112 of the 1,533 complaints filed about the Honda Element are about the electrical system — 7% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2003.
112
Complaints
7%
Share of all complaints
3
Crashes
8
Fires
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving and my odometer light and dash lights went dim on me. I changed the bulbs it didn't make a difference. I had to replace the instrument cluster. Other complaint is drivers seat keeps loosening from the floor
NHTSA complaint #11674334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2007 Honda Element. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V436000 (Electrical System, Trailer Hitches) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The contact was advised by the local dealer that the vehicle was not eligible for recall repairs due to the title being salvaged and that the part was not an attachment for the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issues.
NHTSA complaint #11632646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My air conditioner went out and I was going to put car in reverse to see if the fans were working. When I put the key in I didn't start the car because my key wouldn't go forward or backwards it was just stuck and the steering column locked up. When I first purchased the vehicle in October 2022 I had to have to front end suspension joints replaced the bar in the middle was cracked. It sounded and felt like the motor was going to fall out. I need to replace the back suspension due to very loud noises when driving like something is going to fall apart.
NHTSA complaint #11523265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle, the vehicle would roll forward or backward. The contact stated that he restarted the vehicle and shifted into park(P), and the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and unintendedly striking the gear shifter, the vehicle shifted out of gear. The contact stated that he would manually shift back into the intended gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the ignition switch had failed to turn and was repaired by a locksmith; however, the failure recurred. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired free of charge because it was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V364000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11520563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vtec oil pressure switch low voltage threw a code so I replaced entire mechanism, I don't know the name buy removed wire snaps and three bolts and replaced with brand new, and reattached. Unplugged battery till all reserve was gone. Plugged back up [battery] drove, but still as I hit 3000 rpm and vtec turns on shoots check engine light and vehicle jukes. I have already changed oil, made sure proper level proper weight had flushed as to clean out any debris. Made sure all connections were tight, but nothing fixes problem.
NHTSA complaint #11509959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2004 Honda Element. The contact stated that after the vehicle was shifted into park(P), the vehicle would roll forward or roll backward. Additionally, the key would remain stuck in the ignition, causing the contact to have to maneuver the key to release the key from the ignition switch. The failure occurred intermittently; however, the key was still stuck in the ignition. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 167,000.
NHTSA complaint #11492053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY 2005 HONDA ELEMENT CONSTANTLY DISPLAY AIRBAG OFF, WHEN IT'S INACCURATE, DASHBOARD LIGHT DOESN'T WORK. THERE'S SOME KIND OF SHORTAGE BECAUSE IT BLINKS, COME ON AND GO OFF AND STAY OFF. IT SHOWS THE SAME INFORMATION, RATHER DRIVING OR STATIONARY. ARE THERE RECALLS ON THIS CAR? IT'S BEEN ONE PROBLEM AFTER ANOTHER.
NHTSA complaint #11405632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHTS WILL COME ON FOR NO REASON SAYING PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFF AND IT IS NOT OFF. THIS HAPPENS AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. THIS HAPPENS AT VARIOUS TIMES, CRANKING VEHICLE, DRIVING VEHICLE, THERE IS REALLY NO SPECIFIC SITUATION . IT'S SPORADIC. HEADLIGHTS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN DIM. SOMETIMES I CAN'T EVEN TELL IF THEY ARE ON. THE CARGO LIGHTS, FRONT MIDDLE AND BACK WORK SOMETIMES AND MOST TIMES THEY DON'T. ALSO BRAKE LIGHTS SEEM TO HAVE A MIND OF THERE OWN AND WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO BUT DEFINITELY NOT WHEN I WANT THEM TO. IN FACT I AM PRETTY SURE THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE SOMEWHERE.
NHTSA complaint #11375667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING OR OUT OF PARK POSITION IGNITION KEY CAN BE REMOVED.ALSO WHILE IN PARK EITH SWITCH IN ON PODSITION THE IGNITION KEY CAN BE REMOVED. I HAVE HAD IGNITION SWITCH FIXED TWICE WITHIN A 6 MONTH PERIOD. FIRST TIME OCCURRED SEPTEMBER 9 , 2019 OTHER TIME WAS MARCH,2020.
NHTSA complaint #11340295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SRS LIGHT ON. HONDA DEALER WANTS $$ TO DIAGNOSE, BUT THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11277464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
2003 HONDA ELEMENT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO HONDA SAFETY RECALL CONCERNING IGNITION INTERLOCK SYSTEM FAILURE. *AS THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS.
NHTSA complaint #11206710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, FLAMES APPEARED FROM THE DASHBOARD. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL TOW LOT. THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR AND INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 111,000.
NHTSA complaint #11204955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DRIVERS SIDE DOOR KEY CEASED TO WORK AS STATED NUMEROUS TIMES BY OTHERS. ONLY WAY TO GET IN AND LOCK THE DOOR IS FROM PASSENGER SIDE...PLACING DRIVER IN UNSAFE AND VUNERABLE POSITION. ALSO WHEN DRIVING SLOWLY APPROX 10 MPH CAR HAS FREQUENTLY IRRACTICALLY ACCELERATED OF ITS OWN ACCORD. HAVE TO STAND ON THE BRAKES TO GET CAR TO STOP. WITH THE CAR AT A STOP, AND IN DRIVE IT WILL SELF ACCELERATE...VERY DANGEROUS!!! AS OTHERS HAVE NOTED THERE IS A SERIOUS ELECTRICAL SHORT?? AS DASH LIGHTS ARE DULL THEN AND HAVE TO HIT DASH TO GET THEM TO LIGHT UP. HEADLIGHTS ARE CONSTANTLY SURGING FROM LIMITED LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO NORMAL.
NHTSA complaint #11173203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2006 HONDA ELEMENT APPROX 114,000 MILES. VEHICLE LOW BEAMS BOTH STOP WORKING SIMULTANEOUSLY WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT VARIOUS SPEEDS INCREASING LIKELIHOOD OF CRASH. THIS IS RECURRENT ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL AND OTHER HONDA MODELS INCLUDING PILOT AND FIT. ISSUE RELATES TO BURNING CONTACT IN WIRING HARNESS. THIS IS CLEARLY A DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING/ DESIGN THAT PUTS DRIVERS AND OTHER MOTORISTS AT RISK OF ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #11141762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 HONDA ELEMENT. AFTER THE CONTACT PARKED AND EXITED THE VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES LATER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. AN INVESTIGATOR WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,500. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11123507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DEFECTIVE DASH GAUGE CONTROLS KEEP THE CAR FROM STARTING. IT'S A KNOWN DEFECT AND HONDA KNOWS IT ALSO
NHTSA complaint #11113892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY CAR HAS AN ACTIVE RECALL FOR A TRAILER WIRING HARNESS. I HAVE HAD THE HARNESS INSPECTED BY MY DEALER FOUR TIMES, AND THEY CLAIM IT IS NOT A FACTORY-INSTALLED HARNESS, DESPITE IT BEING IN YOUR DATABASE. THE HARNESS WAS ON THE CAR WHEN I PURCHASED IT. I CANNOT EXPLAIN WHY IT IS DIFFERENT THAN THE RECALLED WIRING HARNESS. I HAD A TRAILER HITCH ADDED TO MY VEHICLE SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE, BUT THE SHOP DID NOT ADD A WIRING HARNESS BECAUSE ONE WAS ALREADY ON THE CAR. HOWEVER, I USE THE HITCH ONLY TO ATTACH A BIKE RACK. I HAVE NEVER HAULED A TRAILER WITH THIS VEHICLE, AND FEEL THERE IS THEREFORE NO SAFETY HAZARD. PLEASE REMOVE MY VEHICLE FROM YOUR RECALL RECORDS. THE RECALLED WIRING HARNESS APPARENTLY WAS NEVER INSTALLED ON MY VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11112877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM HONDA STATING THAT MY INSTRUMENT PANEL MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. I CONTACTED RENNER HONDA, COLUMBUS, INDIANA WHERE I PURCHASED MY ELEMENT SC NEW AND TOLD THEM THAT MY GAUGES WERE FALLING OUT. THEY SAID THEY WOULD ORDER THE PANEL AND REPLACE IT. I NEVER HEARD FROM THEM AGAIN AND THE TIME FOR REPLACEMENT CLOSED. NEXT, I RECEIVED THE BRAKE RECALL NOTICE AND DECIDED TO TRY CLARKSVILLE, IN NEIL HUFFMAN HONDA. THEY SAID THEY ONLY DID RECALLS DURING THE WEEK AND IF I NEEDED A LOANER VEHICLE TO GET BACK TO WORK...THAT IT WOULD BE $100/DAY AND THEY WOULD NEED MY VEHICLE 2-3 DAYS. I SAID SO YOU ARE CHARGING ME FOR MY INCONVENIENCE AND THEY SAID THAT'S OUR POLICY. SO, I LET THAT RECALL GO. HERE IT IS 2018, MY GAUGES DO NOT WORK AT ALL AND IT LOOKS LIKE I'M DOING 55 SITTING STILL. MY GAS GAUGE IS BROKE AS WELL, MY HEADLIGHTS ARE DIM AND MY FANS BOTH QUIT WORKING, PART OF THE TOP PANEL HAS FLOWN OFF--AND MY VISOR IS BROKE. BUT, I DID FINALLY GET HONDA WORLD, LOUISVILLE, KY TO REPLACE THE AIRBAGS AND THE BRAKE RECALL. BUT, NO DICE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. I THINK THAT IS WRONG CONSIDERING ALL THE RECALLS ON THIS BY HONDA. THEY WILL NOT BUDGE ON PRICE YET THERE HAVE BEEN OVER 11 RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE AND NOW I AM STUCK PAYING FOR THE GAUGES, NOT TO MENTION IF THE BRAKES HAD WENT OUT YEARS AGO...I COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED OVER CLARKSVILLE NEIL HUFFMAN TRYING TO CHARGE ME FOR A RENTAL CAR! THANKS TO HONDA WORLD, BUT I WILL NOT RECOMMEND A HONDA TO ANYONE ELSE CONSIDERING ALL THE COMPLAINTS OVER THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, VISORS, LIGHTS, ETC THAT I AM READING ON HERE. SHAME ON YOU HONDA!
NHTSA complaint #11093347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.