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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2003–2011

Honda Element recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 20 recall campaigns and 1,280 owner complaints for the Honda Element, covering model years 2003 to 2011. The 2003 model year drew the most complaints (423), and Visibility is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Honda Element VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 20 recall campaigns on file
  • 1,280 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 9 model years with data (2003–2011)
  • most complaints: 2003 (423 for that model year)
  • top component: Visibility (374 complaints)
  • latest recall 19V501000 (reported Jun 27, 2019)
  • 92 complaints reporting a crash (7.2%)
  • 13 complaints reporting a fire (1.0%)
  • 81 complaints reporting an injury (6.3%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Honda Element complaints by model year

9 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2003 model year has the most complaints: 423 of 1,280, or 33.0%. Next come 2004 (281) and 2005 (159). The fewest are for 2011, with 11 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Honda Element owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2003–2011Column chart of 1,280 complaints across 9 model years. The highest is 2003 with 423. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2003: 423 complaints42320032004: 281 complaints28120042005: 159 complaints15920052006: 122 complaints12220062007: 112 complaints11220072008: 112 complaints11220082009: 30 complaints3020092010: 30 complaints3020102011: 11 complaints112011
Honda Element complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Honda Element complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
2003423284200
2004281163170
2005159135190
2006122171150
20071126040
20081125020
2009304020
2010302020
2011111000
All model years1,2809213810

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Honda Element components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Visibility is the component named most often, in 374 complaints (29.2% of all 1,280), followed by Air Bags (322) and Suspension (115).

Components named most often in Honda Element complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Honda Element complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Visibility37429.2%
Air Bags32225.2%
Suspension1159.0%
Electrical System1118.7%
Structure917.1%
Seats564.4%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic503.9%
Power Train493.8%
Unknown or Other473.7%
Seat Belts362.8%
Latches/Locks/Linkages322.5%
Service Brakes302.3%
Steering272.1%
Vehicle Speed Control272.1%
Engine262.0%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Honda Element recalls

20 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Element, newest first. The 20 campaigns cover model years 2003 to 2011. The 2008 model year appears in the most campaigns (12).

  • 20 recall campaigns
Honda Element recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2003: 10 campaigns2004: 9 campaigns2005: 7 campaigns2006: 9 campaigns2007: 10 campaigns2008: 12 campaigns2009: 8 campaigns
2010: 10 campaigns2011: 10 campaigns
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 19V501000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2003–2011

    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. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  2. NHTSA campaign 19V499000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2003–2011

    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 vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  3. NHTSA campaign 19V182000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2003–2011

    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, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.

    Consequence:
    An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  4. NHTSA campaign 18V662000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2010–2011

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles nationwide. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2012 Acura RL, 2011 Honda Element and 2011-2013 Ridgeline vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Lastly, if not included above, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2011 Honda Element, 2010-2012 Acura RL and 2010-2013 Ridgeline vehicles in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are H2H and S2I.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  5. NHTSA campaign 18V268000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2003–2004, 2006–2008, 2011

    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 bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.

    Consequence:
    An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  6. NHTSA campaign 18V041000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2009–2011

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura RL, 2010 Honda Element, and 2010-2013 Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010 Acura RL, 2010-2011 Honda Element and Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." If not included in zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura RL, Honda Element, and Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are U0H, and G0I.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  7. NHTSA campaign 17V029000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2005–2011

    Honda (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 vehicles and 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2009 Acura RL and Honda Element vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles and 2006-2009 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2008 Acura RL, Honda Element and Honda Pilot vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

    Consequence:
    An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall bagan March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KD9 and KE0.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  8. NHTSA campaign 16V344000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2003–2011

    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, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

    Consequence:
    An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  9. NHTSA campaign 15V370000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model year 2003

    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 January 18, 2005, 2003-2007 Honda Accord vehicles manufactured February 21, 2002, to August 28, 2007, 2002-2004 Honda CR-V vehicles, 2002-2003 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured June 19, 2001, to July 12, 2003, 2003 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 19, 2002, to June 19, 2003, 2003 Honda Element vehicles manufactured June 25, 2002, to July 31, 2003, and 2003 Honda Pilot vehicles manufactured November 26, 2001, to August 21, 2003. The affected vehicles have a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the passenger seat occupant or other occupants possibly causing serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JU4, JU5, JU6, and JU7. Note: Vehicles that have already received a replacement passenger air bag inflator as part of the recall remedy for an earlier campaign such as 14V353 or 14V700 (Honda recall numbers S95, JH6, JH7, JH8, JH9, JJ0, JJ1, JJ2, JJ6, JM5 and JM6) are not included in this recall. However, this recall does supersede 13V132 and 14V349. Note: On December 18, 2015 Honda informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2004 Honda CR-V vehicles in addition to additional model year 2003 CR-V vehicles.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  10. NHTSA campaign 15V320000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2003–2011

    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 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153. Honda's numbers for this recall are JQ9, JR0, JR1, JR2, JR3, JR4, JR5, JR6, JR7, and JR8.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Show 10 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 14V700000

    Reported

    Air Bags

    Model years 2003–2004

    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 geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  2. NHTSA campaign 14V353000

    Reported

    Air Bags

    Model years 2003–2004

    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 registered in California, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  3. NHTSA campaign 12V436000

    Reported

    Trailer Hitches; Electrical System › Wiring

    Model years 2007–2011

    Honda is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 Element passenger vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness. The wire that supplies power to the trailer turn signal lights was inadvertently switched with the stop lamp wire. As a result the turn signals only illuminate when the brake lamps are illuminated. This does not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

    Consequence:
    Without trailer turn signal illumination, the driver's intent is not communicated, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on September 20, 2012. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  4. NHTSA campaign 11V395000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (TCM/PCM/TECM)

    Model years 2005–2008

    Honda 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. The outer race of the secondary shaft bearing may be broken during certain driving styles. A broken outer race may cause abnormal noise, the malfunction indicator light to turn on, and allow contact between the transmission idle gear and an electronic sensor housing within the transmission.

    Consequence:
    This could result in a short circuit causing the engine to stall. Additionally, broken pieces of the outer race or ball bearing from the secondary shaft may become lodged in the parking pawl resulting in the vehicle rolling after the driver has placed the gear selector in the park position. Engine stall and unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash or personal injury to persons within the path of a rolling vehicle.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners and dealers will update the automatic transmission control module software free of charge. The safety recall began on August 27, 2011. Owners may contact Honda automobile customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  5. NHTSA campaign 10V364000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition

    Model years 2003–2004

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will remove the original interlock pin and lever within the ignition switch, and replace them with new, designed components. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on October 7, 2010. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  6. NHTSA campaign 10V361000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (PRNDL)

    Model year 2010

    Honda is recalling certain model year 2010 element automatic transmission vehicles manufactured from April 1, 2010 through June 25, 2010. During assembly process, the cable that connects the shift lever to the transmission was not set correctly at the shift lever bracket. As a result the driver may move the gear shift lever but the transmission may not be placed in the selected gear.

    Consequence:
    This can cause the key to be stuck in the ignition switch, an inability to shift into or out of park, or an inability to shift into reverse, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Honda has contacted some owners by phone and arranged to, have, or has had, their vehicles repaired free of charge. All other owners will be notified by mail. Dealers will correctly set the shift cable bushing. The safety recall began on August 9, 2010. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  7. NHTSA campaign 10V271000

    Reported

    Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

    Model year 2008

    All in one mobility is recalling certain model year 1997 through 2008 conversion vans equipped with vmi/ricon 6-WAY power seat bases. There is a possibility of a defective weld at the joint between the pivoting plate and the pivoting plate pin.

    Consequence:
    The seat occupant may be injured if the seat base pin were to break.
    Remedy:
    All in one mobility will notify owners and the vehicles will be repaired free of charge. The safety recall began on June 22, 2010. Owners may contact all in one mobility at 1-503-255-5005.

    Filed by ALL IN ONE MOBILITY, INC.

  8. NHTSA campaign 10V098000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Air

    Model years 2007–2008

    Honda has notified NHTSA of a defect in certain model year 2007 and 2008 odyssey and Element passenger vehicles manufactured between July 28, 2006 and August 21, 2008. Air can enter the VSA modular pump during an initial self-check process that occurs shortly after each time the engine is started. It is possible for enough air to enter the system to result in a brake pedal that feels soft or lower to the floor.

    Consequence:
    If the owner does not have any brake service or maintenance performed over a period of months or years, the system can continue to accumulate enough air to affect braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owner and Honda dealers will repair the VSA modulator by removing any existing air in the brake system then apply sealant and caps to prevent air from entering the brake system free of charge. The safety recall began on May 3, 2010. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  9. NHTSA campaign 08V349000

    Reported

    Suspension › Rear

    Model year 2008

    Honda is recalling 241 MY 2008 Element vehicles. The front bushing bracket of the left trailing arm of the rear suspension may have been improperly welded and could separate from the trailing arm.

    Consequence:
    A separated bushing bracket could cause the suspension to release the lower portion of the wheel hub, causing a loss of control and damage to the brake system which could lead to a crash.
    Remedy:
    Owners will be contacted by phone and advised to stop driving their vehicles until they have taken their vehicle to a dealer for inspection. Dealers will inspect the left rear trailing arm and, if necessary, replace it free of charge. The recall began on July 25, 2008. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  10. NHTSA campaign 06V270000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual

    Model year 2006

    On certain passenger vehicles and motorcycles, the owner's manuals contain incorrect contact information for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline.

    Consequence:
    The language in the owner's manuals is not in accordance with the current mandatory requirements.
    Remedy:
    Honda will send a postcard to dealers and owners with the correct NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline information and with instructions to insert the card into the "reporting safety defects" section of the owner's manual. The recall began on August 2, 2006. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009, Acura at 1-800-382-2238 or Honda motorcycles at 1-866-784-1870.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Honda Element questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Honda Element have?

NHTSA lists 20 vehicle recall campaigns for the Honda Element, covering model years 2003 to 2011. The most recent, 19V501000, was reported on June 27, 2019 and is filed under “Air bags”. The 2008 model year is covered by the most campaigns (12).

Which Honda Element model year has the most complaints?

The 2003 model year, with 423 of the 1,280 complaints in NHTSA’s file (33.0%). The next are 2004 (281) and 2005 (159). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Honda Element complaint?

Visibility is the component named most often: 374 complaints, or 29.2% of all 1,280. Air Bags (322) and Suspension (115) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Honda Element?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Honda dealer.

How many Honda Element complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 1,280 complaints, 92 report a crash, 13 a fire, 81 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Honda models

8 models · most complaints first

The Honda models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Honda VIN decoder with every Honda model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • Honda Accord 1995–2026 · 69 recalls · 22,939 complaints
  • Honda CR-V 1997–2026 · 63 recalls · 15,939 complaints
  • Honda Civic 1995–2026 · 62 recalls · 15,375 complaints
  • Honda Odyssey 1995–2026 · 82 recalls · 12,672 complaints
  • Honda Pilot 2003–2026 · 62 recalls · 9,283 complaints
  • Honda Fit 2007–2020 · 34 recalls · 2,194 complaints
  • Honda Ridgeline 2006–2026 · 39 recalls · 2,171 complaints
  • Honda HR-V 2016–2027 · 13 recalls · 1,840 complaints

All Honda models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.