2006 Honda Element

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/31/2010· VISIBILITY

  BROKEN WINDOW REGULATOR: WE WERE REFUELING AT THE GASOLINE STATION WHEN SUDDENLY THE GLASS OF THE WINDOW (FRONT PASSENGER SIDE) FELL DOWN. CULPRIT WAS BROKEN WINDOW REGULATOR.

• 12/28/2020· POWER TRAINCrash

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE KEY WAS NOT IN THE IGNITION AND THERE WAS NO ONE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

• 12/25/2024· POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  The check engine light indicated a "gas cap" code, and the "side airbag off" light was illuminated. Upon diagnosis, the technician identified significant rust and cracked transmission components, resulting in fluid leakage. The service department assessed the vehicle as unsafe for operation, waived the diagnostic fees, and replenished the transmission fluid to prevent the risk of being stranded due to a lack of fluid on the return trip. Honda Service Department took the attached photos and documented the vehicle's safety violations.

• 12/23/2015· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

  THERE'S AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THE CAR SOMETIMES WILL NOT START RIGHT AWAY. WE HAVE TO GIVE IT SEVERAL TRIES AND USUALLY AFTER 5 MINUTES IT WILL START. WE'VE ALREADY REPLACED THE STARTER AND PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. WE THOUGHT LAST RECALL WOULD HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM, BECAUSE THIS ISSUE WAS MENTIONED. BUT, THE SAME PROBLEM STILL CONTINUES AFTER LAST RECALL.

• 12/18/2025· SUSPENSION

  Honda Canada recognized the safety risks from salt damage to the frames and rear suspension of Honda Elements and recalled all years of the Element for warranty repairs, or if the damage was too severe, buy back of the vehicles. Yet they have not in the USA in rust belt states where salt damage is prevalent. As you will note from the attached photos, severe injury or death could occur in a major collision, which falls into the scope of your agency. All Elements in areas where corrosive salty and liquid brine is used are at risk, posing a significant safety hazard. Contacting local Honda dealers confirm the absence of a recall for this issue which puts motorists in this country at risk.

• 12/17/2012· AIR BAGSCrash

  I WAS DRIVING ON A CURVY ROAD WHERE IT HAD RECENTLY RAINED - ONLY DRIVER WAS IN VEHICLE. THE ELEMENT SUV SKID AND POSSIBLY HYDROPLANED A LITTLE. THE SUV JUMPED THE CURB AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE COLUMN OF A FREEWAY OVERPASS. THE FRONT END WAS SMASHED IN AND THE RADIATOR WAS DESTROYED. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED BUT THE DRIVER AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE COLLISION WAS MORE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND IT STILL DID NOT DEPLOY THE AIRBAG. THE SEATBELT I HAD ON TENSED UP AND KEPT ME FROM CRASHING INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. I DID BOUNCE A LITTLE AND HIT MY HEAD EITHER ON THE SIDE COLUMN OR THE FRAME ABOVE THE WINDOW. THE AIRBAG MAY HAVE PREVENTED THAT. I AM SHOCKED IT DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

• 12/14/2025· SUSPENSION

  left rear rear trailing arm rusted out. had car checked due to rough ride & was informed said part so rusted it was dangerous to drive. damage so severe repair not feasible. appears this is a problem with elements & some crvs. canada apparently has a recall for this, & US should, too.

• 12/11/2006· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  2006 HONDA ELEMENT HAD A GAS LEAK ONLY AFTER BEING FIVE MONTHS OLD. HONDA SAID THAT THEY HAVE NOT SEEN THIS OCCUR BEFORE HOWEVER THIS IS THE SECOND BRAND NEW HONDA THAT I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH. I HAD TO BREATH IN GAS FUMES FOR TWO MONTHS WHILE HONDA TRIED TO FIGURE WHERE THE GAS WAS COMING FROM. *JB

• 12/10/2010· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE IDLE WAS NOT STABLE CAUSING IT TO FLUCTUATE FROM 2000 RPMS TO 4000 RPMS. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 26,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.

• 12/09/2009· VISIBILITY

  I HAVE A 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. THE LAST FEW MONTHS I'VE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH POWER SIDE WINDOWS BECAUSE THE WINDOW REGULATOR 'CAME APART.' THE CAR IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD AND FOR BOTH WINDOWS TO STOP WORKING AROUND THE SAME TIME MAKES ME THINK IT'S A MANUFACTURING SITUATION. *TR

• 12/02/2015· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  SEE HONDA SAFETY RECALL NO. R44. PUB NHTSA 2010-08-05 SAME ISSUE AS DESCRIBED. 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. REMOVAL OF THE IGNITION KEY WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR OF A VEHICLE WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS NOT BEEN SHIFTED TO THE PARK POSITION CAN ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE IS THAT MY CAR ROLLED WHILE I WAS EXITING THE VEHICLE A FEW TIMES BEFORE I FIGURED OUT I WAS LEAVING THE CAR IN DRIVE WHILE EXITING BECAUSE I LEAVE MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE UNTIL I JUMP OUT. THIS WAS SCARY AND NEARLY DISASTROUS, BECAUSE WITH THE CAR ROLLING BACKWARD, IT IS A DUKES OF HAZARD MOVE TO JUMP BACK IN THE CAR WHILE GETTING IMPACTED BY THE DOOR, THEN LAUNCHING INTO THE SEAT AND HITTING THE FOOT PEDAL BRAKE. IT IS A FRIGHTENING HAZARD, BUT THE $800-1K TO FIX IS A BARRIER TO MANY PEOPLE. I CHOOSE TO ALWAYS USE THE PARKING BREAK INSTEAD OF PAY THAT MUCH. I FIND THIS A FRIGHTENING PROBLEM THAT IS AN ABSOLUTE SAFETY ISSUE HONDA KNOWS ABOUT AND SHOULD FIX.

• 12/01/2012· SEATS

  MY DRIVER SEAT HAS BEEN CRACKING AND IT IS LIKE THE SEAT COVER THAT IT WAS MADE OUT OF WAS DRY ROTTED. I HAVE TALK TO OTHER HONDA ELEMENT OWNERS AND THEY ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. SOME WITH THE DRIVER SEAT, OTHERS WITH THE OTHER SEAT. SO, IT IS NOT BECAUSE THE DRIVER GET IN AND OUT MORE, BECAUSE IT IS NOT ONLY ON THAT SIDE OF THE SEAT BUT THE OTHER SIDE AS WELL AND BACK PART ON THE SIDES. JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY ALOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE SEAT COVERS AS CRACKING AND TEARING. *TR

• 11/29/2017· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  AFTER I HAD MY LOCAL HONDA DEALER COMPLETE THE AIR BAG RECALL FOR THE SECOND, MY CRUSE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING AND MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. I RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE REPLACEMENT OF MY AIR BAG AND THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO CHARGE ME TO DIAGNOSIS THE PROBLEM. I PAID FOR THEM TO DIAGNOSIS, THEY SAID IT WAS THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ON THE DRIVERS SEAT AND THAT IT WOULD COST OVER $350 AND THE THROTTLE BODY WOULD COST $810 TO FIX THE CRUSE CONTROL. I DID NOT PAY THEM FOR THE REPAIR. THEY "RESET" THE LIGHT, BUT ADVISED THAT IT WOULD PROBABLY COME BACK ON. THEY STATED THAT WHILE THE LIGHT WAS ON THAT MY SRS SYSTEM WOULD NOT WORK. SO NOW I HAVE A CAR I LOVE, BUT AM AFRAID TO DRIVE. SEEMS FUNNY THAT THE LIGHT NEVER CAME ON BEFORE I LET THE DEALER TOUCH MY CAR.

• 11/27/2006· EQUIPMENT

  POOR RADIO PERFORMANCE ON AM STATIONS ONLY WHEN CAR IS MOVING. NOT STATIC. SOUNDS LIKE LOOSE WIRE TO ANTENNA. DEALER SAYS NO INFORMATION ON FAILURE. *NM

• 11/25/2007· VISIBILITY

  ON NOVEMBER 12, 2007, I NOTICED A HORIZONTAL CRACK IN MY HONDA ELEMENT'S WINDSHIELD, ABOUT 7 INCHES IN LENGTH ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, ABOUT HALFWAY UP STARTING AT THE LEFT SIDE PILLAR. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW AND IT HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY KIND OF ACCIDENT. I DROVE IN TO WORK AND DID NOT NOTICE THE CRACK. I DID NOTICE IT WHEN GOING TO LUNCH THAT SAME DAY. THE CRACK WAS CLEARLY VISIBLE AS IT IS IN MY DIRECT LINE OF SIGHT. IT LITERALLY APPEARED OUT OF NOWHERE. *TR

• 11/20/2015· AIR BAGS,SEATS

  MY SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG CAME OUT AFTER RUNNING OVER A BRANCH THAT I COULD NOT AVOID. I CAME OVER A HILL ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AND THE BRANCHES WERE ALL OVER THE ROAD. I GOT OUT OF MY CAR BECAUSE I SMELLED SMOKE. IT WAS ONLY UPON GETTING BACK IN MY CAR THAT I REALIZED THE AIR BAG WAS HANGING OUT. IT DID NOT INFLATE JUST CAME OUT. I RECENTLY HAD THE RECALL TAKEN CARE OF FOR THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. EVERY AUTO BODY PERSON I HAVE SPOKE WITH SAYS THAT IT SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED FOR SOMETHING LIKE A BRANCH. ALSO, MY SEAT BELTS ARE STILL WORKING WHICH IS UNCOMMON AFTER THE AIR BAG DEPLOYING. HONDA HAS NOT WANTED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE AIR BAG DEPLOYING WITHOUT TRUE CAUSE.

• 11/13/2014· AIR BAGS,SEATS

  I WAS DRIVING DOWN MY OWN DRIVEWAY, WHEN THERE WAS A VERY LOUD EXPLOSION TO MY RIGHT. AFTER A MOMENT, I REALIZED THE PASSENGER SEAT SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NOTHING ON THE SEAT AT THE TIME. MY RIGHT EAR RANG FOR QUITE SOME TIME AFTER. LUCKILY, MY DOG WAS CRATED BEHIND ME. I ROLLED DOWN THE WINDOWS TO DISSIPATE THE POWDER FLOATING ABOUT. HONDA, BOTH THE LOCAL DEALER AND CORPORATE, HAVE BEEN LESS THAN HELPFUL IN THIS MATTER. I AM JUST HAPPY IT HAPPENED IN MY OWN DRIVEWAY ( WHICH I ALMOST DROVE OFF OF) RATHER THAN ON THE MAJOR HWY I HAD BEEN ON THE DAY BEFORE AS I SURELY WOULD HAVE CRASHED. *TR

• 11/08/2007· AIR BAGSCrash

  WHEN: MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON WEDNESDAY, 11/07/2007, 1515HRS WHERE: SOUTHBOUND CO HWY 93 AND EASTBOUND CO HWY 72; JEFFERSON COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO; WHAT: MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT: 2006 HONDA ELEMENT WAS STRUCK BY AN SUV. THE ACCIDENT CAUSED THE 2006 HONDA ELEMENT TO ROLLOVER, ONCE, BEFORE RIGHTING ONTO ITS WHEELS. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE OCCURRED TO THE ELEMENT AUTOMOBILE. NOTABLY, THE AIRBAGS - FRONT, PASSENGER, AND SIDE - DID NOT DEPLOY. THE SAFETY BELT RESTRAINT SYSTEM PROTECTED THE SOLE OCCUPANT FROM LIFE-THREATENING INJURIES. WHO: COLORADO STATE PATROL. JEFFERSON COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT, ARVADA, CO POLICE DEPARTMENT; AND ARVADA FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AT THE SCENE. THE ATTENDING LAW AND EMERGENCY RESCUE PERSONNEL WERE SURPRISED THAT THE HONDA ELEMENT AIRBAG SYSTEM DID NOT DEPLOY DUE TO THE SEVERITY AND CATASTROPHIC NATURE OF THE ACCIDENT. ISSUE: WAS THE 2006 HONDA ELEMENT AIR BAG SYSTEM DEFECTIVE DUE TO THE ABSENCE OF DEPLOYMENT IN THIS ROLLOVER ACCIDENT? *TR

• 11/06/2006· STRUCTURE

  VEHICLE SUSTAINED MULTIPLE DENTS THROUGHOUT THE ROOF AND HOOD FROM "SIMPLE" ACORNS FALLING FROM A TREE. DAMAGE IS UNACCEPTABLE AND WAS BASICALLY TOLD BY HONDA MOTOR CORP. THAT I "SHOULDN'T" PARK UNDER TREES THAT DAMAGE MY CAR. THE CAR PARKED NEXT TO MINE SUSTAINED "NO" DAMAGE. NO OTHER CARS SEEM TO SUSTAIN THIS KIND OF DAMAGE. ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE STRUCTURAL "INTOLERANCE" ON THIS VEHICLE. MY SEVEN PREVIOUS CARS NEVER SUSTAINED "ANY" DAMAGE FROM ACORNS. I WOULD NEVER HAVE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, HAD I KNOWN IT HAD SUCH THIN METAL ON ITS EXTERIOR. I WAS LEFT HIGH & DRY BY HONDA CASE MANAGEMENT AS WELL AS BY HONDA OF DANBURY SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH HOW THEY WERE UNWILLING TO HELP ME WITH MY SITUATION. *NM

• 11/05/2014· AIR BAGS

  I CALLED BRAMAN HONDA IN MIAMI, FLORIDA (7000 CORAL WAY, MIAMI, FL 33155, (800) 568-9724), IN ORDER TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR RECALL #14V-351 (AIRBAGS), AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD TRY TO GET BACK TO ME IN THREE WEEKS. I WAS NOT OFFERED A LOANER, UNTIL THE PART ARRIVED, AND I PURCHASED MY CAR NEW THERE. IF I HAVE AN ACCIDENT WITH INJURIES, I WANT THIS ON THE RECORD. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

• 11/03/2017· AIR BAGSCrash

  TAKATA RECALL ----FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG DID NOT COME OUT AFTER FRONT SIDE COLLISION. AUTO WAS TOTALED.

• 10/27/2011· POWER TRAIN

  2006 HONDA ELEMENT. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE TRANSMISSION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE IS SUBMITTING A COMPLAINT AGAINST HONDA, BECAUSE THEY DID NOT PROVIDE A REASONABLE EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WAS NOT CAUSED BY THE SAME MODULE SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN RECALL 11V395000. IN NOVEMBER 2009, THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO CHECK A RATTLE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE. THE DEALER FOUND A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION CARRIER BEARING AND QUOTED A PRICE OF $3,300. AFTER COMPLAINING, HONDA AGREED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION, BUT THE CONSUMER HAD TO PAY THE LABOR. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED HONDA IN OCTOBER 2011 BECAUSE HE DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL LETTER. HONDA STATED HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER IS NOW CONCERNED THAT HIS VEHICLE HAS THE PROBLEM AS STATED IN THE RECALL. *JB

• 10/26/2016· AIR BAGS

  TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

• 10/25/2006· AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATSCrash

  DRIVER RAN INTO STOPPED CAR IN FRONT OF HIM. SPEED WAS SUFFICIENT TO FLATTEN THE CAR UP TO THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE - LITTLE DAMAGE BEHIND THAT. CAR IS 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. SAFETY BELT DID NOT LOCK UP QUICKLY - DRIVER STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL, AND CHEST WAS BRUISED BY TOP OF STEERING WHEEL. PASSENGER SEAT MOVED TO THE FULL FORWARD POSITION, ALMOST TOUCHING THE DASHBOARD. NO SIGNIFICANT INJURIES RESULTED, BUT SAFETY SYSTEMS DID NOT WORK AS EXPECTED.

• 10/24/2012· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  THE SUN VISOR MOUNT HAS LOOSENED UP OVER THE LAST YEAR OR SO. TODAY, I PULLED DOWN THE SUN VISOR TO BLOCK THE SUN AND WHEN I ACCELERATED THE ENTIRE THING FELL ON MY FACE WHILE I WAS DRIVING, TEMPORARILY BLOCKING MY VISION. THE ENTIRE MOUNT AND VISOR CAME OUT OF THE CEILING OF MY CAR AND FELL ON ME. *TR

• 10/22/2018· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  2006 HONDA ELEMENT APPROX 114,000 MILES. VEHICLE LOW BEAMS BOTH STOP WORKING SIMULTANEOUSLY WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT VARIOUS SPEEDS INCREASING LIKELIHOOD OF CRASH. THIS IS RECURRENT ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL AND OTHER HONDA MODELS INCLUDING PILOT AND FIT. ISSUE RELATES TO BURNING CONTACT IN WIRING HARNESS. THIS IS CLEARLY A DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING/ DESIGN THAT PUTS DRIVERS AND OTHER MOTORISTS AT RISK OF ACCIDENT.

• 10/21/2025· SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  The trailing arm mounts are severely rotted due to rust and my mechanic has claimed that it is unsafe to drive. The element has been recalled in Canada for this same issue. It is a huge safety concern for a vehicle that is otherwise in great condition.

• 10/20/2016· AIR BAGS

  2006 HONDA ELEMENT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VIN# NOT LISTED ON PASSENGER AIRBAG RECALL LIST AND REQUESTS INFORMATION ON THE TYPE OF PROPELLANT USED IN THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SYSTEM. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WAS REPLACED IN JUNE 2015. THE CONSUMER IS NOW CONCERNED ABOUT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG EXPLODING. HONDA INFORMED THE CONSUMER A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR HIS MAKE AND MODEL, BUT NOT HIS YEAR. *JB

• 10/20/2014· AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V351000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER DID NOT PROVIDE A SPECIFIC DATE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIRS. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR SEAT BELTS WERE CONNECTED TO THE DOORS WHICH CAUSED A SAFETY CONCERN UPON ENTERING AND EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

• 10/20/2014· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V351000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO REMEDY THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE.

• 10/13/2016· SEATS

  DRIVER'S SEAT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH WHILE DRIVING AND BRAKING MY MECHANIC SAID BUSHINGS WORN/LOOSE. HE FIXED IT, BUT THE PROBLEM CAME BACK. A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN HAS BEEN RELEASED BY HONDA ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. A SERVICE ADVISER AT A HONDA DEALERSHIP COULD NOT HELP MY PROBLEM WITHOUT ME PAYING A COSTLY BILL. WHAT'S NEXT?

• 10/08/2011· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  IN COLD WEATHER AND COLD STARTS. ENGINE STALLS AT STOPS. SLOWING DOWN BETWEEN 15 MPH AND 0 MPH ENGINE STALLS. SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN ENGINE WILL STALL DURING TURN. LOSE STEERING ABILITY WHEN ENGINE STOPS. *TR

• 10/07/2015· AIR BAGS

  HONDA CUSTOMER CARE TEAM EMAIL DIRECTS YOU TO VISIT A PERSONALIZED SITE. IN MY CASE: HTTP://HR3F.MYHONDAAUTO.COM/REYNALDOCOLON FOR FURTHER DETAILS. UNFORTUNATELY, WHEN YOU ENTER YOUR VIN INFORMATION IT INDICATES THAT YOU HAVE "TIMED-OUT" NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES YOU RETRY TO INPUT YOUR VEHICLE INFORMATION IT TAKES YOU TO A "TIMED-OUT" PAGE. [XXX]@MYHONDAAUTO.COM INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *JB

• 10/06/2025· SUSPENSION

  Rusting rear suspension is safety issue. Elements were already recalled in Canada but not yet in USA since not enough complaints were issued. The Element is based on the CRV which already does have a recall in USA for this issue

• 10/05/2016· AIR BAGS

  TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 08/03/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL WAS COMPLETED. *TR

• 09/26/2010· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  DROVE CAR ON A 6 HR TRIP WITH ONE STOP FOR GAS DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS THEREFORE THERE WAS NO NEED TO TURN HEADLIGHTS ON. WHEN REACHING DESTINATION, HEADLIGHTS HAD TURNED ON BY THEMSELVES ALTHOUGH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON THE STEERING COLUMN REMAINED IN THE 'OFF' POSITION AND WAS NEVER TURNED ON BY THE DRIVER THAT DAY. CAR HEADLIGHT WARNING WOULD NOT SOUND WHEN CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND DOOR OPEN EVEN THOUGH THE LIGHTS REMAINED ON. REMOVED HEADLIGHT FUSE THAT NIGHT. THE NEXT DAY, INSERTED FUSE AND HEADLIGHTS WERE STILL ON. TOOK TO HONDA DEALERSHIP WHO REPLACED HEADLIGHT RELAY BUT THAT SAME DAY HEADLIGHTS CONTINUED TO TURN ON BY THEMSELVES WHILE CAR WAS TURNED OFF. DEALERSHIP REPLACED ENTIRE FUSE BOX TO FIX THE PROBLEM. LESS THAN ONE WEEK LATER, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR WILL NOT GO OVER3,000 RPM. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP WHO STATED THAT THE VTECH SENSOR FOR OIL PRESSURE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW IN AUG 2006 SO ONLY HAS BEEN DRIVEN BY ONE OWNER FOR 4 YEARS WITH DEALER RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE PERFORMED. *TR

• 09/25/2006· AIR BAGS

  I WAS DRIVING AT LOW SPEED ALONG A GRAVEL ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH IN A 2004 HONDA ELEMENT EX WHEN THE SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING AND I CAN FIND NO REASON WHY THIS AIRBAG WOULD DEPLOY WITHOUT ANY IMPACT. *JB

• 09/21/2007· AIR BAGS

  I WAS DRIVING MY 2006 HONDA ELEMENT ON A DIRT ROAD AT 25 MPH WHEN THE SIDE AIRBAG IN THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY BECAUSE THE AIRBAG DID WHAT IT WAS SUPPOSED TO DO. THE SIDE AIRBAG ON A HONDA ELEMENT DEPLOYS AS THE RESULT OF A SINGLE SENSOR BEING ACTIVATED. THE FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOY WHEN 2 OUT OF 3 SENSORS ARE ACTIVATED. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED ON OTHER HONDA ELEMENTS, NOT AS THE RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT BUT BECAUSE OF THE SENSOR INDICATING A NEED FOR DEPLOYMENT. *JB

• 09/19/2008· SUSPENSION,WHEELSCrash

  OUR CAR, TRAVELING AT 40 MPH WAS HIT FROM THE SIDE AT THE LEFT FRONT, AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE LEFT FRONT. THE TIRE AND PART OF THE AXLE WERE DETACHED AND ABOUT 10 FEET FROM THE CAR. THE SHERIFF TOLD US THAT HE HAS SEEN THIS TYPE OF CAR IN SIMILAR ACCIDENTS WHERE THE TIRE AND AXEL HAVE DETACHED FROM THE CAR AND FOUND IT UNUSUAL IN THIS TYPE OF CRASH. *TR

• 09/19/2006· INTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH TO SEE CLEARLY DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS. THE SERVICE DEALER RECOMMENDED TINTING ADDED TO THE FRONT SIDE WINDOWS AND THE TOP FEW INCHES OF THE WINDSHIELD. LED LIGHTS WERE INSTALLED INTO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IN AN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE VISIBILITY WAS STILL POOR AND TOOK ATTENTION FROM THE ROAD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. UPDATED 10/04/06 *JB

• 09/16/2013· AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURECrash

  I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH VEHICLE IN FRONT SUDDENLY STOPPED I REAR ENDED VEHICLE CAUSING DAMAGE TO FRONT BUMPER, HOOD AND DRIVER SIDE PANEL, THERE WAS NO INJURIES THANK GOD DRIVER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ALSO PASSENGER ON REAR SIDE SEAT BELT SNAPPED THIS WAS MY SECOND FENDER BENDER IN THREE YEARS WHERE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN BECAUSE MY FAMILY'S SAFETY IS MY PRIORITY AND HONDA SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS SERIOUSLY BEFORE MAJOR INJURIES OR DEATHS OCCURS. *TR

• 09/15/2006· EQUIPMENT

  DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER GETTING INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT SUFFERED HEADACHES AND EYE BURNING. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT DID NOT SMELL ANYTHING EXCEPT THE NEW CAR SMELL. *AK

• 09/14/2018· SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE

  WE GOT A LETTER IN THE MAIL ABOUT THE RECALL ON THE AIRBAGS. AIR BAG LIGHT ALWAYS ON. WE HAVE A KNOCKING SOUND IN THE ENGINE ,THE DRIVER DOOR GETS STUCK, WE HAVE NO A/C , ONE FAN UNDER THE HOOD WORK,SHOCKS MISSING UP TIRES, BATTERY DIE ALL THE TIME, AND HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR JUST CUTTING OFF AT LIGHTS OR WHEN STOPED BY ITSELF.

• 09/12/2010· AIR BAGS

  ON 9/7/10 WHILE DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON I-15 SOUTH OF LAS VEGAS, NV THE RIGHT FRONT. PASSENGER AIRBAG ON MY 2006 HONDA ELEMENT INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO IMPACT OR COLLISION OF ANY KIND. MY WIFE WAS SITTING IN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITH SUCH FORCE THAT IT BLEW A HOLE THROUGH A BLANKET MY WIFE HAD WRAPPED AROUND HER INJURING HER RIGHT ARM AND SHOULDER. UPON RETURNING TO MY HOME IN VENTURA, CA I CONTACTED A LOCAL HONDA DEALER IN OXNARD, CA. THEY WERE VERY CIRCUMSPECT IN THEIR DISCUSSIONS WITH ME AND I WAS ASKED TO VISIT THEM ON 9/13/10 WITH ANY "ADDITIONAL INFORMATION" I MAY HAVE. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH SINCE THE INCIDENT IN QUESTION AND HAVE DISCOVERED THAT OTHER INCIDENTS SUCH AS MIN E HAVE OCCURRED IN THE PAST AND HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO YOUR AGENCY, BUT WITH LITTLE OR NO RESULTS. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT NORTH AMERICAN HONDA HAS REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT IN THEIR AIRBAG SYSTEM(S). SO FAR AS I CAN TELL FROM MY RESEARCH NO ONE HAS BEEN KILLED YET BY PREVIOUS INCIDENTS IN A HONDA ELEMENT SUCH AS MINE. IT IS MY CONTENTION THAT IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE YOU CAN PUT AN "X" IN THE DEATH OR FATALITY BOX ON YOUR FORM. IT'S TIME YOUR AGENCY STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE AND DID SOMETHING TO FORCE HONDA TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DEFECT. *TR

• 09/12/2010· AIR BAGS

  ON 9/7/10 WHILE DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON I-15 SOUTH OF LAS VEGAS, NV THE RIGHT FRONT. PASSENGER AIRBAG ON MY 2006 HONDA ELEMENT INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO IMPACT OR COLLISION OF ANY KIND.MY WIFE WAS SITTING IN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITH SUCH FORCE THAT IT BLEW A HOLE THROUGH A BLANKET MY WIFE HAD WRAPPED AROUND HER INJURING HER RIGHT ARM AND SHOULDER. UPON RETURNING TO MY HOME IN VENTURA, CA I CONTACTED A LOCAL HONDA DEALER IN OXNARD, CA. THEY WERE VERY CIRCUMSPECT IN THEIR DISCUSSIONS WITH ME AND I WAS ASKED TO VISIT THEM ON 9/13/10 WITH ANY "ADDITIONAL INFORMATION" I MAY HAVE. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH SINCE THE INCIDENT IN QUESTION AND HAVE DISCOVERED THAT OTHER INCIDENTS SUCH AS MINE HAVE OCCURRED IN THE PAST AND HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO YOUR AGENCY, BUT WITH LITTLE OR NO RESULTS. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT NORTH AMERICAN HONDA HAS REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT IN THEIR AIRBAG SYSTEM(S). SO FAR AS I CAN TELL FROM MY RESEARCH NO ONE HAS BEEN KILLED YET BY PREVIOUS INCIDENTS IN A HONDA ELEMENT SUCH AS MINE. IT IS MY CONTENTION THAT IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE YOU CAN PUT AN "X" IN THE DEATH OR FATALITY BOX ON YOUR FORM. IT'S TIME YOUR AGENCY STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE AND DID SOMETHING TO FORCE HONDA TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DEFECT. *TR

• 09/08/2010· VISIBILITY

  HONDA ELEMENT (2006) HAS A POWER WINDOW REGULATOR FAILURE, DRIVER'S SIDE (FRONT LEFT). DIAGNOSED AS A PROBLEM WITH THE WINDOW REGULATOR CABLE. REPAIR EXPECTED TO BE AROUND $300 - $400 AT A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP ($500 PLUS AT THE DEALERSHIP). THIS SAME HONDA ELEMENT HAS A CRACKED WINDSHIELD THAT SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED WHILE DRIVING DOWN A TOLL ROAD WITH NO OTHER CARS WITHIN 20 CAR LENGTHS AND NO VISIBLE ROCKS OR OTHER OBJECTS IN THE ROADWAY. HONDA ACCORD (1998) HAS ALL FOUR WINDOWS WITH POWER WINDOW REGULATOR FAILURE. EACH REPAIR IS JUST UNDER $500 WITH TAX AT THE DEALERSHIP. *TR

• 09/07/2012· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL SPORADICALLY WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH OR ABOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AT LEAST SIX TIMES WHO RAN SEVERAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

• 09/07/2010· VISIBILITY

  WINDSHIELD ON 2006 HONDA ELEMENT CHIPS VERY EASILY AND CRACKS APPEAR WITHOUT ANY IMPACT. *TR

• 08/23/2014· ENGINE

  ABOUT 3 - 4 TIMES PER YEAR, THE CAR ENGINE RACES WITHOUT ANY REASON WHY. IT IS NECESSARY TO STAND ON THE BRAKE & SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL; AND THEN WAIT TIL THE ENGINE STOPS RACING (USUALLY 15 - 25 SECONDS). UNTIL 2 DAYS AGO (8/21/2014), IT HAS ONLY HAPPENED WHEN BEING ALONE IN THE CAR. HOWEVER, ON THIS OCCASION MY WIFE WAS A PASSENGER. SHE WAS QUITE UPSET OVER THIS THERE IS USUALLY NO INDICATION WHEN IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN, BUT ON THIS OCCASION, THE BRAKES DID NOT SEEM TO BE WORKING PROPERLY WHEN I PULLED INTO A STORE PARKING LOT. CAME TO A STOP SIGN, AND THE ENGINE BEGAN IT'S RACING. SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND WAITED ABOUT 15 SECONDS, WHILE ALSO APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE CAR THEN RETURNED TO NORMAL. EXCEPT FOR NOTICING SOME DIFFICULTY WITH THE BRAKES, THIS WAS THE USUAL RACING INCIDENT THAT HAS BEEN ENCOUNTERED OVER THE YEARS. SINCE IT HAS ONLY BEEN ME IN THE PAST IN THE VEHICLE, I DID NOT FEEL A NEED TO REPORT THE INCIDENTS. *TR

• 08/22/2006· STRUCTURE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ON THE VEHICLE WAS SET TOO FAR INTO THE DASH TO SEE THE GAUGES EFFECTIVELY DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE. UPDATED 10/04/06. *JB