Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2010 Honda ELEMENT problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

30 owner complaints analyzed

10 distinct recall campaigns

45,429 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2010 model year. Data updated: . 16 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 7 of 30 complaints (23.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior413.3%
Steering behavior26.7%
Engine operation13.3%
Electrical and battery issues13.3%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags
7
Suspension
6
Service Brakes
4
Engine
3
Electrical System
2
Exterior Lighting
2
Power Train
2
Visibility
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags7
Suspension6
Service Brakes4
Engine3
Electrical System2
Exterior Lighting2
Power Train2
Visibility2

Air Bags: 7; Suspension: 6; Service Brakes: 4; Engine: 3; Electrical System: 2; Exterior Lighting: 2; Power Train: 2; Visibility: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
7
25,000 to 49,999
3
50,000 to 74,999
2
75,000 to 99,999
3
100,000 to 149,999
1
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0007
25,000 to 49,9993
50,000 to 74,9992
75,000 to 99,9993
100,000 to 149,9991
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 7; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 75,000 to 99,999: 3; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (7). 14 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2011
4
2014
4
2015
3
2016
1
2017
6
2018
3
2021
1
2022
1
2023
2
2024
2
2025
2
2026
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20114
20144
20153
20161
20176
20183
20211
20221
20232
20242
20252
20261

2011: 4; 2014: 4; 2015: 3; 2016: 1; 2017: 6; 2018: 3; 2021: 1; 2022: 1; 2023: 2; 2024: 2; 2025: 2; 2026: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10396760 · 2011-04-19 (April 19, 2011)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 15,510 miles reported. Look up ODI 10396760 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10586381 · 2014-05-03 (May 3, 2014)

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.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10586381 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11494402 · 2022-11-21 (November 21, 2022)

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 fr…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11494402 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11625327 · 2024-11-14 (November 14, 2024)

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 Ci…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11625327 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11097542 · 2018-05-23 (May 23, 2018)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 89,900 miles reported. Look up ODI 11097542 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11112877 · 2018-07-21 (July 21, 2018)

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…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11112877 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

30 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

53.3%Usable mileage16 / 30 records
100.0%Valid incident date30 / 30 records
100.0%Valid filing date30 / 30 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates30 / 30 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component200320042005200620072008200920102011
Visibility:Windshield
21751.3%
ODI 10021065 · 147 mi

DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD IS NOW CRACKING. THE DEALER, CLASSIC HONDA, REFUSES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, STATING THAT THE MANUFACTURER, HONDA, DOES NOT WARRANTY GLASS. I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER, AMERICAN HONDA, CASE # N01200-06-0401190. THE VEHICLE IS A NEW 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE ODOMETER READING IS 147 MILES.*AK

Look up ODI 10021065 at NHTSA ↗

10035.6%
ODI 10054885

CRACK STARTED GROWING FROM LOWER LEFT CORNER OF WINDSHIELD. IS NOW ABOUT 12" AND GROWING. NO IMPACTED MARKED VISIBLE. *LA

Look up ODI 10054885 at NHTSA ↗

74.4%
ODI 10128784 · 2,500 mi

WINDSHEILD ON 2005 ELEMENT HAS 14 IN CRACK

Look up ODI 10128784 at NHTSA ↗

54.1%
ODI 10162010 · 5,200 mi

2006 HONDA ELEMENT WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITHOUT IMPACT. DEALER REFUSES TO REPAIR STATING THAT THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE IS "USUALLY" CAUSED BY ROAD DEBRIS. *NM

Look up ODI 10162010 at NHTSA ↗

32.7%
ODI 10189164

HONDA ELEMENT PURCHASED 4/16/07: A CHIP A WEEK ON WINDSHIELD! TODAY IS 4/28/07. INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS HISTORY WITH ELEMENT WINDSHIELDS. CALLED SALESMAN, "ITS OUR ROADS...REPAIR DEPT." JUST WANT TO GET A COMPLAINT ON RECORD SINCE THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR OTHER RECENT YEARS. *TR

Look up ODI 10189164 at NHTSA ↗

21.8%
ODI 10211051

I JUST NOTICED I HAVE A CRACKED WINDSHIELD ON MY NEW 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. I DON'T RECALL ANY DEBRI OR ANYTHING HITTING MY WINDSHIELD BUT I NOTICED A CRACK? IN MY 37 YEARS OF DRIVING I HAVE HAD ONLY 1 CRACKED WINDSHIELD AND IN THAT CASE I SAW AND HEARD THE ROCK HIT MY WINDSHIELD BACK IN 1995ISH. *TR

Look up ODI 10211051 at NHTSA ↗

13.3%
ODI 10327612 · 7,000 mi

STRESS CRACK APPEARED ON WINDSHIELD DIRECTLY OPPOSITE REAR VIEW MIRROR. CRACK BEGINS ABOVE AREA OF WINDSHIELD EXPOSED TO OUTSIDE AIR, EXTENDS STRAIGHT DOWN FOR SEVERAL INCHES, THEN VEERS LEFT SEVERAL INCHES AND STOPS. NOTHING HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND THERE IS NO IMPACT POINT ALONG THE CRACK. IPHONE CAMERA PICTURE WAS TAKEN BY SERVICE MANAGER, COPY SUBMITTED TO HONDA FOR REVIEW. HONDA DECLINED RESPONSIBILITY. NO PAPERWORK GENERATED. *TR

Look up ODI 10327612 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags
409.5%
ODI 10057797 · 6,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE NECK AND SPINAL INJURIES. *AK

Look up ODI 10057797 at NHTSA ↗

5921.0%
ODI 10160514

2004 HONDA ELEMENT PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH. *KB THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT SHE PROBABLY HIT A POT HOLE. *JB

Look up ODI 10160514 at NHTSA ↗

5534.6%
ODI 10151151 · 13,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING MY HONDA ELEMENT DOWN A FAIRLY BUSY STREET AT 45 MILES AN HOUR. A MAN PULLED OUT OF A STRIP MALL PARKING LOT RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. ALTHOUGH I HONKED MY HORN AND SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES, I COULD NOT AVOID HITTING HIM. MY CAR HAS EXTREME FRONT END DAMAGE AND IT WAS A HIGH IMPACT CRASH, HOWEVER THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I AM STILL WAITING TO HEAR IF IT WILL BE DETERMINED TO BE TOTALED, BUT IF IT ISN'T, I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR IN THE FUTURE. *JB

Look up ODI 10151151 at NHTSA ↗

3932.0%
ODI 10192084

A LADY RAN A RED LIGHT (WHICH WAS ALREADY RED FOR 12 SECONDS) AND HIT ME FROM THE RIGHT SIDE, WHICH THEN CAUSED MY CAR TO GO AT AN ANGLE STRIKING A POLE HEAD-ON. THE AIRBAGS ALL DEPLOYED AS THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO BUT I DID END UP HAVING SECOND DEGREE BURNS ON MY HANDS AND WRISTS. WHILE THE BAGS WORKED AS THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO, I THOUGHT IT WISE TO FILE A COMPLAINT FOR THE MERE PURPOSE OF REQUIRING THE AUTO INDUSTRY TO MAKE ITS CUSTOMERS AWARE OF THE TYPES OF BURNS THAT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT CAN CAUSE. I HAVE FOUND IN TALKING TO MANY PEOPLE ABOUT MY …

Look up ODI 10192084 at NHTSA ↗

2724.1%
ODI 10181315

CAR CRASH, THE PERSON I HIT RAN A STOP SIGN GOING ABOUT 40 MILES AN HOUR. 2007 HONDA ELEMENT AIR BAGS WENT OFF, AND LOST PERMANENT HEARING LOSS IN BOTH EARS, L EAR 50% AND R EAR 70%. *JB

Look up ODI 10181315 at NHTSA ↗

2421.4%
ODI 10653317

2008 HONDA ELEMENT CONSUMER IS REQUESTING A RECALL EXPANSION REGARDING TAKATA AIR BAGS. *CN

Look up ODI 10653317 at NHTSA ↗

516.7%
ODI 10717775

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:14V351000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Look up ODI 10717775 at NHTSA ↗

723.3%
ODI 10595577 · 70 mi

CRASH PUSHED CAR OFF THE ROAD. AIRBAGS DEPLOYED BUT DID NOT INFLATE. AIRBAGS HAD CRUDE CUT OUT CIRCLES AT THE END OF WIRES. DID SOMEONE CUT OUT THE BAG INFLATORS?..UPDATED 06/25/14 *BF UPDATED 06/30/2014 *JS UPDATED 12/30/15*LJ

Look up ODI 10595577 at NHTSA ↗

654.5%
ODI 10652409

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V351000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Look up ODI 10652409 at NHTSA ↗

Suspension
235.4%
ODI 10470408 · 65,000 mi

EXCESSIVE VIBRATION WHERE YOU CAN SEE THE STICK SHIFT SHIMMY AND SHAKE. BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER CAN FEEL CAR VIBRATING LIKE IT HAS A BAD WHEEL ALIGNMENT BUT WHEELS HAVE BRAND NEW TIRES AND ARE ALIGNED. MECHANIC SAYS IT SEEMS TO BE A BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT. I HAVE READ ON SEVERAL HONDA AND HONDA ELEMENT COMMUNITY FORUMS REPORTING THAT MOTOR MOUNTS BREAK WITH LOW MILEAGE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DEFECT. *TR

Look up ODI 10470408 at NHTSA ↗

124.3%
ODI 11480151

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.

Look up ODI 11480151 at NHTSA ↗

127.5%
ODI 10217922 · 20 mi

SINCE THE PURCHASE OF MY NEW 2005 HONDA ELEMENT EX, THERE HAS BEEN A REALLY LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE SUSPENSION, BOTH FRONT AND BACK. IT MOSTLY MAKES THIS NOISE WHEN HITTING A DIP IN THE ROAD, OR COMING INTO MY DRIVEWAY. IT SOUNDS AS THOUGH SOMEONE IS HITTING THERE HANDS DOWN ON THE KEYS OF A PIANO. ALSO, THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN WEARING TIRES AT AN ALARMING RATE, FOR THIS IS THE SECOND SET OF TIRES IT HAS GONE THROUGH WITHIN 27,000 MILES. THEY WERE ROTATED AS SCHEDULED BY THE MANUFACTURER, AND THE VEHICLE IS IN ALIGNMENT. ALSO, I HAD A 2006 HON…

Look up ODI 10217922 at NHTSA ↗

108.2%
ODI 10242880 · 22,000 mi

OUR CAR, TRAVELING AT 40 MPH WAS HIT FROM THE SIDE AT THE LEFT FRONT, AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE LEFT FRONT. THE TIRE AND PART OF THE AXLE WERE DETACHED AND ABOUT 10 FEET FROM THE CAR. THE SHERIFF TOLD US THAT HE HAS SEEN THIS TYPE OF CAR IN SIMILAR ACCIDENTS WHERE THE TIRE AND AXEL HAVE DETACHED FROM THE CAR AND FOUND IT UNUSUAL IN THIS TYPE OF CRASH. *TR

Look up ODI 10242880 at NHTSA ↗

1311.6%
ODI 10464090 · 32,846 mi

WHILE DRIVING MY 2007 HONDA ELEMENT "CS", JUST AFTER ENTERING A FREEWAY SOUTHBOUND, WHILE GETTING UP TO FREEWAY SPEED, A LOUD NOISE BEGAN TO COME FROM REAR OF VEHICLE AS IF A TIRE OR TIRES WERE COMING LOOSE. ONCE HITTING 55MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE SOMEWHAT, YET STILL CONTROLLABLE. I PULLED OVER & INSPECTED THE TIRES & WHEELS AND COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. CONTINUED INTO NEXT CITY TO DEALERSHIP WHERE A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS DONE & ALL TIRES ROTATED. NOW WHILE ON CROSS COUNTRY TRIP ON 20 MAY 2012, THIS SAME ISSUE HAS OCCURRED O…

Look up ODI 10464090 at NHTSA ↗

2320.5%
ODI 10317794 · 70,400 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAS IMPROPERLY WELDED A FRONT BUSHING BRACKET ON THE LEFT TRAILING ARM OF THE REAR SUSPENSION. RECALL#08V349000, SUSPENSION:REAR BUT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED; THEREFORE, HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,400.

Look up ODI 10317794 at NHTSA ↗

723.3%
ODI 10544374 · 40,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE TOOK HER VEHICLE IN FOR A ROUTINE CHECK UP BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THE COVER OF BOTH FRONT BALL JOINTS WERE MISSING AND THAT BOTH THE BALL JOINTS AND THE CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

Look up ODI 10544374 at NHTSA ↗

620.0%
ODI 11494402

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 fr…

Look up ODI 11494402 at NHTSA ↗

19.1%
ODI 11006214 · 25,000 mi

THERE ARE TWO INDICATOR LIGHTS FOR AIR PRESSURE THAT COME ON AND STAY ON WITHOUT CAUSE (PRESSURE IS NORMAL) "TPMS" AND A SYMBOL. IT IS A DOCUMENTED PROBLEM AMONG OWNERS ONLINE IN GROUP DISCUSSIONS. IN ADDITION, THE SUSPENSION IS FAULTY IN THAT AN UNEXPLAINABLE "CRACKING" AND SLICKING NOISE HAS BEEN DULY DOCUMENTED AMONG OWNERS IN THE FRONT TIRES. SEVERAL HAVE REPORTED THIS WITH AN EFFECTIVE WARRANTY BUT OTHERS HAVE THE ISSUE POST-WARRANTY EXPIRATION. THIS SHOULD MANDATE A RECALL AS IT PRESENTS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD FOR THE DRIVER AND ALL …

Look up ODI 11006214 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
255.9%
ODI 10105893

ADSFKJLAEWIR;ALKGJFA;LSDJFASFDIAJ;LWEFJDS;FLSADFDSAFDSF. NOT READABLE. *AK

Look up ODI 10105893 at NHTSA ↗

124.3%
ODI 10114593 · 270 mi

FIRE OCCURRED IN DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OF 2004 HONDA ELEMENT WHILE IT WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT IN THE DRIVEWAY. FRONT UPPER QUARTER OF DOOR COMPLETELY BURNED/MELTED AWAY, DOWN TO BARE EXTERIOR METAL. EXTENSIVE SMOKE DAMAGE TO INTERIOR. VEHICLE WAS IN CONSUMER'S POSSESSION FOR ONLY 12 DAYS AND HAS FEWER THAN 300 MILES ON ODOMETER. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER WHERE IT IS STILL UNDER EXAMINATION. NO EXPLANATION OR RESOLUTION AT THIS TIME.

Look up ODI 10114593 at NHTSA ↗

127.5%
ODI 10254964 · 55,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 10254964 at NHTSA ↗

75.7%
ODI 10357692 · 42,000 mi

DROVE CAR ON A 6 HR TRIP WITH ONE STOP FOR GAS DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS THEREFORE THERE WAS NO NEED TO TURN HEADLIGHTS ON. WHEN REACHING DESTINATION, HEADLIGHTS HAD TURNED ON BY THEMSELVES ALTHOUGH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON THE STEERING COLUMN REMAINED IN THE 'OFF' POSITION AND WAS NEVER TURNED ON BY THE DRIVER THAT DAY. CAR HEADLIGHT WARNING WOULD NOT SOUND WHEN CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND DOOR OPEN EVEN THOUGH THE LIGHTS REMAINED ON. REMOVED HEADLIGHT FUSE THAT NIGHT. THE NEXT DAY, INSERTED FUSE AND HEADLIGHTS WERE STILL ON. TOOK TO HONDA DEALERSH…

Look up ODI 10357692 at NHTSA ↗

1715.2%
ODI 10390482 · 49,683 mi

HIT A SPEED BUMP AND THE GAGE NEEDLES FELL OFF THE TECH AND SPEEDOMETER. NOW THERE IS A GLARING LIGHT WHERE THE NEEDLES USE TO BE MAKING IT VERY HARD TO SEE. ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. HONDA ADMITS THERE IS A DEFECT BUT WILL NOT FIX UNLESS I PAY FOR EVERYTHING. *TR

Look up ODI 10390482 at NHTSA ↗

54.5%
ODI 10330795 · 12 mi

TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT. SHE STATED AFTER PARKING HER VEHICLE WHEN SHE GETS OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND REACH FOR THE DOOR SHE GETS SHOCKED. SHE STATED THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,297. VWB

Look up ODI 10330795 at NHTSA ↗

13.3%
ODI 10334156 · 55,000 mi

NEEDLE ON GAS GAUGE POPPED OUT AND IS NOW RESTING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PLASTIC ENCLOSURE - AT THE SAME TIME THAT THE NEEDLE ON THE GAS GAUGE POPPED OUT - THE TACHOMETER CEASED WORKING AND THE NEEDLE NOW POINTS AT WHAT WOULD BE SIX O'CLOCK - THE SIMULTANEOUS FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER A BRUTAL COLD SPELL. *TR

Look up ODI 10334156 at NHTSA ↗

26.7%
ODI 10655314 · 60,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10655314 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seats
61.4%
ODI 10063091 · 1,200 mi

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT MATERIAL/ITS STRUCTURE OR BOTH CAUSED THE DRIVER TO HAVE SEVERE BACK PAINS. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THE SEAT WAS POORLY STRUCTURED. CONSUMER SPOKE TO 5 OTHER OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE AND THEY ALL ARE EXPERIENCED THE SAME BACK PAINS. *AK *LA

Look up ODI 10063091 at NHTSA ↗

269.3%
ODI 10151771

HONDA ELEMENT - DRIVER SEAT STARTED ROCKING 7 MONTHS OLD. UNSAFE. CLEARLY SOME IS LOOSE AND THERE ARE THE COMPLAINT IS OUT THERE AND REAL. THIS IS TRULY UNSAFE AND SHOULD BE EMBRACED ASAP. *JB

Look up ODI 10151771 at NHTSA ↗

127.5%
ODI 10182081 · 13,450 mi

OWN A 2005 HONDA ELEMENT. AT 13K MILES BOTH THE FRONT SEATS SIDE SEAMS HAVE TORN. WE ARE NOT HARD ON THIS CAR AND ARE SHOCKED HOW SOON THE SEATS HAVE WORN OUT. WE TOOK THE CAR BACK TO HONDA AND THEY DID CHANGE THE SEATS, BUT DENY THERE IS A PROBLEM OVERALL WITH THE SEATS. AT WWW.ELEMENTOWNERSCLUB.COM THERE ARE PAGE AFTER PAGE OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT SEATS TEARING WITH LOW MILES. *JB

Look up ODI 10182081 at NHTSA ↗

97.4%
ODI 10171794 · 5,300 mi

DRIVER RAN INTO STOPPED CAR IN FRONT OF HIM. SPEED WAS SUFFICIENT TO FLATTEN THE CAR UP TO THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE - LITTLE DAMAGE BEHIND THAT. CAR IS 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. SAFETY BELT DID NOT LOCK UP QUICKLY - DRIVER STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL, AND CHEST WAS BRUISED BY TOP OF STEERING WHEEL. PASSENGER SEAT MOVED TO THE FULL FORWARD POSITION, ALMOST TOUCHING THE DASHBOARD. NO SIGNIFICANT INJURIES RESULTED, BUT SAFETY SYSTEMS DID NOT WORK AS EXPECTED.

Look up ODI 10171794 at NHTSA ↗

21.8%
ODI 10212207 · 7,553 mi

I BOUGHT A HONDA ELEMENT 2007 IN JULY 2007. SINCE THE PURCHASE I HAVE LEARNED THAT THE FRONT SEATS DO NOT ADJUST AS IN PREVIOUS MODELS. HOWEVER, BOTH THE QUICK START MANUAL AND THE REGULAR MANUAL BOTH INDICATE VISUALLY AND IN WRITING THAT THE FRONT SEATS SHOULD ADJUST FORWARD AT ABOUT A 10 DEGREE ANGLE FOR ACCESS TO THE BACK SEAT. "OPEN THE DOOR, AND PULL UP ON THE SEAT-BACK ADJUSTMENT LEVER. THE SEAT-BACK TILTS FORWARD TO ALLOW EASIER ACCESS TO THE REAR SEAT." THE PICTURE ALSO SHOWS THIS TILT ANGLE. I TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP. THEY D…

Look up ODI 10212207 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

13.3%
ODI 10971565 · 47,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 10971565 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Structure:Body
143.3%
ODI 10111196

THE CONSUMER HAS HAD CONSISTENT PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE'S FACTORY INSTALLED HORN AND ALARM. *NM THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REMEDY THE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM. OTHER PROBLEMS WERE; THE BUMPER COVER WOULD POP OUT INTERMITTENTLY, THE RIGHT SIDE CORNER PIECE WAS LOOSE, THE HORN SOUND WAS ABNORMAL AND ANTI-FREEZE WAS LEAKING. *SC

Look up ODI 10111196 at NHTSA ↗

72.5%
ODI 10060146 · 300 mi

RATTLES COMING FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD/DASHBOARD WHEN HITTING SMALL POT HOLES. CREAKING NOISES COMING THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED. SLIGHT RATTLES COMING FROM THE LEFT PASSENGER DOOR BEHIND THE DRIVER SEAT. SEATBELTS DO NOT RETRACT COMPLETELY. THEY'RE OFTEN GET CAUGHT BETWEEN DOORS CAUSING PAIN AND BODY DAMAGES. *AK

Look up ODI 10060146 at NHTSA ↗

53.1%
ODI 10491826 · 160,000 mi

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 D…

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86.6%
ODI 10172773

VEHICLE SUSTAINED MULTIPLE DENTS THROUGHOUT THE ROOF AND HOOD FROM "SIMPLE" ACORNS FALLING FROM A TREE. DAMAGE IS UNACCEPTABLE AND WAS BASICALLY TOLD BY HONDA MOTOR CORP. THAT I "SHOULDN'T" PARK UNDER TREES THAT DAMAGE MY CAR. THE CAR PARKED NEXT TO MINE SUSTAINED "NO" DAMAGE. NO OTHER CARS SEEM TO SUSTAIN THIS KIND OF DAMAGE. ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE STRUCTURAL "INTOLERANCE" ON THIS VEHICLE. MY SEVEN PREVIOUS CARS NEVER SUSTAINED "ANY" DAMAGE FROM ACORNS. I WOULD NEVER HAVE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, HAD I KNOWN IT HAD SUCH THIN METAL ON IT…

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54.5%
ODI 10472093 · 116,000 mi

WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON 8/22/12. I WAS DRIVING A 2007 HONDA ELEMENT AWD AT 55MPH. AN ACCIDENT HAPPENED IN FRONT OF ME WHICH RESULTED IN ME HITTING A TRUCK AND A VAN HITTING ME. THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED... NOT ONE! I AM UPSET THAT I BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY MEASURES AND WHEN I NEEDED THEM, NOTHING HAPPENED. BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUFFERED VERY SORE NECKS, SHOULDERS AND BACKS! I WANT A INVESTIGATION DONE ON MY VEHICLE TO SEE WHY THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED!!! THANKFULLY NOBODY WAS KILLED DUE TO SOME MALFUNCTIONING A…

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108.9%
ODI 10953724 · 79,000 mi

DESPITE NORMAL MAINTENANCE AND CARE THE PAINT HOOD OF MY CAR BEGAN CRACKING. THE CRACKING CONTINUES TO SPREAD. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I LEARNED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH CERTAIN HONDA VEHICLES, INCLUDING MY '08 ELEMENT. ONE EXAMPLE: HTTP://WWW.HONDAPROBLEMS.COM/TRENDS/PEELING-PAINT/ HONDA WIPES THEIR HANDS CLEAN OF THIS DESPITE KNOWINGLY PUTTING FAULTY PAINT AND CLEAR COAT ON THEIR VEHICLES. THIS IS UNFAIR BUSINESS PRACTICE AND SWINDLES CONSUMERS.

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310.0%
ODI 11056369 · 131,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING MY HONDA ELEMENT 2009 ON A HWY IN SC. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION AND I HAD A GREEN LIGHT AND THE CAR WAS MOVING FORWARD WHEN A WOMAN WHO WAS DRIVING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, MADE A LEFT TURN IN THE INTERSECTION FAILING TO YIELD ME THE RIGHT OF WAY. MY CAR IMPACTED HER CAR ON ONE SIDE MOST LIKELY THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND THE COLLISION WAS A FRONTAL COLLISION FOR MY CAR. NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS IN MY VEHICLE WERE DEPLOYED. I HIT MY FACE ON THE WINDSHIELD AND I SUFFERED A CONTUSION/ LIGHT FRACTURE ON MY LEFT RIBS AND A HEAD CONC…

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13.3%
ODI 11516650

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…

Look up ODI 11516650 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Unknown Or Other
163.8%
ODI 10036718 · 650 mi

BOUGHT THE CAR WITH 264 MILES ON IT ON AUG. 15TH, 2003. ON AUG. 23RD, A NOISE BEGAN CONSISTANTLY FROM THE REAR PART OF THE VEHICLE EACH & EVERY TIME WHEN MAKING TURNS. *AK

Look up ODI 10036718 at NHTSA ↗

51.8%
ODI 10115322

MAJOR (DEADLY) FLAW IN 2004 HONDA ELEMENT. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE DESIGN FLAW THAT WAS DISCOVERED WHILE SITTING INSIDE THE VEHICLE ON THE DAY OF PURCHASING MAY RESULT IN THE ENTRAPMENT OF OCCUPANTS. *JB

Look up ODI 10115322 at NHTSA ↗

63.8%
ODI 10133301 · 760 mi

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

Look up ODI 10133301 at NHTSA ↗

64.9%
ODI 10357692 · 42,000 mi

DROVE CAR ON A 6 HR TRIP WITH ONE STOP FOR GAS DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS THEREFORE THERE WAS NO NEED TO TURN HEADLIGHTS ON. WHEN REACHING DESTINATION, HEADLIGHTS HAD TURNED ON BY THEMSELVES ALTHOUGH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON THE STEERING COLUMN REMAINED IN THE 'OFF' POSITION AND WAS NEVER TURNED ON BY THE DRIVER THAT DAY. CAR HEADLIGHT WARNING WOULD NOT SOUND WHEN CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND DOOR OPEN EVEN THOUGH THE LIGHTS REMAINED ON. REMOVED HEADLIGHT FUSE THAT NIGHT. THE NEXT DAY, INSERTED FUSE AND HEADLIGHTS WERE STILL ON. TOOK TO HONDA DEALERSH…

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76.3%
ODI 10178399 · 14,732 mi

TL* - THE CONTACT HAS A 2007 HONDA ELEMENT WITH AN ODOMETER READING OF 1,473 MILES. THE CONTACT REALIZED THAT WHEN A PASSENGER IS SEATED IN THE REAR SEAT, THE REAR DOORS CAN NOT BE OPENED. THE CONTACT WAS IN THE REAR SEAT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE WIND BLEW THE DOORS SHUT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NOT A WAY FOR HIM TO UNLATCH THE DOORS. ON PAST MODELS THERE WAS A LATCH ON THE FRONT SEATS WHICH WOULD RELEASE THE SEAT SO THE DOORS COULD BE UNLOCKED. NOW ON THE CURRENT VEHICLE THE LATCH IS NOT AVAILABLE, AND THE ONLY WAY TO GET OUT OF TH…

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43.6%
ODI 10749906 · 21,000 mi

I PRESSED DOOR UNLOCK BUTTON. THE UNLOCK BUTTON ROSE UP, BUT DOOR REMAINED LOCKED. I TRIED THIS A FEW TIMES MORE. THEN I TRIED MY REMOTE SEVERAL TIMES BY PRESSING THE LOCK AND UNLOCK BUTTONS SEVERAL TIMES. THE ONLY WAY I COULD UNLOCK THE DOOR WAS BY OPENING THE WINDOW, AND USING THE HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR.

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13.3%
ODI 11667627

There is corrosion on the rear trailing arm and surrounding area. Also rust is forming on rear subframe / crossmembers and the front subframe. Over time, this can result in premature structural failure and catastrophic accident. It poses a serious safety risk. It affects the structural integrity of the suspension system. There’s no recall even though multiple complaints exist for similar make/model.

Look up ODI 11667627 at NHTSA ↗

13.3%
ODI 11025420

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

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19.1%
ODI 10598033 · 60,200 mi

THE DRIVER SIDE, FRONT WINDOW SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED IN ON ME WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE THAT ANY OBJECT STRUCK THE WINDOW. IT JUST EXPLODED. *JS

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Service Brakes, Hydraulic
40.9%
ODI 10131899 · 29,000 mi

MY REAR BRAKES WENT AT 29,000 MILES AND THEN AGAIN AT 50,000 MILES. HONDA REPLACED THE ROTORS AND PADS UNDER WARRANTY AT 29,000 MILES. I BROUGHT THE ELEMENT BACK SEVERAL TIMES AFTER COMPLAINING ABOUT THE BRAKES AND THEY BLAMED IT ON DIRT BUILDUP. AT 50,000 MILES THE REAR BRAKES WENT AGAIN. THIS TIME THEY WEREN'T GOING TO COVER IT BUT AFTER COMPLAINING THEY COVERED THE ROTORS AND I HAD TO PAY FOR THE PADS AND LABOR. I DON'T GO OFF ROAD OR TRAVEL ON DIRT ROADS. I HAD MY BRAKES CHECKED A COUPLE OF TIMES WHEN I HAD MY TIRES ROTATED. I HAVE REC…

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20.7%
ODI 10336339 · 65,000 mi

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 REFUSIN…

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31.9%
ODI 10320424 · 36,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10320424 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

119.8%
ODI 10194778 · 4,700 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKING SYSTEM IS POOR ON HIS VEHICLE. THE BRAKES ONLY WORK FOR THE FRONT WHEELS. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO SEVERAL DEALERS AND THEY HAVE CHANGED THE REAR BRAKE PADS, FRONT BRAKE PADS, AND THE MASTER BRAKE PUMP. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BRAKE SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS THE ELECTRONIC POWER BRAKE SYSTEM. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 4,700. UPDATED 02-01-08 *BF UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR

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2219.6%
ODI 10257807 · 20,000 mi

I HAVE A 2008 HONDA ELEMENT WITH BRAKE PROBLEMS. I TOOK THE CAR TO ONE DEALER IN SOUTH HILL VIRGINIA WHO TOLD ME NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE IT WAS TOO DANGEROUS AND NEEDED A NEW MASTER CYLINDER. SOMEONE ELSE PICKED THE CAR UP FOR ME AFTER THEY SAID IT WAS FIXED. I DROVE THE CAR AND THOUGHT THEY WERE STILL "SOFT", SO A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER I TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALER IN DANVILLE VIRGINIA AND ASKED THAT THEY TEST DRIVE THE CAR. THEY SAID , YOU BETTER NOT DRIVE THIS CAR , IT IS DANGEROUS, AND ORDERED ANOTHER MASTER CYLINDER. I POCKET THE CAR UP …

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310.0%
ODI 10321262

SINCE NEW (DAY ONE) HAVE HAD SOFT BRAKE PEDDLE. DEALER SAYS NORMAL, BUT I DON'T THINK SO AS I HAVE DRIVEN 100S OF VEHICLES IN MY 50 YEARS OF DRIVING AND ONLY FELT THIS MUSHY BRAKE PEDAL WHEN EXPERIENCING A MASTER CYLINDER INTERNAL LEAK. *TR

Look up ODI 10321262 at NHTSA ↗

13.3%
ODI 10396760 · 15,510 mi

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

Look up ODI 10396760 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Air BagsToo few reports for a range33,929 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10595577 · 70 mi

CRASH PUSHED CAR OFF THE ROAD. AIRBAGS DEPLOYED BUT DID NOT INFLATE. AIRBAGS HAD CRUDE CUT OUT CIRCLES AT THE END OF WIRES. DID SOMEONE CUT OUT THE BAG INFLATORS?..UPDATED 06/25/14 *BF UPDATED 06/30/2014 *JS UPDATED 12/30/15*LJ

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ODI 10968874 · 84,000 mi

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 T…

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ODI 11054374 · 23,400 mi

"TAKATA RECALL"

Look up ODI 11054374 at NHTSA ↗

Service BrakesToo few reports for a range48,700 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10783356 · 46,400 mi

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

Look up ODI 10783356 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10838658 · 51,000 mi

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 )…

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EngineToo few reports for a range104,200 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 11075646 · 118,500 mi

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).

Look up ODI 11075646 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11097542 · 89,900 mi

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

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Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range60,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10655314 · 60,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10655314 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior LightingToo few reports for a range52,229 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10655314 · 60,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10655314 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11054398 · 44,458 mi

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.

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VisibilityToo few reports for a range3,078 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10381105 · 155 mi

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…

Look up ODI 10381105 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10400565 · 6,000 mi

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…

Look up ODI 10400565 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-111None
ODI 11625327

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 Ci…

Look up ODI 11625327 at NHTSA ↗

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-051None
ODI 11663602

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 dri…

Look up ODI 11663602 at NHTSA ↗

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-071None
ODI 11674450

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…

Look up ODI 11674450 at NHTSA ↗

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-011None
ODI 11710344

Rear trailing arm attachment point to frame is rusting out and will cause the trailing arm to detatch from the frame. Vert little rust anywhere else on the car. This is a wide spread issue and very common with this model. Why is honda not taking this serious?

Look up ODI 11710344 at NHTSA ↗

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 25 reports

2010: 5 complaints · 2011: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2010255
2011111
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20103000
20111100

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentAir BagsSuspensionService BrakesEngineElectrical SystemExterior LightingPower TrainVisibility
Air Bags—0000
1
ODI 11054398 · 44,458 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11054398 at NHTSA ↗

00
Suspension0—0000
1
ODI 11625327

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 Ci…

Look up ODI 11625327 at NHTSA ↗

0
Service Brakes00—
1
ODI 10586381

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.

Look up ODI 10586381 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Engine00
1
ODI 10586381

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.

Look up ODI 10586381 at NHTSA ↗

—0000
Electrical System0000—
1
ODI 10655314 · 60,000 mi

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

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Exterior Lighting
1
ODI 11054398 · 44,458 mi

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.

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1
ODI 10655314 · 60,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10655314 at NHTSA ↗

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Power Train0
1
ODI 11625327

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 Ci…

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Visibility0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

4 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 3.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 46,400 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10783356 · 46,400 mi

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

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Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 3.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11625327

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 Ci…

Look up ODI 11625327 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 3.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 89,900 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11097542 · 89,900 mi

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

Look up ODI 11097542 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 3.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 22,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10425312 · 22,000 mi

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 DEALERSH…

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Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b