Honda Element problems by year
1,265 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across 9 Honda Element model years. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaint totals are lifetime counts — years that have been on the road longer accumulate more reports.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most reported problem | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Fewer complaints | 11 | 10 | — | |
| 2010 Fewer complaints | 30 | 10 | Air Bags | |
| 2009 Fewer complaints | 29 | 8 | Suspension | |
| 2008 | 110 | 12 | Air Bags | |
| 2007 | 112 | 10 | Air Bags | |
| 2006 | 122 | 9 | Air Bags | |
| 2005 | 158 | 7 | Air Bags | |
| 2004 Most complained | 281 | 9 | Visibility | |
| 2003 Most complained | 423 | 10 | Visibility |
How to read this. Complaints are unverified reports owners file with NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, counted once per case number. Raw totals are not adjusted for sales volume, and recent model years have had less time on the road. “Most complained” flags years well above the model’s median; treat it as a signal for deeper research, not a verdict. This page is not affiliated with Honda.