CarRecallWatchThe 2003 Honda Element has 10 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 424 complaints with NHTSA, including 28 crashes, 4 fires, 23 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Visibility (226 reports).
2003 Honda Element recalls
Driver Airbag Inflator Can Explode, Sending Metal Shrapnel
The driver-side frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles may rupture because its propellant can degrade over time after long-term exposure to high humidity, heat and temperature swings.
Passenger airbag may explode and spray metal shards
The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in certain vehicles may rupture due to propellant degradation after long-term exposure to high humidity, heat and temperature cycling.
Driver airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments
The driver's frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles may rupture during deployment because of a manufacturing error.
Passenger Air Bag May Deploy Improperly in a Crash
A front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly when it was replaced, so it may not deploy properly in a crash.
Passenger Airbag May Rupture and Spray Metal Fragments
The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator can rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash.
Passenger Front Airbag May Rupture and Spray Metal Fragments
The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator may be affected by moisture intrusion over time.
Driver Airbag Inflator Can Rupture, Sending Metal Fragments
The driver's frontal airbag inflator can be affected by moisture intrusion and manufacturing variability.
Most common 2003 Honda Element problems
Problem areas named in the 424 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Visibility | 226 |
| Air Bags | 49 |
| Electrical System | 35 |
| Structure | 33 |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 27 |
| Suspension | 25 |
| Unknown Or Other | 16 |
| Power Train | 12 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 |
| Seats | 6 |
What owners report
Component/System: Unibody frame rails and structural rocker panels have suffered severe internal interlamellar delamination, heavy corrosion, and complete metal-through structural failure. The vehicle and components are available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: Severe rust-through compromises the unibody structural integrity, creating a critical risk of frame collapse, compromised crash energy management, and loss of vehicle control during normal driving or an accident, endangering occupants and others on the road. Confirmation: Structural corrosion and metal failure have been confirmed through direct physical inspection of the undercarriage. Previous Inspections: None by manufactu
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the rear trailing arm was severely corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear trailing arm had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Please see attachment:
The trailing arm connection that connects to the subframe has completely rusted make the car unsafe to drive. Parts will break and driver will lose control of the car. These same parts were recalled in Canada many years ago.
Rear driver side trailing arm separating from body non repairable. Needs professional inspection. Northern state purchased Michigan driven in salt conditioned roadways. Canadian recall for same issue. Recall Details Transport Canada Recall Number2021-024 Recall Date2021-01-26 Last Updated2023-07-07 Notification TypeSafety TC SystemStructure Issued byHONDA Manufacturer Recall NumberHO65 Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall.12,641 CategorySUV Recall Description Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear frame could rust. In extreme cases, this could result in a rear trailing arm separating from the vehicle. This recall applies to vehicles originally sold
2003 Honda Element questions
Does the 2003 Honda Element have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 10 safety recalls for the 2003 Honda Element: Driver Airbag Inflator Can Explode, Sending Metal Shrapnel; Passenger airbag may explode and spray metal shards; Driver airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments; Passenger Air Bag May Deploy Improperly in a Crash; Passenger Airbag May Rupture and Spray Metal Fragments. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Honda Element?
Based on 424 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Visibility (226), Air Bags (49), Electrical System (35).
How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Honda Element has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.