Is the Honda Element Reliable?

Q: Is the Honda Element reliable?

The Honda Element scores 72/100 on the VinCheckEngine reliability index, which rates as "Good" for the 2003–2011 model years. Run a free VIN report at vincheckengine.com for vehicle-specific analysis.

Q: What year Element is most reliable?

Among recently analyzed years, the 2011 Honda Element scored highest with a reliability score of 57/100. Fewer recalls and complaints were reported for that model year.

Q: How many miles does a Element last?

With regular maintenance, most Honda Element owners report 150,000–200,000+ miles of reliable service. High-mileage examples frequently appear at auction. Always verify with a VIN history report before purchasing a used Element.

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.

72/100

Good

Reliability Score

Total Recalls

Owner Complaints

Reported Injuries

Reported Deaths

Recall intensity (what drives the score)

0.0 recalls/yr vs. suv median 0.0/yr

Safety record (separate score)

Lowno open investigations · 0 deaths, 0 injuries on record

Own a Honda Element? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.

Honda Element Reliability by Year

Model Year	Recalls	Injuries	Deaths	Reliability Score	Rating
2011	6	—	—	57	Fair
2010	7	—	—	57	Fair
2009	5	—	—	57	Fair
2008	6	—	—	57	Fair
2007	6	—	—	57	Fair
2006	8	—	—	57	Fair
2005	8	—	—	57	Fair
2004	7	—	—	57	Fair
2003	7	—	—	57	Fair

Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.

How the Element Compares to Similar Vehicles

Honda Element72/100

Suv Category Average69/100

The Element scores 3 points above the average suv — a strong result.

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 60 recall campaigns and 0 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 6 recalls and 0 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

Common Problems

Detailed breakdown of every reported defect for the Honda Element.

Years to Avoid

Which Element years have the most problems — and which are the best buys.

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.

Run a Free VIN Report →