Is the Honda Element Reliable?
2003–2011 reliability analysis based on NHTSA safety recalls and owner complaints. Updated daily from federal safety databases.
Own a Honda Element? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Honda Element Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 11 | 11 | 34 | Poor |
| 2010 | 11 | 30 | 13 | Poor |
| 2009 | 9 | 29 | 25 | Poor |
| 2008 | 13 | 109 | 4 | Poor |
| 2007 | 12 | 112 | 7 | Poor |
| 2006 | 11 | 121 | 7 | Poor |
| 2005 | 10 | 157 | 11 | Poor |
| 2004 | 11 | 281 | 6 | Poor |
| 2003 | 12 | 449 | 0 | Poor |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the Element Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Element scores 56 points below the average suv. Consider checking years with lower complaint volumes.
Known Honda Element Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 1299 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Honda Element reliable?+
The Honda Element scores 12/100 on our reliability index — rated "Poor." Across 9 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 100 recall campaigns and 1299 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 34/100 with 11 recalls and 11 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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