2004 Honda Element

Above average

Owners filed 281 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the visibility. It has been recalled 11 times.

Avoid One of the Honda Element years to avoid: 2.4× the complaints of a typical Element year. Which Honda Element years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
47,000 milesMedian miles at failure

177 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2004 Honda Element problems

106 of the 281 complaints (38%) are about the visibility.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Visibility › Windshield100
000
Air Bags · airbags57
707
Seats22
201
Suspension9
000
Electrical System9
010
Seat Belts8
103
Air Bags › Side/Window · airbags8
002
Structure › Body · body and frame5
000
Power Train · transmission4
000
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags4
302

11 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module19V499000
Filed Jun 27, 20193,947 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module19V501000
Filed Jun 27, 20191,657,752 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module19V182000
Filed Mar 6, 20191,101,534 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.

Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module18V268000
Filed Apr 26, 20181,335 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.

Risk. An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module16V344000
Filed May 23, 20161,790,894 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module15V320000
Filed May 28, 20156,281,043 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153. Honda's numbers for this recall are JQ9, JR0, JR1, JR2, JR3, JR4, JR5, JR6, JR7, and JR8.

Air Bags14V700000
Filed Nov 4, 2014Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2003-2004 Civic CNG and Element, 2002-2005 CR-V, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2005 Accord, Pilot, Civic Hybrid, and Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

Air Bags14V353000
Filed Jun 20, 2014133,207 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 2005 Acura RL, and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in California, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

Electrical System › Ignition10V364000
Filed Aug 5, 2010551,498 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 HONDA ACCORD, CIVIC TWO AND FOUR DOOR, AND MODEL YEAR 2003-2004 HONDA ELEMENT VEHICLES. THE INTERLOCK LEVER OF THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY UNEXPECTEDLY DEFORM, WHICH CAN ALLOW THE INTERLOCK FUNCTION OF A VEHICLE WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO BE DEFEATED.

Risk. REMOVAL OF THE IGNITION KEY WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR OF A VEHICLE WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS NOT BEEN SHIFTED TO THE PARK POSITION CAN ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE ORIGINAL INTERLOCK PIN AND LEVER WITHIN THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND REPLACE THEM WITH NEW, DESIGNED COMPONENTS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 7, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

All 11 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Seat Belts
Filed Jan 16, 2026OH

On 722 2024 dealer try to replace a defective seatbelt buckle could not do the repair could not get a replacement from Honda SRS light stays on so that if the vehicle is in an accident, the airbags will not deploy. Have been waiting on this partfor a very long time. Have no information from Honda when this will be available.

Suspension
Filed Jul 20, 2025PA

Trailing arm mount rotting out from rust

Suspension
Filed Jul 1, 2025NC

My control arm mount and frame of my element is rusted out, it is an ongoing problem with the honda element as i am seeing a lot of people online with similar issues. if this fails, it could put people at risk, i also see other elements on the road with a camber'd out back tire on the driver side. i believe these wheels would fall into the car causing an accident. there are no warning lights that pop on, this is hard to get a look at until you get under the vehicle. they have done recalls on this exact problem in canada already, we need it here as well in the usa. the crv has also had the same issues and was given a recall in usa. i am very concerned with the amount of these cars on the road that many do not know the danger they are in.

Steering
Filed Jun 13, 2025IL

Just like the same era's Honda CR-V (the Honda Element's sibling car with many of the same components), the undercarriage rust on my vehicle is excessive: as described in the same era Honda CR-V's NHTSA Recall (23V-228). Large sections of my car’s rear frame are completely missing, and as shown in the photographs even the rear bumper fell off because of all of the rust. Just like with the CR-V, a recall for the rear frame corrosion first occurred in Canada and then in the US: see NHTSA Recall 23V-228’s chronology. The Honda Element's Canadian recall is as follows: "Transport Canada Recall - 2021024 – HONDA". As of today, there is no NHTSA recall for rear frame corrosion for Honda Elements. I am submitting this complaint for this car now, and also contemporaneously am submitting complaints under different VINs for my other Elements with rust problems: every Honda Element that I have ever owned, even one that had spent its entire 14 year life as a New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas car has had rust problems. In other words, no matter what environment these Elements (which were made for the model years 2003-2011) are in, they corrode right away (within any factory warranties), and eventually become dangerous.

Seat Belts
Filed Nov 8, 2024166,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2004 Honda Element. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an unknown recall related to the seat belts; however, the seat belt retractor was repaired incorrectly and was installed backward. The local dealer was not contacted due to new ownership. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.

Suspension
Filed Jul 9, 2024WI

The trailer arm rusted at the mount. I was told it was not safe to drive. I have learned that this is a common problem with this vehicle and Honda has issued a recall in Canada, but not the USA. I also learned that there is a similar issue with I believe the Honda CRV and that has been in recall from Honda in I believe both Canada and the US. I found a place to do the repair and he said he has seen a lot worse than mine and has done many of these repairs.. The total repair cost is $1500. I also learned that due to its design water gets trapped in the mount and causes the rust, which sounds definitely like a design flaw. The repair entails fabrication a whole new mount for the trailer arm. I discovered it on June 7th when I was doing some under body clean up.

Structure › Body
Filed May 23, 2024PA

The rear left trailing arm mounting point is completely corroded through, making the car unsafe to drive. If it were to fall off during driving the chances of it creating an accident are high. There are many other Elements with this specific spot rusting through.

Structure › Body
Filed May 15, 2024MN

● The area of the body that serves as the forward mounting point for the rear driver-side trailing arm has completely rusted though. At this mounting point, the trailing arm mounting bracket has become entirely separated from the body leaving only one bolt securing the trailing arm to the body. This is the same issue for which these vehicles have been recalled in Canada. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. ● Continuing to operate the vehicle in this condition presents the possibility of catastrophic failure of the trailing arm mount, resulting in loss of control of the vehicle, endangering the lives of those in and outside of the vehicle. ● No, I have not taken the vehicle to a dealer or service center. ● No the vehicle/component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representative. ● No warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the appearance of the problem on [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Wheels
Filed May 7, 2024MI

I'm am told the component that failed is the "lower control arm." The vehicle is available for inspection. At the onset of this problem was a loss of control of my steering. At first I felt a play in the steering wheel when I made a small adjustment in my turn and felt the car move more than what it would normally do. I thought it was the waves in the road due to frost heaves. Then within about 3/4s of a mile the left "lower control arm" separated from where it was being held and fell to the ground. I heard a dragging noise in the back left area of my vehicle and was fortunate to be in front of a parking lot and was able to immediately pull in out of traffic. The car was towed to our auto repair shop where I was told it was unfixable. I also called the Honda dealership and explained the issue, and was confirmed that the car is unfixable, and was told that presently the part causing this issue is being recalled in Canada, but not yet in the USA. I wanted you to know that this happened here in the USA as well. I did not receive any warnings that there was an issue until it happened.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 19, 2024MI

There is a corrosion recall on 2003-2014 Honda elements in Canada because, from salted roads, the frame rusts and extremely important safety parts can break and cause death to the driver. Seeing as these elements are made in the same factories and are in the same region (mine is in Detroit Michigan, only 10 minutes from Canada) this recall NEEDS to be extended to the USA or at least the regions where salted roads and snow are prevalent. My Honda element suffers from this exact problem but I can do nothing about it.

Suspension
Filed Jan 28, 2024NC

Drivers side rear control arm mount is almost none distant from rust. The subframe is almost gone and there is tons of rust on the drivers side frame as well. I have seen this with a lot of people laments. Canada even had a recall on this exact problem.

Structure
Filed Oct 5, 2023182,000 milesMN

The contact owns a 2004 Honda Element. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced intermittent vibrations. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rear control arm mounting joint. The contact was informed that the joint was almost completely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 182,000.

Suspension
Filed Aug 17, 2023OH

The fuel filler neck has rusted through. If pumping gas into the vehicle, gasoline runs onto the ground by the rear tire. The rear trailing arm of the suspension has significant rust. I am concerned this suspension part could fail and become unattached to the vehicle frame/body. The Canadian transportation board has ordered a recall to repairs these issues. from Transport Canada: Toronto, Ontario — 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.

Suspension
Filed Aug 16, 2023NY

The left rear trailing arm separated from the body causing the wheel to turn outward and stop moving.

Suspension
Filed Aug 15, 2023OH

The rear driver’s side trailing arm, which connects to the frame and body of the car, is rusted out to the point where it can no longer be driven safely. If the arm detaches from the body, it will cause an extremely dangerous situation which can even result in death. I can no longer drive this vehicle, even though the engine and transmission are strong. There is no repair for this without spending thousands of dollars to cut and repair the rusted area. This is an extremely common issue with the Honda Elements in areas that get snow. It needs to be addressed because it may cause serious harm to those are are not as familiar with the underside of their vehicle.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 2, 2023MN

While driving down a city street, heard a very loud crack/bang, and lost control of the vehicle. Fortunately I was going slow, 20-30mph and was able to safely stop. Upon exiting the vehicle, the rear driver side wheel was hanging at a weird angle. Looking under the car, the entire trailing arm and wheel assembly has broken off of the frame. If I was going faster, or had been on the highway, this would have caused an accident/rollover and injury for sure. Looking online for more information, I see that this is a known issue, and Honda has already issued a recall, but only for Canada. Vehicle was towed to and inspected by a AAA certified auto shop; they have written it off as a total loss, and suggest to sell the vehicle for parts. I contacted Honda, and they have told me to take it to a dealership for additional inspection by them.

Suspension
Filed May 23, 2023201,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2004 Honda Element. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the rear trailing arm detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 201,000. The VIN was not available.

Electrical System
Filed May 22, 2023CA

My air conditioner went out and I was going to put car in reverse to see if the fans were working. When I put the key in I didn't start the car because my key wouldn't go forward or backwards it was just stuck and the steering column locked up. When I first purchased the vehicle in October 2022 I had to have to front end suspension joints replaced the bar in the middle was cracked. It sounded and felt like the motor was going to fall out. I need to replace the back suspension due to very loud noises when driving like something is going to fall apart.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 6, 2023MI

I drive a 2004 Honda Element and on Friday 2/3/23 I was in a car accident where I t-boned a car going 25 mph and my airbags did NOT deploy.

Power Train
Filed Nov 3, 2022167,000 milesIA

The contact owns a 2004 Honda Element. The contact stated that after the vehicle was shifted into park(P), the vehicle would roll forward or roll backward. Additionally, the key would remain stuck in the ignition, causing the contact to have to maneuver the key to release the key from the ignition switch. The failure occurred intermittently; however, the key was still stuck in the ignition. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 167,000.

Suspension
Filed Aug 19, 2022MI

Excessive corrosion rear suspension near control arm. Honda has already issued a recall in Canada. I was unaware of this problem until a big piece of rusty metal fell off the bottom of my car when I closed the rear driver’s door. My control arm is ready to fall out which could have led to a fatal accident. There are Honda forums all over the internet with thousands of posts in the USA with the same issue as the Canada recall.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 24, 2021150,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2004 Honda Element. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to repair under the Takata recall. Several few months after the air bag repair, the driver’s side curtain air bag deployed without incident and without warning while driving at 65 MPH. The contact pulled off the highway and found no visible damage or reason for the deployment. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the dealer on two separate occasions for an inspection; however, the contact was never given a cause for the failure. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who refused to service the vehicle since the cause of the deployment had not been determined. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Child Seat
Filed Oct 29, 2021NY

The contact owns a Kids Embrace Buzz Lightyear 2-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat. Neither the model number nor the manufactured date was available. The contact stated that after cleaning her car, the contact attempted to install the car seat and discovered that the buckle latch was jammed open and could not latch securely. The car seat was not replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 26, 2021SC

Air bag light stays on

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 2, 2021CA

While driving in the freeway; the low beam lights went out and would no longer work. For visibility purposes, I was forced to use high beam lights to make it home while impairing the driving ability of others. The low beams and high beams run on the same light bulb. While using the high beams, the bulbs work as intended. The light bulbs and relays were promptly replaced and the issue is not fixed. It is often caused the a malfunctioning multiswitch that controls lighting and blinkers. The issue is well known within Honda elements and a previous recall have been issued for other Honda models including the Honda civic. Oftentimes the wiring goes back due to the switch malfunctioning. This is extremely unsafe toward everyone on the road as we lack visibility and by using high beams, we unwantingly blind other drivers which could result in injury by other drivers, passengers, and even pedestrians.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 20, 2020268,000 milesSC

WHILE DRIVING OR OUT OF PARK POSITION IGNITION KEY CAN BE REMOVED.ALSO WHILE IN PARK EITH SWITCH IN ON PODSITION THE IGNITION KEY CAN BE REMOVED. I HAVE HAD IGNITION SWITCH FIXED TWICE WITHIN A 6 MONTH PERIOD. FIRST TIME OCCURRED SEPTEMBER 9 , 2019 OTHER TIME WAS MARCH,2020.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 1, 2020100,000 milesNE

BRAKES KEEP GRINDING AND SQUEALING. HAVE REPAIRED BRAKES AND MECHANISM ASSOCIATED WITH IT A TOTAL FOR FOUR TIMES. REAR PASSENGER BRAKE KEEPS GOING OUT. GRINDING AWAY PART OF THE ROTAR AND BRAKE KEEPS STICKING TO DISC.

Seats
Filed Feb 15, 2020PA

MY DRIVER SIDE SEAT WILL ROCK BACK AND FORTH. I HAVE TIGHTENING BOLTS UNDER SEAT BUT CAME LOOSE AGAIN. BEEN LIKE THIS FOR AWHILE.

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Jan 26, 2020186,000 milesWA

CAR WAS PARKED IN A PULLOUT ON THE SIDE OF A HIGHWAY. SLAMMING REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR CAUSED DRIVER'S SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. NO COLLISION OCCURRED.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 1, 201995,000 milesNY

SRS LIGHT ON. HONDA DEALER WANTS $$ TO DIAGNOSE, BUT THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 4, 2019153,000 milesGA

PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 5 MPH AND NOT INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT. NO DAMAGE TO VEHICLE, EXCEPT TORN SEAMS IN SEAT FROM AIRBAG. THIS HAPPENED WHILE TRAVELING ON GRAVEL ROAD TO LAKE HOUSE, RIGHT FRONT TIRE HIT POT-HOLE, CAUSING THE BAG DEPLOYMENT. INAPPROPRIATE SENSITIVITY IN AIRBAG SENSOR OR FAULTY AIRBAG SEEMS TO BE THE CAUSE. HUGHES HONDA IN ATHENS, GA. STATES THEY WILL NOT REPAIR SINCE THIS IS NOT A RECALL ISSUE.

Engine
Filed Aug 12, 2019200,000 milesIL

ENGINE STALLS AT 3000RPM

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 12, 2019CO

KEY IN DRIVER SIDE WILL NOT TURN. IT GETS STUCK AND WILL NOT UNLOCK OR LOCK . I HAVE TO INSERT, REMOVE AND RE-INSERT MANY TIMES IN HOPES THAT IT WILL UNLOCK OR LOCK. THERE ARE MANY TIMES IT JUST WON'T WORK AND I WILL HAVE TO ENTER FROM THE TRUNK. VEHICLE IS STATIONARY/PARKED.

Seats
Filed Mar 23, 2019AR

DRIVER'S SEAT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 28, 2019165,872 milesVA

SEAT BELT LIGHT WON'T TURN OFF

Air Bags
Filed Jan 22, 2019117,113 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR AN IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN HONDA DEALER IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY SENSOR IN THE AIR BAG. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,113.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 22, 2019171,000 milesCA

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY GOING 65 MPH AND SWITCHING LANES WHEN MY SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYED. MY SEAT IS RIPPED. IT HIT ME IN THE ARM. NO ACCIDENT OR COLLISION HAPPENED.

Seat Belts
Filed Oct 11, 2018ME

SRS WARNING LIGHT. DEALERSHIPS TRYING TO CHARGE $110 TO DIAGNOSE. SHOULDN'T HONDA PAY FOR THIS SAFETY DEFECT. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD A FEW DIFFERENT THINGS BY TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 17, 2018293,800 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG SENSOR INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT AND PROPERLY SECURE THE DRIVER WHILE MAKING SUDDEN STOPS. THE FAILURES WERE NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER (HONDA CARS OF CORONA, 1080 POMONA RD, CORONA, CA). WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 293,800.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 6, 2018143,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE DEALER (AUTONATION HONDA LEWISVILLE, 601 WATERS RIDGE DR., LEWISVILLE, TX 75057, (972) 763-5524) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 12, 2018200,438 milesNC

OWNER WAS DRIVING FOR ROUGHLY 30 MINUTES WHEN SHE STOPPED FOR GAS AND AFTER RESTARTING CAR NEITHER ONE OF HER HEADLIGHTS WERE WORKING. HER HIGH BEAMS CONTINUED TO WORK AND HAD TO BE USED. OWNER WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH HAD OVER HEATED AND BURNED THE WIRING WITHIN THE SWITCH. HONDA HAS ALREADY ISSUED RECALLS FOR CIVICS AND ACCORDS FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM BUT NOT FOR HONDA ELEMENTS. REPAIR COST $200.00

Air Bags
Filed Apr 4, 2018CO

2004 HONDA ELEMENT AIRBAG LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF STAYS ON CONSTANTLY HONDA REFUSES TO FIX WITHOUT COSTING ME MORE MONEY THIS SHOULD BE COVERED IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE FREE OF CHARGE. -----SHAME ON YOU HONDA !!.-----

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 2, 2018111,000 milesME

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S FOOT SLIPPED OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUFFERED HEADACHES, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED TO THE NEAREST INDEPENDENT AUTO YARD. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 111,000.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 10, 2017CA

THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEING ON SINCE AFTER SOME YEARS FROM BUYING THE CAR. A RECALL WAS PLACED APRIL 2015. CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES HONDA DEALER , BUT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS STILL ON THE MOMENT I TURNED THE CAR ON INSIDE THE DEALER . THE TECHNICIAN MENTIONED THE LIGHT WOULD GO WAY ONCE I WOULD DRIVE THE CAR , BUT IT DID NOT HAPPEN .

Air BagsCrash
Filed Dec 1, 2017100,000 milesAL

"TAKATA RECALL " I WAS IN A WRECK HIT A CAR FROM BEHIND AND AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY BUT WAS ALSO SENT A LETTER IN THE MAIL STATING THAT THE AIR BAG WAS RECALLED DUE TO SHARDS OF METAL COMING OUT WHEN THE AIR BAG DOES DEPLOY ....

Electrical System
Filed Oct 11, 2017100,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND INSERTING THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION, THE KEY FAILED TO TURN TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NALLEY HONDA BRUNSWICK (178 ALTAMA CONNECTOR, BRUNSWICK, GA 31525 (912) 267-7000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FAULTY IGNITION THAT NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V364000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 23, 2017210,000 milesMI

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT CALLED SUBURBAN HONDA (LOCATED AT 25100 HAGGERTY RD, FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48335) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 10, 2017VA

MY 2004 ELEMENT LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ONE DAY. I HAD IT SERVICED BY A MECHANIC WITH SET BELT REPLACEMENT. DID NOT HELP WITH THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. HAD IT LOOKED AT BY SOMEONE ELSE WHO TOLD ME IT WAS THE AIRBAG SENSORS. I REALLY DON"T WANT TO KEEP SPENDING MONEY BUT IT FAILED INSPECTION BECAUSE OF THIS ALONG WITH MY DRIVER SIDE SEAT THAT IS ROCKING. DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP WITH ANY TYPE OF FORCE CAUSES THE SEAT TO JUMP FORWARD. EVEN IF I AM SITTING AND IF I MOVE AROUND MY SEAT WILL MOVE. IS THERE ANY TYPE OF PERMANENT FIXES FOR THESE PROBLEMS. OUR DAUGHTER LOVES HER ELEMENT BUT, THESE ARE MAJOR ISSUES FOR OUR FAMILY AS THEY ARE AND CAN HAVE SERIOUS PROBLEMS NOW AND IN THE FUTURE

Air Bags
Filed Jun 29, 2017206,000 milesCO

WHILE DRIVING ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE DRIVER SIDE,SIDE AIRBAG (THE DRIVER SEAT) DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. IT FRIGHTENED ME AND CAUSED ME TO SWERVE INTO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE, FORTUNATELY NO CARS WERE AROUND ME AT THE TIME AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND REGAIN MY COMPOSURE. I SHIVER WHEN I THINK OF HOW BADLY THIS MIGHT HAVE GONE IF OPPOSING TRAFFIC WAS THERE AT THE TIME! A DAY LATER MY LEFT ARM STILL HURTS FROM DEPLOYMENT. MY GRANDDAUGHTER WAS IN THE CAR WITH ME AT THE TIME OF INCIDENT.

Seats
Filed Jun 5, 201744,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S FRONT DRIVER SEAT WOULD ROCK SIMILAR TO A ROCKING CHAIR. THE FIRST TEAM HONDA DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRACK FOR THE SEAT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000.

Complaints 1-50 of 281, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2003
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2011111100Routine
2010301100Routine
200931900Routine
20081131300Routine
20071121200Routine
20061221110Routine
20051591050Routine
2004 — this page2811130Above average
20034241240Above average

Compare every Element year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jun 27, 2019. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.