2004 Honda Element complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN SEVERAL TIMES TO THE DEALER WHO RAN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST BUT WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 144,000. UPDATED 08/01/12 *BF UPDATED 08/02/2012 *JS

AN OCCUPANT POSITION DETECTION SYSTEM INDICATOR LIGHT WAS ON MOST TIME. FIRST TIME IT TURNED ON WAS AUG 2005, THEN I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A DEALER, THEY TURNED IT OFF. AFTER THAT, IT'S AGAIN AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN, UNTIL THE LAST TIME THAT WAS JUNE 2009, THEY TURN IT OFF AGAIN, AND A SERVICE ADVISER SAID MAY BE A SENSOR OR CONTROL UNIT DEFECTIVE. BUT THEY DID NOT TAKEN CARE OF IT. SO, WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH THIS PROBLEM? PLEASE, GIVE ME AN ADVICE. THANK YOU SO MUCH. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

MY WIFE WAS COMING TO A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STARTED ACCELERATING AND SHE PRESSED THE BRAKES TO TRY TO STOP IT. SHE EVENTUALLY PUT IT IN PARK TO STOP THE CAR, BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO GO TO MAXIMUM RPM. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE HONDA DEALER WHERE IT WAS STILL EXHIBITING THE PROBLEM. *TR

2004 HONDA ELEMENT. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE IGNITION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER, BECAUSE THE IGNITION WAS FROZEN AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED. HE WAS ABLE TO INSERT AND REMOVE THE KEY, BUT IT DID NOT FUNCTION. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY ANOTHER ELEMENT OWNER, A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, HONDA INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED ON FEB 1, 2011. *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE CONTACT AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO BE INJURED. A PASSENGER WAS ALSO REPORTED INJURED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND WAS NOT INSPECTED TO FOR THE SEAT BELT AND AIR BAG FAILURES. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,000. UPDATED 03/05/12*LJ THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE SEAT WENT FROM AN UPRIGHT POSITION TO A RECLINING POSITION. UPDATED 03/07/12

THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT A COLLISION. DRIVER WAS MAKING A SLOW U-TURN EXIT FROM A PARKED LOCATION AND ACCIDENTALLY DROVE ONE TIRE OVER A CURB. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHEN THE TIRE ROLLED OFF THE CURB. DEALER SERVICE PERSONNEL INITIALLY CONFIRMED A NO-IMPACT DEPLOYMENT, THEN CHANGED DIAGNOSIS AFTER BEING CONTACTED BY HONDA AMERICA. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE AND BUSHINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 156,000.

I WAS DRIVING MY 2004 HONDA ELEMENT ON A GRAVEL ROAD, WHICH I DO MOST DAYS AS I LIVE ON THIS ROAD, AND THE SIDE AIRBAG ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON, CAUSING ME BODILY HARM WITH SCRATCHING AND BRUISING TO MY LEFT UPPER ARM. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH IN WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS DURING THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE BOTH CONTACTED IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 123,000. UPDATED 11/01/11. *JB

I WAS DRIVING MY 2004 HONDA ELEMENT TO WORK ON THE MORNING OF MAY 27, 2011 WHEN THE (DRIVERS SIDE) SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO COLLISION OR KNOWN REASON FOR IT TO DEPLOY. IT STARTLED ME BADLY, NEARLY CAUSING ME TO GO OFF THE ROAD. AT FIRST, I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE A GUN SHOT. I STOPPED THE VEHICLE, GOT OUT AND CHECKED FOR DAMAGE, HOLES. I ONLY NOTICED THE BAG HANGING FROM THE SIDE OF THE SEAT WHEN I WENT TO ENTER THE VEHICLE AGAIN. I HAD NO IDEA WHAT HAD HAPPENED UNTIL I SAW THAT BAG. MY LEFT UPPER ARM FELT AS IF I HAD BEEN PUNCHED HARD. NETHER MY INSURANCE COMPANY(SAFETY) NOR AMERICAN HONDA WILL COVER THE DAMAGE WHICH WAS ESTIMATED AT A BIT OVER $1500. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO MY HONDA DEALER. THEY COULD FIND NO "CODES" OR OTHER REASON FOR THE BAG DEPLOY. MY INSURANCE COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE STATED IT COULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED AS I REPORTED AND INFERRED I MIGHT BE TRYING TO DEFRAUD THE COMPANY. ALL IN ALL, THIS WAS A VERY BAD EXPERIENCE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, HE NOTICED THE IGNITION KEY WAS LOOSE WHILE POSITIONED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE IDENTICAL FAILURE RECURRED THREE YEARS LATER. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V364000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL REMEDY REPAIR; HOWEVER THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE IGNITION KEY WOULD NOT TURN INTO ANY DIRECTION AND AN ADDITIONAL REPAIR WOULD NEED TO BE PERFORMED IN COMBINATION WITH THE RECALL REMEDY. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN THE POSSESSION OF THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS SEAT WOULD ROCK BACK AND FORTH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST THE CONTACT AND THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 133,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE AIR BAGS SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES AS A RESULT BUT WAS NOT HOSPITALIZED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE TO THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

I AM THE ORIGINAL/ONLY OWNER OF A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HAS BECOME VERY LOOSE ON SEAT TRACK AND NOW "ROCKS" ON ITS TRACK. SEAT IS SO LOOSE THAT CONTROL OF VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED WHEN DRIVING. HONDA SERVICE INSPECTION INDICATES SEAT BUSHINGS HAVE FAILED AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. CHECK ONLINE SHOWS PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD FOR THIS MODEL AND YEAR. INDICATIONS ARE THAT EVEN FOLLOWING REPAIRS, SEAT WILL BECOME LOOSE AGAIN, POINTING TO SAFETY DESIGN FLAW. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS APPROXIMATELY 50,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000. *TR

PASSENGERS SEAT, SIDE AIRBAG, DEPLOYED WHILE TRAVELING LESS THAN 10 MPH. I WAS TURNING INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND GETTING READY TO PARK. VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, DID NOT HIT A POT HOLE, ETC. HONDA STATES THAT THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND WILL NOT REPAIR. COST OF REPAIR ESTIMATED AT OVER $2400. *TR

WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 10 MPH TURNING INTO MY DRIVEWAY, MY PASSENGERS SEAT, SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO IMPACT, POT HOLE, ETC. TO CAUSE DEPLOYMENT. HONDA OF AMERICA SAYS THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AND THEY WILL NOT PAY TO REPAIR. *TR

MY 2004 HONDA ELEMENT HAS A FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT THAT ROCKS FRONT TO BACK. *TR

MY HONDA ELEMENT HAS HAD TWO WINDSHIELDS REPLACED AND NOW A CRACK AGAIN AT THE BASE MOVING UP. STRESS CRACKS NOT FOREIGN MATERIAL HITTING THE CAR. I SIMPLY CANNOT AFFORD A 500 DEDUCTIBLE TO GET ANOTHER WINDSHIELD..... *TR

I TOOK MY HONDA ELEMENT TO THE DEALER COMPLAINING OF A VIBRATION IN THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE CAR. I WAS TOLD THAT MY COMPLIANCE BUSHINGS NEEDED REPLACED BUT AXLES WERE FINE. I PICKED UP MY CAR ONLY TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION, THE MECHANIC CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE RIGHT AXLE WAS BAD. I HAD THAT REPLACED STILL HAVE A VIBRATION. I HAVE NOW BEEN TOLD TO REPLACE THE LEFT AXLE. I CAME UPON AN INTERESTING THREAD ON A FORUM STATING THAT HONDA HELD EDUCATION MEETINGS ABOUT THE FRAME CAUSING THE AXLES TO WEAR INCORRECTLY. INNER JOINT BEARINGS ROLLING OUT OF JOINT, ABNORMAL WEAR. NOT OUTSIDE OF THE SURFACE OF THE BEARINGS BUT ACTUAL INSIDE BEARINGS OCTAGONED. MY VEHICLE HAS ONLY 68, 000 MILES ON IT AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY A HONDA SERVICE MANAGER THAT IT IS EXTREMELY RARE FOR ONE AXLE TO GO BAD AND UNHEARD OF FOR 2 TO GO BAD. I AM WONDERING IF ANYTHING CAN BE DONE IF HONDA IS COVERING UP A FAULTY AXLE PROBLEM AND POSSIBLY FAULTY DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE BEING THAT THE FRAME IS TOO HEAVY FOR THE COMPONENTS. I HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD THAT MY REAR STRUTS AS WELL AS REAR COMPLIANCE BUSHINGS WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL BUT ARE NOT BAD ENOUGH YET. I ALSO HAVE A DRIVER'S SEAT THAT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH AND HONDA CLAIMS TO KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AS WELL. THIS IS ALSO MY 4TH SET OF TIRES ON THIS CAR. IT LITERALLY EATS THE TIRES UNTIL THEY ARE BALD. I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THESE PROBLEMS AS THEY ARE ON FORUMS ON THE INTERNET. CAN ANYTHING BE DONE ABOUT THIS

UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HAS BECOME VERY LOOSE ON SEAT TRACK AND NOW "ROCKS" ON ITS TRACK. SEAT IS SO LOOSE THAT CONTROL OF VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED WHEN DRIVING. HONDA SERVICE INSPECTION INDICATES SEAT BUSHINGS HAVE FAILED AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. CHECK ONLINE SHOWS PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD FOR THIS MODEL AND YEAR. INDICATIONS ARE THAT EVEN FOLLOWING REPAIRS, SEAT WILL BECOME LOOSE AGAIN, POINTING TO SAFETY DESIGN FLAW. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HAD TO SWERVE TO AVOID HITTING A DEER AND THE LEFT REAR STRUTS SNAPPED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER 250 FEET. THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY BUT THE SIDE AIR BAGS DID. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,476.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DRIVERS SEAT SPACER BUSHING WAS BROKEN AND CAUSED THE SEAT TO BECOME MOBILE WHILE DRIVING. BOTH THE DEALER AS WELL AS THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND THAT IT WAS HIS RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR IT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATING SYSTEM FAILED. THE CONTACT MADE REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE AND INQUIRED WITH THE MANUFACTURER IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE AND PROVIDED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.

2004 HONDA ELEMENT. CONSUMER STATES THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *KB WHEN THE CONSUMER ARRIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A RECALL PERFORMED ON THE IGNITION, HE WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THEY WOULD NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS UNLESS IT MET THE IMPLIED WARRANTY PREREQUISITES. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD TO PAY FOR A PROBLEM IN THE PAST, THAT INCORRECTLY REPORTED A PROBLEM THAT DID NOT EXIST. THE CONSUMER IS NOW WONDERING WILL HE HAVE TO PAY FOR THE AIR BAG LIGHT PROBLEM. *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER WHO ADVISED HIM TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 64,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000.

LOWERED PASSENGER SIDE ELEC WINDOW 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. WINDOW WENT DOWN, WILL NOT COME BACK UP. *TR

DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER IN AN ACCIDENT AND INCURRED NO IMPACT WHATSOEVER! HONDA SAID SRS CHIP (FOR AIRBAGS) INFO INDICATED ELEMENT WAS IN COLLISION...DESPITE THE CONTRARY. OUR INSURANCE SAYS IT WAS NOT, AND CLAIMED IT WAS DEFECTIVE HONDA PARTS. HONDA TECHNICIAN EVEN TOLD US NOT TO DRIVE TOO FAST OVER BUMPY ROADS??!! IT'S A 4X4!! HONDA REFUSED ANY RESPONSIBILITY. COSTS ABOUT $1200 TO FIX. HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AND I WILL KEEP PURSUING HONDA FOR THIS...THEY NEED TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW FELL DOWN AND WILL NOT CLOSE. THE MOTOR IN THE WINDOW WAS MOVING, BUT THE WINDOW WOULDN'T. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WINDOW WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY OR ANY RECALLS. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED SINCE VEHICLE WAS NOT SECURE WITH THE WINDOW STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 22300. UPDATED 01/28/11*LJ

DEFECT: MECHANICAL DOOR LOCK ON 2004 HONDA ELEMENT FAILURE. THE HONDA DEALERSHIP HAS TOLD ME THIS IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM OF ONE OR MORE OF THE TUMBLERS NOT MOVING. I HAVE FOUND OVER 300+SPECIFIC EMAILS ON AUTOMOBILE PROBLEMS REGARDING THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM (ELEMENT AND CRV) AND THE CORPORATION HAS NOT ADDRESSED THIS AS A MECHANICAL DEFECT THAT THEY SHOULD REPLACE. BEING UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOOR COULD POSE A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY PROBLEM SHOULD RAPID ACCESS BE NEEDED. THIS IS AN ACKNOWLEDGED AND DOCUMENTED PROBLEM. THE CORPORATE OFFICE DIRECTED ME TO THIS WEBSITE TO LODGE MY CONCERNS STATING THAT NHTSA DIRECTIVES WERE THE ONLY WAY THEY WOULD RESPOND TO THIS PROBLEM. *TR

2004 HONDA ELEMENT: (I HAVE 2 AND BOTH HAVE THE FOLLOWING EXACT PROBLEMS)1. AIRBAGS WARNING LIGHTS INDICATING PROBLEMS 2. DRIVERS SEAT IS LOOSE AND ROCKS 3. PASSENGER SEAT CAUSES EXTREME DISCOMFORT TO HIP AND BACK ON LONG TIPS (THIS IS OCCURS WITH ALL PASSENGERS, YOUNG AND OLDER) 3. UNDER CARRIAGE BRUSHES FAILURE 4. A/C AIR COMPRESSOR FAILURE 5. STRAPS IN BACK SEATS PULLED OUT AND SEAT CANNOT BE RECLINED 6. ENGINE DECELERATES WITHOUT WARNING. POWER CUTBACK DURING PASSING MAKES THIS VERY DANGEROUS. 7. DRIVERS SEATBELT BUCKLE IS DIFFICULT TO SECURE (ONLY 1 CAR WITH THIS PROBLEM) 8. LOUD CLANKING NOISE WHEN CARS ARE BEING TURNED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES FROM ANY SPEED, THE BRAKES WOULD ABNORMALLY SQUEAK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKES. THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN NINE MONTHS. THE DEALER THEN REPLACED THE REAR DRIVER SIDE BRAKES. THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN ONE YEAR AND A HALF. THE CONTACT THEN HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKES, ROTORS AND CALIPERS. THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN EIGHT MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 38,000. UPDATED 11/03/10. *LJ UPDATED 11/04/10*JB

SUDDEN DEPRESSION OF ACCELERATOR, WITH A RAPID RPM TO 7000. SECOND OCCURRENCE, MULTIPLE EPISODIC OCCURRENCE, DEFEATING THE POSSIBILITY OF DRIVER ERROR. RAPID SHIFT TO NEUTRAL SETTING HELPED TO REDUCE THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. IT MAY BE A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM AKIN TO TOYOTA. THE ACCELERATOR PROBLEM MAY AN ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING PROBLEM. THE CAR IN QUESTION IS A HONDA ELEMENT 2004. THE CAR SHOULD BE INSPECTED AND EXAMINED IN ORDER TO ISOLATE AND DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT THIS IS INDEED A SYSTEMIC PRODUCT DEFECT. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO HONDA. THEIR BRUSQUE AND CURSORY ANSWER DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM REPORTED EARLIER. I HAVE LOST CONFIDENCE IN THIS AUTOMOBILE'S SAFETY. AS A CUSTOMER OF SEVERAL HONDA CARS SINCE 1980, THESE PROBLEMS SHOULD BE ANALYZED AND SOLVED SO NEXT GENERATIONS OF HONDA OWNER DOES NOT EXPERIENCE SUCH A DISTRESSING AND HAZARDOUS CONDITION. *TR

2004 HONDA ELEMENT. REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WEARING AWAY REPEATEDLY. PADS REPLACED/ROTORS RESURFACED TWICE BETWEEN 48,000 AND 65,000. AT 65,000, PADS 95% WORN AWAY AGAIN AND ROTORS DAMAGED. REAR PADS AND ROTORS REPLACED FOR THE THIRD TIME IN 15K MILES. DEALER CONFIRMS THAT PADS WERE PROPERLY INSTALLED, CLAIMS TO NOT KNOW WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. WEB SEARCHES ON WWW.ELEMENTOWNERSCLUB.COM FINDS MANY INSTANCES OF THE SAME PROBLEM, WITH MANY OWNERS COMPLAINING OF THE ROTORS RUSTING PREMATURELY AND OFTEN, THE CALIPERS STICKING, AND HONDA REFUSING TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. IN SOME CASES, PROBLEMS BEGIN UNDER THE 10K MARK, AND UPWARDS FROM THERE. *TR

I OWN A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT I HAVE REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD 4 TIMES DUE TO THE WINDSHIELD GETTING HIT BY A STONE OR PEBBLE IT CRACKS SO EASILY. I HAVE OWNED MANY VEHICLES IN MY 35 YEARS OF DRIVING BUT HAVE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE THAT THIS HAPPENS TO SO FREQUENTLY. I REPORTED IT TO THE TWO DIFFERENT GLASS REPLACEMENT COMPANIES I USED CHECKING TO SEE IF THE GLASS WAS DEFECTIVE. OF COURSE THEY USE COMPANY OEM REQUIRED GLASS. *TR

WHILE DRIVING DOWN EXPRESSWAY, STEERING WHEEL TILT LOCK CAME LOOSE ALLOWING STEERING WHEEL TO MOVE UP & DOWN. AFTER STOPPING & RAISING TILT LEVER TO UPWARD POSITION (LOCK), I CONTINUED ON AND IT DID IT AGAIN (LEVER FALLING DOWN). NOW LEVER WILL NOT REMAIN IN "UP" OR "LOCKED" POSITION. VERY UN-NERVING WHEN BRAKING OR TURNING. AWAITING RETURN CALL FROM OUT OF TOWN HONDA DEALER. LOCAL HONDA DEALER SAID THEY WANTED $90.00 UP FRONT AS A "DIAGNOSTIC FEE" BEFORE THEY WOULD EVEN LOOK AT IT........

MY HONDA ELEMENT EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ACCELERATOR PROBLEM. WHEN I WAS TRYING TO PASS ANOTHER CAR, I STEPPED ON TO THE ACCELERATOR & SUDDENLY IT WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. I HAVE A MANUAL CONTROL SO I PUSHED THE CLUTCH DOWN AND AFTER 1/4 MILE THE PEDAL RELEASED. I HAVE NO FLOOR MATS, BUT IT GAVE THE FEELING OF THE MAT TRAPPING THE PEDAL DOWN. *TR

DRIVING 30 MPH ON 2-WAY ROAD. DRIVER COMING OTHER WAY CUT ME OFF, I SWERVED, HE HIT MY LEFT FRONT WITH HIS RIGHT FRONT. MY DRIVER AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY ALTHOUGH PASSENGER DID. I SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND CHEST TRAUMA AS A RESULT. HONDA 2004 ELEMENT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. THE DRIVERS SEAT BOLTS HAVE BECOME LOOSE. CONSEQUENTLY WHILE DRIVING, THE SEAT MOVES OUT OF POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND A FRACTURED RAIL WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,289.

HONDA ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN ON THE CRV MODEL HONDA. THE ELEMENT HAS THE SAME RUNNING GEAR, BUT NO BULLETIN WAS ISSUED FOR THERE ELEMENT....THE SERVICE BULLETIN WAS NECESSARY BECAUSE THE REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL LUBRICANT IS FAILING AT ABOUT 30,000 MILES; CAUSING A PARTIAL LOCK UP OF THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. THE SERVICE MANUAL CALLS FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID AT 90,000 MILES FOR NORMAL SERVICE AND 60,000 MILES FOR SEVERE SERVICE.. ONE NOTICES A JUDDER ON TURNING THE VEHICLE AT SLOW SPEEDS, AS THE DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCHES BIND WITH THE FAILED LUBRICANT. I SEE A POTENTIAL SEVER SAFETY PROBLEM AS A RESULT OF THE FAILED LUBRICANT AND A LOCKED UP DIFFERENTIAL. IF THE DIFFERENTIAL IS ONLY PARTIALLY BINDING, THIS FORCES THE VEHICLE TO ATTEMPT TO ALWAYS GO IN A STRAIGHT LINE, AS NO DIFFERENTIAL ACTION IS OCCURRING , NOT COMPENSATING FOR THE DIFFERENT TRACK OF THE INSIDE WHEN TURNING THROUGH A CURVE. AT THE MOST SEVERS SITUATION - WET SLICK,OR ICY ROADS, THIS LOCKED DIFFERENTIAL WILL CAUSE THE C=VEHICLE TO TRACK IN A STRAIGHT LINE, INSTEAD OF TURNING THROUGH A CURVE; CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LEAVE THE ROAD AND POTENTIALLY CRASH, INJURING THE OCCUPANTS. I CALLED HONDA SERVICE AND EXPRESSED MY CONCERNS. THEY AGREED SUCH COULD HAPPEN, BUT FELT THE BULLETIN ISSUED ON THE CRV WAS SATISFACTORY TO COVER THE ELEMENT. I DISAGREE, AS OWNERS WERE NOT CONTACTED AND NOTIFIED OF THE POTENTIAL SERIOUS PROBLEM, AND THE NEED TO REPLACE THE OIL AT THE EARLIER MILEAGES. I SUGGEST THAT HOND

DRIVER'S SEAT IS ROCKING ON HONDA ELEMENT 04. I AM THE FIRST OWNER OF THIS CAR. THE SEAT BEGAN ROCKING WHILE STILL IN WARRANTY BUT IT WASN'T "BAD" ENOUGH TO REQUIRE REPAIR - FINALLY THE DEALER "REPLACED A BOLT" 11/02/06. ALL FURTHER INFO BASED ON REPAIR DATE BECAUSE I DIDN'T RECORD ORIGINAL ROCKING DATE. IT BEGAN ROCKING AGAIN AND THE DEALER "WILL DO HIS BEST" TO DO A NON PERMANENT "BOLT FIX" AGAIN, BUT IT REALLY REQUIRES A COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THE BACK OR THE SEAT AND THE PARTS THAT HOLD IT TO THE FLOOR "BECAUSE WE CAN'T GET THE COMPONENT WE NEED SEPARATELY" - IT'S OUT OF OUR HANDS - THE FULL REPAIR - OVER $900.00! FOR SOMETHING HONDA KNOWS IS POORLY DESIGNED. COMPLETELY UNSATISFACTORY AND REASON ENOUGH NEVER TO BUY A HONDA AGAIN. I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A BOLT - BUT IT'S THE ENTIRE DESIGN - AND CAN'T POSSIBLY BE SAFE. THEY ARE GOING TO 'RIG IT" AGAIN. EVERY ELEMENT ACCIDENT WITH INJURY TO THE DRIVER SHOULD REQUIRE A REVIEW OF THIS DEFECT - MAYBE WHEN SOMEONE GETS HURT THERE WILL BE SOME ACTION TAKEN. *TR

MY MOTHER ARRIVED AT MY HOME IN HER ELEMENT TO PICK UP MY CHILDREN. SHE WAS GOING TO DROP OFF SOME ITEMS IN THE HOUSE WHILE MY CHILDREN PROCEEDED TO GET IN THE CAR TO GET IN THEIR CAR SEATS. THE CAR ROLLED BACKWARD INTO THE POND AND THE TWO CHILDREN AGES 3 AND 6 (THANK THE LORD) WERE RESCUED ALIVE WHILE THE CAR QUICKLY SANK. WHEN THE CAR WAS PULLED FROM THE POND IT WAS IN NEUTRAL AND THE KEYS WERE ON THE FLOOR. MY COMPLAINT IS TWOFOLD: MY MOTHER WAS ABLE TO SHUT OFF THE CAR AND REMOVE THE KEYS WITH THE CAR IN NEUTRAL. THE GEAR SHIFT ON THE FLOOR DOES NOT HAVE ANY VISUAL INDICATOR (A RED LINE OR AN ARROW) TO INDICATE THE GEAR THE CAR IS IN. ONCE THE CAR IS SHUT OFF- THE INDICATOR ON THE DASHBOARD WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN LIT. I BELIEVE THAT THE EYE-HAND DISCONNECT BETWEEN THE SHIFTER ON THE FLOOR AND THE INDICATORS ON THE DASH IS A PITFALL FOR USER-ERROR. HAD SHE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REMOVE HER KEYS WITH THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN CLEAR TO HER THAT SHE HAD NOT PARKED THE CAR CORRECTLY. *TR

MY FIANCE WAS INVOLVED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT THE EVENING OF 2/16/09. HER 2004 HONDA ELEMENT WAS HIT BY A VEHICLE TRAVELING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, IMPACTING HER VEHICLE AT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. THE PASSENGER FRONT AIRBAG DEPLOYED, BUT THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG DID NOT. *TR

DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, NO IMPACT, ACCIDENT OR VISIBLE SIGN OF DAMAGE THAT WOULD TRIGGER AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. *TR

LOST POWER ON HIGHWAY DOING 65MPH,FIRST TIME DEALER STATED IT WAS LOW ON OIL,VEHICLE ONLY HAD APP.10000 MILES,SECOND TIME VEHICLE HAS 60000 MILES AND SAME THING WHILE DRIVING,ALL FORUMS TALK ABOUT VTEC OIL PRESSURE SWITCH,THE POWER IS LOST WHEN IT KICKS IN AND IT COULD HAPPEN WITHOUT WARNING EVEN WHILE PASSING A VEHICLE AND THEN YOU HAVE TO PULL OVER TO GET OUT OF THE WAY,THE VEHICLE IS A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. *TR

DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG EXPLODED SUDDENLY FOR NO REASON WHILE DRIVING ON A FREEWAY. AIRBAG WAS RIPPED & DEFLATED IN THE EXPLOSION. *TR

I KNOW THAT THE CORRECT TIRE SIZE FOR THE HONDA ELEMENT IS 215/70-R16. I DECIDED TO TAKE MY BUSINESS TO SEARS AUTO CENTER, WHERE THEY INSTALLED THE MICHELIN HYDROEDGE 215/65-R16 TIRES. I WAS WONDERING IF THIS SIZE IS SAFE FOR THE PASSENGERS AND FOR VEHICLE PERFORMANCE. *TR

UNPROMPTED AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT ON MY 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. SLAMMED CAR DOOR SHUT WHEN IT WAS PARKED AND OFF. HEARD LOUD POP SOUND. DIDN'T KNOW WHAT IT WAS. WHEN I RESTARTED THE CAR, THE SRS LIGHT WAS ON. OPENED FRONT/REAR DOOR AND SAW THAT THE STITCHING ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS ALL TORN AND THE AIRBAG WAS SEMI-EXPOSED. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THEY SAID IT WAS MY FAULT. I HAD DONE SOMETHING TO CAUSE THE SRS SENSOR TO BE DEFECTIVE. THEY TOLD ME TO CLAIM IT VIA INSURANCE. I HAVE SINCE INVESTIGATED AND FOUND MANY MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE-- AND HAVING BEEN TOLD THE SAME EXCUSE. SEEMS TO ME THAT HONDA IS TRYING TO COVER SOMETHING UP. I WILL BE CONTACTING THE PRESS IF NO ONE RESPONDS TO THIS SUBMISSION ASAP. *TR

I HAVE A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. I NOTICED FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS EVERY TIME THAT I FILL THE TANK COMPLETELY, I SMELL STRONG GASOLINE FUMES UNTIL I USE ABOUT 4 OR 5 GALLONS. I FAILED A CHATTANOOGA, TN EMISSIONS CHECK. THEY SAID THAT I HAVE A LEAK IN THE FUEL TANK. I NOTICED THE WEB THAT OTHERS HAVE REPORTED LEAKS AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK NEAR THE FILLER CAP FOR THE SAME MODEL YEAR. CAN YOU ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL? THE VEHICLE IS GARAGE KEPT. THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS RELATIVELY CLEAN, AND CORROSION DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A FACTOR THAT CAUSED THE LEAK NEAR THE FILLER CAP. *TR

DRIVER SEAT BEGAN ROCKING BACK AND FORTH. MANY OWNERS ON THE HONDA ELEMENT OWNER'S CLUB WEBSITE REPORT THIS PROBLEM FOR THIS AND OTHER MODEL YEARS. H AND A SELLS HARDWARE KITS TO REPLACE SEAT COMPONENTS, BUT THEY ARE EXPENSIVE AND THIS TYPE OF RECURRING PROBLEM SHOULD NOT FALL ON CONSUMERS' SHOULDERS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT'S CHILD WAS RESTRAINED IN A BOOSTER WITH BOTH THE LAP AND SHOULDER BELTS IN PLACE. UPON ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE THE CHILD FROM THE SAFETY SEAT, THE BELT WOULD CONTINUALLY TIGHTEN AROUND HIS STOMACH AREA. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED; HOWEVER, THE CHILD HAD ALREADY BEEN CUT FROM THE SAFETY SEAT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CHILD WAS IN A LOT OF PAIN. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 30,000.