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Engine coolingPart report

2003 Honda Element Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
1%of 423 total for the year
Median mileage
65,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Honda Element, 1% of the 423 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“While driving on I-5 going through grants pass in oregon uphill, my 2003 Honda Element suddenly decelerated from 65mph to barely 35 MPH. Car has been in the shop for two days, there were no codes indicating an issue with the transmission. The mechanic recommended it be seen by a engine mechanic. Car is still experiencing the issue after a transmission flush, new spark plugs, fuel system cleaning. This is a major safety issue, the car only has 82500 miles on and has never been placed in storage.”

NHTSA complaint #10443337, filed 2012-01, 82,000 miles

“My 2003 Honda Element has a sulphur smell that is beyond annoyance. The smell is so intense that it takes your breath away. My dealer is unable to repair and Honda seems indifferent to the problem. While not life threatening, it could, I believe be detrimental to my health as well as the health of my passengers.”

NHTSA complaint #10055188, filed 2004-01, 1 miles

“Tumblers in ignition becomes mal aligned, key will not insert or turn, engine will not start. This is not part of the current active recall on the ignition system. I have replaced the ignition lock cylinder twice in 3 years. It is a common occurrence, ask any one who drives a 2003 Element, they've replaced this part too. Honda only warranties the part for one year.”

NHTSA complaint #10423145, filed 2011-09, 80,000 miles

“Poor heating due to restricted heater core. An identical problem was identified in the 2004,and 2005 Element (ref. Honda service bulletin 07-076 dated 11/28/2007) and the heater core is thus replaced under the normal warranty. Although the problem began on my 2003 Element in 2006 and the vehicle is still covered under warranty, Honda service personnel refuse to recognize the trouble as a factory defect and will charge in excess of $1,500 dollars to replace the heater core. …”

NHTSA complaint #10214316, filed 2008-01, 50,000 miles

“The consumer has had consistent problems with the vehicle's factory installed horn and alarm. The dealer was unable to remedy the communication system. Other problems were; the bumper cover would pop out intermittently, the right side corner piece was loose, the horn sound was abnormal and anti-freeze was leaking.”

NHTSA complaint #10111196, filed 2005-01

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200913%
200622%
200596%
200441%
200351%

Other parts of the 2003 Honda Element

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
226 complaints
Air bags
49 complaints
Electrical system
35 complaints
Body and structure
32 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
27 complaints
Suspension
25 complaints
Other or unknown
16 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
12 complaints
Brakes
11 complaints
Exterior lighting
6 complaints
Seats
6 complaints
Steering
6 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2003 Honda Element

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology