Honda Element Electrical System Problems
Owners have filed 111 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the Honda Element across 8 model years. The 2003 model year has the most (35). The words owners use most often: “ignition switch” (10% of reports).
- 111electrical system complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 3mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 26%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Ignition switch: mentioned in 11 of 111 complaints (10%)
- Fell off: mentioned in 10 of 111 complaints (9%)
- Side door: mentioned in 10 of 111 complaints (9%)
At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?
Based on 85 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 111 complaints, 3 mention a crash, 8 a fire, 2 an injury.
Honda Element electrical system complaints by model year
| Model year | Electrical System complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Element | 2 | 7% | 60,000 |
| 2009 Element | 1 | 3% | 55,000 |
| 2008 Element | 6 | 5% | 10,528 |
| 2007 Element | 22 | 20% | 97,400 |
| 2006 Element | 11 | 9% | 96,000 |
| 2005 Element | 16 | 10% | 80,481 |
| 2004 Element | 18 | 6% | 90,000 |
| 2003 Element | 35 | 8% | 93,680 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Electrical system:wiring; trailer hitches
Model years: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Problem: 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."
Risk: Without trailer turn signal illumination, the driver's intent is not communicated, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Electrical system:ignition
Model years: 2003, 2004
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I was driving and my odometer light and dash lights went dim on me. I changed the bulbs it didn't make a difference. I had to replace the instrument cluster. Other complaint is drivers seat keeps loosening from the floor
The contact owns a 2007 Honda Element. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V436000 (Electrical System, Trailer Hitches) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The contact was advised by the local dealer that the vehicle was not eligible for recall…
My air conditioner went out and I was going to put car in reverse to see if the fans were working. When I put the key in I didn't start the car because my key wouldn't go forward or backwards it was just stuck and the steering column locked up. When I first purchased the vehicle in October 2022 I…
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle, the vehicle would roll forward or backward. The contact stated that he restarted the vehicle and shifted into park(P), and the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure…
Vtec oil pressure switch low voltage threw a code so I replaced entire mechanism, I don't know the name buy removed wire snaps and three bolts and replaced with brand new, and reattached. Unplugged battery till all reserve was gone. Plugged back up [battery] drove, but still as I hit 3000 rpm and…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Honda Elements have electrical system problems?
No. NHTSA has 111 owner complaints about electrical system for the Honda Element. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Honda Element electrical system?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about electrical system problems on the Honda Element?
The most frequent phrase is “ignition switch”, in 11 of 111 complaints, followed by “fell off” (10).
Other Honda Element problems
- Visibility problems (374)
- Air Bags problems (322)
- Suspension problems (117)
See all Honda Element problems.