2003 Honda Element Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 1%of 423 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 7,325miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the equipment of the 2003 Honda Element, 1% of the 423 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 7,325 miles.
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.
“The horn and the alarm system failed to operate properly. The dealer made repairs back in dec. 15, 2003 and now the problem has recurred, the sound of the horn diminished when used and the auto remote was failing to activate the alarm system. The vehicle will be taken to the dealer. Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #10080291, filed 2004-09, 9,000 miles“Problems with windshield, cd player, horn and alarm. The windshield cracked after a small piece of debris hit it. The cd player stopped working after it had been playing for 5 hours. The right side bumper fell off.”
NHTSA complaint #10074016, filed 2004-05, 5,650 miles“I like many other 2003 Honda Element owners have an issue with my driver side lock. Key wont always go in and if does go in wont un lock the door. I have to go through the passenger side door. I have seen many complaints online about this and hope to see more on here so we can get a recall on this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10386962, filed 2011-03“My ignition on my 2003 Honda Element,was no longer working, not only could you pull out the key when the engine was running after awhile the key would no longer even turn in the ignition even if you have warranty and paid extra for apparently the best coverage, they find a way the you have to pay out of your pockets, my ignition replacement cost me $1,000.00 and now there is a recall out on it , and again apparently my VIN number is not included in the recall. The brakes and the brake disc had to be replaced every 6 month. …”
NHTSA complaint #10349161, filed 2010-08Related service bulletins
- 10186009Jan 23, 2021"Service Bulletin - There are several A/C leak detection tools available. -Refrigerant Gas Leak Detector -Ultrasonic Leak Detector -Leak Dye"
- 10139569May 25, 2018Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty…
- 10139567May 24, 2018Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty…
- 10086306Sep 7, 2016Posters sent to hawaiian independent repair facilities, automotive part stores, car washes, and gas stations to remind owners of the takata recall and to schedule an appointment…
- 10086291Sep 7, 2016Flyer circulated to the residents of hawaii to remind owners of the takata recall and to schedule an appointment at their earliest convenience.
- 10086288Aug 29, 2016Letter sent in conjunction with the florida highway safety and motor vehicles department to remind florida owners of the takata recall and to schedule an appointment at their…
- 10086381Aug 23, 2016Us virgin islands newspaper advertisements to remind owners of the takata recall and to schedule an appointment at their earliest convenience.
- 10086308Aug 23, 2016Text messages sent to remind owners of the takata recall and to schedule an appointment at their earliest convenience.
- 10086302Aug 21, 2016Advertisement in hawaiian newspapers to remind owners of the takata recall and to schedule an appointment at their earliest convenience.
- 10025523May 31, 2008Load carrying capacity reduced label for all honda vehicles.
Equipment: 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 28, 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