What's Wrong with the 1st Generation (2003–2011) Element?

Element owners have made 175 complaints about the 2003–2011 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 24th out of 58 Honda generations in overall reliability, with some interior and body concerns.

Common 2003-2011 Honda Element Problems

Some of the worst issues 1st generation Element owners have to deal with.

  2. TPMS Warning Light

    TPMS, or tire pressure monitoring systems, are a mildly controversial feature of some modern cars. While it's nice to have quick access to the current PSI readings of your tires from the comfort of your driver's seat, some manufacturers (he…

    Continue reading article "TPMS Warning Light"

  3. Odyssey and Element Soft Brakes

    Soft brakes are a sign of too much air buildup.Owners with this issue were likely told by mechanics that there was air in the brake system and would have recommended bleeding the brakes, until the system started to slowly let in air again.

    Continue reading article "Odyssey and Element Soft Brakes"

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

1st Generation (2003–2011) Element Key Numbers

  1. 9 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 175 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 24th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 58 eligible generations.

Recent 1st Generation (2003–2011) Element News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  2. The 4th phase of Honda’s Takata airbag recall is set to get underway next month.

    Honda says it has made a lot of progress with existing recall repairs because plenty of replace airbag inflators are available. The 77.7 percent completion rate out of nearly 13 million recalled vehicles has allowed Honda to issue the recall now instead of waiting until December. An automaker that’s actually ahead of schedule on a recall? What world is this?…

    keep reading article "The Next Phase of Honda’s Massive Takata Recall is Ahead of Schedule"