Honda Element problems
The Honda Element is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by Honda and marketed in North America over a single generation for model years 2003–2011 — and noted for its boxy exterior styling with bi-parting side doors and its boxy, flexible interior layout.
Manufactured in East Liberty, Ohio, the Element used a modified second generation CR-V platform with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. By late 2010, shortly before its discontinuation, production had totaled approximately 325,000.
Overview
The Element followed a concept called Model X which was developed by a core group of Honda R&D engineers in 1998 and debuted at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Model X was designed as an activity-oriented vehicle combining features of a pickup truck and a sport utility vehicle, and its styling was inspired by a lifeguard station, its roofline arched to evoke the curve of a surfboard.
Noted for its four bi-parting side doors that open to provide a clear aperature of 55.5 inches, the structure of the Element eliminates the B-pillars by reinforcing and enlarging the side sills, floor and roof cross members, and providing five bulkheads per side. The rear door structure have a reinforced vertical beam and, when closed, connect to the body side sill via a hook and catch system, effectively creating a B-pillar. The rear-hinged rear side doors can open only after the forward doors.
The production Element debuted at the 2002 New York International Auto Show with an interior featuring TPO-coated textured urethane flooring; stain-resistant fabric; individually reclining and removable rear seats that stow.
The four-cylinder i-VTEC 2.4 Litre K Engine produced 166 hp (124 kW) at 5800 rpm and 162 lb⋅ft (220 N⋅m) of torque at 4000 rpm for 2007-2011 model years and 160 hp (119 kW) at 5500 rpm and 160 lb⋅ft (217 N⋅m) of torque at 4500 rpm in 2003-2006 model years. Drive is either front-wheel drive or optionally, all wheel drive — via a hydraulically actuated on demand system that engages with front wheel slippage, marketed as "Real Time 4WD". The Element has a towing capacity of 680 kg, or 1500 lbs and a gross weight of 4450 lbs (2018 kg).
In 2007, the Element won the Dogcars.com "Dog Car of the Year" award because of its "versatile cargo space, easy-clean flooring, crate-friendly rear design and optional 4 wheel drive." and in 2010 it won the "Small SUV" category as a "Top Safety Pick" in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Annual Awards.
With projected first year sales of 50,000, the Element sold 67,478 units in 2003 in the US. In 2010, just over 14,000 were sold. According to a 2003 survey, 67% of buyers were over 35, 38% were women, and the median age was 42.
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Honda Element model years
Common Honda Element problems
The Honda Element is a compact SUV known for its reliability, but like any vehicle, it has certain common problems that owners have reported. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:
- Unstable rear tailgates: Some Honda Element owners have reported issues with the rear tailgate, which can become unstable or difficult to open and close properly.
- Faulty door locks: Faulty door locks are another common problem with the Honda Element. This can make it difficult to lock or unlock the doors, and may require replacement of the door lock assembly.
- Wobbly driveshaft issues: Some Honda Elements may experience wobbly driveshaft issues, which can affect the vehicle's driveability and require replacement of the driveshaft.
- Troubles with a faulty ignition switch: The ignition switch is another component that can cause problems in the Honda Element. This can lead to issues with starting the vehicle or turning off the engine while driving.
- Airbag fault: An airbag fault is a persistent issue that has affected the Honda Element during most of its production years. This problem has led to several recalls to fix the faulty inflator bags, with the most recent one being in 2019.
While the Honda Element is generally considered a reliable vehicle, these common problems are worth keeping in mind when purchasing a used model. Regular maintenance and replacement of defective parts can help ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
What can go wrong with a Honda Element?
Getting Replacement Parts for Your Honda Element
Engine oil leaks, differential fluid breakdowns, and faulty door locks can all interfere with your Element's driveability, even with its high reliability rating. To keep your SUV in top shape, you'll have to replace defective parts as soon as possible.
Is the Honda Element a reliable car?
The Honda Element Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 14th out of 26 for compact SUVs.
How long will a Honda Element engine last?
We mentioned that a typical Honda Element can last 250,000-300,000 miles.
Why did they stop Honda Element?
As the proud owner of his second Honda Element, Deegan - an avid runner and surfer - was surprised to learn that the compact SUV crossover would be discontinued after the 2011 model year because of seven years of declining sales. The Element premiered in 2003 with 67,000 units sold in this country.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Honda Element years
We have researched Honda problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Honda Element cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Honda Element model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Honda Element model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Honda Element years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Honda Element car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Honda Element , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Visibility problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Honda Element vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Element model years
A total of 93 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Element model years
There were a total of 14 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Element model years
There were a total of 99 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 1264 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Honda Element . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Honda Element vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Honda Element 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: 5J6YH28718L
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: The driver side rear trail arm broke off bending the strut with the tire hanging, it happened in my apartment parking lot, I could have lost my life if this had happened at high speeds or killed somebody else. I’m very lucky to be alive!! Currently it is not inspectable due to the damage. The problem has not been reproduced by a dealer or an independent service centre. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone or manufacturer. No warning light were present before the failure.
Honda Element 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-14
- VIN: 5J6YH17663L
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: Vehicle has extreme corrosion of the frame near the rear trailing arm which is nearing catastrophic failure. Trailing arm is in danger of separating from the frame. This is similar to NTSB Campaign # 23V-22800 for the CR-V which shares suspension parts with the Element on these model years. If the trailing arm separates at highway speeds it could be fatal. This is a pre-emptive report of failure/loss, as I just attempted to jack up my vehicle on the drivers' side in the rear and had a great deal of the rusted frame detach near the point of the trailing arm attachment. I fear that it won't be long before the rest of the frame rusts through and if this occurs, that it may occur at highway speed and cause injury or death.
Honda Element 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-28
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-04
- VIN: 5J6YH28665L
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2005 Honda Element. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear trailing arm mount was severely rusted. The vehicle was taken to an independent frame mechanic, where the contact was informed that the rear trailing arm mount could fracture. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in an unknown recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Honda Element 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-04
- VIN: 5J6YH28709L
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Honda Element. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH and approaching a stop sign, the contact observed a noise coming from the rear driver's side of the vehicle. The contact stated that when the vehicle came to a stop, he opened the driver's door and observed the rear passenger’s side tire was sideways. The vehicle was towed to a body shop where the contact was informed that the frame of the vehicle near the trailing arm was rusted through and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 152,403.
Honda Element 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-03
- VIN: 5J6YH27757L
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: While driving up my driveway on the way home the left swing arm seperated from the unibody allowing the left rear wheel to move aft jamming the left rear tire into the rear inside fender effectively locking that wheel at about a 20 degree angle.
Honda Element 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-14
- VIN: 5J6YH28788L
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I just purchased a 2008 Honda Element and took it for inspection and the entire undercarriage is rusted. I know Honda of Canada will fix or buy back the vehicle. However as I am in the USA my understanding is that for now only the CRV’s are affected. The car cannot be driven as it is a very dangerous concern. Please help.
Honda Element 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-13
- VIN: 5J6YH28707L
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The rest frame has rusted from the inside out, frame actually broke when going in for repairs. Was raised on lift for basic brake repair and the frame separated on the rear driver side. Same exact issue that was recalled in crvs of same year.
Honda Element 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-04
- VIN: 5J6YH27358L
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a serious safety concern involving the Honda Element model years 2003 through 2011. Specifically, this issue pertains to the rear trailing arm mounting area, which has been observed to rust through on numerous vehicles, including my own 2008 Honda Element. The rusting of the rear trailing arm mounting area poses a significant safety risk, as it can compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle's suspension system. This deterioration can lead to potential failure of the rear trailing arm, resulting in loss of control of the vehicle, particularly at higher speeds or during emergency maneuvers. The prevalence of this issue across multiple model years suggests a systemic problem that warrants investigation and potential recall. My vehicle, like many others, has experienced this issue despite regular maintenance and care. The rusting has occurred in a manner that is not typical of normal wear and tear, indicating a possible manufacturing or design defect. Given the safety implications of this problem, I urge the NHTSA to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the root cause and ensure the safety of all affected Honda Element owners. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your prompt response and action.
Honda Element 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-28
- VIN: 5J6YH28757L
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: Left rear trailing arm completely broke off while I was on the highway. Very unsafe. This Element needs to be recalled, like the CRV. It was recalled in Canada. This is absolutely dangerous and I could have died.
Honda Element 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-16
- VIN: 5J6YH277X9L
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,TIRES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Honda Element. The contact stated there was an extreme amount of rust on the vehicle. The contact stated that the trailing arm was corroded and had several holes. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to assist with the repairs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 274,000.
Honda Element 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-09
- VIN: 5J6YH28604L
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: The trailer arm rusted at the mount. I was told it was not safe to drive. I have learned that this is a common problem with this vehicle and Honda has issued a recall in Canada, but not the USA. I also learned that there is a similar issue with I believe the Honda CRV and that has been in recall from Honda in I believe both Canada and the US. I found a place to do the repair and he said he has seen a lot worse than mine and has done many of these repairs.. The total repair cost is $1500. I also learned that due to its design water gets trapped in the mount and causes the rust, which sounds definitely like a design flaw. The repair entails fabrication a whole new mount for the trailer arm. I discovered it on June 7th when I was doing some under body clean up.
Honda Element 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-01
- VIN: 5J6YH17513L
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
Honda Element 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-24
- VIN: 5J6YH28338L
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Honda Element. The contact stated while driving 20-30 MPH over a bump, the vehicle started fish tailing. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that he noticed that the rear driver's side tire was sideways. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V349000 (Suspension) because the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 225,000.
Honda Element 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-24
- VIN: 5J6YH28749L
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: While driving the left rear wheel went sideway... looking underneath the Unibody had corroded to the point the left control arm separated from the car making it undrivable.... was told to not drive the car as it is not safe...
Honda Element 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-23
- VIN: 5J6YH28584L
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: The rear left trailing arm mounting point is completely corroded through, making the car unsafe to drive. If it were to fall off during driving the chances of it creating an accident are high. There are many other Elements with this specific spot rusting through.
Latest 5 recalls Honda Element
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 100 recalls for different components of the Honda Element.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Honda Element 2007
- Report Received Date: 2019-10-10
- Manufacturer: Dorman Products, Inc.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
- Summary: Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."
- Consequence: If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5. Dorman's number for this recall is AS1019XXXX.
- Model: Honda Element 2010
- Report Received Date: 2019-10-10
- Manufacturer: Dorman Products, Inc.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
- Summary: Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."
- Consequence: If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5. Dorman's number for this recall is AS1019XXXX.
- Model: Honda Element 2008
- Report Received Date: 2019-10-10
- Manufacturer: Dorman Products, Inc.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
- Summary: Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."
- Consequence: If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5. Dorman's number for this recall is AS1019XXXX.
- Model: Honda Element 2009
- Report Received Date: 2019-10-10
- Manufacturer: Dorman Products, Inc.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
- Summary: Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."
- Consequence: If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5. Dorman's number for this recall is AS1019XXXX.
- Model: Honda Element 2011
- Report Received Date: 2019-10-10
- Manufacturer: Dorman Products, Inc.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
- Summary: Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."
- Consequence: If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5. Dorman's number for this recall is AS1019XXXX.
Latest negative Honda Element car reviews
Latest positive Honda Element car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2008
I've owned two Mercedes, two Cadillacs, and a Buick Riviera, all new cars, but I can honestly say that this car is far better than any of them, and it costs only a third as much. The design is carefully thought out, with simplicity in all features, and it has a very low true cost of ownership, including maintainability, repair costs, insurance, and related expenses. I don't care about resale value because I intend to keep this jewel for at least 10 years. The ride is great, and the 166 bhp provides more than adequate power. The electronics are all high quality and well-conceived designs, and the steering is very responsive.
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Vehicle year: 2003
Hi there! It's great to hear that you've had your E for 2.5 years without any major issues. I understand that the drivers seat needs new bushings to keep it from shifting, and the headlights go dim for a second every 10 minutes or so, but these are inherent to the 2003 model. Although there is some wind noise in the cabin and the suspension can be a bit jarring, this vehicle has been 100% reliable. It's also very fun to drive with a tight turning circle. The lack of carpeting makes for easy cleaning and the seat configurations make it one of the most versatile vehicles on the road. On average, you usually get 21 MPG which is impressive. It's a shame that Honda doesn't make an upscale version, but overall it's a great car to own!
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Vehicle year: 2011
The Element is a fantastic car that caters to a very specific segment of car owners. If you're looking for a car that can haul a lot of stuff, has AWD for skiing, gets decent gas mileage for commuting, and has spacious driver and passenger seating for up to 4 people, all while being incredibly reliable and costing less than $25K, then you'll absolutely love this car. If not, you may not be interested at all or you may point out other cars that do some of these things better. However, you won't find a car that does ALL of these things better. This is actually my 2nd Element and I couldn't think of another car I'd rather have.
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Vehicle year: 2006
This is my first car and we had it about 3 years prior to it becoming mine. It has been one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned. A couple of years ago, we were on a long trip and almost ran out of gas. However, this car kept going way past empty until we reached a gas station. The only downside is the exterior. I mean, let's be honest, it's a toaster.
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Vehicle year: 2006
I love Hondas! This is our third. After having a very positive experience with our second Honda (2004 CR-V), I thought this would be perfect for my needs in terms of fuel economy and versatility. While it is indeed very versatile, has a great interior volume feel, and is very reliable, I would not recommend it if you routinely haul more than two people. The clamshell doors can be a bit of a nightmare, especially with kids, and particularly in parking lots or your own garage. When parked on an incline, the front door won't stay open to allow the rear clamshell doors to open, and the rear door has to close first, which can be a bit of a strange sequence for getting in and out. Additionally, the lack of rear seat up/down windows can be a bit of a drag.
Are you having problems with your Honda Element?
Janick Weissnat 2025-07-10
Vehicle year: 2005
The Element has some areas that could use improvement. The AWD system, previously known as REALTIME 4 WHEEL DRIVE, is actually more like FWD with rear-wheel assistance when the computer detects slippage. While I have never been stuck, it could be better. Additionally, the A-posts create significant blind spots when making 90-degree turns. The unique tire size of 215/70/R16 can be expensive and difficult to find in anything other than an all-season radial. Lastly, the front end construction lacks a bumper to protect the radiator from minor collisions, which can be costly. Overall, the Element has some room for improvement, but it still has its strengths.
Dedrick Schmeler 2025-06-28
Vehicle year: 2003
Hey there! Just wanted to give you a heads up that the radiator is a bit exposed, so you might want to be careful. I've already had mine hit by some road hazards!
Leopoldo Kessler 2025-06-09
Vehicle year: 2009
This car has several areas that require improvement. The interior storage lacks stability, the seats are uncomfortable, and the headrests are poorly positioned. Additionally, the car's body is prone to damage, which can result in costly repairs. The paint on the cladding is also prone to chipping. The car's small gas tank requires frequent refueling, and there are some rattling noises. Finally, closing the back windows requires getting out of the car, which can be inconvenient. However, despite these issues, the car has many positive features that make it a worthwhile investment.
Cristobal Hayes 2025-05-13
Vehicle year: 2003
I traded in a Toyo 4Runner for this Element. The inside is surprisingly spacious, especially in the back seat, and the seats sit up high. It comfortably fits up to 4 people. The 5-speed manual transmission makes it zippy and fun to drive. The plastic panels are utilitarian and easy to care for, and they prevent door dings. As an engineer, I take notes on every tank of fuel, and I'm happy to report an average of 26MPG. I'm also pleased to say that Honda replaced my A/C system 6k miles out of warranty, at no charge to me. As a happy Honda owner, I highly recommend this car.
Micheal Blick 2025-05-09
Vehicle year: 2009
I bought this car for my wife in 2008. Since she wasn't fond of cleaning her car, I thought something simple like this (no carpet or frills) would be perfect for her. Two years later, I ended up using it because it gets better gas mileage than our full-size Chevy Crew Cab with a V8. Although it only gets 22-24 MPG, which is poor for a 4-cylinder, I'm on the highway most of the time. While I wouldn't buy another one, it's great for hauling bicycles around. In fact, I've managed to fit 4 bikes in the back with the seats up. It's built like a tank and, as I mentioned, very reliable. It now has 114,000 miles on it and still runs like a top...an ugly one!