49 of the
482 complaints about the 2003 Honda Element are about the
airbag system — 10% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
90,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V370000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that the vehicle was at the dealer for a week for the recall repair. The contact stated that while the vehicle was still at the dealer, the vehicle was started, and the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that a diagnostic test was needed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11598053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Myrtle Point, OR1 injured
AIR BAGS
While driving on a rough road the driver's seat airbag deployed injuring my arm (big bruise and tennis-ball size laceration). I plan to take the vehicle into the dealership to find out why this happened.
NHTSA complaint #11569257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sarasota, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11518170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stevens Point, WI
AIR BAGS
Airbag lights keeps turning on and off and has now stayed on permanently. This is a safety issue if airbags fail to deploy.
NHTSA complaint #11427954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Menlo Park, CA
AIR BAGS
2003 HONDA ELEMENT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND IGNITION SWITCH SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS IMPROPERLY REPAIRED DURING THE RECALL REPAIR PROCESS. *JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT, DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE.*JS
NHTSA complaint #11349432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brunswick, MD
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL: I SOLD THIS VEHICLE (2003 HONDA ELEMENT) IN EARLY 2011. WHEN THE AIRBAGS WERE RECALLED, I BEGAN RECEIVING NOTICES FORM HONDA ABOUT THE RECALL. I HAVE RETURNED THE MAILINGS AND ALSO CALLED THE 800 NUMBER (AT LEAST 4 TIMES IN TOTAL), EACH TIME LETTING THEM KNOW THAT I NO LONGER OWN THE VEHICLE. I CONTINUE TO RECEIVE RECALL NOTICES, DESPITE NOTIFYING THEM THAT I AM NOT THE OWNER. THIS WOULD POINT TO THE FACT THAT THE ACTUAL OWNER OF THE CAR IS NOT RECEIVING NOTICES. IF HONDA IS NOT ACCURATELY UPDATING THEIR DATABASE, OWNERS AT RISK FROM THIS RECALL MAY BE OBLIVIOUS TO IT.
NHTSA complaint #11096846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesSkokie, ILCrashFire1 injured
AIR BAGS
I HAD A MINOR ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAG'S POWDER, WHITE SUBSTANCE BURNED MY SKIN.
NHTSA complaint #11063643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL SINCE RECEIVING THE FIRST RECALL NOTICE IN JUNE IF 2016, I'VE CALLED THE HONDA DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE(OURISMAN HONDA, BETHESDA MD.) - AND WHERE I HAVE IT REGULARLY SERVICED - 3 TIMES. THEY PROMISE TO CALL ME WHEN THEY CAN REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART, BUT HAVE YET TO CALL ME WITH A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. I'VE WAITED TEN MONTHS SINCE RECEIVING THENREVALL NOTICE, AND JUST TODAY RECEIVED A SECOND RECALL NOTICE FOR THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10969919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mechanicsville, VA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL, RECEIVED NOTICE OF THIS RECALL IN JULY, 7 2016, MECHANICSVILLE HONDA CONTACTED AND PART WAS ORDERED 7/7/16. NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE TO RETURN TO DEALERSHIP TO REPLACED DEFECTIVE PART UNDER RECALL. RECEIVED SECOND RECALL NOTICE 3/27/17
NHTSA complaint #10968795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mayville, NY
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10925373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mayfield, KY
AIR BAGS
I RECEIVED NOTICE IN LATE JUNE 2016 REGARDING THE RECALL, AND CALLED AT THE BEGINNING OF JULY, SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR JULY 13, 2016. I RECEIVED A CALL ON THE DAY OF THE APPOINTMENT FROM THE DEALER SAYING THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX THE RECALL. I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD CALL ME BACK WHEN PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. I CALLED IN AUGUST AND AGAIN ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 AND I RECEIVED THE SAME RESPONSE. ON THE RECALL IT SUGGESTS FOR NO ONE TO RIDE IN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT UNTIL THE AIR BAG IS REPLACED. I FEEL THAT WE ARE APPROACHING 90 DAYS WITH NO RESOLUTION IS A BIT TOO LONG.
NHTSA complaint #10908769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10906015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Hartford, CT
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (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 VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10898620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wheeling, WV
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL : AIRBAG RECALL SLIP, NO PARTS AVAILABLE, STEERING SEEMS TO HAVE ISSUES ON DRIVERS FRONT,WHILE IN MOTION, TRANSMISSION WHINES, WHILE BACKING AND DRIVING ANY ROAD STYLE, REMOTE KEY LOCK ISSUES, STATIONARY
NHTSA complaint #10889300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hillsboro, NM
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL: I HAVE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THIS VEHICLE. I NOTE THAT THE DEALER IS REQUIRED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE WITHIN 60 DAYS OF AN APPOINTMENT DATE. OUR DEALERSHIP IS GARCIA HONDA IN ALBUQUERQUE NM. OVER THE LAST TWO WEEKS I HAVE TRIED NUMEROUS TIMES TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. WHEN I CALL I AM FORWARDED TO A NUMBER WHICH RINGS, AND RINGS, AND RINGS.... AND NO ONE EVER PICKS UP. SEEMS INAPPROPRIATE TO TRY TO GET AROUND THE 60 DAY REQUIREMENT BY NEVER ALLOWING SOMEONE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10888241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Garland, NC
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10862421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesWatford City, ND1 injured
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL. AT LESS THAN SPEED LIMIT OF 35 MPH, VEHICLE ENCOUNTERED ICY CONDITIONS ON HILL, AND VEHICLE ROLLED APPROXIMATELY 100 FEET OFF OF ROAD INTO GENTLY GRADED AREA. VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE STRAIGHT OUT WITHOUT ANY SIGNIFICANT BODY DAMAGE, YET AIRBAGS BOTH DEPLOYED UPON EXITING THE ROAD, MOST LIKELY DUE TO ROLLING OVER A SMALL CURB BEFORE LEAVING ROADWAY. THIS WAS A CITY STREET, EARLY IN THE MORNING OF MARCH 23, 2016, WITH MY LICENSED AND INSURED 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER DRIVING. BUT FOR THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT SHE WOULD HAVE DRIVEN AWAY WITHOUT INCIDENT, BUT DUAL DEPLOYMENT RESULTED IN BURNS TO HER JACKET AND RIGHT ARM AND A LACERATION TO HER LEFT KNEE DUE TO HER REACTION TO THE UNEXPECTED DEPLOYMENT. I BELIEVE THE AIRBAG INITIATORS WERE OVERLY SENSITIVE OR ON A HAIR TRIGGER. ESTIMATED SPEED AT TIME OF DEPLOYMENT IS 25MPH OR LESS. VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY OWNED AND REGISTERED IN NEW MEXICO AND APPARENTLY IN STORAGE FOR A PERIOD WHERE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY HOT AND/OR HUMID AT TIMES, BUT AT TIME OF INCIDENT WAS OWNED AND REGISTERED IN NORTH DAKOTA. POLICE AND INSURANCE REPORTS ARE PENDING AT THIS TIME. POLICE, INSURANCE AND AMBULANCE REPORTS WOULD NOT EVEN EXIST BUT FOR SHOCK OF AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AS THERE WAS NO IMPACT, NO OTHER VEHICLES INVOLVED, AND NO TICKETS ISSUED OR DRIVING CITED.
NHTSA complaint #10852597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wallington, NJ
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10852624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesScottdale, AZCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V351000 (AIR BAGS) A MONTH AGO AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED THREE BROKEN RIBS AND LIVER DAMAGE, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
NHTSA complaint #10821170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,645 milesLimor, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V353000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V320000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED WERE UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 11/18/15*LJ UPDATED 01/11/16. *JB UPDATED 1/12/2016
NHTSA complaint #10778118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wheat Ridge, CO
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP FLASHED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V351000 (AIR BAGS) MONTHS AGO AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIMEFRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10716662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V351000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED 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 MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10716677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Myers, FL
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10716221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesPhenix City, AL
AIR BAGS
JUST ENTERING THE INFORMATION CONCERNING THE SLOW RESPONSE TO REPLACING THE AIRBAGS ON MY 2003 HONDA ELEMENT (SEE VIN ABOVE). CAR WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP IN FEBRUARY 2015, BUT DEALERSHIP CANNOT GET PARTS TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. RECALL NUMBERS: 14V-700 AND 14V-351. ANY ASSISTANCE IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.
NHTSA complaint #10715208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South SAN Francisco, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V353000 (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.
NHTSA complaint #10714676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamsburg, VA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V700000 (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 MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED. UPDATED 7/6/2015
NHTSA complaint #10705792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gilroy, CA
AIR BAGS
RECALL FOR AIR BAG, NO PARTS AVAILABLE. VECHICLE NOT SAFE TO DRIVE ? CALLED HONDA ABOUT CONCERNS FOR CHILDREN IN VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10705392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesTraverse City, MI
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TURNED ON.
NHTSA complaint #10704961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alto, MI
AIR BAGS
HONDA HAS FAILED TO FIX THE TWO OPEN RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES FOR REPAIR AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. I INITIALLY CONTACTED THE DEALER IN EARLY JANUARY AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE A FEW WEEKS UNTIL PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. I THEN CALLED IN FEBRUARY AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE MID-MARCH. AGAIN THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. IT HAS NOW BEEN NEARLY 3 MONTHS SINCE INITIAL CONTACT AND THE TWO RECALLS HAVE NOT BEEN CORRECTED.
NHTSA complaint #10702400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Myers, FL
AIR BAGS
I VISITED THE RECALL WEB SITE AFTER HEARING ABOUT THE AIRBAG CONCERNS WITH MY VEHICLE. I THEN MADE AN APPOINTMENT AND HAD MY DRIVERS AIRBAG/BECAUSE OF A RECALL, REPLACED ON NOV 26, 2014. I REQUESTED A VEHICLE FOR THE DAY SINCE THE RECALL IS NOT A PERSONAL PROBLEM BUT A PROBLEM OF THE MANUFACTURE. I WAS DENIED A DAY USE CAR. I WAS TOLD THAT DAY THAT THE PASSENGERS AIRBAG WAS ON BACKORDER, I HAVE SINCE CONTACTED THE DEALER WHO DID NOT RETURN MY CALL. I THEN WENT TO THE DEALER WEB SITE AN E-MAILED THEM MY CONCERNS. SOMEONE DID CALL ME AND STATED THAT THE AIRBAGS WERE ON BACKORDER. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT IT IS TAKING SO LONG TO GET MY PASSENGERS AIRBAGS REPLACED. I AM ALSO CONCERNED THAT THE LOCAL DEALER DOES NOT RETURN PHONE CALLS. LOCAL DEALER IS HONDA OF FORT MYERS FL.
NHTSA complaint #10682450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.