Everything NHTSA's vPIC database knows about this exact vehicle:
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Vehicle history — accidents, title & owners
The decode above is what this vehicle is. For what it's been through — accidents, title brands, odometer, theft/total-loss and previous owners — pull a full history report.
NHTSA publishes the first 11 characters of the VIN with every complaint — that identifies the plant, model year, body and engine. So these are reports from cars built exactly like this one, not an average across the whole model.
5J6YH28685L••••••2005 Honda ELEMENT
This build draws 2.3× more complaints than the average 2005 Honda ELEMENT build (6 vs 3).
6on this build
131on the model
50builds in total
Most reportedAir Bags 2Structure 2Seats 1Suspension 1
What owners of this build wrote
StructureMay 2023
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
SuspensionFeb 2020
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…
SeatsDec 2016
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…
Air BagsApr 2014
Front passager side (right side of seat) air bag deployed itself while driving around 15-20 mph on city street
StructureApr 2020
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
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Owner complaints…
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Exact value for this VIN, adjusted for mileage
The original window sticker and factory options
Full research report as a PDF you can hand to a mechanic
Decoded via NHTSA vPIC. Recalls, complaints and safety from NHTSA; MPG from EPA fueleconomy.gov. Full history reports from our partner. VIN 5J6YH28685L017810 · decoded Oct 2026. — ForCar Reviewed by Denis Kataev, founder of ForCar.