2005 Honda ElementUNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

159 federal complaints (204 component records) · 7 recall campaigns on file · 3 federal investigations · 48 service bulletins · 7 Canadian recalls
See all 9 model years of the Honda Element →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
19 city / 24 hwy
Federal complaints
159
Recall campaigns
7
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Air bags
78
Electrical system
16
Glass & wipers
13
Suspension
13
Engine & cooling
13
Seats
12
Power train
9
Body & structure
8
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 16 complaints01 years old: 10 complaints2 years old: 10 complaints3 years old: 8 complaints4 years old: 9 complaints5 years old: 10 complaints56 years old: 10 complaints7 years old: 3 complaints8 years old: 9 complaints9 years old: 7 complaints10 years old: 11 complaints1011 years old: 15 complaints12 years old: 9 complaints13 years old: 6 complaints14 years old: 2 complaints15 years old: 6 complaints1516 years old: 4 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 4 complaints19 years old: 3 complaints20+ years old: 5 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 157 of 159 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 16 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 15 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 14 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 12 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 7 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 11 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 9 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 4 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 7 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 6 complaints200,000+ miles: 6 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 107 of 159 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Air bags

78 complaint records12 crash reports
"MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE THE CAR WAS NOT MOVING. THIS IS THE AIRBAG THAT LOCATED ON THE SIDE OF THE SEAT. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Electrical system

16 complaint records5 fire reports
"DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE SWITCH FOR SRS AIR BAG SYSTEM SHUTS OFF SRS SYSTEM - RED WARNING LIGHT COMES ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AFTER RESETTING, SYSTEM MAY WORK OKAY FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. REPAIR SHOP SAYS COMMON PROBLEM SEEN MAY TIMES . COST TO FIX $350+. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Glass & wipers

13 complaint records2 fire reports
"WINDSHIELD CRACKED AFTER USING DEFROSTER. HONDA DEALER IN ALBANY, NY SAID IT WAS CRACKED DUE TO A TINY NICK IN THE GLASS RESULTING FROM A STONE. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse glass & wipers parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA21002
opened Sep 2021
OPENAir BagsDesiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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.
EA15001
opened Feb 2015
OPENAir BagsAir Bag Inflator Rupture - led to recall 22V945
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...
PE14016
opened Jun 2014
closed Mar 2015Air BagsAir Bag Inflator Rupture - led to recall 15V226000
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...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
19V501000Air BagsHonda (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,...Normally free
19V499000Air BagsHonda (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...Normally free
19V182000Air BagsHonda (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...Normally free
17V029000Air BagsHonda (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...Normally free
16V344000Air BagsHonda (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...Normally free
15V320000Air BagsHonda (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...Normally free
11V395000Power TrainHONDA 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2021024
2021-01-26
Structure12,641Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear frame could rust. In extreme cases, this could result in a rear trailing arm separating from the vehicle.
2019117
2019-03-07
Airbag83,977Issue: 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.
2017009
2017-01-10
Airbag428,641On 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.
2015225
2015-05-27
Airbag704,770On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment.
2014567
2014-12-15
Airbag704,770Honda 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.
Show 2 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2011286
2011-08-05
Powertrain135,142On 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...
2005157
2005-05-19
Electrical17On certain vehicles, the trailer hitch kit wiring harness has an incorrectly wired connector. As a result, the trailer brake lamps and turn signal lamps could operate incorrectly, or a fuse could blow causing a sudden loss of brake and...

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
A18-051
Jun 2026
Air BagsService Bulletin - Warranty Extension: Customer Support Program For Front Passenger's Airbag Inflator.
A07-030
Jan 2021
Equipment"Service Bulletin - There are several A/C leak detection tools available. -Refrigerant Gas Leak Detector -Ultrasonic Leak Detector -Leak Dye"
A20-009
Mar 2020
Air BagsService Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only.
A20-014
Mar 2020
Air BagsService Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passenger's airbag inflator only.
A18-054
Jun 2018
Air BagsService bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passengers airbag inflator only.
Show 43 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
A18-051
Jun 2018
Air BagsService bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passengers airbag inflator only.
A18-046
May 2018
EquipmentService bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects to the replacement driver's airbag inflator only.
TAKATA_HAWAII FL
Sep 2016
EquipmentFLYER CIRCULATED TO THE RESIDENTS OF HAWAII TO REMIND OWNERS OF THE TAKATA RECALL AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT THEIR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE.
TAKATA_HAWAII PO
Sep 2016
EquipmentPOSTERS SENT TO HAWAIIAN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITIES, AUTOMOTIVE PART STORES, CAR WASHES, AND GAS STATIONS TO REMIND OWNERS OF THE TAKATA RECALL AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT THEIR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE.
TAKATA_FLORIDA D
Aug 2016
EquipmentLETTER SENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FLORIDA HIGHWAY SAFETY AND MOTOR VEHICLES DEPARTMENT TO REMIND FLORIDA OWNERS OF THE TAKATA RECALL AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT THEIR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE.
TAKATA_TEXT MESS
Aug 2016
EquipmentTEXT MESSAGES SENT TO REMIND OWNERS OF THE TAKATA RECALL AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT THEIR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE.
TAKATA_HAWAII NE
Aug 2016
EquipmentADVERTISEMENT IN HAWAIIAN NEWSPAPERS TO REMIND OWNERS OF THE TAKATA RECALL AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT THEIR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE.
A15-040
Dec 2015
Air Bags"SERVICE BULLETIN - AMERICAN HONDA CONSOLIDATED THE PREVIOUS AIRBAG INFLATOR CAMPAIGNS INTO THIS CURRENT BULLETIN BASED ON DECISIONS MADE BY NHTSA.
HONDA - AIRBAG R
Dec 2015
Air BagsPOSTER OF LISTED HONDA VEHICLES AFFECTED BY AN AIRBAG INFLATOR RECALL - ENGLISH.
A13-021
Sep 2015
Engine"SERVICE BULLETIN - THE MIL COMES ON WITH ONE OF THESE DTCS: • P2646/P2651 (ROCKER ARM OIL PRESSURE SWITCH CIRCUIT LOW VOLTAGE). • P2647/P2652 (ROCKER ARM OIL PRESSURE SWITCH CIRCUIT HIGH VOLTAGE).
A15-040
Sep 2015
Air Bags"SERVICE BULLETIN - IN CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE DRIVER’S (FRONT) AIRBAG INFLATOR COULD PRODUCE EXCESSIVE INTERNAL PRESSURE DURING AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. IF AN AFFECTED AIRBAG DEPLOYS, THE INCREASED INTERNAL PRESSURE MAY CAUSE THE INFLATOR CASING TO RUPTURE.
SERVICE BULLETIN
Jun 2015
Air Bags"SERVICE BULLETIN - AMERICAN HONDA CONSOLIDATED THE PREVIOUS AIRBAG INFLATOR CAMPAIGNS INTO THIS CURRENT BULLETIN BASED ON DECISIONS MADE BY NHTSA. DO AN IN VIN STATUS INQUIRY AND, IF INDICATED, REPAIR THE VEHICLE EVEN IF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER A PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN.
A15-040
Jun 2015
Air Bags"SERVICE BULLETIN - AMERICAN HONDA CONSOLIDATED THE PREVIOUS AIRBAG INFLATOR CAMPAIGNS INTO THIS CURRENT BULLETIN BASED ON DECISIONS MADE BY NHTSA. DO AN IN VIN STATUS INQUIRY AND, IF INDICATED, REPAIR THE VEHICLE EVEN IF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER A PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN.
A14-045
May 2015
Air Bags"SERVICE BULLETIN - CERTAIN HONDA VEHICLES OPERATED IN AREAS KNOWN FOR HIGH ABSOLUTE HUMIDITY AND HIGH HEAT MAY CONTAIN A DRIVER’S AIRBAG THAT, OVER TIME, MAY BE AFFECTED BY EXPOSURE TO THE HUMIDITY, WHICH COULD PRODUCE EXCESSIVE INTERNAL PRESSURE UPON DEPLOYMENT.
HONDA - AIRBAG S
May 2015
Air BagsCUSTOMER LETTER - PLEASE BE AWARE, WE HAVE A NATIONAL SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND RECALL UNDER WAY TO REPAIR AIRBAG INFLATORS, AT NO COST TO YOU, IN CERTAIN HONDA AND ACURA VEHICLES (LISTED BELOW).
Service Bulletin
Apr 2015
Air BagsService bulletin - Certain Honda vehicles operated in areas known for high absolute humidity and high heat may contain a driver's airbag that, over time, may be affected by exposure to the humidity, which could produce excessive internal pressure upon deployment.
Service Bulletin
Dec 2014
Air BagsService bulletin - Certain Honda vehicles operated in areas known for high absolute humidity and high heat may contain a driver's airbag that, over time, may be affected by exposure to the humidity, which could produce excessive internal pressure upon deployment.
Service Bulletin
Nov 2014
Air BagsService bulletin - Certain Honda vehicles operated in areas known for high absolute humidity and high heat may contain a driver?s airbag that, over time, may be affected by exposure to the humidity, which could produce excessive internal pressure upon deployment.
Service Bulletin
Sep 2014
Air BagsService bulletin - Certain Honda vehicles operated in areas known for high absolute humidity and high heat may contain a driver?s airbag that, over time, may be affected by exposure to the humidity, which could produce excessive internal pressure upon deployment.
DLR MSG - Honda
Aug 2014
Air BagsDealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, American Honda announced three recalls for various 2001-11 Honda models. As of August 4, 2014, affected VINs have been identified, and VIN status inquiry has been updated.
DLR MSG - Stop S
Jul 2014
Air BagsDealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, American Honda announced three recalls for various 2001-11 Honda models. As of July 23, 2014, affected VINs have been identified, and service bulletins 14-040, Safety Recall: Accord, Civic, and Others ?
Service Bulletin
Jul 2014
Air BagsService bulletin - Certain Honda vehicles operated in areas known for high absolute humidity and high heat may contain a driver?s airbag that over time may be affected by exposure to the humidity, which could produce excessive internal pressure upon deployment.
DLR MSG - Honda
Jul 2014
Air BagsDealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, American Honda announced three recalls for various 2001-11 Honda models. At this time, affected VINs have not been determined.
DLR MSG - Honda
Jun 2014
Air BagsDealer message - The recalls announced today involve driver?s or passenger?s front airbag inflators, which in a crash may deploy with too much pressure, causing the inflator casing to rupture and eject metal fragments that could injure or kill vehicle occupants.
A-13-021
Jul 2013
EngineHONDA: DTC P2646/P2651 OR P2647/2652 MAY BE SET. THE ROCKER ARM OIL PRESSURE SWITCH MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO INCLUDED MODEL CIVIC SI MODEL YEAR 2002-2005. *JS
SB-12-002
Jan 2012
Electrical SystemHONDA: ON SOME MODEL VEHICLES, THERE IS AN ALTERNATOR/STARTER TESTER (AST) MODULE CAPABLE OF TESTING ALTERNATORS, INSTALLED ON GR8 DIAGNOSTIC BATTERY STATION. *PE
SB-06-041
Jul 2011
Power TrainHONDA: THE VEHICLE MOVES FASTER THAN EXPECTED WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN GEAR, FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, AND FOOT OFF THE THROTTLE. SOFTWARE IS CAUSING EXTRA ENGINE TORQUE AFTER A COLD START. *RM
08-040
May 2008
EquipmentLOAD CARRYING CAPACITY REDUCED LABEL FOR ALL HONDA VEHICLES. *PE
06085
May 2008
Unknown Or OtherWARRANTY EXTENSION: VEHICLE WARRANTY MILEAGE. *KB 2002 THROUGH 2006 AND SOME 2007 FIT MODELS. UPDATED 8/18/08. *PE
SB-06-085
May 2008
Electrical SystemHONDA: WARRANTY EXTENSION-VEHICLE WARRANTY MILEAGE. CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ALLEGING THAT THE ODOMETERS ON CERTAIN 2002-2006 HONDA MODELS WERE OVERSTATING MILEAGE. FEDERAL COURT PROVIDED FINAL APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENT ON 12/29/07. NO MODELS LISTED. *PE
08-008
Feb 2008
Seat BeltsSRS INDICATOR COMES ON WITH SRS DTC 3-1 OR 4-1. *NJ
03032
Nov 2006
SeatsTHE DRIVER'S SEAT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH DURING NORMAL DRIVING. *TT
05075
Dec 2005
SeatsFRONT SEAT-BACK MAKES A SQUEAKING, CHAFING, OR RUBBING NOISE. *TT
805
Aug 2005
Suspension(FRONT) STABILIZER LINK ASSEMBLY NOISE. *TT
08012005
Aug 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingTROUBLESHOOTING A STALLING ENGINE? TAKE A SNAPSHOT WITH THE HDS. HONDA SERVICENEWS. *TT
07012005
Jul 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE WON'T START AT ALL; ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY STARTS. CHECK IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM STATUS WITH THE HDS. HONDA. SERVICENEWS. *TT
060105
Jun 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingSNAPPING, CRACKING NOISE AFTER SHUTTING ENGINE OFF. *JB
05162005
May 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE-CRANKS WON'T START, IMMOBILIZER LIGHT FLASHES. *SC
05012005
May 2005
Power TrainLOW MILEAGE A/TS CAN LEAK FROM AXLE SEALS. *SC
405
Apr 2005
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID (ATF) LEAKS. HONDA TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT
205
Feb 2005
Electrical SystemDIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P2646, P2647, P2649 OR P1009. *TT
02012005
Feb 2005
EquipmentXM RADIO GETS ONLY CHANNELS 0, 1, AND 247. *TT
1204
Dec 2004
Electrical SystemALTERNATOR CONDITION (NO OR LOW OUTPUT) DEALER VISIT REQUEST. *TT

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  2. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  3. Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 7 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Honda Element →