2003 HONDA ELEMENT

482 complaints filed with NHTSA.

482
Complaints
37
Crashes
4
Fires
33
Injuries
0
Deaths

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD217
AIR BAGS40
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM25
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES24
SUSPENSION23
UNKNOWN OR OTHER16
STRUCTURE:BODY14
STRUCTURE7
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6
SEATS6
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW6
EXTERIOR LIGHTING6
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR5
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION5

Recalls (12)

15V32000028/05/2015

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 Acur

19V49900027/06/2019

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

19V50100027/06/2019

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.

18V26800026/04/2018

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 b

16V34400023/05/2016

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, Calif

14V35300020/06/2014

AIR BAGS

American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 2005 Acura RL, and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registere

15V37000015/06/2015

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic vehicles manufactured March 21, 2000, to January 20, 2005, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX vehicles manufactured June 14, 2000, to August 19, 2004, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles manufactured February 24, 2002, to

09E02500011/05/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES

09E01200007/04/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES

19V18200006/03/2019

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

10V36400005/08/2010

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 HONDA ACCORD, CIVIC TWO AND FOUR DOOR, AND MODEL YEAR 2003-2004 HONDA ELEMENT VEHICLES. THE INTERLOCK LEVER OF THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY UNEXPECTEDLY DEFORM, WHICH CAN ALLOW THE INTERLOCK FUNCTION OF A VEHICLE WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO BE DEFEATED.

14V70000004/11/2014

AIR BAGS

American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2003-2004 Civic CNG and Element, 2002-2005 CR-V, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2005 Accord, Pilot, Civic Hybrid, and Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in ge

Recent Complaints

20250103CrashSUSPENSION

in 2023 while driving my 2003 Honda Element the control arm ripped out of the frame I had it fixed to the tune of $1800. Fast forward to this week when servicing my Element I found a major rust spot on the other trailing arm bracket. After more research there is a recall in Canada to fix this but not in US. how can this be? It is a major flaw and concern that at high speeds the arm can rip out. Honda has a fix, but it is not offered in the US. please help!

20240201AIR 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.

20230420CrashAIR 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 i

20230420CrashSTRUCTURE:BODY

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 i

20230420CrashFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

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 i

20221018CrashSUSPENSION

The car was being driven at a low speed across a school parking lot when there was a loud bang, the car dropped in the back and stopped movong. The rear trailing arm came apart from the body causing it to be inoperable. If I the car wasn't in a school zone and traveling at a high rate of speed this could have been a very serious accident. If there was a vehicle behind they would have rear ended the honda. If this happens on going down a hill it would have rolled over. If this happened on a busy

20221018CrashSTRUCTURE:BODY

The car was being driven at a low speed across a school parking lot when there was a loud bang, the car dropped in the back and stopped movong. The rear trailing arm came apart from the body causing it to be inoperable. If I the car wasn't in a school zone and traveling at a high rate of speed this could have been a very serious accident. If there was a vehicle behind they would have rear ended the honda. If this happens on going down a hill it would have rolled over. If this happened on a busy

20221018CrashUNKNOWN OR OTHER

The car was being driven at a low speed across a school parking lot when there was a loud bang, the car dropped in the back and stopped movong. The rear trailing arm came apart from the body causing it to be inoperable. If I the car wasn't in a school zone and traveling at a high rate of speed this could have been a very serious accident. If there was a vehicle behind they would have rear ended the honda. If this happens on going down a hill it would have rolled over. If this happened on a busy

20210318STRUCTURE:BODY

THE DOOR LOCK CYLINDERS FOR THE DRIVER/PASSENGER/TAILGATE WILL NOT ACCEPT A KEY TO UNLOCK THE DOORS. THE LOCKS ARE IMMOVABLE FROM THE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE, REQUIRING A LOCKSMITH TO OPEN THE DOORS OR COMPLETE REMOVAL OF THE DOORS TO SAFELY ENTER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE KEY, WHEN INSERTED INTO THE LOCK IN ATTEMPT TO ENTER THE VEHICLE, OFTEN WILL NOT RELEASE FROM THE SEIZED LOCK CYLINDER RESULTING IN THE KEY FIRMLY LODGED IN THE LOCK OF THE DOOR, RENDERING IT IMPOSSIBLE THEN TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE

Mileage: 204,862

20210318UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE DOOR LOCK CYLINDERS FOR THE DRIVER/PASSENGER/TAILGATE WILL NOT ACCEPT A KEY TO UNLOCK THE DOORS. THE LOCKS ARE IMMOVABLE FROM THE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE, REQUIRING A LOCKSMITH TO OPEN THE DOORS OR COMPLETE REMOVAL OF THE DOORS TO SAFELY ENTER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE KEY, WHEN INSERTED INTO THE LOCK IN ATTEMPT TO ENTER THE VEHICLE, OFTEN WILL NOT RELEASE FROM THE SEIZED LOCK CYLINDER RESULTING IN THE KEY FIRMLY LODGED IN THE LOCK OF THE DOOR, RENDERING IT IMPOSSIBLE THEN TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE

Mileage: 204,862

20190131ELECTRICAL 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 T

20190131VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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 T

20190131EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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 T

20181217CrashPOWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. UPON PLACING THE GEAR SELECTOR IN PARK AND BRIEFLY EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE GEAR INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED FROM PARK AND ROLLED INTO REVERSE. THE CONTACT WAS ALMOST RUN OVER. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS SHAKEN BY THE EXPERIENCE AND RECEIVED MEDICAL TREATMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAI

Mileage: 158,425

20180118CrashFireAIR BAGS

I HAD A MINOR ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAG'S POWDER, WHITE SUBSTANCE BURNED MY SKIN.

Mileage: 70,000

20160330AIR 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 FO

Mileage: 180,000

20160120CrashAIR 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

Mileage: 103,000

20150702FireENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POP AND BLACK SMOKE EMITTED THROUGH ALL OF THE VENTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKES BECAME INOPERABLE AND THE VEHICLE IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO ESCAPE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.

Mileage: 124,000

20141207CrashAIR BAGS

HAPPENED IN NYC, AFTERNOON, WEATHER DRIZZLING/RAINING AND HUMID. SLID ON AN OIL SLICK ON THE ROAD, SWERVED SIDEWAYS AND HIT AN EXIT RAMP CONCRETE BARRIER FULL FRONT (W/ MY FRONT AGAINST IT, PERPENDICULAR TO THE BARRIER). PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, MINE DID NOT. THE THING IS, I WAS THE ONLY PERSON IN THE CAR, THERE WAS NO PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. CAR WAS ALWAYS DRIVEN IN NY, I AM ORIGINAL OWNER. DIDN'T REPORT IT EARLIER BEC NEWS ALWAYS SAID IT'S ONLY AN ISSUE W/ CARS IN T

Mileage: 86,000

20140120CrashAIR BAGS

I WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON NC HWY 12 ON MY WAY TO WORK, ALONE, AND I REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH, WHEN I GLANCED DOWN TO SCRATCH MY LEG AND WHEN I GLANCED BACK DOWN, THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WAS AT A DEAD STOP AND I REAR ENDED IT. MY PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED, HOWEVER I HAD NO PASSENGER WITH ME, MY DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG FAILED. LUCKILY I WAS WEARING MY SEATBELT AND ONLY RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES. *TR

Mileage: 131,000