Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

Honda ELEMENT electrical problems

42 complaint narratives mention electrical terms.

Key facts

1,280 owner complaints analyzed

20 distinct recall campaigns

44,025 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 to 2011 model years. Data updated: . 822 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Electrical and battery issues evidence

42 of 1,280 complaints match this topic (3.3%). The keyword filter can include complaints that mention a transmission without reporting its failure. View matching rules.

Owner report 10117918 · 2005-04-15 (April 15, 2005)

THIS IS THE THIRD THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY INSTALLED INTO CAR SINCE PURCHASE. THE FIRST ONE WAS DEFECTIVE AND REPLACED WITH A NEW MODEL. THE SECOND WAS REPLACED DUE TO ELECTRICAL FAILURES, AND THE LAST ONE WAS REPLACED DUE TO THE DVD/NAV SYSTEM INSTALLED WHICH WAS CAUSING ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE TO THE THROTTLE BODY, CAUSING IT TO FAIL. THE SYMPTOM STARTED WITH THE SHIFT NOT UNLOCKING WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THEN IT WILL NOT SHIFT GEARS, CAUSING THE CAR TO RUN AT 4500 RPMS. THEN VEHICLE HIT A BUMP IN ROAD, AND IT SHIFTED TO BETTER HIGH…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10117918 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10220065 · 2008-03-04 (March 4, 2008)

I PURCHASED A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT IN JUNE 2003 OF WHICH HAD MANY MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS/FAILURES. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT OF THESE FAILURES PROVED TO BE WITH THE DRIVE TRAIN MECHANISM SPECIFICALLY CV BOOTS AND STEERING FUNCTION. LOUD NOISES DEVELOPED WHEN TURNING WHICH GREW LOUDER OVER TIME AS WELL AS A "GRINDING" SOUND AND VIBRATION FROM UNDERNEATH APPROX. AT MID-ALE LOCATION. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP OUT OF REVERSE WHILE MOVING INTO NEUTRAL AT WILL. THESE ISSUES CULMINATED IN MY STEERING CEASING TO OPERATE AS THOUG…

Owner-reported narrative. 81,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10220065 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10494684 · 2013-01-25 (January 25, 2013)

HEAD LIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING. THIS ALSO HAPPENED ON 9/23/2011. BULBS ARE OK. DEALER SAID IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. HONDA SAID IT'S NOT A RECALL. MANY PEOPLE REPORT SAME PROBLEM ON WEB. ALSO CRV HAS THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 90,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10494684 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10496176 · 2013-02-02 (February 2, 2013)

THE DASHBOARD LIGHT OF THE HONDA ELEMENT GOES DARK INTERMITTENTLY. AT THE BEGINNING I THOUGHT THIS WAS AN ISOLATED EVENT - BUT FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE ON INTERNET FORUMS. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE PROBLEM IS SO INCONSISTENT THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE IT. FROM READING THE COMPLAINT OF THE OTHER ELEMENT OWNERS IT SEEMS THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE ELECTRICAL WIRING SYSTEM OF THE ELEMENTS. I REQUEST THE NHTSA TO PERFORM A DETAILED INVESTIGATION INTO THIS -AS THIS POSES A SERIOUS RISK WITH THE INS…

Owner-reported narrative. 98,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10496176 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10622402 · 2014-08-14 (August 14, 2014)

I STOPPED TO CHECK MY MAIL AND TURNED OFF MY VEHICLE TO USE THE MAIL BOX KEY AND WHEN I TRIED TO START MY CAR AGAIN, IT WOULD NOT START. ALL I GOT WAS A BUZZING NOISE FROM UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT OVER THE LAST WEEK THERE WERE TIMES MY CAR WOULD NOT START. I WOULD MAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AND IT WOULD FINALLY START. THE BATTERY AND STARTER WERE CHECKED AND IN WORKING CONDITION. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 144,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10622402 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

1,280 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

64.2%Usable mileage822 / 1,280 records
99.3%Valid incident date1,271 / 1,280 records
100.0%Valid filing date1,280 / 1,280 records
99.2%Ordered incident and filing dates1,270 / 1,280 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

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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…

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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…

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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
Visibility:Windshield3,000–18,000 mi9,000 mi225
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

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ODI 10025934 · 748 mi

THIS IS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT, PURCHASED MAY 22ND, 2003. THE MILEAGE IS NOW 752 MILES.I AM CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE WINDSHIELD REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE FIRST REPLACEMENT WAS AT 150 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. BOTH WERE BECAUSE OF DAMAGE FROM SMALL STONE CHIPS THAT WOULD NOT NORMALLY DAMAGE THE GLASS ON MOST OTHER VEHICLES. THE 733 MILES I HAVE DRIVEN THIS CAR WAS ON PAVED URBAN LOCAL ROADS AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 35 AND 50 MPH. IT APPEARS TO ME THAT ONE OF, OR BOTH OF, THE FOLLOWING, COULD BE RESPONSIBLE FACTORS: A) THE…

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ODI 10028380 · 2,500 mi

MY WINDSHIELD HAS A TINY 1MM SPOT WHERE A TINY PEBBLE MUST HAVE HIT IT AND FROM THAT I NOW HAVE A 18" CRACK STRETCHING FROM THE LOWER LEFT HAND CORNER TO THE CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD. I'M CERTAIN THAT THE TINY SPOT WOULD NOT HAVE SPREAD INTO THAT SIZE OF A CRACK IF THERE WASN'T SO MUCH STRESS PLACED ON THE WINDSHIELD BY THE "UNEVEN WINDSHIELD FLANGE SURFACE" THAT HONDA ITSELF ADMITS TO ON THEIR SERVICE BULLETIN 03-028. MY ELEMENT VIN #FALLS INTO THE RANGE ON THE SERVICE BULLETIN BUT HONDA WILL NOT COVER IT BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT THAT STARTED T…

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Air Bags75,000–163,000 mi114,000 mi123
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

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ODI 10173893 · 69,969 mi

IN MY 2003 ELEMENT I HIT A 500 POUND COW IN THE ROAD AT BETWEEN 50-60 MPH FROM THE CENTER OF MY CAR TO THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE FRONT FENDER WHERE THE AIRBAG SENSOR IS LOCATED WAS DESTROYED, AS WAS THE HOOD AND BUMPER. THE POLICE WERE ALL SURPRISED THE AIRBAGS HADN'T DEPLOYED. I CONTACTED HONDA, THE INSURANCE COMPANY, AND THE BODY SHOP TO INFORM THEM OF THE FACT THAT THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY IN SUCH AN ACCIDENT, AND NO ONE SEEMED OVERLY CONCERNED OTHER THAN THE POLICE AND MYSELF. *JB

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ODI 10184018 · 40,000 mi

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT WITH AN ODOMETER READING OF 40000 MILES. WHILE DRIVING UNDER DRY CONDITIONS AT 20 MPH THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL TO SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY STATED THAT SHE HAD TO HAVE DONE SOMETHING TO MAKE THE AIR BAG DEPLOY. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BROWNS HONDA ,AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE REASON WHY THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. *AK UPDATED 04/05/07 *JB

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Suspension63,400–197,750 mi146,800 mi32
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

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ODI 11403980 · 210,000 mi

THE SUBFRAME IS RUSTED NEAR THE REAR CONTROL ARM, THERE IS A DANGER OF THE CONTROL ARM SEPARATING WHICH CAN RESULT IN A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN I DISCOVERED THIS AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO JACK THE CAR UP TO CHANGE A TIRE.

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ODI 11408343 · 240,000 mi

REAR TRAILING ARMS CAUSING UNSAFE DRIVING REAR END UNSAFE OVER BUMPS

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Electrical System64,375–147,000 mi98,000 mi64
ODI 10423145 · 80,000 mi

TUMBLERS IN IGNITION BECOMES MAL ALIGNED, KEY WILL NOT INSERT OR TURN, ENGINE WILL NOT START. THIS IS NOT PART OF THE CURRENT ACTIVE RECALL ON THE IGNITION SYSTEM. I HAVE REPLACED THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER TWICE IN 3 YEARS. IT IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE, ASK ANY ONE WHO DRIVES A 2003 ELEMENT, THEY'VE REPLACED THIS PART TOO. HONDA ONLY WARRANTIES THE PART FOR ONE YEAR. *TR

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ODI 10496176 · 98,000 mi

THE DASHBOARD LIGHT OF THE HONDA ELEMENT GOES DARK INTERMITTENTLY. AT THE BEGINNING I THOUGHT THIS WAS AN ISOLATED EVENT - BUT FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE ON INTERNET FORUMS. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE PROBLEM IS SO INCONSISTENT THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE IT. FROM READING THE COMPLAINT OF THE OTHER ELEMENT OWNERS IT SEEMS THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE ELECTRICAL WIRING SYSTEM OF THE ELEMENTS. I REQUEST THE NHTSA TO PERFORM A DETAILED INVESTIGATION INTO THIS -AS THIS POSES A SERIOUS RISK WITH THE INS…

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ODI 10501942 · 40,000 mi

NHTSA RECALL 10V364000 I TOOK MY ELEMENT INTO BOB BOYT HONDA; BRANDON, MS FOR THIS RECALL. THEY TOOK THE CAR, REPLACED SOME LITTLE PLASTIC PART. I TOOK THE CAR HOME AND DISCOVERED THAT THIS DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I COULD STILL REMOVE THE KEY AND WALK AWAY FROM THE CAR WITH THE CAR IN GEAR. WHEN THE CAR SHIFT IS IN THE DRIVE POSITION AND TURNED OFF, IT WILL STILL ROLL,LIKE IT WOULD IF IT WERE IN NEUTRAL. I RETURNED THE CAR TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP, LEFT IT, THEY TRIED AGAIN. BUT THE PLASTIC PART WOULD NOT FIX THE CAR. THE SERVICE MA…

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Seats30,000–121,060 mi73,750 mi44
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

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ODI 10421582 · 100,000 mi

THE PASSENGER HEAD REST FOAM HAS DETERIORATED. YOU CAN NOW FEEL THE METAL FRAME STICKING OUT AGAINST THE BACK OF THE SKULL. IN A COLLISION, INSTEAD OF THE HEADREST PROTECTING THE HEAD AND NECK, IT SEEMS AS THIS DEFECT IN THE HEADREST COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FATAL INJURY. *TT

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ODI 10496182 · 25,000 mi

HONDA HAS A TSB FOR THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT SEAT. THE ISSUE IS THE SEAT ROCKS AS YOU ACCELERATE OR BRAKE LIKE A ROCKING CHAIR. I HAD MY LOCAL DEALER FIX THE SEAT UNDER THE TSB, HOWEVER SOON AFTER IT WAS FIXED THE ROCKING RETURNED AND I WAS TOLD THE WORK IS NO LONGER COVERED. THE OTHER ISSUE IS THE BOTTOM OF THE SEAT WHERE YOU SIT ALONG THE LEFT SIDE IS WORN AND THE FABRIC IS CRACKED. I REALIZED THE WEAR AND TEAR IS ABOVE THE SEAT BASE WHERE THE TSB REPAIR WAS MADE. THE WEAR AND TEAR IS FROM THE INSIDE OF THE SEAT, NOT FROM THE DRIVER. I WAS…

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Structure:Body99,000–161,500 mi131,000 mi16
ODI 10486361 · 55,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT INSERTED THE KEY INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR TO UNLOCK THE DOOR BUT THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. THE CONTACT UNLOCKED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND ENTERED THE VEHICLE. AFTER SOME TIME, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO UNLOCK INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

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ODI 10532129 · 119,000 mi

DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN WITH KEY. HAD TO USE PASSENGER'S SIDE. SINCE THAT TIME, ALL OF THE DOOR KEYS (INCLUDING BACK) HAVE BECOME DIFFICULT TO OPEN. HAVE TO MOVE KEY UP AND DOWN TO GET IT TO SLIDE IN. NOW THE IGNITION IS ALSO BECOMING PROBLEMATIC. *TR

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ODI 10560672 · 131,000 mi

I WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON NC HWY 12 ON MY WAY TO WORK, ALONE, AND I REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH, WHEN I GLANCED DOWN TO SCRATCH MY LEG AND WHEN I GLANCED BACK DOWN, THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WAS AT A DEAD STOP AND I REAR ENDED IT. MY PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED, HOWEVER I HAD NO PASSENGER WITH ME, MY DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG FAILED. LUCKILY I WAS WEARING MY SEATBELT AND ONLY RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES. *TR

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Unknown Or Other19,433–124,750 mi62,600 mi24
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 ↗

ODI 10070288 · 4,000 mi

THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE WINDSHIELD. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE IT TWICE SINCE JANUARY AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN DUE TO CRACKS. I CHECKED AROUND AND I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. IT SEEMS THAT THE WINDSHIELD IN THE ELEMENT IS VERY SUSCEPTABLE TO CRACKS DUE TO THE FLANGE CREATING TOO MUCH STRESS WHICH RENDERS THE GLASS VERY PRONE TO CRACKING BY ROAD DEBRIS. I GOT HIT BY A TINY PEBBLE WHICH SHOULD NEVER HAVE CRACKED THE GLASS. AND IN MY 18 YEARS OF DRIVING VARIOUS VEHICLES, I HAVE NEVER, EVER HAD THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM, SO I KNOW IT IS…

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ODI 10405230 · 42,300 mi

THE DRIVER'S SIDE OUTER LOCK AND AUTOMATIC LOCK FAILS ON THE CAR. PASSENGER MUST ENTER THROUGH PASSENGER SIDE ONLY. INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH MULTIPLE INSTANCES OF THIS OCCURRING

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Service Brakes, Hydraulic4,700–29,000 mi20,000 mi41
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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ODI 10446217 · 700,000 mi

WINDSHIELD LEAKED WATER, DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIX. WINDSHIELD CRACKED AND WAS CITED BY POLICE OFFICER FOR NOT FIXING, DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIX. UPON REPLACEMENT THE REPAIR GUYS JUST LAUGHED AND SAID THAT THAT GLASS WAS SEATED IMPROPERLY AND ASKED WHO HAD REPLACED IT. I RESPONDED THAT IT WAS THE ORIGINAL, THEY TOLD ME NOT TO BUY ANY MORE HONDAS. KEY WOULD NO LONGER WORK IN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. REPLACED SOMETHING AT DEALERSHIP FOR $800 AS WELL AS THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW AS IT STOPPED MOVING DUE TO THE MOTOR DYING AT AROUND 60,000 MILES. NOW T…

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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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Complaint and recall timeline

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

7 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
2024-113None
ODI 11624195 · 166,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11624195 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11624062

My mechanic informed me that this car will no longer pass NYS inspection due to body rust/corrosion holes where the rear trailing arms attach to the car's body. Honda has issued a recall for the same model year CR-V, which has a nearly identical trailing arm attachment design, due to the risk of losing control of the vehicle if the trailing arm mount separates from the body.

Look up ODI 11624062 at NHTSA ↗

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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2024-122None
ODI 11632315

The check engine light indicated a "gas cap" code, and the "side airbag off" light was illuminated. Upon diagnosis, the technician identified significant rust and cracked transmission components, resulting in fluid leakage. The service department assessed the vehicle as unsafe for operation, waived the diagnostic fees, and replenished the transmission fluid to prevent the risk of being stranded due to a lack of fluid on the return trip. Honda Service Department took the attached photos and documented the vehicle's safety violations.

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ODI 11632646

The contact owns a 2007 Honda Element. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V436000 (Electrical System, Trailer Hitches) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The contact was advised by the local dealer that the vehicle was not eligible for recall repairs due to the title being salvaged and that the part was not an attachment for the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issues.

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2025-012None
ODI 11633928

in 2023 while driving my 2003 Honda Element the control arm ripped out of the frame I had it fixed to the tune of $1800. Fast forward to this week when servicing my Element I found a major rust spot on the other trailing arm bracket. After more research there is a recall in Canada to fix this but not in US. how can this be? It is a major flaw and concern that at high speeds the arm can rip out. Honda has a fix, but it is not offered in the US. please help!

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ODI 11637053

Air bag in drivers seat deployed when I shut rear door. Car was running at the time.

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2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-031None
ODI 11650488 · 155,500 mi

The contact owns a 2006 Honda Element. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the passenger's side door air bag deployed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact and her mother heard a loud explosion, and the passenger's side door air bag deployed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed. There was no impact GTC system scanned -1 completed troubleshooting found no damage while SRS and air bag unit need to be replaced. The vehicle had previously been repaired, a year and a half prior to the failure und…

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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…

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2025-066None
ODI 11666870

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 r…

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ODI 11666910

Rear Trailing Arm Rusted Out, Car Can not be repaired per two citified mechanics.

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ODI 11667334

There is a massive rust spot under the driver side seating position where your feet would rest while driving. Seems as there isn't significant drainage holes in this area.

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2025-077None
ODI 11673474

Rust corrosion

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ODI 11674334

I was driving and my odometer light and dash lights went dim on me. I changed the bulbs it didn't make a difference. I had to replace the instrument cluster. Other complaint is drivers seat keeps loosening from the floor

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ODI 11670614

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 h…

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2025-081None
ODI 11681494

Rear driver side trailing arm separating from body non repairable. Needs professional inspection. Northern state purchased Michigan driven in salt conditioned roadways. Canadian recall for same issue. Recall Details Transport Canada Recall Number2021-024 Recall Date2021-01-26 Last Updated2023-07-07 Notification TypeSafety TC SystemStructure Issued byHONDA Manufacturer Recall NumberHO65 Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall.12,641 CategorySUV Recall Description Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear fram…

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2025-091None
ODI 11687921 · 130,000 mi

The contact owns a 2008 Honda Element. The contact stated that while reversing out of a parking spot, the driver’s side rear trailing arm fractured. There were no warning lights illuminated. Upon researching the failure, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V349000 (Suspension). The vehicle was towed to the husband's place of employment. The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed there was no recall coverage on the VIN for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but n…

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2025-103None
ODI 11691501

The trailing arm connection that connects to the subframe has completely rusted make the car unsafe to drive. Parts will break and driver will lose control of the car. These same parts were recalled in Canada many years ago.

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ODI 11691611

Rusting rear suspension is safety issue. Elements were already recalled in Canada but not yet in USA since not enough complaints were issued. The Element is based on the CRV which already does have a recall in USA for this issue

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ODI 11694785

The trailing arm mounts are severely rotted due to rust and my mechanic has claimed that it is unsafe to drive. The element has been recalled in Canada for this same issue. It is a huge safety concern for a vehicle that is otherwise in great condition.

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2025-112None
ODI 11697330

Please see attachment:

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ODI 11698521 · 115,000 mi

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the rear trailing arm was severely corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear trailing arm had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaire…

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2025-122None
ODI 11704944

left rear rear trailing arm rusted out. had car checked due to rough ride & was informed said part so rusted it was dangerous to drive. damage so severe repair not feasible. appears this is a problem with elements & some crvs. canada apparently has a recall for this, & US should, too.

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ODI 11706003

Honda Canada recognized the safety risks from salt damage to the frames and rear suspension of Honda Elements and recalled all years of the Element for warranty repairs, or if the damage was too severe, buy back of the vehicles. Yet they have not in the USA in rust belt states where salt damage is prevalent. As you will note from the attached photos, severe injury or death could occur in a major collision, which falls into the scope of your agency. All Elements in areas where corrosive salty and liquid brine is used are at risk, posing a sign…

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2026-012None
ODI 11711421

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.

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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?

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2026-021None
ODI 11714865

Vehicle (2-owner, all svc records), involved in a head-on collision, with approximately 75% of impact/damage to the Driver’s front (see photos). The passenger front (25% of impact) airbag deployed, the DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG did NOT deploy. The Takata airbag recall service/replacement (see invoice) was performed by a local Honda dealership on 01/08/2018. (Factory recall: 16-047; Kit Inflator: 06999). The vehicle is in my (owner’s) private possession since the time of the incident, I have deliberately not yet had it serviced or inspected for dama…

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2026-031None
ODI 11721613

"Reporting a Material Compound Failure on a set of 4 Falken Wildpeak AT Trails tires (size 215/70/16) sold as 'new' but manufactured in 2021 (DOT 3921). Despite 8/32" tread remaining (75% life), from there original 10/32'' tread the rubber is failing with severe dry rot/cracking through the sidewall and markings on all 4 tireson the outside,and inside of the tire walls. This is a safety hazard involving undisclosed 'New Old Stock' this is premature failure ,and was confirmed by Mavis Tire,and Brake center inspection that is also a Falken author…

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2026-041None
ODI 11729158

Rotted and rusted out trailing arms

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2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-072None
ODI 11749776

Left rear trailing arm mount has rusted and trailing arm is not intact.

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ODI 11751415

Chest clip won’t pull tight and tethered to pull on lower anchor malfunctions when you pull it is difficult to get tight

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2026-082None
ODI 11755441

I was driving on a 65 mph highway when another vehicle forced me off the road causing my vehicle to spin out and hit a guardrail pretty much head on at about 60-65mph. Should my airbags have gone off? My safety could have been at risk because of how my vehicle went from highway speed into a guardrail, my car bounced off of the guardrail and spun so I was facing traffic coming towards me. I have sent a message to Honda asking about the airbags but I have not received a response, no the vehicle has not been inspected by anyone. I had no airbag se…

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ODI 11755910

The car is extremely rusty, so much so that the driver side trailing arm detached from the rest of the frame. The driver side rear suspension components are detached from the car. The car has been garage-kept since new, yet is extremely rusty. This is just like what the Canadian Honda Element recall was all about. The local dealership refused to do anything and said the car was out of warranty.

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2026-092None
ODI 11761238

On 8.31.26, while driving my 2005 Honda Element Mileage: Approximately 125,000), the front passenger-side airbag spontaneously deployed without warning.There was absolutely no vehicle collision, physical impact, pothole, undercarriage strike, or jarring event to trigger a deployment. Approximately 10 hours prior to the spontaneous deployment, the airbag warning light illuminated on the instrument cluster and remained solid, indicating an active system fault. The car then sat parked for about 8 hours, before driving again. The light remained on.…

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ODI 11764818

We were driving on a bumpy road and our driver side curtain airbag deployed and cracked the windshield

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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
ComponentVisibility:WindshieldAir BagsSuspensionElectrical SystemSeatsStructure:BodyUnknown Or OtherService Brakes, Hydraulic
Visibility:Windshield—0000
1
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

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0
1
ODI 10446217 · 700,000 mi

WINDSHIELD LEAKED WATER, DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIX. WINDSHIELD CRACKED AND WAS CITED BY POLICE OFFICER FOR NOT FIXING, DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIX. UPON REPLACEMENT THE REPAIR GUYS JUST LAUGHED AND SAID THAT THAT GLASS WAS SEATED IMPROPERLY AND ASKED WHO HAD REPLACED IT. I RESPONDED THAT IT WAS THE ORIGINAL, THEY TOLD ME NOT TO BUY ANY MORE HONDAS. KEY WOULD NO LONGER WORK IN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. REPLACED SOMETHING AT DEALERSHIP FOR $800 AS WELL AS THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW AS IT STOPPED MOVING DUE TO THE MOTOR DYING AT AROUND 60,000 MILES. NOW T…

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Air Bags0—
3
ODI 10862421

MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF AND I ALSO HAVE A KNOCKING AND TICKING NOISE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEN TURNING MY STEERING WHEEL.

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ODI 11386038 · 153,600 mi

THE AIR BAG STAYS ON EVEN AFTER A THE LEFT AIR BAG ASSEMBLY REPLACED. THERE IS A LOUD KNOCKING FRONT END WHICH IS WORSE WHEN IT IS GOING ABOUT 15-30 MILES.

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ODI 11129519

WE GOT A LETTER IN THE MAIL ABOUT THE RECALL ON THE AIRBAGS. AIR BAG LIGHT ALWAYS ON. WE HAVE A KNOCKING SOUND IN THE ENGINE ,THE DRIVER DOOR GETS STUCK, WE HAVE NO A/C , ONE FAN UNDER THE HOOD WORK,SHOCKS MISSING UP TIRES, BATTERY DIE ALL THE TIME, AND HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR JUST CUTTING OFF AT LIGHTS OR WHEN STOPED BY ITSELF.

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10
ODI 10716221

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 10V364000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), 14V351000 (AIR BAGS), AND 14V700000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIMEFRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

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ODI 10852624

2003 HONDA ELEMENT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNSATISFACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP WITH IGNITION SWITCH AND AIRBAG REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON OCCASIONALLY. ALSO, THE KEY WOULD GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AT TIMES WHEN THE CONSUMER TURNED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. *JB

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ODI 10217432 · 64,000 mi

AIR BAGS AND CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. AIR BAGS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND BROUGHT TO DEALER. CABLE REEL ASSEMBLY IN STEERING COLUMN WAS BAD. DEALER SAID I HAD TO PAY FOR NEW ASSEMBLY AND LABOR. *TR

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7
ODI 10442250 · 108,000 mi

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 W…

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ODI 11014231

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 THE…

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ODI 10465064 · 185,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING INTO THE BANK DRIVE IN TELLER AND MY LEFT SIDE AIRBAG WENT OFF. *TR

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8
ODI 10560672 · 131,000 mi

I WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON NC HWY 12 ON MY WAY TO WORK, ALONE, AND I REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH, WHEN I GLANCED DOWN TO SCRATCH MY LEG AND WHEN I GLANCED BACK DOWN, THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WAS AT A DEAD STOP AND I REAR ENDED IT. MY PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED, HOWEVER I HAD NO PASSENGER WITH ME, MY DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG FAILED. LUCKILY I WAS WEARING MY SEATBELT AND ONLY RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES. *TR

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ODI 11518170

Seems Honda is hiding specific vin needing recal replacement of airbag fue to fact it's deployed. Attempt to cover up recall regarding this specific vin possibly aware that damage is done and if airbag deployed, vin check results "no current recalls" for vehicle. 2003 Honda Element had first recall replacement done. At that time Honda had person come to house to notify. This time, second recall, too late. It deployed and air bag is on recall list. Please provide honest facts. Correct me please if I misunderstood.

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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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3
ODI 11171484 · 171,000 mi

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.

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ODI 10910518

TAKATA RECALL HELLO, AFTER TAKING MY VEHICLE FOR THE TAKATA RECALL FOR THE THIRD TIME ON 9/3. THE SRS SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON AND IT IS STILL ON. HONDA REFUSES TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CHARGING ME FIRST. MY MAIN CONCERN IS HOW DO I KNOW IF THE AIRBAGS ARE FULLY FUNCTIONAL AFTER HONDA FIXED THE RECALL AND NOW THE SRS LIGHT IS ON. HONDA ALSO REFUSES TO TEST THE VEHICLE TO MAKE SURE AIRBAGS AND SEAT BELTS ARE FULLY FUNCTIONAL.

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ODI 11390087

ODOMETER ROLLED BACK IN RE-SALE; RESULT OF RETURN DUE TO NATURAL DISASTER. (2000MILES)

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1
ODI 10430325 · 20 mi

I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, BRAKES WERE NOT APPLIED BEFORE INCIDENT, AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS AND THE DRIVER SEAT AIR BAG DEPLOYED. WHEN THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED I ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND THEY WERE NOT FUNCTIONING FOR APPROXIMATELY 1/2 MILES OF TRAVEL. *TR

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Suspension0
3
ODI 10862421

MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF AND I ALSO HAVE A KNOCKING AND TICKING NOISE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEN TURNING MY STEERING WHEEL.

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ODI 11386038 · 153,600 mi

THE AIR BAG STAYS ON EVEN AFTER A THE LEFT AIR BAG ASSEMBLY REPLACED. THERE IS A LOUD KNOCKING FRONT END WHICH IS WORSE WHEN IT IS GOING ABOUT 15-30 MILES.

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ODI 11129519

WE GOT A LETTER IN THE MAIL ABOUT THE RECALL ON THE AIRBAGS. AIR BAG LIGHT ALWAYS ON. WE HAVE A KNOCKING SOUND IN THE ENGINE ,THE DRIVER DOOR GETS STUCK, WE HAVE NO A/C , ONE FAN UNDER THE HOOD WORK,SHOCKS MISSING UP TIRES, BATTERY DIE ALL THE TIME, AND HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR JUST CUTTING OFF AT LIGHTS OR WHEN STOPED BY ITSELF.

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—
1
ODI 11523265

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 …

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0
21
ODI 11414350 · 168,000 mi

I'M CONCERNED WITH THE AMOUNT OF RUST UNDER THE VEHICLE. MY ELEMENT IS FROM PENNSYLVANIA AND THEY DO USE SALT ON THE STREETS IN THE WINTER. TOOK CAR TO MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS VERY RUSTED UNDERNEATH. CHANGING PARTS UNDER THE CAR IS A DIFFICULT TASK DUE TO THE REST. MECHANIC SAID IT WAS CAUSE CAR WAS DRIVEN IN PENNSYLVANIA THE CAUSE IS TO HOW THE ROADS ARE SALTED. I DID READ THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN CANADA AND OTHER PLACES AND VERY DANGEROUS BUT IN AMERICA NOT AS MUCH. I'M WONDERING HOW I GET THIS LOOKED AT BY HONDA AND THE PROBLEM…

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ODI 11489730

The car was being driven at a low speed across a school parking lot when there was a loud bang, the car dropped in the back and stopped movong. The rear trailing arm came apart from the body causing it to be inoperable. If I the car wasn't in a school zone and traveling at a high rate of speed this could have been a very serious accident. If there was a vehicle behind they would have rear ended the honda. If this happens on going down a hill it would have rolled over. If this happened on a busy highway it would have caused a multi car accident.…

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ODI 11552502

Same as the recalls for Honda ELEMENT of Canada and American Honda CRV of America In Honda’s words: SUMMARY: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain 2007-2011 model year CR-V vehicles. In salt-belt states where de-icing agents are used to maintain the roadway, the de-icing agents, along with mud and water, could enter the rear frame through drainage/positioning holes when the vehicle is driven through flooded areas or puddles at high speeds. Over time, the accumulated de-icing agents/mud/water mixture could cause corrosion …

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6
ODI 11489730

The car was being driven at a low speed across a school parking lot when there was a loud bang, the car dropped in the back and stopped movong. The rear trailing arm came apart from the body causing it to be inoperable. If I the car wasn't in a school zone and traveling at a high rate of speed this could have been a very serious accident. If there was a vehicle behind they would have rear ended the honda. If this happens on going down a hill it would have rolled over. If this happened on a busy highway it would have caused a multi car accident.…

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ODI 11571316

The drivers side mount for the rear trailing arm has rusted to the point it may be unsafe to drive according to my mechanic. I looked online and saw that Honda has issued a recall campaign in Canada but not the US. I do know from my local dealer that Honda did have them bring in several customer cars for inspection and several of those also had the same problem. These cars that have been affected certainly are not safe to drive in my opinion.

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ODI 11691501

The trailing arm connection that connects to the subframe has completely rusted make the car unsafe to drive. Parts will break and driver will lose control of the car. These same parts were recalled in Canada many years ago.

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0
Electrical System0
10
ODI 10716221

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 10V364000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), 14V351000 (AIR BAGS), AND 14V700000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIMEFRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

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ODI 10852624

2003 HONDA ELEMENT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNSATISFACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP WITH IGNITION SWITCH AND AIRBAG REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON OCCASIONALLY. ALSO, THE KEY WOULD GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AT TIMES WHEN THE CONSUMER TURNED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. *JB

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ODI 10217432 · 64,000 mi

AIR BAGS AND CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. AIR BAGS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND BROUGHT TO DEALER. CABLE REEL ASSEMBLY IN STEERING COLUMN WAS BAD. DEALER SAID I HAD TO PAY FOR NEW ASSEMBLY AND LABOR. *TR

Look up ODI 10217432 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11523265

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 …

Look up ODI 11523265 at NHTSA ↗

—
1
ODI 10435934 · 15,000 mi

2007 HONDA ELEMENT. CONSUMER STATES SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE TO INCLUDE TRANSMISSION FAILURE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION FIRST FAILED AT 15,000. THE DEFECT THE DEALER APPARENTLY REPAIRED BETWEEN MARCH 22-26 AND APRIL 2008 HAS RETURNED. RECENTLY, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHUDDER ONCE MORE UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION BETWEEN 30-35 MPH. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THERE WAS A PERSISTENT CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. IN ADDITION, A MALFUNCTIONING RADIO CONSOLE WAS REPLACED. THE PROBLEM RETURNED WITH THE FRONT …

Look up ODI 10435934 at NHTSA ↗

3
ODI 10532129 · 119,000 mi

DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN WITH KEY. HAD TO USE PASSENGER'S SIDE. SINCE THAT TIME, ALL OF THE DOOR KEYS (INCLUDING BACK) HAVE BECOME DIFFICULT TO OPEN. HAVE TO MOVE KEY UP AND DOWN TO GET IT TO SLIDE IN. NOW THE IGNITION IS ALSO BECOMING PROBLEMATIC. *TR

Look up ODI 10532129 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10606014 · 96,000 mi

I HIT A DEER LAST DECEMBER AND THE ONLY REASON THE INSURANCE COMPANY DID NOT TOTAL IT WAS BECAUSE THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS JUST ABOUT $10,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO MY CAR. AFTER WAITING A MONTH AND A HALF, TRAVELING 18 HOURS & SPENDING AN EXTRA $200 FOR TRAVEL TO GO GET MY CAR I FINALLY GOT IT BACK. ALSO, MY CAR DOES NOT IDLE LIKE IT SHOULD. IT WILL ALSO GO DEAD WHEN I COME TO A STOP. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN ALL THE TIME BUT IT WILL HAPPEN IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AND I WILL BE STUCK THERE FOR A FEW MINUTES. *TR

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ODI 11093347

I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM HONDA STATING THAT MY INSTRUMENT PANEL MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. I CONTACTED RENNER HONDA, COLUMBUS, INDIANA WHERE I PURCHASED MY ELEMENT SC NEW AND TOLD THEM THAT MY GAUGES WERE FALLING OUT. THEY SAID THEY WOULD ORDER THE PANEL AND REPLACE IT. I NEVER HEARD FROM THEM AGAIN AND THE TIME FOR REPLACEMENT CLOSED. NEXT, I RECEIVED THE BRAKE RECALL NOTICE AND DECIDED TO TRY CLARKSVILLE, IN NEIL HUFFMAN HONDA. THEY SAID THEY ONLY DID RECALLS DURING THE WEEK AND IF I NEEDED A LOANER VEHICLE TO GET BACK TO WORK...THAT IT WO…

Look up ODI 11093347 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 10911043 · 202,005 mi

DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK NO LONGER WORKING WHEN ALARM IS ACTIVATED. KEY GETS STUCK SOMETIMES IN THE LOCK. I THEN HAVE TO GO AROUND TO PASSENGER SIDE TO GET IN TO OPEN DRIVER SIDE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE.

Look up ODI 10911043 at NHTSA ↗

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 ↗

2
ODI 10349161

MY IGNITION ON MY 2003 HONDA ELEMENT,WAS NO LONGER WORKING, NOT ONLY COULD YOU PULL OUT THE KEY WHEN THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AFTER AWHILE THE KEY WOULD NO LONGER EVEN TURN IN THE IGNITION EVEN IF YOU HAVE WARRANTY AND PAID EXTRA FOR APPARENTLY THE BEST COVERAGE, THEY FIND A WAY THE YOU HAVE TO PAY OUT OF YOUR POCKETS, MY IGNITION REPLACEMENT COST ME $1,000.00 AND NOW THERE IS A RECALL OUT ON IT , AND AGAIN APPARENTLY MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE BRAKES AND THE BRAKE DISC HAD TO BE REPLACED EVERY 6 MONTH. THE SERVICE FOR HOND…

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ODI 10428108 · 25,000 mi

FROM ABOUT MARCH OF 2007 WE STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH OUR BRAKES, THEY HAD BEEN CHANGED ABOUT TWICE A YEAR. WE THOUGHT CAUSE WE DRIVE AROUND IN A CITY, THE BRAKES WEAR OUT FASTER THAN NORMAL. THEN 2 YEARS LATER WE WERE HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING THE CAR. WE HAD TO GET IT JUMPED START- IT SEVERAL TIMES, BEFORE WE PURCHASED A NEW BATTERY. THOUGH IT HAS BEEN A YEAR FROM THE TIME WE GOT A NEW BATTERY, WE STILL HAD PROBLEMS STARTING THE VEHICLE. WE HAVE TAKEN IT IN TO THE AUTO SHOP SEVERAL TIME, AND THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THEN THE GEAR WO…

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Seats0
7
ODI 10442250 · 108,000 mi

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 W…

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ODI 11014231

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 THE…

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ODI 10465064 · 185,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING INTO THE BANK DRIVE IN TELLER AND MY LEFT SIDE AIRBAG WENT OFF. *TR

Look up ODI 10465064 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10435934 · 15,000 mi

2007 HONDA ELEMENT. CONSUMER STATES SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE TO INCLUDE TRANSMISSION FAILURE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION FIRST FAILED AT 15,000. THE DEFECT THE DEALER APPARENTLY REPAIRED BETWEEN MARCH 22-26 AND APRIL 2008 HAS RETURNED. RECENTLY, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHUDDER ONCE MORE UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION BETWEEN 30-35 MPH. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THERE WAS A PERSISTENT CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. IN ADDITION, A MALFUNCTIONING RADIO CONSOLE WAS REPLACED. THE PROBLEM RETURNED WITH THE FRONT …

Look up ODI 10435934 at NHTSA ↗

—0
1
ODI 10348937 · 80,000 mi

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 D…

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0
Structure:Body
1
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 ↗

8
ODI 10560672 · 131,000 mi

I WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON NC HWY 12 ON MY WAY TO WORK, ALONE, AND I REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH, WHEN I GLANCED DOWN TO SCRATCH MY LEG AND WHEN I GLANCED BACK DOWN, THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WAS AT A DEAD STOP AND I REAR ENDED IT. MY PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED, HOWEVER I HAD NO PASSENGER WITH ME, MY DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG FAILED. LUCKILY I WAS WEARING MY SEATBELT AND ONLY RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES. *TR

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ODI 11518170

Seems Honda is hiding specific vin needing recal replacement of airbag fue to fact it's deployed. Attempt to cover up recall regarding this specific vin possibly aware that damage is done and if airbag deployed, vin check results "no current recalls" for vehicle. 2003 Honda Element had first recall replacement done. At that time Honda had person come to house to notify. This time, second recall, too late. It deployed and air bag is on recall list. Please provide honest facts. Correct me please if I misunderstood.

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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…

Look up ODI 10491826 at NHTSA ↗

21
ODI 11414350 · 168,000 mi

I'M CONCERNED WITH THE AMOUNT OF RUST UNDER THE VEHICLE. MY ELEMENT IS FROM PENNSYLVANIA AND THEY DO USE SALT ON THE STREETS IN THE WINTER. TOOK CAR TO MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS VERY RUSTED UNDERNEATH. CHANGING PARTS UNDER THE CAR IS A DIFFICULT TASK DUE TO THE REST. MECHANIC SAID IT WAS CAUSE CAR WAS DRIVEN IN PENNSYLVANIA THE CAUSE IS TO HOW THE ROADS ARE SALTED. I DID READ THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN CANADA AND OTHER PLACES AND VERY DANGEROUS BUT IN AMERICA NOT AS MUCH. I'M WONDERING HOW I GET THIS LOOKED AT BY HONDA AND THE PROBLEM…

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ODI 11489730

The car was being driven at a low speed across a school parking lot when there was a loud bang, the car dropped in the back and stopped movong. The rear trailing arm came apart from the body causing it to be inoperable. If I the car wasn't in a school zone and traveling at a high rate of speed this could have been a very serious accident. If there was a vehicle behind they would have rear ended the honda. If this happens on going down a hill it would have rolled over. If this happened on a busy highway it would have caused a multi car accident.…

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ODI 11552502

Same as the recalls for Honda ELEMENT of Canada and American Honda CRV of America In Honda’s words: SUMMARY: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain 2007-2011 model year CR-V vehicles. In salt-belt states where de-icing agents are used to maintain the roadway, the de-icing agents, along with mud and water, could enter the rear frame through drainage/positioning holes when the vehicle is driven through flooded areas or puddles at high speeds. Over time, the accumulated de-icing agents/mud/water mixture could cause corrosion …

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3
ODI 10532129 · 119,000 mi

DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN WITH KEY. HAD TO USE PASSENGER'S SIDE. SINCE THAT TIME, ALL OF THE DOOR KEYS (INCLUDING BACK) HAVE BECOME DIFFICULT TO OPEN. HAVE TO MOVE KEY UP AND DOWN TO GET IT TO SLIDE IN. NOW THE IGNITION IS ALSO BECOMING PROBLEMATIC. *TR

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ODI 10606014 · 96,000 mi

I HIT A DEER LAST DECEMBER AND THE ONLY REASON THE INSURANCE COMPANY DID NOT TOTAL IT WAS BECAUSE THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS JUST ABOUT $10,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO MY CAR. AFTER WAITING A MONTH AND A HALF, TRAVELING 18 HOURS & SPENDING AN EXTRA $200 FOR TRAVEL TO GO GET MY CAR I FINALLY GOT IT BACK. ALSO, MY CAR DOES NOT IDLE LIKE IT SHOULD. IT WILL ALSO GO DEAD WHEN I COME TO A STOP. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN ALL THE TIME BUT IT WILL HAPPEN IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AND I WILL BE STUCK THERE FOR A FEW MINUTES. *TR

Look up ODI 10606014 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11093347

I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM HONDA STATING THAT MY INSTRUMENT PANEL MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. I CONTACTED RENNER HONDA, COLUMBUS, INDIANA WHERE I PURCHASED MY ELEMENT SC NEW AND TOLD THEM THAT MY GAUGES WERE FALLING OUT. THEY SAID THEY WOULD ORDER THE PANEL AND REPLACE IT. I NEVER HEARD FROM THEM AGAIN AND THE TIME FOR REPLACEMENT CLOSED. NEXT, I RECEIVED THE BRAKE RECALL NOTICE AND DECIDED TO TRY CLARKSVILLE, IN NEIL HUFFMAN HONDA. THEY SAID THEY ONLY DID RECALLS DURING THE WEEK AND IF I NEEDED A LOANER VEHICLE TO GET BACK TO WORK...THAT IT WO…

Look up ODI 11093347 at NHTSA ↗

0—
5
ODI 11403776 · 204,862 mi

THE DOOR LOCK CYLINDERS FOR THE DRIVER/PASSENGER/TAILGATE WILL NOT ACCEPT A KEY TO UNLOCK THE DOORS. THE LOCKS ARE IMMOVABLE FROM THE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE, REQUIRING A LOCKSMITH TO OPEN THE DOORS OR COMPLETE REMOVAL OF THE DOORS TO SAFELY ENTER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE KEY, WHEN INSERTED INTO THE LOCK IN ATTEMPT TO ENTER THE VEHICLE, OFTEN WILL NOT RELEASE FROM THE SEIZED LOCK CYLINDER RESULTING IN THE KEY FIRMLY LODGED IN THE LOCK OF THE DOOR, RENDERING IT IMPOSSIBLE THEN TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE ABOVE MENTIONED CYLINDER LOCKS ARE SAFETY H…

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ODI 11489730

The car was being driven at a low speed across a school parking lot when there was a loud bang, the car dropped in the back and stopped movong. The rear trailing arm came apart from the body causing it to be inoperable. If I the car wasn't in a school zone and traveling at a high rate of speed this could have been a very serious accident. If there was a vehicle behind they would have rear ended the honda. If this happens on going down a hill it would have rolled over. If this happened on a busy highway it would have caused a multi car accident.…

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ODI 11691501

The trailing arm connection that connects to the subframe has completely rusted make the car unsafe to drive. Parts will break and driver will lose control of the car. These same parts were recalled in Canada many years ago.

Look up ODI 11691501 at NHTSA ↗

0
Unknown Or Other0
3
ODI 11171484 · 171,000 mi

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.

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ODI 10910518

TAKATA RECALL HELLO, AFTER TAKING MY VEHICLE FOR THE TAKATA RECALL FOR THE THIRD TIME ON 9/3. THE SRS SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON AND IT IS STILL ON. HONDA REFUSES TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CHARGING ME FIRST. MY MAIN CONCERN IS HOW DO I KNOW IF THE AIRBAGS ARE FULLY FUNCTIONAL AFTER HONDA FIXED THE RECALL AND NOW THE SRS LIGHT IS ON. HONDA ALSO REFUSES TO TEST THE VEHICLE TO MAKE SURE AIRBAGS AND SEAT BELTS ARE FULLY FUNCTIONAL.

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ODI 11390087

ODOMETER ROLLED BACK IN RE-SALE; RESULT OF RETURN DUE TO NATURAL DISASTER. (2000MILES)

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6
ODI 11489730

The car was being driven at a low speed across a school parking lot when there was a loud bang, the car dropped in the back and stopped movong. The rear trailing arm came apart from the body causing it to be inoperable. If I the car wasn't in a school zone and traveling at a high rate of speed this could have been a very serious accident. If there was a vehicle behind they would have rear ended the honda. If this happens on going down a hill it would have rolled over. If this happened on a busy highway it would have caused a multi car accident.…

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ODI 11571316

The drivers side mount for the rear trailing arm has rusted to the point it may be unsafe to drive according to my mechanic. I looked online and saw that Honda has issued a recall campaign in Canada but not the US. I do know from my local dealer that Honda did have them bring in several customer cars for inspection and several of those also had the same problem. These cars that have been affected certainly are not safe to drive in my opinion.

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ODI 11691501

The trailing arm connection that connects to the subframe has completely rusted make the car unsafe to drive. Parts will break and driver will lose control of the car. These same parts were recalled in Canada many years ago.

Look up ODI 11691501 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 10911043 · 202,005 mi

DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK NO LONGER WORKING WHEN ALARM IS ACTIVATED. KEY GETS STUCK SOMETIMES IN THE LOCK. I THEN HAVE TO GO AROUND TO PASSENGER SIDE TO GET IN TO OPEN DRIVER SIDE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE.

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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 ↗

1
ODI 10348937 · 80,000 mi

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 D…

Look up ODI 10348937 at NHTSA ↗

5
ODI 11403776 · 204,862 mi

THE DOOR LOCK CYLINDERS FOR THE DRIVER/PASSENGER/TAILGATE WILL NOT ACCEPT A KEY TO UNLOCK THE DOORS. THE LOCKS ARE IMMOVABLE FROM THE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE, REQUIRING A LOCKSMITH TO OPEN THE DOORS OR COMPLETE REMOVAL OF THE DOORS TO SAFELY ENTER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE KEY, WHEN INSERTED INTO THE LOCK IN ATTEMPT TO ENTER THE VEHICLE, OFTEN WILL NOT RELEASE FROM THE SEIZED LOCK CYLINDER RESULTING IN THE KEY FIRMLY LODGED IN THE LOCK OF THE DOOR, RENDERING IT IMPOSSIBLE THEN TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE ABOVE MENTIONED CYLINDER LOCKS ARE SAFETY H…

Look up ODI 11403776 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11489730

The car was being driven at a low speed across a school parking lot when there was a loud bang, the car dropped in the back and stopped movong. The rear trailing arm came apart from the body causing it to be inoperable. If I the car wasn't in a school zone and traveling at a high rate of speed this could have been a very serious accident. If there was a vehicle behind they would have rear ended the honda. If this happens on going down a hill it would have rolled over. If this happened on a busy highway it would have caused a multi car accident.…

Look up ODI 11489730 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11691501

The trailing arm connection that connects to the subframe has completely rusted make the car unsafe to drive. Parts will break and driver will lose control of the car. These same parts were recalled in Canada many years ago.

Look up ODI 11691501 at NHTSA ↗

—0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
1
ODI 10446217 · 700,000 mi

WINDSHIELD LEAKED WATER, DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIX. WINDSHIELD CRACKED AND WAS CITED BY POLICE OFFICER FOR NOT FIXING, DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIX. UPON REPLACEMENT THE REPAIR GUYS JUST LAUGHED AND SAID THAT THAT GLASS WAS SEATED IMPROPERLY AND ASKED WHO HAD REPLACED IT. I RESPONDED THAT IT WAS THE ORIGINAL, THEY TOLD ME NOT TO BUY ANY MORE HONDAS. KEY WOULD NO LONGER WORK IN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. REPLACED SOMETHING AT DEALERSHIP FOR $800 AS WELL AS THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW AS IT STOPPED MOVING DUE TO THE MOTOR DYING AT AROUND 60,000 MILES. NOW T…

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1
ODI 10430325 · 20 mi

I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, BRAKES WERE NOT APPLIED BEFORE INCIDENT, AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS AND THE DRIVER SEAT AIR BAG DEPLOYED. WHEN THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED I ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND THEY WERE NOT FUNCTIONING FOR APPROXIMATELY 1/2 MILES OF TRAVEL. *TR

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0
2
ODI 10349161

MY IGNITION ON MY 2003 HONDA ELEMENT,WAS NO LONGER WORKING, NOT ONLY COULD YOU PULL OUT THE KEY WHEN THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AFTER AWHILE THE KEY WOULD NO LONGER EVEN TURN IN THE IGNITION EVEN IF YOU HAVE WARRANTY AND PAID EXTRA FOR APPARENTLY THE BEST COVERAGE, THEY FIND A WAY THE YOU HAVE TO PAY OUT OF YOUR POCKETS, MY IGNITION REPLACEMENT COST ME $1,000.00 AND NOW THERE IS A RECALL OUT ON IT , AND AGAIN APPARENTLY MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE BRAKES AND THE BRAKE DISC HAD TO BE REPLACED EVERY 6 MONTH. THE SERVICE FOR HOND…

Look up ODI 10349161 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10428108 · 25,000 mi

FROM ABOUT MARCH OF 2007 WE STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH OUR BRAKES, THEY HAD BEEN CHANGED ABOUT TWICE A YEAR. WE THOUGHT CAUSE WE DRIVE AROUND IN A CITY, THE BRAKES WEAR OUT FASTER THAN NORMAL. THEN 2 YEARS LATER WE WERE HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING THE CAR. WE HAD TO GET IT JUMPED START- IT SEVERAL TIMES, BEFORE WE PURCHASED A NEW BATTERY. THOUGH IT HAS BEEN A YEAR FROM THE TIME WE GOT A NEW BATTERY, WE STILL HAD PROBLEMS STARTING THE VEHICLE. WE HAVE TAKEN IT IN TO THE AUTO SHOP SEVERAL TIME, AND THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THEN THE GEAR WO…

Look up ODI 10428108 at NHTSA ↗

000—

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.

7 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

44 mentions · 3.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 23,000 mi (39 usable records).

ODI 10150721 · 32,500 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED A SCREECHING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR BRAKES WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AT SPEEDS OF 2 MPH AND ABOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR AN INSPECTION DUE TO THE NOISE. THE INSPECTOR DETERMINED THE BRAKE PADS WERE WORN AND THE ROTORS WERE SCORED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE REAR BRAKE PAD AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THE TIRES WERE WORN AROUND THE TREAD ALTHOUGH, NO INCIDENTS OR PROBLEMS WERE REPORTED ABOUT THE TIRES PREVIOUSLY. THE MANUFACTURER DETERMINE…

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ODI 10838797 · 117,000 mi

BRAKE PEDAL WAS SOFT, COULD BE PUSHED TO THE FLOOR DESPITE BLEEDING OF THE BRAKE LINES. REPLACING THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM WHETHER DRIVING OR STATIONARY. BLEEDING THE ABS MODULATOR WOULD TEMPORARILY IMPROVE BRAKING, BUT TURNING THE IGNITION ON AND OFF 6 TIMES WOULD INTRODUCE AIR INTO THE ABS MODULATOR. REPLACING THE ABS MODULATOR SEEMED TO FIX THE PROBLEM.

Look up ODI 10838797 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11075951 · 111,000 mi

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…

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

43 mentions · 3.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 107,500 mi (32 usable records).

ODI 10213724 · 47,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE SRS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM HAD NOT FAILED. ONE MONTH LATER, THE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN AND WAS DIAGNOSED AS AN INTERNAL FAILURE OF THE SRS SYSTEM. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HE HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,000.

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ODI 10372098 · 88,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS ADVISED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A GASOLINE FUEL LEAK AND THAT THE FUEL TANK WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,362. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 88,000.

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ODI 10606382 · 130,000 mi

THE SRS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. ABOUT 3 WEEKS LATER HONDA ISSUED A PARTIAL RECALL ON 2003 ELEMENT AIRBAGS. I CALLED HONDA AND WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED. IN LOOKING INTO THE RECALL I SEE THAT IT IS FOR VEHICLES IN HOTTER CLIMATES. I THINK IT SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO ALL CLIMATES. *TR

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

Stalling or loss of power

22 mentions · 1.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 109,500 mi (20 usable records).

ODI 10478056 · 109,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AND AS THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED, THERE WAS SMOKE SEEN COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE BRAKES SEIZING WHEN THEY WERE DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT …

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ODI 10789151 · 227,590 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 227,590. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

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ODI 10258697 · 60,000 mi

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

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

Hard or delayed shifting

10 mentions · 0.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 34,000 mi (8 usable records).

ODI 10062142 · 14,000 mi

WHEN ENGINE IS COLD STARTED(NO MATTER WHAT TEMP OUTSIDE), THE ENGINE FAST IDLES AT ABOUT 1500 RPM. WHEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE THE ENGINE ACCELERATES TO 2500 RPM. HEAVY BRAKING AND LURCHING RESULTS. CAR WILL REACH SPEED OF 20MPH.*AK THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT 6 MOS

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ODI 10286077 · 20,000 mi

OWNER OF A 2005 HONDA ELEMENT. THE DRIVER'S SEAT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH, GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AND NOW ROCKING LEFT AND ROCK. THIS PRESENTS A DANGER WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AND BRAKE DURING DRIVING. SINCE THE PROBLEM IS WORSENING I FEEL THAT AT SOME POINT MY SEAT WILL DEFINITELY COME UNMOUNTED CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. HONDA'S LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND CORPORATE OFFICE REFUSE TO FIX THIS ISSUE FOR FREE. THIS COULD RESULT IN A MULTITUDE OF INJURIES - EVEN WHIPLASH FROM JERKING OF THE VEHICLE. A SERVICE BULLETINS WAS ISSUED YET HONDA CLAIMS THE…

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ODI 10352301 · 111,000 mi

DRIVING TO WORK AT 6:20AM ON 08/27/2010, WHILE EXITING THE 91 FREEWAY (GOING EASTBOUND) AND ENTERING THE 71N TOWARDS CHINO HILLS, MY DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED OUT OF NOWHERE. THE DEPLOYMENT (OR BETTER, THE EXPLOSION) HIT THE LEFT SIDE OF MY FACE, MY LEFT ARM AND JERKED MY HEAD TOWARDS THE OTHER SIDE (TO THE RIGHT/PASSENGER SEAT). FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS I HAD NO IDEA WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND WAS PARTIALLY DEAF FOR ABOUT AN HOUR. NOW MY FACE AND ARM STING A LITTLE, MY NECK IS A LITTLE STIFF AND I'M STILL HEARING A LITTLE RING IN MY LEFT EAR. …

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

Steering assistance concerns

7 mentions · 0.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 70,000 mi (7 usable records).

ODI 10100040 · 16,000 mi

2003 HONDA ELEMENT, FRONT WINDOW CRACKED UNDER THE SEAL UP ON THE RIGHT HAND PASSENGER SIDE. POPPING NOISE IN STEERING COLUMN DEVELOPED AFTER APPROX 15K MILES. POWER STEERING ROD REPLACED IN AUG 04. RETURNED TO DEALER IN SEPTEMBER. WAS TOLD THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE; HOWEVER, SERVICE TECHNICIAN WAS ABLE TO HEAR IT AND SAID IT SOUNDED AS IF THE AIRBAG SPRING WERE LOOSE. WAS NOT FIXED, REPORT CLAIMED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE. RETURNED TO DEALER THE FOLLOWING WEEK. HAD TWO SERVICE TECHNICIANS RIDE IN THE VEHICLE, THEY BOTH HEAR…

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ODI 10092609 · 6,846 mi

WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE'S STEERING LOCKED. THE VEHICLE'S TIRE VALVE WAS FAULTY AND RESULTED IN A FLAT TIRE. *NM WHEN THE STEERING LOCKED FOR THE SECOND TIME, THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND THE VEHICLE RESTARTED WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY MALFUNCTION. *JB

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ODI 10743463 · 130,991 mi

THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER FAILED SUDDENLY, PREVENTING ANY USE OF THE VEHICLE. THE WAFERS (EQUIVALENT TO PINS ON TUMBLER LOCKS) WORE AWAY SUCH THAT THE KEY NO LONGER WORKED IN THE LOCK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SUCH THAT TURNING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION IS IMPOSSIBLE, AND STRANDS THE DRIVER AND ALL PASSENGERS WHEREVER THE CAR IS AT THE TIME. WHEN THE PART FAILED, THE VEHICLE WAS STALLED ON A ROADWAY WHERE SPEEDS REGULARLY EXCEED 30 MPH AND I IMMEDIATELY TRIED TO MOVE THE CAR OUT OF DANGER. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO UNLOCK WITHO…

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Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

5 mentions · 0.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 110,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10622402 · 144,000 mi

I STOPPED TO CHECK MY MAIL AND TURNED OFF MY VEHICLE TO USE THE MAIL BOX KEY AND WHEN I TRIED TO START MY CAR AGAIN, IT WOULD NOT START. ALL I GOT WAS A BUZZING NOISE FROM UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT OVER THE LAST WEEK THERE WERE TIMES MY CAR WOULD NOT START. I WOULD MAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AND IT WOULD FINALLY START. THE BATTERY AND STARTER WERE CHECKED AND IN WORKING CONDITION. *TR

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ODI 10852624

2003 HONDA ELEMENT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNSATISFACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP WITH IGNITION SWITCH AND AIRBAG REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON OCCASIONALLY. ALSO, THE KEY WOULD GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AT TIMES WHEN THE CONSUMER TURNED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. *JB

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ODI 10176172 · 7,470 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. THE BATTERY WAS RECHARGED, AND AFTERWARDS, THE ENGINE STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTERWARDS, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.

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Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

2 mentions · 0.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 88,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10372098 · 88,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS ADVISED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A GASOLINE FUEL LEAK AND THAT THE FUEL TANK WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,362. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 88,000.

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ODI 10175861

2006 HONDA ELEMENT HAD A GAS LEAK ONLY AFTER BEING FIVE MONTHS OLD. HONDA SAID THAT THEY HAVE NOT SEEN THIS OCCUR BEFORE HOWEVER THIS IS THE SECOND BRAND NEW HONDA THAT I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH. I HAD TO BREATH IN GAS FUMES FOR TWO MONTHS WHILE HONDA TRIED TO FIGURE WHERE THE GAS WAS COMING FROM. *JB

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Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b