2003 Honda Element Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 1%of 423 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 Honda Element, 1% of the 423 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 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.
“I have the same problem with the headlamp low beam that is described in the newest recall announced by Honda. I believe that the same component in my vehicle is in the crv and other models. How does this issue get addressed.”
NHTSA complaint #10453661, filed 2012-03, 53,008 miles“The dashboard light of the Honda Element goes dark intermittently. At the beginning I thought this was an isolated event - but found hundreds of complaints about the same issue on internet forums. I have taken my car to the dealership and the problem is so inconsistent that they are unable to diagnose it. From reading the complaint of the other Element owners it seems that the problem is with the electrical wiring system of the elements. I request the NHTSA to perform a detailed investigation into this -as this poses a serious risk with the instruments cluster failing randomly.”
NHTSA complaint #10496176, filed 2013-02, 98,000 miles“Head lights went out while driving. This also happened on 9/23/2011. Bulbs are ok. Dealer said it was an electrical problem. Honda said it's not a recall. Many people report same problem on web. Also crv has this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10494684, filed 2013-01, 90,000 miles“I was driving and my odometer light and dash lights went dim on me. I changed the bulbs it didn't make a difference. I had to replace the instrument cluster. Other complaint is drivers seat keeps loosening from the floor”
NHTSA complaint #11674334, filed 2025-07“I have replaced everything possible that would control the headlights. As I drive or after the car heats up while parked, whether on dim or bright the lights dim and brighten themselves causing it hard to see sometimes. I myself and other people that have talked about this online are having problems with the key fob. It stopped working and then it starts working again but the driver door lock wont work after that.”
NHTSA complaint #10934492, filed 2016-12Exterior lighting: 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 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Honda Element
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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