Is the Honda Element Reliable?
2003–2011 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other suvs — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Honda Element? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Honda Element Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 8 | 7 | — | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2010 | 7 | 26 | 2 | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2009 | 5 | 21 | 1 | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2008 | 8 | 70 | 2 | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2007 | 8 | 63 | 6 | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2006 | 8 | 80 | 3 | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2005 | 8 | 94 | 9 | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2004 | 5 | 169 | 10 | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2003 | 6 | 235 | 17 | — | 57 | Fair |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the Element Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Element scores 3 points above the average suv — a strong result.
Known Honda Element Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 765 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Honda Element reliable?+
The Honda Element scores 72/100 on our reliability index — rated "Good." Across 9 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 63 recall campaigns and 765 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year Element is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2011 Element achieved the highest reliability score of 57/100 with 8 recalls and 7 complaints.
How many miles does a Element last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Honda Element owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Element will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Honda Element Research
Check a Specific Honda Element VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
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