What year Honda Element should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 and 2006 Honda Element have the highest Complaint Index among 7 model years and are the years to avoid. The 2005 model year ranks worst with 159 complaints and 7 recalls.

What is the best year for the Honda Element?

The 2010 and 2011 Honda Element have the lowest Complaint Index of the years we track, with the 2011 at 11 complaints and 10 recalls. Complaint counts are adjusted for how long each model year has been on the road.

What are the most common problems with the Honda Element?

Across all model years, the most reported problem areas in NHTSA complaints are airbags (200, 35%), suspension, wheels & tires (86, 15%), and brakes (81, 14%).

How many recalls does the Honda Element have?

NHTSA lists 16 distinct recall campaigns covering Honda Element model years 2005–2011. Recalls are repaired free of charge by dealers; check any specific vehicle by VIN before buying.

Honda Element Best and Worst Years (2005–2011)

Honda Element years to avoid: 2005 and 2006. Best years: 2010 and 2011. Based on 576 NHTSA owner complaints and 16 recall campaigns across 7 model years (2005–2011).

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2005 Avoid 2006 Best 2010 Best 2011

Model years: 7; 2005–2011
NHTSA complaints: 576
Recall campaigns: 16
Crashes reported: 48
Fires reported: 6
Top problem area: Airbags

Element Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Honda Element problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2005	Avoid	100	159	13	5	7	Airbags	20.5	—
2006	Avoid	83	122	17	1	9	Airbags	20.5	—
2007	Caution	67	112	6	0	10	Airbags	20.5	—
2008	Caution	50	112	5	0	12	Brakes	20.5	—
2009	Good	33	30	4	0	8	Brakes	20.5	—
2010	Best	17	30	2	0	10	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	20.5	—
2011	Best	0	11	1	0	10	Airbags	21	—

Element years to avoid: what went wrong

2005 Honda Element Index 100 · 159 complaints · 7 recalls

Owners filed 159 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Honda Element, led by airbags (76), structure & body (20), and electrical system (17). NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this year. Complaints mention 13 crashes and 5 fires.

2005 airbags problems →2005 structure & body problems →2005 electrical system problems →

2006 Honda Element Index 83 · 122 complaints · 9 recalls

Owners filed 122 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Honda Element, led by airbags (55), structure & body (21), and electrical system (13). NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for this year. Complaints mention 17 crashes and 1 fires.

2006 airbags problems →2006 structure & body problems →

Most common Honda Element problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Airbags200 (35%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires86 (15%)
Brakes81 (14%)
Structure & Body73 (13%)
Electrical System64 (11%)
Visibility & Wipers45 (8%)
Engine42 (7%)
Other33 (6%)
Transmission & Powertrain27 (5%)
Seat Belts18 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Honda Element should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 and 2006 Honda Element have the highest Complaint Index among 7 model years and are the years to avoid. The 2005 model year ranks worst with 159 complaints and 7 recalls.
What is the best year for the Honda Element?: The 2010 and 2011 Honda Element have the lowest Complaint Index of the years we track, with the 2011 at 11 complaints and 10 recalls. Complaint counts are adjusted for how long each model year has been on the road.
What are the most common problems with the Honda Element?: Across all model years, the most reported problem areas in NHTSA complaints are airbags (200, 35%), suspension, wheels & tires (86, 15%), and brakes (81, 14%).
How many recalls does the Honda Element have?: NHTSA lists 16 distinct recall campaigns covering Honda Element model years 2005–2011. Recalls are repaired free of charge by dealers; check any specific vehicle by VIN before buying.