Honda Element Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability
Year-by-year breakdown of safety recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, reported deaths, injuries, crashes, and worst problem areas. Updated daily from federal databases.
Own a Honda Element? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Honda Element — Year-by-Year Problem Comparison
| Year | Verdict | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Deaths | Top Issue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011Best | Good | 8 | 7 | — | — | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2010 | Good | 9 | 26 | 1 | 2 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2009 | Good | 6 | 20 | 2 | 1 | — | Service Brakes | Full report → |
| 2008 | Good | 9 | 67 | 2 | 2 | — | Suspension | Full report → |
| 2007 | Good | 9 | 63 | 5 | 6 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2006 | Caution | 7 | 80 | 14 | 3 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2005 | Caution | 6 | 92 | 5 | 9 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2004 | Avoid | 8 | 169 | 8 | 10 | — | Visibility | Full report → |
| 2003Worst | Avoid | 9 | 235 | 21 | 17 | — | Visibility | Full report → |
9 model years shown. Crashes, injuries, and deaths from NHTSA complaint filings. Click any year for full details.
Most Common Honda Element Problems
Based on 759 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years.
Element Years to Avoid
Best Element Years to Buy
Years with fewest complaints and recalls.
Honda Element Problems by Year
Frequently Asked Questions — Honda Element Reliability
What year Element has the most problems?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2003 Honda Element had the highest combined complaint and recall count — 235 complaints and 9 safety recalls. See the full 2003 report for specific defects.
Is the Honda Element reliable?
The Honda Element has accumulated 759 owner-filed complaints and 71 safety recalls across all model years in NHTSA's database. The 2011 model year shows the fewest reported issues. Always run a VIN check before purchasing any used Element.
What are the most common Element problems?
The most frequently cited problem areas are: Visibility (173 reports), Air Bags (147 reports), Suspension (61 reports), Electrical System (54 reports). Based on NHTSA complaints across all model years.
How do I check if my Element has an open recall?
Use the vehicle's 17-character VIN at VinCheckEngine.com. Our free VIN report pulls the latest NHTSA recall data along with auction history, odometer records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Check a Specific Honda Element VIN
Model-level data shows what can go wrong. A VIN-specific report shows what has gone wrong with a particular vehicle — including auction history, odometer discrepancies, open recalls, accident records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Run a Free Honda Element VIN Report →No account required · Instant results · Updated daily