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 2005-01Related service bulletins
- 10018003Aug 1, 2005Troubleshooting a stalling engine? Take a snapshot with the hds. Honda servicenews.
- 10018160Jun 16, 2005Snapping, cracking noise after shutting engine off.
- 10016295May 16, 2005Engine-cranks won't start, immobilizer light flashes.
- 10015293Feb 16, 2005Timesert 11mm head bolt thread repair kit.
- 10014491Oct 16, 2004Accessory belt noise.
- 10013862Sep 16, 2004Accessory belt noise.
- 10014017Jul 1, 2004Poor a/c cooling during hard acceleration.
- 10014141Jun 16, 2004Update ecm/pcm for diagnostic trouble code p0420, catalyst below threshold.
- 10014187Jun 1, 2004Balancer shaft buzz or rattle is normal.
- 10014201Dec 16, 2003Updating replacement ecm/pcm software.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Honda Element
226 complaintsAir bags
49 complaintsElectrical system
35 complaintsBody and structure
32 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
27 complaintsSuspension
25 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsSteering
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