How many problems does the 2005 HONDA Element have?

The 2005 HONDA Element currently has 156 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 2005 HONDA Element?

The most common problems reported for the 2005 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 2005 HONDA Element problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2005 HONDA Element comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

2005 HONDA Element Problems

AIR BAGS

61 complaints

Air bag in drivers seat deployed when I shut rear door. Car was running at the time.

Jan 20, 2025

WAS DRIVING ON A GRAVEL ROAD AROUND 30 MPH WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG AND NOTICED THAT SOMETHING HIT MY LEFT ARM. I LOOKED TO THE SIDE AND SAW THAT THE SIDE AIRBAG ON THE DRIVER SIDE HAD DEPLOYED. I DID NOT GET HIT NOR DID I HIT ANYTHING.

Oct 17, 2020

IN A PARKING LOT MOVING SLOWLY. I WAS THE ONLY ONE IN THE CAR. THE AIR BAG ON THE REAR OF THE PASSANGER SEAT DEPLOYED. NOTHING WAS HIT OR WAS I HIT BY ANYTHING. THE SEAT WAS MOVED FORWARD AS FAR AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE I HAD SOMETHING IN THE BACK.

Sep 26, 2020

I DO NOT HAVE THIS VEHICLE ANY LONGER. IT WAS TOTALLED IN 2015 AND SOLD TO A SALVAGE COMPANY IN JANESVILLE, WISCONSIN. I HAVE TRIED MANY, MANY TIMES TO REPORT THIS TO VARIOUS ENTITIES IN VARIETY OF WAYS, BUT I KEEP GETTING NOTICES. IT HAS BEEN 4 YEARS, AND I KEEP GETTING THESE LETTERS/NOTICES. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT I CAN DO ABOUT IT. STOP THE MAILINGS, I NO LONGER OWN THE VEHICLE.

Aug 03, 2019

AIR BAG REPLACED AROUND AUG. 1, 2016. I BELIEVE THE AIR BAG WAS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY AS IT RATTLES INSIDE THE DASHBOARD. RATTLES WHILE IN MOTION.

Jul 26, 2019

+ 56 more complaints for this component

VISIBILITY

10 complaints

WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC AT 40 MPH ON PAVED CITY STREETS, THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW SUDDENLY FELL INTO THE DOOR CAVITY AND WAS LEFT INOPERABLE. HAD TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE CAR IN COLD WEATHER WITHOUT A SIDE WINDOW. TOOK TO DEALER FOR REPAIR OF WINDOW REGULATOR. DEALER HAD VEHICLE FOR 24 HOURS. REPAIR WAS IT APPEARS THIS PREMATURE FAILURE COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME, LEAVING THE CAR VULNERABLE TO WEATHER AND BREAK INS. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO A CAR OF THIS AGE. REPAIR WAS $244.32. *TR

Mar 27, 2013

3-5-08, IN MORNING, WHEN I GOT INTO MY ELEMENT, I NOTICED TWO LONG CRACKS IN THE WINDSHIELD, STARTING AT THE LOWER RIGHT- AND LEFT-HAND CORNERS, TRAVELING UPWARDS AT AN ANGLE, TOWARD THE CENTER, APPROX 15 INCHES LONG, EACH. I CALLED THE HONDA DEALER, AND THEY SAID I SHOULD CHECK MY WARRANTY. I DID. WINDSHIELD DAMAGE NOT COVERED. I CALLED HONDA MOTOR COMPANY. THEY TRIED TO TELL ME IT WAS NOT A DESIGN DEFECT (AS I BELIEVED). AFTER TELLING THEM I KNEW OF MANY REPORTS TO THE NHTSA, THEY FINALLY AGREED TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD, AS "...A ONE-TIME GOODWILL GESTURE." (I BIT MY TONGUE, AS I KNEW THAT THE PHONE REP KNEW IT WAS, IN FACT, A DESIGN FLAW.) *TR

Oct 03, 2009

WINDSHIELD CRACKED AFTER USING DEFROSTER. HONDA DEALER IN ALBANY, NY SAID IT WAS CRACKED DUE TO A TINY NICK IN THE GLASS RESULTING FROM A STONE. *TR

Jan 13, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH,THE CONTACT OBSERVED A CRACK IN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD 7 OR 8 MONTHS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN 10/2005. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,000 ,AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. THE WINDSHIELD HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *AK

Apr 26, 2007

WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITHOUT AN IMPACT BY FLYING OBJECT. *JB

Jan 22, 2007

+ 5 more complaints for this component

SEATS

9 complaints

THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH WHEN DECELERATING AT A STOP LIGHT OR AT A STOP SIGN AND/OR WHEN PERFORMING A TURN . IT ALSO HAPPENS WHEN ACCELERATING AFTER A STOP OR TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE BUSHINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB 03-032) WAS ISSUED YET HONDA CLAIMS THEY DO NOT SEE THIS AS AN ISSUE EVEN THOUGH THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS REPORTS AND COMPLAINTS. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH INFORMALLY VERIFIES THIS HAPPENS WITH OTHER MODELS OF HONDA VEHICLES (CIVIC, CRV, ELEMENT). THIS IS A CONSTANT ISSUE FOR ME WHEN DRIVING ESPECIALLY DURING STOP AND START AND TURNING. THIS PRESENTS A DANGER WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AND BRAKE DURING DRIVING.

Oct 14, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT ROCKED BACK AND FORTH EVERY SINGLE TIME IT WAS USED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. ...UPDATED 03/08/17 *BF

Jan 11, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVERS SEAT WOULD EXCESSIVELY MOVE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,238.

May 29, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BRACKETS BECAME LOOSE AND CAUSED THE SEAT TO ROCK BACK AND FORTH. THE FAILURE WAS PROGRESSIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE BUSHINGS AND THE BRACKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Mar 20, 2014

2005 HONDA ELEMENT. FRONT SEAT LOOSE. WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT A PART WAS HOLDING THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT THAT IS WELDED HAS SOME PROBLEM WHERE IT CAME LOOSE. THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT LITERALLY ROCKS BACK AND FORTH. WHEN DISCUSSED WITH DEALERSHIP, THEY DID SAY "IT IS NOT WEAR AND TEAR" AND THAT IT WAS A MECHANICAL PROBLEM. *TR

Jun 01, 2010

+ 4 more complaints for this component

SUSPENSION

8 complaints

The contact owns a 2005 Honda Element. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle began to tilt sideways while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled off to the shoulder of the roadway. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact discovered that the rear driver’s side control arm had separated from the frame of the vehicle, causing the rear wheel to tuck in underneath the wheel hub. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it remained undiagnosed. The dealer was contacted and stated that based on the pictures, the entire suspension needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.

Jul 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2005 Honda Element. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear trailing arm mount was severely rusted. The vehicle was taken to an independent frame mechanic, where the contact was informed that the rear trailing arm mount could fracture. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in an unknown recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

Sep 04, 2024

The left rear control arm pulled out of the subframe and floor panel and hit the pavement facing forward, the direction in which the car was moving. The left rear tire pulled out and away from the vehicle, and the car lurched downward. There were sparks. I was pulling away from a gas pump at a service station. I stopped the car immediately and had it towed to a mechanic. There was no warning. There were no unusual sounds or movements prior to the incident. Approximately 100 miles before the incident, a licensed mechanic did a safety inspection and test drove the vehicle prior to doing maintenance on other parts of the car. Two different mechanics inspected the vehicle and determined it was unsafe to repair it. The control arm broke off due to excessive rust and corrosion, which was not visible during the safety inspection, because the area was visually blocked by a strut.

Apr 10, 2024

I was driving and all of a sudden vehicle became hard to control. I got it stopped and noticed drivers side rear tire was sideways. upon inspection I noticed trail arm was broke loose at frame. apparently it had rusted through at the frame.

Nov 19, 2023

I was driving and left rear trail arm connecting wheel to frame broke loose. upon inspection I noticed the frame was so rusted in that one spot causing trail arm to break loose which caused me to lose control of vehicle very dangerous!

Oct 29, 2023

+ 3 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, FLAMES APPEARED FROM THE DASHBOARD. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL TOW LOT. THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR AND INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 111,000.

May 01, 2019

Fire: 1

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 HONDA ELEMENT. AFTER THE CONTACT PARKED AND EXITED THE VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES LATER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. AN INVESTIGATOR WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,500. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

Aug 30, 2018

Fire: 1

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY DID NOT FIT INTO THE IGNITION WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CHECK FOR POSSIBLE RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS) AND15V320000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.

Oct 25, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT TURNED THE IGNITION ON AND NOTICED SMOKE AND HEARD A CRACKING SOUND COMING FROM THE MASTER POWER WINDOW SWITCH ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. THE SMOKE WAS FOLLOWED BY A SMALL FLAME. THE FIRE EXTINGUISHED ON ITS OWN AND CAUSED THE DOOR PANEL TO MELT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FIRE AND STATED THE WIRING HARNESS AND DRIVER SIDE DOOR PANEL HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,962.

Sep 15, 2011

Fire: 1

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE ODOMETER FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE DISTANCE THAT WAS TRAVELED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000.

Jan 14, 2009

+ 3 more complaints for this component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

7 complaints

THE BOLTS TO THE EXHAUST FLANGES AND FLANGES BEFORE AND AFTER THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER ARE TOTALLY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED ACCORDING TO THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE. I AM CONCERNED THAT IF THE BOLTS BREAK THIS MAY CAUSE THE REAR OF THE CAR TO BECOME AIRBORNE . FURTHERMORE THE RUSTING OF THE BOLTS AND FLANGES SHOULD HAVE BEEN PICKED UP BY THE HONDA TECHS LONG BEFORE THE BOLTS AND FLANGES GOT TO THIS HAZARDOUS CONDITION. *TR

Oct 29, 2014

CAR DIES WHEN DRIVING. NO PRIOR WARNING BEFORE IT DIES (SUCH AS ILLUMINATION ON PANEL). CAR RPM'S REV UP AND DOWN WHILE IN PARK. WINDSHIELD CRACKS. *TR

Jun 30, 2011

I HAVE A 2005 HONDA ELEMENT. WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD IT DIES ON A REGULAR BASIS. I CAN START THE CAR AND LET IT WARM UP BUT IT IS VERY ROUGH AND STILL HAS A TENDENCY TO DIE WHEN COMING TO A STOP. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A MECHANIC AND THEY CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG BUT I HAVE LOOKED AT MANY HONDA ELEMENT OWNER FORUMS AND IT SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON AND DANGEROUS ISSUE WITH THE ELEMENT. ONCE THE ENGINE DIES, THERE IS STILL BATTERY POWER, BUT LIMITED STEERING CONTROL. IT HAPPENS NEARLY EVERY MORNING 2-3 TIMES AND I LIVE IN CALIFORNIA WHERE IT DOESN'T GET NEARLY AS COLD AS OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD WITH THESE CARS. *TR

Jan 21, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 68,800.

Jun 17, 2009

2005 HONDA ELEMENT BEGAN RUNNING WARMER THAN NORMAL. CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 53K MILES. INTERNET RESEARCH FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND INDICATION THAT FAULTY COOLANT WAS USED BY HONDA AT THE FACTORY. PROBLEMS INCLUDE OVERHEATING, POOR HEAT IN WINTER. INDICATED SOLUTIONS RANGE FROM COOLING SYSTEM FLUSH UP TO REPLACING THE RADIATOR, HEATER CORE, AND ENGINE. HONDA ADMITS NO FAULT. PROBLEMS/REPAIRS STILL BE EVALUATED. *TR

Jun 06, 2008

+ 2 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

5 complaints

The contact owns a 2005 Honda Element. The contact stated that while his vehicle was parked in a parking lot, the vehicle independently drifted backwards without warning. Due to the failure, the vehicle collided with another vehicle which resulted in the injury of the occupant inside the other vehicle. The other occupant claimed to have sought medical treatment for his injuries(injuries unknown). There was rear bumper damage to the other vehicle as a result of the failure. A police report was filed and neither vehicle was towed from the scene. The dealer was notified of the failure and stated that they were unaware of such a failure occurring with this model vehicle. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure had yet to reoccur and the vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 208,000.

Jun 02, 2021

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

TURNED ON VEHICLE AND PUT IT IN FIRST GEAR AND WAS GOOD AND SEMICONDUCTORS THEN NOTICE GOT STUCK IN GEAR AND WOULDN'T COME OUT. STANDARD TRANSMISSION

Dec 26, 2018

CAR KEEPS STALLING. IN 2011 CAR NOTED TO BE RECALLED NEVER REVIVED NOTICE CAR DOING EXACTLY WHAT RECALLS SAYS PARTS REPLACED SO FAR BY DEALER O2 SENSOR PCV VALVE AND BEARING I HAD TO PAY FOR . *TR

Nov 01, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS COASTING IN TRAFFIC WHEN HE WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE METAL WHICH HELD THE CLUTCH SPRINGS IN PLACE FRACTURED, JAMMING THE CLUTCH. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000. UPDATED 09/27/11 *BF UPDATED 12/02/11

Jul 14, 2011

HELLO AND THANK YOU FOR THIS FORUM, JUST BOUGHT MY DAUGHTER AN 05 HONDA ELEMENT FOR HER GRADUATION, WITH A LITTLE OVER 100K MILES. SHE LOVES IT, AND THOUGHT WE WERE GETTING A STRAIGHT DEAL FROM THE SELLERS, BUT NOT THE CASE. WHEN WE DROVE THE CAR, UNFORTUNATLY, AFTER BUYING, WE NOTICED A RUMBLING NOISE IN THE CAR, SO DROVE TO AN EMPTY PARKING LOT TO TRY AND FIGURE OUT THE SOURCE. WE NAILED IT TO THE REAR END BY ONE DRIVING AND ONE WALKING OUTSIDE THE CAR. TOOK TO MY MECHANIC THE NEXT DAY AND WAS IMMEDIATLY DIAGNOSED WITH THE 4WD REAR DIFFERENTIAL BEING THE SOURCE. HE CALLED HIS TRANSMISSION CONTACT WHO IMMEDIATLY CONFIRMED THAT THE PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON FOR THE HONDA 4WD AND THAT THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL BECAUSE HIS BUSINESS HAS FIXED MANY OF THESE 'UNSAFE' GEAR BOXES THAT TRANSER POWER TO THE REAR WHEELS. BEING A CONCERNED FATHER, I'M NOT GOING TO WAIT FOR THE RIGHT THING TO BE DONE BY HONDA, BECAUSE MY DAUGHTER AND ANY CARS ON THE ROAD AROUND HER, NEED TO BE AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE. YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED BY MYSELF AND THE OTHER 431 POSTS I BRIEFLY SCANNED THROUGH REGARDING THIS DEFECT WITH THE HONDA CR-V AND THE ELEMENT. THANK YOU *TR

Jun 03, 2010

STRUCTURE

4 complaints

Defect where rear controller arm connects to frame is rusted out. This would cause the rear tires to fall off. The rest of the car isn’t that bad. Canada there is a recall for this but not in the USA.

May 09, 2023

THE UNDERBODY FRAME IS RUSTED SEVERELY CAUSING LEFT REAR WHEEL TO BE LOOSE MAKING IT UNFIT TO DRIVE AS IS. DUE TO THE SIGNIFICANT RUST AND CORROSION DISCOVER WHEN TOOK TO MY MECHANIC TO EVALUATE POOR HANDLING AND LOOSENESS WHEN DRIVING TOLD ME UNSAFE TO DRIVE AWAY

Sep 22, 2020

DT: THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF A ROLLOVER WITH THE VEHICLE. SHE IS CONCERNED BECAUSE THE CAPACITY OF THE VEHICLE IS 675 LBS. THIS INCLUDES THE PASSENGERS AND CARGO LIMIT. SHE WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE WHEN SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. SHE FEELS THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD NOT SELL A VEHICLE OF THIS SIZE, THAT HAS THE WEIGHT LIMIT AS STATED ABOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON 8-21-05.*AK THE VEHICLE'S MAX CAPACITY IS 25 POUNDS LESS THAN A HONDA CIVIC. *NM

Sep 29, 2005

I HAVE RECENTLY PURCHASED A HONDA ELEMENT VIN# [XXX]. NOT UNTIL LAST WEEK DID I OR A PASSENGER SIT IN THE BACK SEAT. WE BECAME AWARE OF THE POTENTIAL DANGER THAT THE DOOR DESIGN PRESENTS. YOU CAN NOT OPEN THE BACK DOOR UNLESS THE FRONT DOOR IS OPENED FIRST.THE "SUICIDE DOORS" DO NOT ALLOW EXIT FROM THE BACK SEATS (NOT THE ORIGINAL "SUICIDE DOOR" DESIGN). THIS DESIGN FLAW IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. I WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THIS DESIGN FLAW AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. ...SCROLL DOWN....THE SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY... 1. HOW COULD ANYONE GET OUT OF THE BACK SEAT IN AN EMERGENCY? 2. WHAT WOULD A CHILD DO IN CASE OF DRIVER INCAPACITATION? AN ADULT MIGHT BE ABLE TO CRAWL OVER THE DRIVER TO THE FRONT DOOR, BUT A CHILD WOULD BE AT A DISADVANTAGE IN THE BACK. 3. THERE IS NO EMERGENCY RELEASE HANDLE ON THE BACK HATCH DOOR TO ACCESS FROM THE INSIDE. 4. THE LITTLE WING WINDOWS ON THE BACK DOORS COULD BE KICKED OUT IN AN EMERGENCY, BUT A CHILD WOULD NEVER BE ABLE TO DO SO. 5.WHAT WOULD PASSENGERS DO IF THE CAR WERE TO PLUMMET INTO A WATERWAY? HOW COULD ANYONE ESCAPE FROM THE BACK....WHICH IS WHAT IS LEFT FLOATING... 6. THERE IS NO WARNING SIGN IN THE CAR INDICATING THAT THE BACK DOORS DO NOT OPEN UNLESS THE FRONT DOOR IS OPEN. HOW MUCH TIME, VALUABLE TIME MIGHT BE LOST AS A PASSER-BY ATTEMPTS A RESCUE AND DOES NOT KNOW THE DOORS DO NOT OPEN? PERHAPS THEN, A SIGN, LIKE IN AIRPLANES, COULD BE POSTED BOTH INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE INDICATING THAT THERE IS NO EXIT THROUGH THE BACK DOORS. OR, A RECAL PUT INPLACE TO PUT IN A QUICK RELEASE EMERGENCY ACCESS WINDOW. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS CONCERN TO THE APPROPRIATE DEPARTMENTS. I LOOK FORWARD TO A REPLY. THANK YOU, [XXX] *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Jun 15, 2005

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 complaints

PURCHASED FROM PRIVATE SELLER. ADVERTISED AS 2005, WITH 55,000 MILES, 4WD, ONE OWNER, NO ACCIDENTS. SELLER PROVIDED FABRICATED CARFAX REPORT, ALTERED TITLE AND THE ODOMETER WAS TAMPERED WITH AND THE CAR IS FWD, HAS HAVE 5 OWNERS AND HAS A REPORTED ACCIDENT. *TR

May 16, 2020

I CONTACTED HONDA, AFTER OF SOME STRUGGLES THEY SET ME AN APT, AT 1ST THEY TOLD ME IS A FREE RECALL, THEN THEY CALLED ME TELLING ME IT HAS OTHER ISSUES THAT NEEDS TO BE REPAIR BEFORE THEY WORK ON THE RECALL, IT WOULD COST ME $4,110.13, I SAID NO, I WOULD GO PICK UP THE CAR, MY CAR WAS IN GREAT WORKING CONDITIONS, I HAVE DONE EXTENSIVE WORK ON IT $$$ IS WHY I FIND HARD TO BELIEVE HONDA RETURNED MY CAR BROKEN, I HAVE TO TOW IT TO MY MECHANIC. I'M SAVING FOR AN ATTORNEY, STILL A WAY TO GO BUT IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO MY ALREADY DISABLE (DEAF) DAUGHTER BETWEEN THAT TIME OF ME SAVING AND THEN I'M GOING TO GO ALL THE WAY. I'M CONTACTING YOU TODAY BECAUSE HONDA ASKED ME ON FACEBOOK TO SEND A PRIVATE MSG, WHICH I DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO, HERE IS THE MSG: [XXX] MI VAN NECESITA LE CAMBIEN ESA BOLSA DE AIRE PERO HONDA QUIERE QUE YO PAGE $4,110.13 X EL TRABAJO ME GUSTA RESPONDER 3 DE DICIEMBRE A LAS 22:59 ADMINISTRAR HONDA HOLA [XXX], POR FAVOR MANDENOS UN MENSAJE PRIVADO CON SU VIN, NUMBERO DE TELEFONO, DIRRECION, Y EL NOMBRE DE SU CONCESSIONARIO DE HONDA PARA INVESTIGAR PORQUE EL CONCESSIONARIO LE QUIERE COBRAR. GRACIAS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

Dec 18, 2017

DRIVER'S DOOR LOCK HAS BROKEN AT AROUND 83,000 MILES. I WAS HAVING TO UNLOCK AND GO THROUGH PASSENGER'S DOOR. NOW AT 150,000 MILES THE PASSENGER DOOR LOCK HAS BROKEN. DOOR LOCKS SHOULD NEVER BREAK AND NOW I FACE EITHER CLIMBING THROUGH THE BACK OF THE CAR OR LEAVING IT UNLOCKED, WHICH IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE.

Nov 03, 2015

WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN IN MY 2005 HONDA ELEMENT, I TURNED TOO SHARPLY, CAUSING THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL TO DRIVE OVER A LARGE PIECE OF A PREVIOUSLY BROKEN STREET LAMP THAT WAS ON THE CORNER OF THE STREET. THOUGH I WAS ONLY TRAVELING AT 10-15 MPH, THE CAR OVERTURNED AND FELL ON ITS SIDE. THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES INVOLVED. THERE WAS SOME BODY DAMAGE AND TWO BROKEN WINDOWS, AND SOME DAMAGE TO THE FRONT WHEELS/AXLE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. *JB

Aug 18, 2005

Injuries: 1

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

3 complaints

REPEATED (7 SHOP VISITS) ATTEMPTS TO RESOLVE SRS (AIRBAG) INDICATOR ACTIVATING. TWO SEAT BELT CLASP REPLACEMENTS, I CAN RECALL. HONDA REFUSES TO HONOR VEHICLE OCCUPANT SAFETY WARRANTY TO REMEDY REPEATED FAULTS TIED POSSIBLY TO DEFECTIVE SEAT BELT HARNESS WIRING ESTIMATED TO COST $400-$1,100.

Dec 06, 2018

AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGJHT CAME ON WHEN I STARTED CAR.

Oct 12, 2018

STARTED WITH PASS. AIR BAG LIGHT & PASS. SEATBELT BEEPER & LIGHT. HAVE HAD IT REPAIRED 4 TIMES BUT PASS. BEEPER & LIGHT HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. SPOKE WITH HONDA AMERICA IN CA REGIONAL MGR MORRIS SAID IT DOESN'T EXIST IN THE 2005 HONDA ELEMENT THE MANUAL IS A MISPRINT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH HONDA DOES NOT WANT TO CORRECT. IT HAD WORKED BEFORE SO MY WIFE & I SPOKE TO PEOPLE WITH 1996 TO 2008 HONDA ELEMENTS AND THEY ALL HAVE A SEATBELT LIGHT & BEEPER FOR THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT. COULD YOU PLEASE HELP WITH THIS SAFETY ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR FOUR LONG YEARS. I BELIEVE HONDA AMERICA IS TRYING TO DECEIVE US. I EVEN ASKED MORRIS TO PUT IT IN WRITING THAT IT IS A MISPRINT IN THE MANUAL BUT HE SAID HE COULD NOT DO THAT. I ALSO TOLD HIM THAT I HAD SPOKEN TO OTHER 2005 ELEMENT OWNERS WHO STATED THEIR PASSENGER SEATBELTS HAVE A LIGHT & BEEPER BUT STILL INSISTS THAT MY CAR DOES NOT. *TR

Dec 21, 2008

AIR BAGS,SEATS

3 complaints

WHILE DRIVING THROUGH PARKING LOT APPROACHING EXIT, THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT REASON. LOUD BANG, RINGING EARS, AND CRYING KIDS. NO BUMPS, POTHOLES, CURBS OR ACCIDENT. SO FAR EVERYONE FROM HONDA, THE DEALER AND INSURANCE ARE ALL POINTING THE FINGER AT EACH OTHER. AS SEEN ON THIS AND OTHER SITES THIS SEEMS COMMON HOWEVER EVERYONE ACTS LIKE IT'S THE FIRST TIME THEY'VE HEARD OF SUCH A THING. *TR

Dec 23, 2013

I WAS DRIVING INTO THE BANK DRIVE IN TELLER AND MY LEFT SIDE AIRBAG WENT OFF. *TR

Jul 10, 2012

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON MARCH 26, 2011 ON THE FREEWAY AND IT WAS EARLY AND A CLEAR DAY. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AND OUT OF NO WHERE I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION SOUND AND WAS COMPLETELY FREAKED OUT. MY RIGHT EAR WAS RINGING AND I STARTED TO SMELL SMOKE. I LOOKED TO MY RIGHT SIDE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG HAD EXPLODED OUT. IT WASN'T EVEN INFLATED AND THERE WAS NO ONE SITTING ON THE SEAT THANKFULLY. BUT SINCE NO ONE WAS ON THE SEAT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE BEEN OFF, THE HONDA ELEMENT HAS A SENSOR ON THE SEAT. I CALLED THE HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY TOLD ME I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROBLEM. THAT I SHOULD TAKE MY VEHICLE TO A HONDA DEALERSHIP AND REPORT IT TO MY INSURANCE SO THAT THEY CAN TAKE CARE OF IT FOR ME. *TR

Mar 28, 2011

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS

2 complaints

MY 2005 HONDA ELEMENT CONSTANTLY DISPLAY AIRBAG OFF, WHEN IT'S INACCURATE, DASHBOARD LIGHT DOESN'T WORK. THERE'S SOME KIND OF SHORTAGE BECAUSE IT BLINKS, COME ON AND GO OFF AND STAY OFF. IT SHOWS THE SAME INFORMATION, RATHER DRIVING OR STATIONARY. ARE THERE RECALLS ON THIS CAR? IT'S BEEN ONE PROBLEM AFTER ANOTHER.

Mar 30, 2021

AIRBAG WARNING LIGHTS WILL COME ON FOR NO REASON SAYING PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFF AND IT IS NOT OFF. THIS HAPPENS AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. THIS HAPPENS AT VARIOUS TIMES, CRANKING VEHICLE, DRIVING VEHICLE, THERE IS REALLY NO SPECIFIC SITUATION . IT'S SPORADIC. HEADLIGHTS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN DIM. SOMETIMES I CAN'T EVEN TELL IF THEY ARE ON. THE CARGO LIGHTS, FRONT MIDDLE AND BACK WORK SOMETIMES AND MOST TIMES THEY DON'T. ALSO BRAKE LIGHTS SEEM TO HAVE A MIND OF THERE OWN AND WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO BUT DEFINITELY NOT WHEN I WANT THEM TO. IN FACT I AM PRETTY SURE THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE SOMEWHERE.

Nov 20, 2020

SEAT BELTS

2 complaints

I GET A DTC 4-1 CODE FOR OPEN OR INCREASED RESISTANCE IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT TENSIONER. THE SEAT BELT IS LOOSE AND DOES NOT THREAD ITSELF BACK ONCE UNBUCKLED. I AM TRYING TO GET HONDA TO LOOK AT THIS.

Feb 27, 2017

THE SEAT BELTS FOR THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER IN THE 2005 HONDA ELEMENT ARE ATTACHED TO THE FORWARD EDGE OF THE REAR DOOR, THEREFORE THE REAR DOORS CANNOT BE OPENED UNLESS THE FRONT DOORS ARE OPENED. *NM *JB

Dec 07, 2005

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY

2 complaints

I WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY STREET, QUITE SLOW (ABOUT 20-25 MPH) AND SMOKE STARTED TO BILLOW OUT OF MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE SWITCHES WHICH CONTROL MY WINDOWS. THE SMOKE GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORSE IN A VERY SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME (30 SECONDS - 1 MINUTE). I WAS UNABLE TO OPEN MY WINDOWS TO LET THE BLACK SMOKE OUT. I OPENED MY CAR DOOR WHILE I DROVE INTO THE FIRST PARKING LOT I SAW. AS SOON AS I PARKED, I COULD SEE FLAMES UNDER THE WINDOW SWITCHES, WHICH MELTED THE PLASTIC AND CAUSED THE FLAMES TO GET LARGER. I WAS ABLE TO SMOLDER THE FIRE WITH A JACKET WHILE WAITING FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. A FIRE CLAIM WAS FILED. MY CAR WAS TOWED, SINCE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ADVISED ME NOT TO DRIVE IT. I AM NOW AWAITING WORD FROM THE MECHANIC IT WAS TOWED TO. I WORK FOR A HOME HEALTH CARE AGENCY, AND HAVE TO TRANSPORT SMALL OXYGEN TANKS ON OCCASION. I HAD ONE IN MY CAR AT THE TIME AND THIS ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY. *TR

Apr 01, 2014

Fire: 1

ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2011, UPON STARTING THE IGNITION OF MY 2005 HONDA ELEMENT, I NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. AFTER HEARING SOME CRACKLING NOISES FROM THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH, IT SOON POPPED INTO A SMALL FIRE WHICH WENT OUT ON IT'S OWN, PROCEEDED BY MORE CONTINUOUS SMOKE. *TR

Sep 12, 2011

Fire: 1

STEERING

2 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK VIOLENTLY FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000.

Sep 23, 2011

LTR FWD FM RE 2005 HONDA ELEMENT STEERING COLUMN DEFECT, REPLY TO BIRMINGHAM, AL OFC. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HAS LOST STEERING ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. WHEN THE STEERING FAILED THE LAST TIME, THE CONSUMER ENDED UP FACING ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SEVERAL DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS AND NONE OF THEM COULD DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *JB

Mar 16, 2010

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

Rear unibody rust through allowing the drivers side rear trailing arm to become detached. Pulling up to stop sign very slowly luckily. At speed this failure would have assuredly led to a crash from loss of control. Calls have been placed to local Honda dealer as well as American Honda where I was informed there was no recall for this problem in the USA.

Mar 23, 2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

Vtec oil pressure switch low voltage threw a code so I replaced entire mechanism, I don't know the name buy removed wire snaps and three bolts and replaced with brand new, and reattached. Unplugged battery till all reserve was gone. Plugged back up [battery] drove, but still as I hit 3000 rpm and vtec turns on shoots check engine light and vehicle jukes. I have already changed oil, made sure proper level proper weight had flushed as to clean out any debris. Made sure all connections were tight, but nothing fixes problem.

Mar 03, 2023

STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

I have a 2005 Honda Element, undercarriage and suspension components have severe rust. I tried to get an inspection from Virginia and it failed immediately due to the rust. The mechanic lowered the vehicle as quickly as he could because of it falling off the lift. ultimately he told it is unsafe to drive. After doing some research I found out that Honda Canada has done a recall on Honda elements from 2003-2010 due to this common issue and here is what they wrote. 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.

Jan 09, 2023

SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

Having rust issue with my 2005 Honda Element causing steering and handling issues Unsafe to drive per my mechanic This model has been recalled in Canada to address this issue Is there anything investigating ongoing in the USA as this problem is affecting many elements in the USA as well

Mar 14, 2022

SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

THE AIR BAG STAYS ON EVEN AFTER A THE LEFT AIR BAG ASSEMBLY REPLACED. THERE IS A LOUD KNOCKING FRONT END WHICH IS WORSE WHEN IT IS GOING ABOUT 15-30 MILES.

Jan 01, 2021

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

THIS OCCURRED WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING FUELED AT GAS PUMP. WHENEVER THE GAS TANK IS FILLED COMPLETELY BY AUTO-SHUT OFF AT PUMP, GASOLINE LEAKS FROM VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A REPEATED FAILURE MODE FOR THIS VEHICLE DUE TO VENT SYSTEM FAILURE REQUIRING A REPLACEMENT OF FUEL TANK SYSTEM BY DEALER TO RENDER SAFE. GIVEN THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES EXTANT UNDER 15 YEARS, BELIEVE SOME SORT OF SAFETY NOTICE IS WARRANTED.

Mar 01, 2019

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE COUNTY ROAD AT 60 MPH AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF. I TURNED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH OFF AND THEN BACK ON AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE FOR A COUPLE DAYS. THIS HAPPENED 5 OR 6 MORE TIMES AND NOW THE HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT TURN BACK ON UNLESS I SWITCH TO HIGH BEAMS. HIGH BEAM WORKS FINE, THIS IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE NOT BULB FAILURE. "THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY".

May 14, 2018

POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

SOMETIMES THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLAMS HARD WHEN SHIFTING FROM FIRST GEAR INTO SECOND GEAR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LUNGE. ALSO WHEN THE VEHICLE IS FIRST STARTED AND PLACED IN GEAR IT WILL TAKE OFF AND GO 20MPH WITH OUT DEPRESSING EXCELERATOR. WHEN ENGINE RUNS ABOUT 10 MINUTES IT WILL OPERATE AS IT SHOULD . THIS VEHICLE HAD A TRANSMISSION RECALL EARILER AND WONDER IF THE PROBLEMS WERE TRULY RESOLVED OR NOT EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED.

Apr 06, 2018

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

TAKATA RECALL HELLO, AFTER TAKING MY VEHICLE FOR THE TAKATA RECALL FOR THE THIRD TIME ON 9/3. THE SRS SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON AND IT IS STILL ON. HONDA REFUSES TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CHARGING ME FIRST. MY MAIN CONCERN IS HOW DO I KNOW IF THE AIRBAGS ARE FULLY FUNCTIONAL AFTER HONDA FIXED THE RECALL AND NOW THE SRS LIGHT IS ON. HONDA ALSO REFUSES TO TEST THE VEHICLE TO MAKE SURE AIRBAGS AND SEAT BELTS ARE FULLY FUNCTIONAL.

Sep 29, 2016

AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS) AND 05E035000 (EQUIPMENT). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Sep 13, 2016

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS COLLAPSED INTO THE DOOR WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

Feb 24, 2016

STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

1 complaint

THE CAR WILL STALL WHEN IN MOTION AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE A TURN. THE CAR WILL STALL AT A STOP SIGN , THE CAR WILL STALL AND BRAKE, FUEL AND BRAKE LIGHTS WIL COME ON BUT BATTERY IS FINE AND LIGHTS STAY ON. THIS IS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM HONDA WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL FOR THE 2005 STALLING AUTO TRANSIMISSION THEY HAVE REPLACED THE AIC , THE THROTTLE , THE CRUISE CONTROL , O2 SENSOR. THE PROBLEM IS GOING OVER A YEAR SINCE 2014 NOW WORSE.

Nov 22, 2015

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 208,000.

Aug 04, 2015

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA ELEMENT. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, IT INDEPENDENTLY ROLLED BACKWARDS WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION KEY FAILED TO START THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE IGNITION KEY FAILED TO LOCK THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000. UPDATED 7/14/15*CN

May 12, 2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE SWITCH FOR SRS AIR BAG SYSTEM SHUTS OFF SRS SYSTEM - RED WARNING LIGHT COMES ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AFTER RESETTING, SYSTEM MAY WORK OKAY FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. REPAIR SHOP SAYS COMMON PROBLEM SEEN MAY TIMES . COST TO FIX $350+. *TR

Apr 10, 2014

STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1 complaint

THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF A TWO MONTH TIME FRAME. ON COLD MORNINGS, WITHIN THE FIRST FIVE MINUTES OF DRIVING THE CAR, THE CAR JUST SHUTS OFF, LEAVING ME WITHOUT BRAKES, STEERING, OR ACCELERATION. THIS WOULD REQUIRE ME TO TAKE OUT THE KEY AND RESTART THE ENGINE. NO ERROR CODES ARE BEING GENERATED AND THE AIR/HEAT AS WELL AS RADIO CONTINUES TO WORK. THIS HAS BECOME QUITE A DANGEROUS SITUATION BECAUSE THE OTHER VEHICLES ARE UNAWARE I CANNOT MOVE THE CAR AND THE RANDOMNESS OF WHEN THIS OCCURS. THERE IS NO PATTERN TO IT, ALTHOUGH IT WILL ONLY HAPPEN WITHIN THE FIRST 5 MINUTES OF DRIVING THE CAR AND IT WILL HAPPEN WHEN IN ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION. MY DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO RECREATE THIS ISSUE EVEN AFTER KEEPING IT A COUPLE DAYS. I HOPE THIS ISSUE CAN BE FIGURED OUT, FIXED, AND RECALLED SO THAT I CAN FEEL SAFE AGAIN WHEN DRIVING MY CAR. *TR

Feb 06, 2014

STEERING,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON. I'VE DETERMINED THE CAUSE FOR THE LIGHT IS A DEFECTIVE CLOCK-SPRING. THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY HONDA. *TR

Jul 30, 2013

TIRES

1 complaint

I PURCHASE FOUR YOKOHAMA ASCEND TIRES AT TOWN FAIR TIRE IN SALEM, NH ON 07-10-12 . ON 5/09/13 MY TIRE BLEW I WAS PULLING INTO A GAS STATION AND MY TIRE BRUSHED THE CURB AND IT ACTUALLY SPLIT. I HAD TO CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND HAVE MY CAR TOWED AND PUT A DONUT ON IT. I WENT BACK TO TOWN FAIR TIRE THE NEXT DAY AND BOUGHT ANOTHER TIRE BECAUSE I DID NOT HAVE A WARRANTY. (REASON BEING- THEY WERE 30 DAY RETURNS - SO NO WARRANTY. SO I HAD TO BUY ANOTHER TIRE. TODAY 5/28/13 IT HAPPENED AGAIN, THE TIRE BLEW AND RIPPED OPEN. I ONCE AGAIN CALLED TOWN FAIR TIRE AND THEY SAID BECAUSE I BOUGHT THE TIRE NEW THEY WOULD REPLACE IT FOR FREE. I DON'T TRUST THESE TIRES AND I WOULD LIKE THEM ALL REPLACED. *TR

May 28, 2013

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

I WAS DRIVING AROUND 12:15 IN AM, A VEHICLE FROM RIGHT CAME OUT OF STREET AND I COULD NOT AVOID HITTING THE CAR. MY HONDA HIT THE CAR, DESCRIBED AS A T BONE HIT. I HAD NO PASSENGERS,AND WAS WEARING SEAT BELT. MY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIR BAG ACTIVATED, MY DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT ACTIVATE. MY HONDA CAR HAD SEVERE DAMAGE ON THE LEFT DRIVER SIDE, LESS ON THE RIGHT SIDE. MY HEAD LIGHT WAS GONE FROM THE LEFT SIDE AND RIGHT SIDE WAS INTACT. MY CAR WAS TOTALED AS A LOSS BY INSURANCE COMPANY. THE SENSOR LOCATED ON MY DRIVER SIDE DID NOT REACT TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG. THE FRAME BAR WAS BENT AND DAMAGE RIGHT NEXT TO THE SENSOR. I RECEIVED NECK BRUISES, SWELLING AND NECK PAIN. MY KNEE WAS CUT AND SWOLLEN. THERE ARE SIGNIFICANT BREAKS IN THE PLASTIC ON BOTH SIDES OF THE INTERIOR STEERING COLUMN, PROVING THE INTENSE OF THE FORCE OF THE HIT. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. MY QUESTIONS WERE NOT ANSWERED BY HONDA AS TO WHY MY DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT EMPLOY. I SPOKE TO HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE, WITH NO SATISFACTORY RESULTS. THANK YOU, WITH MUCH APPRECIATION. *TR

Jan 08, 2013

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

I PUT ON MY BRAKES IN THE MIDDLE OF RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC THE DAY BEFORE THANKSGIVING. MADE RUBBING SOUND AND THEN CONTINUED TO RUB ALL THE WAY TO MY DAUGHTERS. MINIMAL 2 HOURS IN TRAFFIC IN CHICAGO AT RUSH HOUR. AFRAID TO DRIVE BUT NO WAY TO GET OFF AND NOWHERE TO GO. TOOK TO MIDAS ON FRI. OVER $500.00 NOW MY BACK BRAKES ARE DOING THE SAME THING. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOW 52,0000. THE DEALER HAD TOLD ME AT LEAST ANOTHER YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! VERY DANGEROUS. *TR

Oct 12, 2012

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

2005 HONDA ELEMENT (2 WD) HAS NO HEAT AT ALL WHILE A/C SYSTEM IS WORKING FINE.. COME TO FIND OUT, HONDA RELEASED AN ORIGINAL TSB OF 07-076, AND SINCE THEN REPLACED IT WITH TSB 08-097 WHICH WAS "FAILED HEATER CORE". IT SEEMS THE MANUFACTURER USED WRONG COOLANT AND SO IT CLOGGS UP HEATER CORE. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN LOCAL DEALER FOR 5 DAYS AND THEY TRIED TO BLAME ON EVERYTHING OUTSIDE OF THE HEATER CORE AND ALSO CHANGED EVERYTHING EXCEPT HEATER CORE, AND STILL NO HEAT. FINALLY, THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THE HEATER CORE IS PLUGGED UP AND IT HAS TO BE CHANGED OUT; HOWEVER; THEY NOW TELL ME THAT MY VIN NUMBER DOES NOT FIT INTO THEIR TSB AND THEREFORE, THEY WON'T HONOR THE TSB. CALLED HONDA AMERICA AND SPOKE TO 1ST LEVEL, 2ND, AND UP TO 3RD WHICH [XXX] AND EVENTHOUGH THIS IS A COMMON MANUFACTURER DEFECT (ALSO CANNOT BE INTRODUCE FAILURE BY THE CONSUMER), THEY STILL WON'T HONOR THE REPAIRS. TSB CALLS FOR 10 HRS AND PARTS WHICH COULD RUN INTO THOUSANDS FOR COMMON IDENTIFIED AND CONFIRMED BY HONDA. IT'S ABSOLUTELY ABSORB THAT THEY USED WRONG PRODUCTS AND NOW CAUSING PROBLEMS DOWN THE ROAD WHICH THEY ARE MAKING CONSUMER TO PAY THEM FOR REPAIRS. THIS CLOGGED HEATER CORE NOT ONLY GIVES NO HEAT BUT ALSO COULD CAUSING CAR OVER-HEATING PROBLEM WHICH CAN DAMAGE THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION AT THE SAME TIME. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR

Dec 15, 2011

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

FROM ABOUT MARCH OF 2007 WE STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH OUR BRAKES, THEY HAD BEEN CHANGED ABOUT TWICE A YEAR. WE THOUGHT CAUSE WE DRIVE AROUND IN A CITY, THE BRAKES WEAR OUT FASTER THAN NORMAL. THEN 2 YEARS LATER WE WERE HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING THE CAR. WE HAD TO GET IT JUMPED START- IT SEVERAL TIMES, BEFORE WE PURCHASED A NEW BATTERY. THOUGH IT HAS BEEN A YEAR FROM THE TIME WE GOT A NEW BATTERY, WE STILL HAD PROBLEMS STARTING THE VEHICLE. WE HAVE TAKEN IT IN TO THE AUTO SHOP SEVERAL TIME, AND THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THEN THE GEAR WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO DRIVE AND WE TOOK IT IN TO GET THAT FIXED, AND NOW IT DOES NOT START ALL. IT IS NOT THE BATTERY, BECAUSE THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS STILL COME ON. AT 74,0000 MILES WE SHOULD NOT BE HAVING SO MANY FAILURES WITH THIS VEHICLE! *TR

Oct 01, 2011

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

EVER SINCE I PURCHASED MY '06 HONDA ELEMENT I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WIT MY FOOT TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHEN I GO TO APPLY THE BRAKE. ADD HEAVY BOOTS AND A BIT OF WINTER ICE AND IT ALL ADDED UP TO SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND SLIDING INTO THE FRONT GATE ON MY PROPERTY WHILE I WAS TRYING TO APPLY THE BRAKE CAUSING MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND MY PROPERTY. THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR ARE TOO CLOSE TO ONE ANOTHER!!! I KNEW SOME DAY THAT THIS WOULD HAPPEN, GUESS I SHOULD BE THANKFUL THAT NO ONE WAS INJURED. THIS IS A MAJOR DESIGN PROBLEM. *TR

Jan 12, 2011

Crash: 1

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

1 complaint

I BOUGHT THE 2005 HONDA ELEMENT IN OCTOBER 2006, AS A NEW 4 WHEEL DRIVE, STANDARD TRANSMISSION. AFTER USING IT FOR A SHORT PERIOD I NOTICED THE BRAKES WERE LIKE PUTTY. THEY PRESSED NEARLY TO THE FLOOR, AND NOT TOO EFFECTIVE. THE DEALER FIXED THE BRAKES FOR FREE, THEY TOLD ME AT THE SAME TIME ANOTHER CUSTOMER HAD THEIR HONDA ELEMENT THERE FOR BRAKE PROBLEMS. AFTER ABOUT 2 WEEKS, THE BRAKES WERE LIKE PUTTY AGAIN. I DROVE IT TILL THE BRAKES SQUEALED. ( I LEARNED TO DRIVE WITH LITTLE USE OF BRAKES, SHIFTING DOWN AND SLOWING DOWN AT STOPS AND TURNS. ) I HAD MY LOCAL MECHANIC FIX THE BRAKES THE SECOND TIME. AGAIN THE BRAKES WORKED ABOUT 2 WEEKS BEFORE THEY WERE LIKE PUTTY AGAIN. I WAS AT THE HONDA DEALER LAST MONTH FOR 60000 MILE TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGE. THEY TOLD ME THE BRAKES WERE BAD. I TOLD THEM I KNOW THEY ARE BAD, THEY ARE ALWAYS BAD.

Mar 23, 2010

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 complaint

MY 2005 HONDA ELEMENT BRAKE PEDAL FEELS SOFT. THEY HAVE FELT THIS WAY FOR THE LAST YEAR. PLEASE HAVE HONDA INCLUDE 2005 ELEMENTS IN THEIR RECALL. *TR

Mar 17, 2010

STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

STEERING AND/OR VSA SYSTEM I BOUGHT A NEW HONDA ELEMENT FEBRUARY 12TH, 2005. BETWEEN THEN AND NEAR THE END OF 2006, I EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING ON AT LEAST 8 OCCASIONS. THE CAR WOULD CONTINUE IN THE DIRECTION THAT IT WAS HEADED. THERE WAS NO STEERING AT ALL. THE OCCURRENCES ONLY LASTED FOR SECONDS BUT FELT LIKE MINUTES. THIS OCCURRED MOST OFTEN IN THE EARLY MORNINGS (6-7AM) AND BETWEEN 15 AND 20 MINUTES AFTER LEAVING HOME. THERE WAS ANOTHER PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING DURING THE SAME PERIOD OF TIME. IN SPECIFIC SITUATIONS, IT WAS HARD TO CONTROL AND FELT AS THOUGH THE REAL TIME FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WOULD KICK-IN. THIS HAPPENED MOSTLY BEHIND SEMI-TRUCKS. AFTER THE LAST OCCURRENCE OVER THREE YEARS AGO WHEN THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL HEADED ME IN THE DIRECTION OF THE MEDIAN AND ONCOMING TRAFFIC, I BECAME SO FEARFUL OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE THAT I PARKED IT IN MY GARAGE. AFTER TAKING IN THE ELEMENT ON 8 OCCASIONS AND NOT HAVING BEEN SATISFIED WITH THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF ROEBUCK HONDA, I BEGAN TO EXPLORE SOLUTIONS WITH OTHER LOCAL HONDA DEALERSHIPS AND WITH AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR COMPANY. THE DEALERSHIPS' SERVICE CENTERS COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE STEERING FAILURE. I HAVE BEEN TO DEALERSHIPS' OVER 11 TIMES WITH THIS PROBLEM WITH NO SOLUTION. AMERICAN HONDA WOULD NOT TAKE ACTIONS TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE FOUND OTHER REPORTS ON STEERING ISSUES WITH THE ELEMENT. FRIENDS AND RELATIVES HAVE SUGGESTED THAT I TRADE THE CAR IN, BUT I CANNOT IN CLEAR CONSCIENCE DO THIS. I COULD NOT LIVE WITH MYSELF KNOWING I HAD PUT AN UNSAFE VEHICLE IN SOMEONE ELSE'S HANDS. HOWEVER, I CAN NOT AFFORD THIS. PLEASE CONTACT ME AT [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mar 16, 2010

2005 HONDA Element Problems & Complaints

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