CarRecallWatchThe 2006 Honda Element has 9 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 122 complaints with NHTSA, including 17 crashes, 1 fire, 16 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (55 reports).
2006 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 Front Airbag Can Rupture and Spray Metal Fragments
The passenger-side front airbag inflator in these vehicles may rupture during a crash that requires the front airbags to deploy.
Passenger Airbag May Rupture and Spray Metal Fragments
The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator can rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash.
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 2006 Honda Element problems
Problem areas named in the 122 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 55 |
| Visibility | 12 |
| Structure | 11 |
| Electrical System | 11 |
| Suspension | 10 |
| Seats | 9 |
| Unknown Or Other | 6 |
| Exterior Lighting | 6 |
| Seat Belts | 5 |
| Power Train | 5 |
What owners report
Chest clip wonât pull tight and tethered to pull on lower anchor malfunctions when you pull it is difficult to get tight
Vehicle (2-owner, all svc records), involved in a head-on collision, with approximately 75% of impact/damage to the Driverâs front (see photos). The passenger front (25% of impact) airbag deployed, the DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG did NOT deploy. The Takata airbag recall service/replacement (see invoice) was performed by a local Honda dealership on 01/08/2018. (Factory recall: 16-047; Kit Inflator: 06999). The vehicle is in my (ownerâs) private possession since the time of the incident, I have deliberately not yet had it serviced or inspected for damage/repair estimates in any way, as my priority is to FIRST go through proper, qualified channels to have it properly inspected and diagnosed in r
Honda Canada recognized the safety risks from salt damage to the frames and rear suspension of Honda Elements and recalled all years of the Element for warranty repairs, or if the damage was too severe, buy back of the vehicles. Yet they have not in the USA in rust belt states where salt damage is prevalent. As you will note from the attached photos, severe injury or death could occur in a major collision, which falls into the scope of your agency. All Elements in areas where corrosive salty and liquid brine is used are at risk, posing a significant safety hazard. Contacting local Honda dealers confirm the absence of a recall for this issue which puts motorists in this country at risk.
left rear rear trailing arm rusted out. had car checked due to rough ride & was informed said part so rusted it was dangerous to drive. damage so severe repair not feasible. appears this is a problem with elements & some crvs. canada apparently has a recall for this, & US should, too.
The trailing arm mounts are severely rotted due to rust and my mechanic has claimed that it is unsafe to drive. The element has been recalled in Canada for this same issue. It is a huge safety concern for a vehicle that is otherwise in great condition.
2006 Honda Element questions
Does the 2006 Honda Element have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls for the 2006 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 Front Airbag Can Rupture and Spray Metal Fragments. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Honda Element?
Based on 122 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (55), Visibility (12), Structure (11).
How do I check if a recall on my 2006 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.