2010 HONDA Element Problems

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

AIR BAGS

6 complaints

"TAKATA RECALL"

Dec 12, 2017

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, A SECOND VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER AND REAR DRIVER SIDE OCCUPANT SUSTAINED MULTIPLE LACERATIONS TO THE FACE AND NECK. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE INJURIES WERE CAUSED BY DEBRIS FROM THE AIR BAG DEPLOYING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.

Mar 28, 2017

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V351000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO REMEDY THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

May 27, 2015

HONDA HAS BEEN NON RESPONSIVE TO NHTSA RECALL 14V-351. AFTER RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE WHICH SAID THE DEFECT COULD KILL OR INJURE ME I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO SCHEDULE THE REPLACEMENT OF THE AIRBAG. HONDA REFUSED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT BECAUSE THE PARTS WERE BACK ORDERED. SINCE THEN THEY HAVE NEVER CALLED OR CONTACTED ME. EACH WEEK I CALL AND THEY REPEAT THE BACK ORDER SCENARIO AND REFUSE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE RECALL. I HAVE TRIED TO CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET THROUGH. I HANG UP AFTER HOLDING IN EXCESS OF 30 MINUTES. IT APPEARS THAT THEY ARE DELAYING THE RECALL. THE DEALER INVOLVED IS DUBLIN HONDA, DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA.

May 11, 2015

AT THIS TIME MY CAR HAS A RECALL ON ITS AIRBAG. RECENTLY I RECEIVED A LETTER TO CALL MY LOCAL HONDA DEALER. IN CALLING I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR COULD NOT BE FIXED TILL DECEMBER 10TH AND TO CALL THE DAY BEFORE TO MAKE SURE THE PART WAS EVEN AVAILABLE. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AS IT EFFECTS THE SAFETY OF MY ENTIRE FAMILY. I WISH TO KNOW WHAT CAN BE DONE TO RECTIFY THIS MATTER. *TR

Oct 30, 2014

+ 1 more complaint for this component

SUSPENSION

3 complaints

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

May 29, 2025

My name is [XXX] and I am the owner of this vehicle. On [XXX] 2024, my daughter was driving this vehicle at approximately 30 miles per hour when the drivers side rear trailing arm separated from the frame and caused the tire/wheel to destabilize and hung crooked from the side of the rear of the vehicle. It appears that the frame around the trailing arm mount rusted completely away. My daughter lost control and luckily was able to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the road. Evidently, there is a recall from Honda in Canada for this issue, but not in the U.S. This is very dangerous and my daughter is very lucky that the catastrophic failure didn't happen when she was on the highway. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

May 07, 2024

Drivers side rear trailing arm separated from chassis. This occurred while backing out of a parking spot causing the left rear wheel to turn outward. When this happened I had to turn the steering wheel left to keep vehicle going straight forward and this was at an idling speed. we had just a few days prior returned from an 1800 mile trip. Had this occurred at interstate speeds it most likely would have been catastrophic resulting in serious perhaps fatal consequences. The otherwise great vehicle is not repairable according to the diagnoses from my Honda dealer.

Nov 21, 2022

SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

BRAKES VERY SPONGY, GOING ALMOST DOWN TO FLOOR, CAUSING A DANGEROUS INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE ON THE HIGHWAY MY MECHANIC BLED THE SYSTEM SEVERAL TIMES TO NO AVAIL. THEN CHANGED THE MASTER CYLINDER. STILL SPONGY, THEN THE MECHANIC CHECKED FOR HONDA SERVICE BULLETINS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. HE FOUND A SERVICE BULLETIN THAT ADDRESSES A SIMILAR PROBLEM ON 2007-2008 ELEMENTS (HTTPS://WWW.SKIDMORE.EDU/~PDWYER/E/FILES/CAMPAIGN_AND_RECALL_BULLETINS/A10-017.PDF). THERE IS ALSO A NHTSA RECALL REGARDING THIS PROBLEM (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V098000 ). I THINK THE PROBLEM WITH MY 2010 HONDA ELEMENT MAY BE SIMILAR TO THAT OF THE 2007-2008 YEAR MODELS AND REQUIRE A SIMILAR RECALL AND FIX. I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED BECAUSE THE LOSS OF BRAKING POWER ABILITY PUT MYSELF AND FAMILY IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

Feb 26, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND EXTENDED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VSA MODULE CONTROL UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,400. UPDATED 02/05/16*LJ; UPDATED 04/23/18*JB *CN

Oct 19, 2015

VISIBILITY

2 complaints

I WAS MOWING MY LAWN WHEN THE LAWN-MOWER KICKED UP A SMALL (LESS THAN 1.5 CM DIAMETER) PEBBLE AND THREW IT INTO THE REAR WINDOW. THE ENTIRE WINDOW SHATTERED, THE SIDES FELL OUT, THE MIDDLE CRACKED ALL THE WAY ACROSS. YOU COULD SEE A SMALL WHITE AREA(SIZE OF A DIME) WHERE THE IMPACT WAS, IT WAS NOWHERE NEAR WHERE THE GLASS FELL OUT. THEN ABOUT 1 HOUR LATER THE ENTIRE WINDOW FELL OUT. NORMAL GLASS SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO WITHSTAND, PERHAPS CHIP OR CRACK, BUT NOT BLOW OUT THE ENTIRE WINDOW. THIS WAS DEFECTIVE GLASS. ALSO, THIS IS A 2011 HONDA ELEMENT, NOT A 2010, BUT THAT WAS THE ONLY OPTION ON THE SITE. *TR

May 11, 2011

2/27/10 PURCHASED NEW HONDA ELEMENT, DELIVERED WITH WINDSHIELD CHIPS, DEALER SUBCONTRACTED. NEW WINDSHIELD INSTALL & GAVE GUARANTEE OF CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. TOOK DELIVERY 3/8/10, NOTED EXCESSIVE DASH/WINDSHIELD RATTLE. CALLED DEALER NEXT DAY-WAS ASKED TO 'MONITOR THROUGH SUMMER MOS. AS RATTLE WOULD 'SETTLE'. IT ONLY GOT WORSE. CONTACTED DEALER SEVERAL TIMES OVER SUMMER & WAS ASSURED IF PROBLEM PERSISTED THEY WOULD 'STAND BEHIND IT UNTIL IT WAS DONE RIGHT'. RETURNED. TO DEALER FOR 'REPAIR' 3 TIMES 11/15/10, 12/7/10, 12/29/10 (CAR WAS REPAIRED THREE SEPARATE TIMES DURING THIS VISIT (KEPT AT DEALERSHIP 12/29-1/10/11). BROKEN WINDSHIELD CLIPS FOUND/REPLACED ON 11/15/10 & 12/29/10 VISIT, RE-PADDED DASH ON 12/7/10 VISIT. RATTLE STILL PERSISTENT. CONTACTED HONDA CORP. CUSTOMER SERVICE & WAS TOLD ALL ELEMENTS HAVE DASH/WINDSHIELD RATTLES IN COLD WEATHER...HONDA CONSIDERS THIS 'NORMAL'...DEALERSHIP NOW STATING THEY HAVE 'DONE ALL THEY CAN'. CAR HAD LESS THAN 3500 MI. AT LAST SERVICE DATE. PROBLEM HAS NEVER BEEN CORRECTED AND DEALER STATES THEY ARE UNSURE IF PROBLEM IS IN THE DASH, WINDSHIELD OR BOTH AREAS. HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE STATES ONLY OPTION AVAILABLE IS TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP AND 'KEEP TRYING' TO SEE IF ANOTHER DEALER IS WILLING TO TRY TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR

Feb 08, 2011

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

I had arrived home on 7/17/2025 and was sitting in my parked vehicle under my carport talking on the phone when I heard a very loud bang. I was disoriented and worried that my safety may be at risk, so I asked the person I was speaking to if they would stay on the line with me until I made it inside. I stepped out of the vehicle and was walking around the back of it when I noticed the rear quarter panel window on the passenger side was completely shattered. There was glass on the outside and inside of my vehicle, and nothing around my vehicle that would have caused it (i.e. rocks, sticks, people outside, etc.). I called the Honda Service Line to report the problem after reading that others had experienced similar, but I was told there was no recall for this issue currently. I reported this to my insurance and they scheduled a repair, but the vehicle has not yet been inspected as of today, 7/18/2025. It is available for inspection upon request. There were no warning lamps, messages, or any other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.

Jul 18, 2025

STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

We have had to repair the front suspension parts the entire front suspension and steering component on our 2010 honda element ex and from the very first time we drove it. It never drove right. It would jerk you out of a curve we took it back to the dealer twice and they kept telling us it was because we were not used to driver assist system. Well since then 5 times we have had the front end steering and suspension replaced thousands of dollars! Why has there not been a recall? and from friends responses it's not just the Element, it's Honda Civic and Honda Accord also, the parts are made too short. Honda even has a extension kit but you can't buy it! Why has there been NO recall?

Nov 14, 2024

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

i have had real trouble recently getting my key out of the ignition switch - one time it took me 10 minutes, even tho i had the wheels totally straight & i kept turning engine off & back on many times. (this has happened many times over the past half year or so & occasionally before that) this is already a recall for vehicles of my year or element, but for some reason mine wasn't included & it definitely should have been! nhtsa campaign id: 10v361000

Jun 15, 2023

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

I've been informed by my mechanic of excessive rust on the rear suspension. The car will not pass state inspection due to safety issues related to this. An appointment has been made with the Honda dealership to confirm. Honda has put out a recall/buy back for the same issue on the Element and the CRV in Canada, where there are areas of high salt usage. Honda has done the same for the CRV in northern 'high salt use' states but not yet the Element. I first heard knocking in the rear about 6 months ago but have generally been ignoring it. After an inspection following an unrelated issue is when I was alerted that the knocking was due to this. These are the details for the Canada recall: Honda is recalling all 2003-2011 Element SUVs, warning of rusting rear frames that could result in the complete separation of the rear trailing arm. According to Transport Canada, this recall applies to vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in areas of heavy road salt usage. This includes, but is not limited to Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. Signs of a worn rear trailing arm include difficulty to maintain a straight line, thudding noises coming from the rear and the appearance of the vehicle having been lifted. In a worst case scenario, the vehicle may lose control. Transport Canada elaborates that owners will be notified by mail to send their vehicle to dealers, who will inspect the vehicle for corrosion in the rear trailing arm front mount bolts. If passed, corrosion protection and support braces will be installed. If failed, Honda will offer to repurchase the vehicle. However, secondary inspections and body shop repairs are also possible. For more information on recall number 2021024, visit Transport Canada.

Apr 12, 2023

STRUCTURE

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2010 Honda Element. The contact stated that their mechanic had informed them that the vehicle was severely rusted on the underneath of the vehicle. The contact referenced a recall related to the failure however the recall was for Canada manufactured vehicles. The dealer was made aware however there was no official diagnosis or repair. The manufacturer was made aware and opened a case regarding the matter. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

Oct 12, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

MY CAR HAS AN ACTIVE RECALL FOR A TRAILER WIRING HARNESS. I HAVE HAD THE HARNESS INSPECTED BY MY DEALER FOUR TIMES, AND THEY CLAIM IT IS NOT A FACTORY-INSTALLED HARNESS, DESPITE IT BEING IN YOUR DATABASE. THE HARNESS WAS ON THE CAR WHEN I PURCHASED IT. I CANNOT EXPLAIN WHY IT IS DIFFERENT THAN THE RECALLED WIRING HARNESS. I HAD A TRAILER HITCH ADDED TO MY VEHICLE SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE, BUT THE SHOP DID NOT ADD A WIRING HARNESS BECAUSE ONE WAS ALREADY ON THE CAR. HOWEVER, I USE THE HITCH ONLY TO ATTACH A BIKE RACK. I HAVE NEVER HAULED A TRAILER WITH THIS VEHICLE, AND FEEL THERE IS THEREFORE NO SAFETY HAZARD. PLEASE REMOVE MY VEHICLE FROM YOUR RECALL RECORDS. THE RECALLED WIRING HARNESS APPARENTLY WAS NEVER INSTALLED ON MY VEHICLE.

Jul 21, 2018

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

INTERMITANT SHUDDERING AND LOSS OF POWER UNDER ACCELERATION. TROUBLE CODE P2646

May 23, 2018

ENGINE

1 complaint

AT 118,000 MILES THE ENGINE IN MY 2010 HONDA ELEMENT SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. AFTER THE ENGINE WAS REMOVED, IT SHOWED THAT A PISTON HAD STOPPED CREATING HEAT SIGNIFICANT ENOUGH TO FUSE IT TO THE CYLINDER. PRIOR TO STOPPING THE ONLY SIGN OF AN ISSUE WAS ODD REVVING DURING TIMES OF CONSISTENT SPEEDS (55 MPH ON A FLAT SURFACE).

Mar 01, 2018

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

I RECEIVED "TAKATA RECALL" A NOTICE FROM AUTO AIRBAG SETTLEMENT, SETTLEMENT ADMINISTRATOR PO BOX 3207 PORTLAND, OR 97208-3207 AS A CURRENT OWNER AND I WILL TRY TO CONTACT THE ADMINISTRATOR. ALSO I WILL CALL THE HONDA COMPANY ABOUT THIS VEHICLE. RIGHT NOW THE LIGHT INDICATING DEFECTIVE AIRBAG IS ALWAYS ON AND I AM DEEPLY CONCERNED WHICH I JUST DISCOVERED THAT THIS CAR HAS A MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER S53 AND NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 12V-436 RECALL STATUS RECALL INCOMPLETE.

Dec 13, 2017

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

I HAVE A 2010 HONDA ELEMENT SC AND IT HAS A VERY SPONGE LIKE BREAK PEDDLE. (HAPPENS STOPED OR DRIVING)IT WILL GO TO THE FLOOR IF IT IS PRESSED HARD ENOUGH. THE BREAK FLUID HAS BEEN REPLACED ALONG WITH ALL BREAK PADS AND THE PROBLEM STILL ACCURS. ALL WORK WAS DONE BY DEALERSHIP

Sep 25, 2017

WHEELS

1 complaint

TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON AND EVEN THOUGH TIRES ARE PROPERLY INFLATED, LIGHT DOES NOT NOW TURN OFF.

Jul 31, 2017

SEATS

1 complaint

AFTER THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED FROM THE FLOOR LATCH, IT WILL NOT RECONNECT, SO THE SEAT WILL NOT CONNECT TO THE FLOOR. THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH EITHER THE LATCH OR THE BAR ON THE FLOOR THAT THE LATCH CONNECTS TO. THIS HAPPENED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND IN MY DRIVEWAY.

Apr 10, 2017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

WHEN USING MY DIRECTIONALS THE HIGH BEAMS FLASH ON THEN OFF BY THEMSELVES. PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE. UNSAFE FOR OTHER VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME. *TR

Nov 16, 2014

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1 complaint

MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE BOTH, INDEPENDENTLY, EXPERIENCED OUR HONDA ELEMENT REVVING ITS ENGINE AND SURGING FORWARD WHEN WE APPLY THE BRAKES. PLEASE WATCH FOR THE COPY OF A LETTER I AM SENDING TO NHTSA BY USPS CERTIFIED #7011 2000 0001 6765 8433.

May 03, 2014

TIRES

1 complaint

COMPLAINT ON A 2010 HONDA ELEMENT WRANGLER STOCK TIRES, THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR. AT 11,000 MILES THE TIRES STARTED TO WEAR ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIRES, HAD THEM ROTATED AND ALIGNED. AT 22,000 MILES THE WARNING LIGHT FOR THE TIRES CAME ON, BOTH OUTSIDE & INSIDE OF TIRES WERE WEARING BADLY. TOOK THEM TO A DISCOUNT TIRE STORE THEY TOLD ME THE TIRES WERE NOT SAFE TO DRIVE ON. ONE OF THE FRONT TIRES WAS SPLITTING. BOUGHT 4 NEW TIRES THERE. THE HONDA DEALER SAYS NOW THEY CANNOT COMPENSATE ME ON ANY TIRES THAT I HAVE NOT BOUGHT THROUGH THEIR DEALERSHIP. *TR

Sep 13, 2011

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 complaint

I PURCHASE A HONDA ELEMENT 2010 FROM RAY HONDA ON STRASBOURG ON APRIL, TEST DRIVE IT AND THE BRAKE WENT DOWN TO FLOOR I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WILL MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIR I DROVE AWAY AND THE SAME PROBLEM PERSIST I BROUGHT IT BACK THEY SAID TO ME THAT I HAVE TO LEAVE WE IT, I TOLL THEM IS DANGEROUS AND THE BRAKE HAS NO STOPPING POWER AND THERE'S IT NOTHING THEY COULD DO. *TR

Apr 19, 2011

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4.8/5.0

67 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2010 HONDA Element have?

The 2010 HONDA Element currently has 29 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 2010 HONDA Element?

The most common problems reported for the 2010 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 2010 HONDA Element problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2010 HONDA Element comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.