Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

Honda Element Problems, Recalls and MPG by Year

What this means

NHTSA lists 20 recall campaigns across the Honda Element, 2003–2011. Owners have filed 1,281 complaints with NHTSA. Of the last 9 model years with settled counts, the 2003 drew the most (423) and the 2011 the fewest (11).

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls20campaignsCovering 2003–2011 model yearsSource: NHTSA Complaints1,281filedOwner reports across 9 model yearsSource: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy22mpg combined2011 model, best configurationSource: EPA

Honda Element complaints by model year

1,281 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Red numbers above the columns are recall campaigns for that model year.

ComplaintsStill collecting reports3Recall campaigns

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fewest complaints

  • 2011 · 11 complaints
  • 2009 · 30 complaints
  • 2010 · 30 complaints

Most complaints

  • 2003 · 423 complaints
  • 2004 · 281 complaints
  • 2005 · 159 complaints

Among the last 15 model years at least five years old; newer years are left out because owners are still filing reports. Every year compared →

Problem areas by model year

Complaints that name each component, 2003–2011. Darker cells mean more reports. One complaint can name several components.

Honda Element owner complaints by component and model year (NHTSA ODI)
Component200320042005200620072008200920102011
Visibility 226106121276122
Air bags 497376552724576
Suspension 251613101424761
Electrical system 35181611226120
Structure 3213811614520
Service brakes 95621834850
Seats 62612920010
Power train 12109554121

Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Honda Element recalls (20)

Recall campaigns NHTSA lists for at least one Element model year, newest first.

NHTSA recall campaigns for the Honda Element
CampaignFiledWhatModel yearsRepaired
19V499000Jun 27, 2019Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode2003–201129.5%
19V501000Jun 27, 2019Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode2003–201147.7%
19V182000Mar 6, 2019Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode2003–201154.2%
18V662000Sep 27, 2018Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode2010, 201185%
18V268000Apr 26, 2018Improperly Installed Passenger Air Bag2003–201186.4%
18V041000Jan 9, 2018Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode2009, 2010, 201180.8%
17V029000Jan 10, 2017Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture2005–201171.9%
16V344000May 23, 2016Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture2003–201157.8%
15V370000Jun 15, 2015Passenger Side Front Air Bag Inflator may Rupture200376.9%
15V320000May 28, 2015Driver's Frontal Air Bag May Rupture2003–201179%
14V700000Nov 4, 2014Passenger Air Bag Inflator May Rupture2003, 2004—
14V353000Jun 20, 2014Passenger Side Air Bag Inflator may Rupture2003, 200470%
12V436000Sep 5, 2012Accessory Trailer Hitch Wiring Harness2007–2011—
11V395000Aug 4, 2011AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE2005–2008—
10V364000Aug 5, 2010IGNITION INTERLOCK2003, 2004—

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. Open a model-year page for each campaign's official text, or check your VIN on NHTSA.

Check on NHTSA ↗

Fuel economy by model year

200320–21 mpg
200420–21 mpg
200520–21 mpg
200620–21 mpg
200720–22 mpg
200820–22 mpg
200920–22 mpg
201020–22 mpg
201120–22 mpg

EPA combined mpg range across engine and transmission configurations. Your mileage will vary. Source: EPA, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Where to next

2011 Honda Element report11 complaints · 10 campaigns →2010 Honda Element report30 complaints · 10 campaigns →2009 Honda Element report30 complaints · 8 campaigns →Every Honda modelHonda models →

Honda Element FAQ

How many recalls has the Honda Element had?

NHTSA lists 20 recall campaigns that cover at least one Honda Element model year from 2003 to 2011. Each campaign card on the model-year pages has NHTSA's official text and the repair completion rate. Only NHTSA's VIN lookup can tell you whether a specific car was repaired.

Which Honda Element year has the most complaints?

Among the last 9 model years with settled counts, the 2003 drew the most owner complaints filed with NHTSA (423) and the 2011 the fewest (11). Counts are owner reports, not failure rates, and sales volume affects them.

What are the most common Honda Element problems?

Across the 2003–2011 model years, owners most often name the visibility, air bags, suspension in complaints filed with NHTSA.

What mpg does the Honda Element get?

EPA rates the 2011 Honda Element at 20 to 22 mpg combined, depending on engine and transmission.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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