The Honda Element, a boxy and unique vehicle, was built on the CR-V platform.
Aimed at the outdoorsy enthusiast who enjoys being active, it boasts a roomy, adaptable interior with a plastic-covered floor that is simple to maintain.
The back seats can be removed or folded up against the sides to create a bed-like configuration when all four seats are folded back flat.
The front and rear-hinged rear doors open to a broad space that may accommodate loading and unloading cargo because there is no pillar between them.
Despite these distinctive qualities, it wasn’t as pleasant to live with as the CR-V overall.
The large roof pillars obstruct the view outside, and the rear-hinged rear doors might be a headache.
There are only four seats, the steering wheel is far away, and the vehicle’s usability is constrained by its small payload.
With all-wheel drive, you can anticipate 21 mpg overall and decent acceleration from the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.
The Element performed poorly in the IIHS side-crash test without the optional side airbags.
With the introduction of standard curtain airbags in 2007, the IIHS side-crash test was upgraded to Good.
Antilock brakes were previously only available on the EX model; starting in 2007, ABS and stability control were made standard.
In This Article...
What are the Honda Element’s most frequent issues?
The following problems are prevalent across all of its model years:
- Leaking engine oil
- Breakdown of differential fluid.
- Rear tailgate instability
- defective door locks
- Paint problems.
- Seat Belt Wire Harness with a Defect.
- Unstable Gauge Needles
- Significant Vibration During Braking.
What is a Honda Element’s typical lifespan?
The brief answer to the question of how long a Honda Element will survive is that it may endure between 250,000 and 300,000 miles, or the equivalent to 1520 years of service with proper maintenance and prudent driving. The Honda Element was designed for longevity.
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.
How dependable is the Honda Element?
You won’t be shocked to learn that the Honda Element is nearly as dependable as any other product the firm has produced. Although JD Power rated the Honda Element 81 out of 100 for “quality and reliability,” which is regarded high in comparison to other comparable vehicles, Consumer Reports gave it a grade of three out of five for “predicted reliability.”
There are also many contemporary Honda Element owners who have easily clocked 200,000 or more miles on their vehicles. In fact, it’s not unusual to read about owners who have driven their Elements over 300,000 miles without performing many significant repairs in addition to routine maintenance. The Honda Element receives a dependability rating of four out of five from Repair Pal, and its $491 annual repair cost is less than the industry standard of $521 for compact SUVs.
Honda Element off-road capability
You need all-terrain tires if you wish to travel off-road, and these tires are not all-terrain. However, due to the vehicle’s weight and shape, the Honda Element will still handle reasonably well in snow or off-road situations. The Element will amaze you along with the front-wheel drive and traction control.
Where are Honda parts produced?
A single version of the Honda Element compact crossover SUV was sold in North America between model years 2003 and 2011. It is distinguished by its boxy exterior style, which features bi-parting side doors, and its boxy, flexible interior arrangement.
The second generation CR-V chassis, with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, was upgraded and used in the production of the East Liberty, Ohio-based Element. Production reached a total of about 325,000 units by late 2010, just before it was discontinued .[5]
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.
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.
Honda Elements: Are there problems?
Although the Honda Element is a trustworthy car, it is not without problems. Here are a few examples:
- Locks that don’t work properly: Anxious Element owners complained 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.
- 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.
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The Honda Element has four wheels.
The Honda Element has 4WD, right? Although four-wheel drive is an add-on option, the Honda Element comes standard with front-wheel drive.
What does the Honda Element’s SC stand for?
SC Trim, New Style. Variants of the Honda Element are available in LX, EX, and SC (for “Street Custom”) trim levels. While the SC only has front-wheel drive, the LX and EX both have front- and all-wheel drive.