2003 Honda Element Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 6%of 423 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2003 Honda Element, 6% of the 423 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The key first stopped working in my drivers door and I then had to use the passenger door to enter and exit the vehicle until the key actually got stuck in the lock on the passenger door and still cannot be removed and I am forced to crawl in and out through the back hatch if I wish to lock my vehicle, however it seems the back door lock is showing signs of failure now as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10367791, filed 2010-11, 145,000 miles“The lock on driver side door no longer accepts the key. I have to unlock from the passenger side. When trying to lock or unlock from the driver side, my key gets stuck in the lock and does not turn.”
NHTSA complaint #10622400, filed 2014-08, 130,000 miles“I have a 2003 Honda Element and the keys are not working in the doors correctly. They work sometimes and now the ignition will not work with the keys. I have been reading for two hours on complaints for this same problem and wondering why there are not any recalls on this matter. What do I have to do to get this resolved. My Element will not crank now because of this. I am stuck. What do I do now? I do not have any warranty either.”
NHTSA complaint #10331874, filed 2010-05, 146,000 miles“Driver's side door lock tumblers seized my key when I tried to unlock the car. They key was stuck midway - I could not remove the key nor turn it either way. Since the key was caught in the lock, the key fob would not open the passenger's door or rear latch. I was locked out of the car with my little girl trapped inside. After a pop-a-lock visit, I was able to get my spare key to drive the vehicle, but I still had the original key stuck in the door lock. I drove to Honda service center; they were unable to remove the key also. …”
NHTSA complaint #10679524, filed 2015-01, 67,000 miles“Driver side exterior door lock does not accept a key. This is extremely problematic due to the fact that the Element did not include auto locks. This is a safety hazard because I have been in a parallel parking situation where my driver door was facing a busy street. I was trying to get into the car when the light behind me turned green and the cars came whipping by. It is also scary at night walking to my car in a parking lot as I don't know if my lock will work and someone could easily follow me out to my car and have plenty of time to attack me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10650565, filed 2014-10, 40,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10012644Oct 29, 2004Door lock cylinder binds. Update.
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Honda Element
226 complaintsAir bags
49 complaintsElectrical system
35 complaintsBody and structure
32 complaintsSuspension
25 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsExterior lighting
6 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