Honda Element Reliability
1,526 NHTSA complaints (2003–2011). Complaint rate: 444.5 per 1,000 vehicles.
Which Years to Buy & Avoid
Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.
Bottom line: Avoid the 2003–2004 Honda Element (57 crash-related complaints). The 2009–2011 models had significantly fewer reported issues. Most common issue across all years: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD.
Avoid These Years
Average
Better Years
A model's reputation is just the start.
Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
Complaints by Model Year
NHTSA complaint count per model year
Common Honda Element Problems
Most reported component complaints to NHTSA
| Component | Complaints | Crash % |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD | 335 | 0.9% |
| AIR BAGS | 260 | 16.5% |
| SUSPENSION | 105 | 4.8% |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 81 | 2.5% |
| SEATS | 56 | 7.1% |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 52 | 15.4% |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 46 | 8.7% |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 46 | 2.2% |
| AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW | 39 | 7.7% |
| SEAT BELTS | 32 | 15.6% |
Year-by-Year Breakdown
NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.
| Year | Generation | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003AVOID | — | 482 | 37 | 4 | View 2003View→ |
| 2004AVOID | — | 329 | 20 | 3 | View 2004View→ |
| 2005 | — | 202 | 16 | 7 | View 2005View→ |
| 2006 | — | 152 | 26 | 1 | View 2006View→ |
| 2007 | — | 142 | 10 | — | View 2007View→ |
| 2008 | — | 128 | 4 | — | View 2008View→ |
| 2009GOOD | — | 37 | 5 | — | View 2009View→ |
| 2010GOOD | — | 39 | 2 | — | View 2010View→ |
| 2011GOOD | — | 15 | 2 | — | View 2011View→ |
See also: Honda Elementaccident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.
Buying a Honda Element?
Check the specific VIN for hidden accidents, title issues, and full vehicle history — just $4.99.
Check VIN Free