Owners have filed 154 complaints
about the 2006 Honda Element with NHTSA between 2006 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 45
Against the median year of the Honda Element. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
27.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 62
37% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Side/Window
1128.9%
Body
821.1%
Windshield
513.2%
Frontal
513.2%
Instrument Cluster/Panel
37.9%
Power Window Devices AND Controls
37.9%
Headlights
25.3%
Front
12.6%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
55.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1110.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1312.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1716.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
65.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1211.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1413.9%
150,000+ miles
2322.8%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2006 Honda Element 4-DR.
—
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2006peak 6Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2006 Honda Element
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
EA15001Opened 24 Feb 2015Still openAIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
PE14016Opened 11 Jun 2014Closed 2 Mar 2015AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
Recalls on the 2006 Honda Element
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
19V499000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
19V501000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
19V182000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
18V268000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Risk: An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
17V029000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2011 Honda Element vehicles, 2005-2012 Acura RL vehicles, 2006-2012 Honda Ridgeline vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2009 Acura RL and Honda Element vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles and 2006-2009 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
16V344000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda El
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
15V320000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
11V395000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 ACCORD, 2007-2010 CR-V, AND 2005-2008 ELEMENT PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 1, 2004, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 3, 2010. THE OUTER RACE OF THE SECONDARY SHAFT BEARING MAY BE BROKEN DURING CERTAIN DRIVING STYLES. A BROKEN OUTER RACE MAY CAUSE ABNORMAL NOISE, THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT TO TURN ON, AND ALLOW CONTACT BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION IDLE GEAR AND AN ELECTRONIC SENSOR HOUSING WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL. ADDITIONALLY, BROKEN PIECES OF THE OUTER RACE OR BALL BEARING FROM THE SECONDARY SHAFT MAY BECOME LODGED IN THE PARKING PAWL RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AFTER THE DRIVER HAS PLACED THE GEAR SELECTOR IN THE PARK POSITION. ENGINE STALL AND UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH OR PERSONAL INJURY TO PERSONS WITHIN THE PATH OF A ROLLING VEHICLE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202102412,641 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear frame could rust. In extreme cases, this could result in a rear trailing arm separating from the vehicle. This recall applies to vehicles originally sold or currently registered in areas of heavy road salt usage (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador). Safety Risk: A rear trailing arm that separates could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Honda will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer for an inspection of the rear trailing arm front mount bolts. If the vehicle passes the inspection, the dealer will apply corrosion protection and install support braces. Honda will offer to repurchase vehicles that do not pass the inspection. In the event the repurchase is declined by an owner, a secondary inspection and body shop repair method may be possible.
Recall 201911783,977 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, there could be a problem with the driver-front airbag inflator. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, pieces could be propelled toward the occupants. This could also cause damage to the airbag assembly and prevent it from inflating properly. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles that had a Takata airbag inflator installed during a previous airbag recall or collision repair. Safety Risk: In a crash where the airbag deploys, there could be an increased risk of injury. Corrective Action: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the driver-front airbag inflator replaced.
Recall 2017009428,641 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag inflator. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected.
Recall 2015225704,770 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Note: This recall supersedes special service campaign 2014567. Correction: Dealers will inspect/replace the driver's frontal airbag inflator. All vehicles having received a replacement inflator as part of any previous driver's inflator campaign will have a replacement inflator installed. Note: Honda Canada has created a special Airbag Inflator Hotline for immediate assistance. For more information, please contact: For Honda Owners: 1-877-445-7754 For Acura Owners: 1-877-445-9844
Recall 2014567704,770 units in Canada
Airbag
Honda Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Campaign concerning the driver's airbag inflator on certain vehicles equipped with Takata airbags. Honda will replace the driver's inflator on affected vehicles. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Note: This special service campaign was replaced by recall 2015225. Please see recall 2015225 for more information: <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2015225">Click here for more information</a>
Recall 2011286135,142 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the secondary shaft bearing in the automatic transmission may fail. This could cause abnormal noise, the malfunction indicator lamp to turn ON, and allow contact between the transmission idle gear and an electronic sensor housing within the transmission, resulting in a short circuit that causes the engine to stall. Engine stalling would result in lost vehicle propulsion which, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, broken pieces may become lodged in the parking pawl resulting in the vehicle rolling after the driver has placed the gear selector in the PARK position. These issues could result in property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will update the automatic transmission control module software.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Ocala, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
Vehicle (2-owner, all svc records), involved in a head-on collision, with approximately 75% of impact/damage to the Driver’s front (see photos). The passenger front (25% of impact) airbag deployed, the DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG did NOT deploy. The Takata airbag recall service/replacement (see invoice) was performed by a local Honda dealership on 01/08/2018. (Factory recall: 16-047; Kit Inflator: 06999). The vehicle is in my (owner’s) private possession since the time of the incident, I have deliberately not yet had it serviced or inspected for damage/repair estimates in any way, as my priority is to FIRST go through proper, qualified channels to have it properly inspected and diagnosed in regards to the AIRBAG FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #11714865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesLumberport, WVCrash
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE KEY WAS NOT IN THE IGNITION AND THERE WAS NO ONE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11385189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesDallas, TXCrash
AIR BAGS
DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WITH STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WENT OFF, WHICH WE HAD FIXED ON A RECALL NOTICE YEARS BEFORE. HOWEVER THE DRIVER AIR BAG DID NOT GO OFF. MY DAUGHTER WENT FORWARD AND IT AFFECTED HER JAW. WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THE DRIVER AIRBAG DID NOT EVEN GO OFF TO PROTECT HER. THE POLICE EVEN COMMENTED ON IT. HER CAR MAY BE UNFIXABLE WE WILL KNOW SOON. WE WANT TO REPORT THIS FOR OTHERS SAFETY.
NHTSA complaint #11111329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,000 milesRED Bank, NJCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL ----FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG DID NOT COME OUT AFTER FRONT SIDE COLLISION. AUTO WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #11043046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesMT Vernon, WACrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE DEPLOYMENT COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #10979851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,811 milesCharlotte, NCCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
THIS VEHICLE WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN INTO A NEIGHBORHOOD WHEN IT COLLIDED WITH AN ONCOMING VEHICLE WHICH WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH. THE IMPACT WAS FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TO FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY WHICH RESULTED IN THE DRIVER LOSING CONSCIOUSNESS AND SUFFERING A CONCUSSION.
NHTSA complaint #10690202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
California, CA
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
Chest clip won’t pull tight and tethered to pull on lower anchor malfunctions when you pull it is difficult to get tight
NHTSA complaint #11751415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
California, CA
Tether, Lower Anchor (on car seat or vehicle)
Chest clip won’t pull tight and tethered to pull on lower anchor malfunctions when you pull it is difficult to get tight
NHTSA complaint #11751415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ocala, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
Vehicle (2-owner, all svc records), involved in a head-on collision, with approximately 75% of impact/damage to the Driver’s front (see photos). The passenger front (25% of impact) airbag deployed, the DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG did NOT deploy. The Takata airbag recall service/replacement (see invoice) was performed by a local Honda dealership on 01/08/2018. (Factory recall: 16-047; Kit Inflator: 06999). The vehicle is in my (owner’s) private possession since the time of the incident, I have deliberately not yet had it serviced or inspected for damage/repair estimates in any way, as my priority is to FIRST go through proper, qualified channels to have it properly inspected and diagnosed in regards to the AIRBAG FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #11714865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Struthers, OH
SUSPENSION
Honda Canada recognized the safety risks from salt damage to the frames and rear suspension of Honda Elements and recalled all years of the Element for warranty repairs, or if the damage was too severe, buy back of the vehicles. Yet they have not in the USA in rust belt states where salt damage is prevalent. As you will note from the attached photos, severe injury or death could occur in a major collision, which falls into the scope of your agency. All Elements in areas where corrosive salty and liquid brine is used are at risk, posing a significant safety hazard. Contacting local Honda dealers confirm the absence of a recall for this issue which puts motorists in this country at risk.
NHTSA complaint #11706003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Piqua, OH
SUSPENSION
left rear rear trailing arm rusted out. had car checked due to rough ride & was informed said part so rusted it was dangerous to drive. damage so severe repair not feasible. appears this is a problem with elements & some crvs. canada apparently has a recall for this, & US should, too.
NHTSA complaint #11704944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The trailing arm mounts are severely rotted due to rust and my mechanic has claimed that it is unsafe to drive. The element has been recalled in Canada for this same issue. It is a huge safety concern for a vehicle that is otherwise in great condition.
NHTSA complaint #11694785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
SUSPENSION
The trailing arm mounts are severely rotted due to rust and my mechanic has claimed that it is unsafe to drive. The element has been recalled in Canada for this same issue. It is a huge safety concern for a vehicle that is otherwise in great condition.
NHTSA complaint #11694785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Struthers, OH
SUSPENSION
Rusting rear suspension is safety issue. Elements were already recalled in Canada but not yet in USA since not enough complaints were issued. The Element is based on the CRV which already does have a recall in USA for this issue
NHTSA complaint #11691611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Paul, MN
SUSPENSION
I live in Minnesota and my Elements rear trailing arms are badly rusted. There is a recall for the same issue in Canada but not in the US. This is my 2006 Honda Element with 96k miles. I would love to be able to get another at least 100k miles if not lots more. These cars can go to 400k if maintained well.
NHTSA complaint #11674062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,500 milesEureka, CA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2006 Honda Element. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the passenger's side door air bag deployed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact and her mother heard a loud explosion, and the passenger's side door air bag deployed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed. There was no impact GTC system scanned -1 completed troubleshooting found no damage while SRS and air bag unit need to be replaced. The vehicle had previously been repaired, a year and a half prior to the failure under an unknown recall associated with the air bags. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,500.
NHTSA complaint #11650488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Selma, OR
POWER TRAIN
The check engine light indicated a "gas cap" code, and the "side airbag off" light was illuminated. Upon diagnosis, the technician identified significant rust and cracked transmission components, resulting in fluid leakage. The service department assessed the vehicle as unsafe for operation, waived the diagnostic fees, and replenished the transmission fluid to prevent the risk of being stranded due to a lack of fluid on the return trip. Honda Service Department took the attached photos and documented the vehicle's safety violations.
NHTSA complaint #11632315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Selma, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The check engine light indicated a "gas cap" code, and the "side airbag off" light was illuminated. Upon diagnosis, the technician identified significant rust and cracked transmission components, resulting in fluid leakage. The service department assessed the vehicle as unsafe for operation, waived the diagnostic fees, and replenished the transmission fluid to prevent the risk of being stranded due to a lack of fluid on the return trip. Honda Service Department took the attached photos and documented the vehicle's safety violations.
NHTSA complaint #11632315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Selma, OR
STRUCTURE:BODY
The check engine light indicated a "gas cap" code, and the "side airbag off" light was illuminated. Upon diagnosis, the technician identified significant rust and cracked transmission components, resulting in fluid leakage. The service department assessed the vehicle as unsafe for operation, waived the diagnostic fees, and replenished the transmission fluid to prevent the risk of being stranded due to a lack of fluid on the return trip. Honda Service Department took the attached photos and documented the vehicle's safety violations.
NHTSA complaint #11632315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I got into my Element. I closed the driver side door. I heard a loud pop and heard the back right corner window shatter and break. It’s the window in the cargo area.Waiting for the insurance adjuster to look at it.
NHTSA complaint #11583821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Broomfield, CO
SEAT BELTS
The part in my car that has failed twice is the right front seat belt buckle. I was alerted to this problem in June of 2020, when my SRS light lit up. I took the car to AutoNation Honda 104 in Westminster, Co., 80234, on 6/2/20 after learning about Honda's previously documented SRS and seat belt issues. The code that led to the SRS light going on was 22-1, indicating "open or increased resistance in the right buckle tensioner." The part was replaced at that time and the SRS light remained off after the repair. However, in July of 2023, the SRS light went on again. I took it to the same dealership on 7/20/23. I was informed that the same code occurred, and that the part would be replaced again under warranty. However, it was not available due to supply issues. Both times this problem has occurred, I was informed by Honda personnel that the seat belt system might not perform as designed in a crash, creating increased risk of death or injury for a passenger in that seat. I was advised to avoid having passengers ride in that seat. At the 7/20/23 appointment I was informed that the estimated time of arrival (ETA) for this part was 9/2/23. On 9/21/23 I called USA Honda for an update since I had not heard anything from them. I was informed that the ETA was now unknown, and that they would provide me with regular updates via email. However, all subsequent emails indicated an unknown ETA. On 1/10/24 I again contacted contacted USA Honda by phone to ask for an update. I was informed that there is now a "possible" ETA of 5/20/24. Thus the earliest I might get my car fixed is 10 months from when the problem started, if then. Honda has said that the delay is due to problems with the part manufacturer, but has refused to give me information about how to reach this manufacturer. The delay in honoring their warranty, for any reason, amounts to negligence that could lead to death or injury of a passenger, and results in me not being able to use the car as designed.
NHTSA complaint #11567346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Malta Ridge, NY
SUSPENSION
These cars have severe issues with their frames and they rot. There are TONS of recalls in Canada and I am wondering why the same recalls are not in the US - this is equally dangerous regardless of location - especially upstate NY where the climate is extremely similar to Canada. I have had TWO LIFE THREATENING INCIDENTS recently - one with the front axel completely breaking several months ago, and yesterday when the frame and rear axel fell apart. Fortunately both times, I was barely moving or I would likely not be here to be typing this. My frame is so rusted, it is disintegrating and beyond repair. I was advised by my local Sheriff to check on the recalls in Canada and there are so many, basically the whole frame is recalled - I am writing to report that I am in several Honda Element groups here in the US, and there are hundreds of life threatening posts in these groups regularly. This should absolutely be addressed. It is clearly a problem. As you can see in my attachments, otherwise the vehicle is in amazing condition. This is really devastating - and I have a vehicle that I cannot sell or trade-in. There is no value whatsoever and it is beyond repair.
NHTSA complaint #11537675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Malta Ridge, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
These cars have severe issues with their frames and they rot. There are TONS of recalls in Canada and I am wondering why the same recalls are not in the US - this is equally dangerous regardless of location - especially upstate NY where the climate is extremely similar to Canada. I have had TWO LIFE THREATENING INCIDENTS recently - one with the front axel completely breaking several months ago, and yesterday when the frame and rear axel fell apart. Fortunately both times, I was barely moving or I would likely not be here to be typing this. My frame is so rusted, it is disintegrating and beyond repair. I was advised by my local Sheriff to check on the recalls in Canada and there are so many, basically the whole frame is recalled - I am writing to report that I am in several Honda Element groups here in the US, and there are hundreds of life threatening posts in these groups regularly. This should absolutely be addressed. It is clearly a problem. As you can see in my attachments, otherwise the vehicle is in amazing condition. This is really devastating - and I have a vehicle that I cannot sell or trade-in. There is no value whatsoever and it is beyond repair.
NHTSA complaint #11537675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,000 milesDuncansville, PA
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2006 Honda Element. The contact stated that while HIS son was driving approximately 55 MPH, the driver heard a loud clunking sound, and the rear of the vehicle suddenly became unstable. The driver stopped and inspected the vehicle, and it was discovered that the driver’s side rear wheel was turned outward, and the rear driver’s side trailing arm had detached from the frame of the vehicle due to severe rust. The vehicle was later towed to a welding shop. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 123,000.
NHTSA complaint #11527326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kingsley, MI
WHEELS
LEFT REAR (DRIVER SIDE) TRAILING CONTROL ARM CAME OUT OF THE MOUNTING BRACKET CAUSING THE TIRE ASSEMBLY TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND NARROWLY ESCAPED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THIS DEFECT HAS A RECALL NOTICE IN CANADA BUT NOT USA. I NOTICED SIMILIAR COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WHICH IS A DESIGN DEFECT BY HONDA WITH NO GOOD REMEDIATION. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS INJURY TO MYSELF AND GRANCHILDREN IN THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11518386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kingsley, MI
SUSPENSION
LEFT REAR (DRIVER SIDE) TRAILING CONTROL ARM CAME OUT OF THE MOUNTING BRACKET CAUSING THE TIRE ASSEMBLY TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND NARROWLY ESCAPED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THIS DEFECT HAS A RECALL NOTICE IN CANADA BUT NOT USA. I NOTICED SIMILIAR COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WHICH IS A DESIGN DEFECT BY HONDA WITH NO GOOD REMEDIATION. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS INJURY TO MYSELF AND GRANCHILDREN IN THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11518386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 163,000 milesHamilton, OH
SUSPENSION
I AM LOCATED IN OHIO AND THE REAR TRAILING ARM HAS RUSTED OUT TO THE POINT THAT IT IS ON THE VERGE OF BREAKING OFF ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS WAS FOUND OUT BECAUSE I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR WOULD SWAY BACK AND FORTH IN THE REAR EVERY TIME I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. I WENT TO MY NEAREST TIRE SHOP THINKING IT COULD BE A WHEEL ALIGNMENT ISSUE AND THEY BROUGHT ME TO THE BACK AND SHOWED ME THE ISSUE. IT IS BEING HELD BY ABOUT 4-5 INCHES OF THE FRAME. THEY ADVISED ME TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED AS IT WAS NOT SAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE HOME. I HAVE SINCE NOT BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND HAVE IT PARKED IN MY GARAGE. I'M AWARE THAT THIS IS A RECALL BY HONDA IN CANADA WHICH IS A NEIGHBORING BORDER TO MY STATE AND A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH A LOT OF US NORTHERN STATES IN THE U.S. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT CAN BE DONE AS I LOVE THIS VEHICLE BUT IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #11403002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 163,000 milesHamilton, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
I AM LOCATED IN OHIO AND THE REAR TRAILING ARM HAS RUSTED OUT TO THE POINT THAT IT IS ON THE VERGE OF BREAKING OFF ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS WAS FOUND OUT BECAUSE I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR WOULD SWAY BACK AND FORTH IN THE REAR EVERY TIME I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. I WENT TO MY NEAREST TIRE SHOP THINKING IT COULD BE A WHEEL ALIGNMENT ISSUE AND THEY BROUGHT ME TO THE BACK AND SHOWED ME THE ISSUE. IT IS BEING HELD BY ABOUT 4-5 INCHES OF THE FRAME. THEY ADVISED ME TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED AS IT WAS NOT SAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE HOME. I HAVE SINCE NOT BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND HAVE IT PARKED IN MY GARAGE. I'M AWARE THAT THIS IS A RECALL BY HONDA IN CANADA WHICH IS A NEIGHBORING BORDER TO MY STATE AND A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH A LOT OF US NORTHERN STATES IN THE U.S. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT CAN BE DONE AS I LOVE THIS VEHICLE BUT IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #11403002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesLumberport, WVCrash
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE KEY WAS NOT IN THE IGNITION AND THERE WAS NO ONE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11385189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesMiami, FL
STEERING
WINDOW MOTOR DIDNT LET WINDOW GO UP.. WINDOW WENT DOWN N WASN'T ABLE TO ROLL UP.. LOUD NOISE FROM DRIVER WINDOW MOTOR..MY CAR WAS PARKED N WHEN TURN ON CAR WINDOW DROPPED ALSO POWER STEERING N KNOCK SENSOR CAUSING NO PRESSURE TO MOVE. HESITATION LOSS OF FUEL
NHTSA complaint #11340303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesMiami, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WINDOW MOTOR DIDNT LET WINDOW GO UP.. WINDOW WENT DOWN N WASN'T ABLE TO ROLL UP.. LOUD NOISE FROM DRIVER WINDOW MOTOR..MY CAR WAS PARKED N WHEN TURN ON CAR WINDOW DROPPED ALSO POWER STEERING N KNOCK SENSOR CAUSING NO PRESSURE TO MOVE. HESITATION LOSS OF FUEL
NHTSA complaint #11340303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
