Overall, the Honda Element will be a very dependable automobile. It’s noteworthy that 2003 and 2007 should be avoided according to Car Complaints because 2003 was the first model year and 2007 was the first model year of the refresh.
It’s better to steer clear of a new car’s first model year while looking for one. The following are a few criticisms of the Honda Element: The speedometer gauge in 2007 vehicles is notorious for simply falling off while being used. Additionally, the 2003 model year’s key won’t turn in the ignition or fit into the door locks.
If this problem affects your model, you may also read a helpful article on Vehicle History on how to reset the immobilizer on your Element so you can duplicate your key.
When the Honda Element was brand-new, Car and Driver purchased one for their 40,000-mile long-term test, and they found it to be a dependable vehicle that “easily receives our wholehearted endorsement.”
The Honda Element has been subject to a number of recalls; you can find out if your vehicle has any potential open recalls by entering your VIN number on Vehicle History. Airbags that explode, a stuck accelerator, and a faulty wiring harness for the trailer hitch are a few of the more serious ones to watch out for.
The 2005 and 2006 model years also had some windshield difficulties; it appeared that the windshield would fracture easily due to a manufacturing flaw.
In This Article...
How far can a Honda Element travel?
The Honda Element is one of the most durable cars on the market. Some cars are built to last. In fact, before retiring an Element, you can normally anticipate getting between 250,000 and 300,000 kilometers out of it.
A respectable 15 to 20 years, given that the typical American travels 15,000 miles per year. But keep in mind that with regular maintenance, autos only last that long. If you want to get the most out of your Element, keep in mind these important maintenance tips:
- Rotate your tires: Over the course of their lives, tires and wheels deteriorate at various rates. By rotating them frequently, you can ensure that your wheels and tires remain in perfect condition for the duration of the life of your car, reducing the need for significant wheel repairs.
- Replace air filters: Your engine air filter prevents dirt and other airborne particles from entering your engine. Maintaining clean filters is essential to preventing long-term clogging or engine damage.
- Hoses and belts should be inspected because they are normally only rated for 60,000 miles. However, utilizing subpar belts can eventually result in engine harm. To avoid any serious engine block faults, replace them frequently.
- In addition to making it more difficult for you to stop your automobile, worn-out brake pads might eventually harm your braking system. A simple method to be safe and keep your car in good condition is to change them frequently.
These pointers ought to enable you to maintain your Element in prime condition for as long as feasible. The best method to ensure that your vehicle stays in excellent condition, however, is to spend money on a reliable auto insurance plan that will assist you in paying for the necessary repairs. Fortunately, the Jerry app can assist you in locating the lowest rates on the auto insurance coverage your Element requires.
Simply download the app, respond to a few questions, and Jerry will send you a list of customised quotations from more than 50 of the industry’s leading companies. When you locate a quote you like, Jerry may assist you in changing plans or even in terminating your current one. Users save $887 on average each year on vehicle insurance, and signing up simply takes a minute.
Why did they stop making Honda Element?
A small SUV called the Honda Element was produced from 2003 to 2011. Honda chose to stop making the Element at the end of 2011 because it was one of their least popular models. The Element needed a refresh after 8 years of production, but the lack of demand made a redesign unprofitable.
The Honda Element didn’t sell well because it was a highly specialized car that only appealed to a small demographic. Because it was such a quirky compact SUV and something different in an era when all cars were pretty similar, there are now people who adore the Honda Element.
Overall, Honda did a decent experiment with the Element. They took the chance to try something new, and even if it wasn’t a huge commercial success, it did generate some interest in the brand since it was so different from what people were used to.
Why are Honda elements so expensive?
Because there are so few Honda Elements available, they are more expensive than many other small SUVs from the same era. There aren’t many Elements available for purchase on the resale market because they didn’t sell well when they were first released.
The scarcity of cars increases their value, especially when you consider low-mileage original models that have been well-maintained throughout the years. Because the Element was such a unique SUV, it now has a devoted fan base. The Element is not an exception to the general rule that many of the most distinctive cars on the market gain a following.
If you’re looking for an Element, be prepared to pay more than you would for a small SUV like a CR-V because you’ll be competing with other buyers who are very interested in this car because of its distinctive features.
Do Honda Elements last long?
Honda Elements are renowned for having a very long lifespan. They are still fundamentally a Honda with a dependable four-cylinder engine and excellent construction. An Element should last for over 200,000 miles with no problems, but if you take care of it and have your maintenance completed on schedule, you could get 300,000 miles or more out of one.
The renowned Honda Reliability that consumers have grown to know and expect is still there in the Honda Element. In general, the Element has not been associated with many difficulties. Apart from worn-out tumblers, which are the most frequent cause of complaints, there aren’t many technical problems that can occur with door locks.
If you want a distinctive and little eccentric small SUV, you should consider the Element because it is a fantastic, long-lasting car.
How dependable is the Honda Element?
Honda Parts: Are They Reliable? The reliability rating for the Honda Element was excellent. The model received a reliability rating from RepairPal of 4.0 out of 5, placing it first among the 32 cars in its class.
Honda Elements: Are there problems?
Although the Honda Element is a trustworthy car, it is not without problems. Here are a few examples:
- Unstable rear tailgate: Several Element owners have claimed that the light on the back of their vehicle randomly goes on. The studies state that a poorly adjusted rear tailgate was to blame. To correct the issue, service personnel had to reposition the afflicted elements’ tailgate.
- Engine oil leaks: Because of malfunctioning oil pressure sensors, parts of the model years 2003–2011 experienced engine oil leaks. The check engine light will typically illuminate to identify this issue. By purchasing aftermarket oil pressure sensors, this can be quickly fixed.
- Frustrated with malfunctioning door locks Owners of elements reported that their door locks frequently break. It appears that the door lock tumblers were defective in this case. The 2003–2008 models have this problem quite frequently.
- Door locks aren’t the only issue with the Honda Element. The key won’t turn in the ignition. As it turned out, the key for the 2003 model year has problems, particularly the fact that it won’t turn while in the ignition. According to several reports, they had to hire a locksmith to get their keys to turn so they could leave and drive.
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Are repairs for Honda Elements expensive?
Cost. Compared to an average of $521 for compact SUVs and $652 for all vehicle types, the total yearly cost of repairs and maintenance for a Honda Element is $491.
Honda discontinued the Element for what reason?
The first Honda Element made its appearance in 2003, distinguished from previous Honda models by a peculiar boxy frame. In order to compete with pick-up trucks and larger SUVs, it was designed to draw a younger, more adventurous demographic.
Fans noticed the interior’s complete customizability right away. Access to seats that can either be made into a bed or put against the sides for greater cargo room is made possible by the fold-out tailgate and the rear access doors.
The Honda Element eventually got more sporty modifications, like a better suspension and 18 wheels for off-roading. With the addition of a dog bed in the back and a fan plug to keep your adventurous pet cool, it also became more dog-friendly.
But there was one significant issue. The Honda Element was too pricey for its intended market of young adults (about 21). The fact that this SUV is ideal for moving, camping, and other activities was insufficient to persuade younger people to take out sizable loans for it.
So, regrettably, when the Honda Element was withdrawn in 2011, we believed we were saying goodbye to it forever.
Are there any transmission issues with Honda Elements?
It’s well known that the Honda Element has transmission issues. In actuality, this is one of the most prevalent automotive problems. Many drivers have stated that transmission failure forced them to tow their Elements.
The 2007 Honda Element has received the most reports of transmission issues.