Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Honda Element
Honda Element Models:
Honda Element Problems
Door Lock May be Not Turn Due to Worn Tumblers
Worn door lock tumblers can cause the lock not to work. Removing the lock assembly and replacing the tumblers is needed to fix this problem.
Groaning Noise on Turns Due to Differential Fluid Breakdown
On 4 wheel drive models, a groaning noise from the rear differential heard while going through turns can be caused by differential fluid break down. Servicing the rear differential will generally correct this concern.
SRS Light Due to Faulty Wire Harness For Seat Belts
On some models a faulty wire harness for the seat belts can cause the SRS light to illuminate. Replacing the faulty wire harness should correct this issue.
Vibration When Braking Due to Rotor Problem
The front brake rotors can warp and cause a vibration when braking. The rotors will need to be machined or in cases where they are worn to thin, replaced to correct this issue.
The Vehicle May Move Faster Than Expected After Cold Start
There are complaints of the vehicle moving faster than expected when cold and in gear with our foot off the throttle. A software update from Honda which should correct this concern.
Honda Element Recalls (Recent)
Honda Recalls 2003–2004 Vehicles Due to Defective Ignition Switch
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Honda is recalling 2003 Accord and Civic, and 2003–2004 Element models due to a defective interlock lever in the ignition switch. The lever may deform, which will defeat the interlock function on vehicles with an automatic transmission. This may cause a vehicle that has not been shifted into the "Park" position to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will remove the interlock pin and lever and replace them with new components, free of charge.
Learn more »Honda Recalls 2007-2008 Models Due to Air in Brake System
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Air may enter the VSA modular pump and cause the brake pedal to feel soft and lower to the floor. Without service, air may build up until poor braking performance may cause an accident. Dealers will any remove existing air in the brake system and then apply sealant and caps to prevent air from re-entering the system.
Learn more »Automatic Transmission Bearing Failure
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Certain driving styles can result in a broken outer race of the secondary shaft bearing inside the automatic transmission. A broken outer race may cause abnormal noise, the Check Engine Light to turn on, and contact between the transmission idle gear and an electronic sensor housing to occur. This could result in a short circuit, causing the engine to stall. Also, pieces of the outer race or ball bearing may become lodged in the parking pawl, resulting in the vehicle rolling after the driver has placed the shifter in the Park position. Dealers will update the transmission control module software to correct this concern. The Honda recall number is R89.
Learn more »Shifter May Not Select the Correct Gear
RepairPal Expert Overview:
During vehicle assembly, the shift cable may not have been properly secured at the shift lever. This can result in improper gear selection and/or the ignition key may become stuck in the ignition lock cylinder. Failure to select the correct gear can increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and secure the shift cable as necessary. The recall is expected to being by August 9, 2010. The Honda recall number is R45.
Learn more »Left Rear Suspension Link May Fail
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The front bushing bracket on the left rear suspension trailing arm may have been improperly welded and could separate from the trailing arm. If the bracket were to fail, the suspension could release the lower portion of the left rear wheel hub, causing a loss of vehicle control and damage to the brake system. Dealers will inspect and replace the left rear trailing arm as necessary. This recall is expected to begin during July, 2008. The Honda recall number is 08-053.
Learn more »Honda Element Questions and Answers
I had the dealer check my rear differential and they could not find a problem.
Please help. Trying to start my 2003 Element...nothing. Has a realitively new battery...had starter replaced 3 months ago. Horn and lights work. Power locks work.....radio will not come on...power ...
Where is the trailer t connector for a 2003 honda element?
Thanks
When I am doing around 40 mph and apply the gas it hesitates. Honda has said that these vehicle hardly ever need a fuel filter. What is the issue?
P2647 code comes on reader.
error comes on about 1900 rpm when it happens
Engine light comes on any time,goes off anytime. Hot.cold.humid.dry. long or short drive.
Changed oil,5-20 filter
r...
Honda Element Stories
50k on Element 4th set of rear Brakes twice they were completely destroyed due to Binding calipers etc. Whn is someone going to take care of this issue with the design. By the way Rear brakes should nver go before front brakes
Only 29,000 miles so far. Located in Florida. Replaced rear brake disks 3 times under three year warranty. Fronts still o.k. Brake disks need to be covered during storage in wet humid conditions. Master brake cylinder replaced for $360.
Idle control valve replaced at 20,000 miles $263. Still love my Element.
I HAVE OWNED NEW FORDS, CHEVYS, GMC'S. AND THEN A 2005 HONDA ELEMENT EX [51,000] AND 2008 CRV [17,000] BOTH ALL WHEEL DRIVE. BOTH ARE THE BEST UNITS I HAVE EVER OWNED. ONE THING, FOUR BANGERS SHOULD GET A LITTLE BETTER MILEAGE. BUT, ALL-WHEEL DRIVE THEY ARE HARD TO BEAT.
The only problem I have had is not with the "merchanics" but that because it sit so high, it is easy for someone to crawl under the vehicle and steal parts off it (like my cataltic converter):-(
just bought it and i have a sqeak sound coming from the engine compartment