KEY LOCK ISSUES, STATIONARY

Jul 28, 2016

SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF AND I ALSO HAVE A KNOCKING AND TICKING NOISE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEN TURNING MY STEERING WHEEL.

May 01, 2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC DOOR SYSTEM FAILED TO OPEN OR LOCK THE DOORS, AND THE DOORS COULD NOT BE OPENED WITH THE KEY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

Aug 13, 2014

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,ENGINE

1 complaint

I WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON NC HWY 12 ON MY WAY TO WORK, ALONE, AND I REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH, WHEN I GLANCED DOWN TO SCRATCH MY LEG AND WHEN I GLANCED BACK DOWN, THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WAS AT A DEAD STOP AND I REAR ENDED IT. MY PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED, HOWEVER I HAD NO PASSENGER WITH ME, MY DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG FAILED. LUCKILY I WAS WEARING MY SEATBELT AND ONLY RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES. *TR

Jan 20, 2014

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN WITH KEY. HAD TO USE PASSENGER'S SIDE. SINCE THAT TIME, ALL OF THE DOOR KEYS (INCLUDING BACK) HAVE BECOME DIFFICULT TO OPEN. HAVE TO MOVE KEY UP AND DOWN TO GET IT TO SLIDE IN. NOW THE IGNITION IS ALSO BECOMING PROBLEMATIC. *TR

Jul 27, 2013

SUSPENSION,ENGINE

1 complaint

EXCESSIVE VIBRATION WHERE YOU CAN SEE THE STICK SHIFT SHIMMY AND SHAKE. BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER CAN FEEL CAR VIBRATING LIKE IT HAS A BAD WHEEL ALIGNMENT BUT WHEELS HAVE BRAND NEW TIRES AND ARE ALIGNED. MECHANIC SAYS IT SEEMS TO BE A BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT. I HAVE READ ON SEVERAL HONDA AND HONDA ELEMENT COMMUNITY FORUMS REPORTING THAT MOTOR MOUNTS BREAK WITH LOW MILEAGE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DEFECT. *TR

Aug 13, 2012

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

WINDSHIELD LEAKED WATER, DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIX. WINDSHIELD CRACKED AND WAS CITED BY POLICE OFFICER FOR NOT FIXING, DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIX. UPON REPLACEMENT THE REPAIR GUYS JUST LAUGHED AND SAID THAT THAT GLASS WAS SEATED IMPROPERLY AND ASKED WHO HAD REPLACED IT. I RESPONDED THAT IT WAS THE ORIGINAL, THEY TOLD ME NOT TO BUY ANY MORE HONDAS. KEY WOULD NO LONGER WORK IN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. REPLACED SOMETHING AT DEALERSHIP FOR $800 AS WELL AS THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW AS IT STOPPED MOVING DUE TO THE MOTOR DYING AT AROUND 60,000 MILES. NOW THE KEYS DON'T WORK IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE NOR DOES THE WINDOW. IN ANOTHER INCIDENT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AFTER FULLY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE WHEN TRAVELING ABOUT 5-10 MPH AND DRIFTING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSING MODERATE DAMAGE. HONDA HAS NOT RESPONDED TO ANY INQUIRES MADE BY CONSUMER. NOR HAS DEALERSHIP. I STILL OWE 10,000 DOLLARS ON THIS CAR, HAVE SPENT OVER 3000 IN REPAIRS AND AT THIS POINT WANT TO DRIVE IT INTO A TREE AT A HIGH SPEED. *KB

Feb 02, 2012

Crash: 1

STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

TUMBLERS IN IGNITION BECOMES MAL ALIGNED, KEY WILL NOT INSERT OR TURN, ENGINE WILL NOT START. THIS IS NOT PART OF THE CURRENT ACTIVE RECALL ON THE IGNITION SYSTEM. I HAVE REPLACED THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER TWICE IN 3 YEARS. IT IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE, ASK ANY ONE WHO DRIVES A 2003 ELEMENT, THEY'VE REPLACED THIS PART TOO. HONDA ONLY WARRANTIES THE PART FOR ONE YEAR. *TR

Sep 03, 2011

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS ADVISED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A GASOLINE FUEL LEAK AND THAT THE FUEL TANK WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,362. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 88,000.

Dec 22, 2010

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

MY IGNITION ON MY 2003 HONDA ELEMENT,WAS NO LONGER WORKING, NOT ONLY COULD YOU PULL OUT THE KEY WHEN THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AFTER AWHILE THE KEY WOULD NO LONGER EVEN TURN IN THE IGNITION EVEN IF YOU HAVE WARRANTY AND PAID EXTRA FOR APPARENTLY THE BEST COVERAGE, THEY FIND A WAY THE YOU HAVE TO PAY OUT OF YOUR POCKETS, MY IGNITION REPLACEMENT COST ME $1,000.00 AND NOW THERE IS A RECALL OUT ON IT , AND AGAIN APPARENTLY MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE BRAKES AND THE BRAKE DISC HAD TO BE REPLACED EVERY 6 MONTH. THE SERVICE FOR HONDA IS THE [XXX] , I PERSONALLY WOULD NEVER BUY A HONDA AGAIN. MY WINDSHIELD ALSO CRACKED I HAVE BEEN A HONDA SERVICE DEPT OFTEN FOR FOLLOW UP ON THE TRUCK THEY SEEN MY WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED BUT WOULD NEVER TELL ME IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY UNTIL THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THIS WAS MY FIRST TIME EVER TO BUY A BRAND NEW VEHICLE I WANTED TO FEEL SAFE AND SECURITY, BEING STUCK IN A PUBLIC PARKING LOT A NIGHT BECAUSE THE STUPID KEY WOULDN'T WORK DID NOT IMPRESS ME AT ALL, THERE WAS A LITTLE GARAGE CLOSE BUY BUT HE COULDN'T HELP ME BECAUSE APPARENTLY HONDA DOES NOT DELIVER THERE PARTS TO OTHER GARAGES, HAD TO GET THE VEHICLE TOWED AND STUCK WITH OUT A CAR FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, BECAUSE HONDA DO NOT HAVE LOANERS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Aug 13, 2010

PARKING BRAKE

1 complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON THE VEHICLE DOES NOT WORK. THE LEVER CAN BE PULLED UP OR PUSHED DOWN WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BUTTON ON THE LEVER. THE OWNER WAS UNABLE TO NOTIFY HONDA USA. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 55,000.

Aug 09, 2010

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY

1 complaint

POOR HEATING DUE TO RESTRICTED HEATER CORE. AN IDENTICAL PROBLEM WAS IDENTIFIED IN THE 2004,AND 2005 ELEMENT (REF. HONDA SERVICE BULLETIN 07-076 DATED 11/28/2007) AND THE HEATER CORE IS THUS REPLACED UNDER THE NORMAL WARRANTY. ALTHOUGH THE PROBLEM BEGAN ON MY 2003 ELEMENT IN 2006 AND THE VEHICLE IS STILL COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, HONDA SERVICE PERSONNEL REFUSE TO RECOGNIZE THE TROUBLE AS A FACTORY DEFECT AND WILL CHARGE IN EXCESS OF $1,500 DOLLARS TO REPLACE THE HEATER CORE. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED A TSB HAD BEEN ISSUED REGARDING CONTAMINATION OF THE ENGINE COOLANT WHICH COULD CAUSE RESTRICTIONS IN THE HEATER CORE AND RADIATOR AND SOMETIMES CORROSION. UPDATED 03/05/09. *JB

Jan 09, 2008

PARKING BRAKE,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

ON THE MORNING OF OCTOBER 22, 2005 I STARTED MY 2003 HONDA ELEMENT WHICH WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. I QUICKLY REMEMBERED THAT I WANTED AN ITEM OUT OF THE GARAGE AND STEPPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE. I HAD NOT TOUCHED THE AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFT AND THE E/R BRAKE WAS ON. THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY WENT INTO REVERSE, DOWN THE DRIVEWAY, ACROSS THE STREET, THE OPEN DOOR STRUCK THE NEIGHBORS MAIL BOX, VEHICLE PROCEEDED UP THE NEIGHBORS DRIVE WAY STRIKING THEIR PARKED VEHICLE, PUSHING IT 2 FEE UP THEIR DRIVEWAY. THEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY WENT INTO DRIVE, CAME BACK DOWN THE NEIGHBORS DRIVEWAY, ACROSS THE STREET, UP MY DRIVEWAY, INTO MY GARAGE STRIKING ITEMS IN THE REAR OF THE GARAGE BEFORE STOPPING. I REACHED IN TO SHUT THE CAR OFF THEN RAN INTO THE HOUSE. WHEN MY HUSBAND CAME OUT TO THE GARAGE AND GOT INTO THE VEHICLE HE SAID THAT THE CAR WAS IN PARK AND THE E/R BREAK WAS ON. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE NEIGHBORS VEHICLE AND APPROX $3500 DAMAGE TO THE HONDA ELEMENT. I BELIEVE THE TRANSMISSION/GEAR BOX FAILED AND THE E/B FAILED RESULTING IN INJURY AND DAMAGE. VEHICLE IS BEING REPAIRED AT BODY SHOP AND I HAVE NOTIFIED HONDA AND WILL HAVE THEM CHECK OUT WHEN REPAIRS COMPLETED. *NM

Nov 08, 2005

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

1 complaint

THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS REQUIRED RE-GROUNDING AFTER WARPING HAD OCCURRED WHICH CAUSED A PULSATING SENSATION WHEN BRAKING. THE ROTORS WERE RE-GROUND AT 34K, BUT THE PULSATING BEHAVIOR BEGAN SOMEWHERE AROUND AN ESTIMATED 28K. THE TIRES HAD ONLY BEEN ROTATED TWICE AND BOTH TIMES WERE SECURED USING FACTORY TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS, SO INCORRECT LUG NUT SETTINGS SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN A FACTOR. NO EVIDENCE OF GLAZING FROM RIDING THE BRAKES WAS PRESENT, NOR HAS THE CAR EVER BEEN DRIVEN WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE DEPLOYED. THE CAR IS BELIEVED TO BE DRIVEN WITHIN NORMAL TOLERANCES SINCE WE PURCHASED NEW IN 6/03 AND HAS BEEN USED MORE FOR COMMUTING MODE RATHER THAN A LOT OF STOP AND GO USEAGE. THE FACTORY REAR BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED AND HAD APPROXIMATELY 10% REMAINING (WEAR TAB JUST STARTED WARNING 10 MILES EARLIER), WHILE THE FRONT BRAKES HAVE NEARLY 70% ORIGINAL MATERIAL REMAINING. I HAVE INSTALLED RAYBESTOS CERAMIC PADS ON THE REAR, BUT MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS IS AN ENGINEERING FLAW AND NOT DRIVEN MIS-USE/ABUSE AND THAT I'LL LIKELY HAVE TO REPAY FOR THIS REPEATEDLY IF I'M TYPICAL OF OTHERS WHO'VE COMPLAINED OF WARPED ROTORS ON THE 03 ACCORD EX - 6 CYL.

Aug 24, 2005

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

1 complaint

JUST AS MY WARRANTY EXPIRED (37,000 MILES) WHILE OUT OF TOWN, I NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I WOULD FILL UP AND IT WOULD ONLY MARK AT ABOUT HALF A TANK. I WAS A BIT CONFUSED AND DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. I KNEW THAT THE TANK WAS FULL, BUT I DID NOT WANT TO TAKE ANY CHANCES. SO WHEN THE GAUGE WENT TO EMPTY AND THE FUEL LIGHT CAME ON I WOULD REFILL THE TANK AGAIN. WITH THIS PROBLEM AND NOT KNOWING EXACTLY HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN THE TANK IF I DO HAPPEN TO RUN OUT OF GAS. I COULD POTENTIALLY DO DAMAGE TO OTHER ENGINE AND MECHANICAL PARTS OR TO MYSELF AND FAMILY IF THIS HAPPENS ON THE ROAD. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE AND NOW IT GOES TO ONLY 1/4 A TANK AND THEN TO EMPTY. I AM TRYING TO GET IT TO THE DEALER, BUT MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRES AND HONESTLY DO NOT HAVE THE CASH TO FIX IT. I FEEL THAT AT JUST BEING OVER THE WARRANTY THIS PART SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE OUT SO SOON. I HAVE HEARD OF OTHER COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER ELEMENT OWNER'S AND DO NOT KNOW IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. *JB

Mar 03, 2005

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION

1 complaint

THE CONSUMER HAS HAD CONSISTENT PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE'S FACTORY INSTALLED HORN AND ALARM. *NM THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REMEDY THE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM. OTHER PROBLEMS WERE; THE BUMPER COVER WOULD POP OUT INTERMITTENTLY, THE RIGHT SIDE CORNER PIECE WAS LOOSE, THE HORN SOUND WAS ABNORMAL AND ANTI-FREEZE WAS LEAKING. *SC

Jan 26, 2005

VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY THURSDAY EVENING AT 4PM. AT 6 AM THE FOLLOWING MORNING CRACK HAD APPEARED DURING THE NIGHT IN THE LOWER WINDSHIELD DRIVERS SIDE. CRACK WENT VERTICAL FOR APPOX. 3 INCHES. THEN WENT HORIZONTAL TOWARD PASSANGER SIDE APPOX. 6 INCHES. BY FRIDAY EVENING CRACK HAD LENGHTEND AND DROPPED DOWN TO CENTER OF WINDSHIELD.DEALER SAID TOO BAD MUST HAVE BEEN A ROCK. PLAN TO KEEP WINDSHIELD AS EVEDENCE WHEN IT IS REPLACED. ODOMETER HAS 14K MILES.*AK

Dec 13, 2004

STEERING,VISIBILITY

1 complaint

2003 HONDA ELEMENT, FRONT WINDOW CRACKED UNDER THE SEAL UP ON THE RIGHT HAND PASSENGER SIDE. POPPING NOISE IN STEERING COLUMN DEVELOPED AFTER APPROX 15K MILES. POWER STEERING ROD REPLACED IN AUG 04. RETURNED TO DEALER IN SEPTEMBER. WAS TOLD THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE; HOWEVER, SERVICE TECHNICIAN WAS ABLE TO HEAR IT AND SAID IT SOUNDED AS IF THE AIRBAG SPRING WERE LOOSE. WAS NOT FIXED, REPORT CLAIMED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE. RETURNED TO DEALER THE FOLLOWING WEEK. HAD TWO SERVICE TECHNICIANS RIDE IN THE VEHICLE, THEY BOTH HEARD THE NOISE AND REPLACED A TURN SIGNAL SWITCH. POPPING NOISE IS STILL PRESENT. THERE IS A CLICKING NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL TURNS IN EITHER DIRECTION AND AT TIMES EVEN WHEN DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE!*AK

Nov 16, 2004

VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

PROBLEMS WITH WINDSHIELD, CD PLAYER, HORN AND ALARM.*MR THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED AFTER A SMALL PIECE OF DEBRIS HIT IT. THE CD PLAYER STOPPED WORKING AFTER IT HAD BEEN PLAYING FOR 5 HOURS. THE RIGHT SIDE BUMPER FELL OFF. *NM

May 20, 2004

WHEELS

1 complaint

THE STEEL WHEELS CAN'T BE BALANCED. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE BOUNCES ALL OVER THE ROAD. *AK

Jan 29, 2004

2003 HONDA Element Problems & Complaints

Complaints by Component

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