2003 Honda Element Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 1%of 423 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the seats of the 2003 Honda Element, 1% of the 423 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,500 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.
“Honda has a TSB for the driver side front seat. The issue is the seat rocks as you accelerate or brake like a rocking chair. I had my local dealer fix the seat under the TSB, however soon after it was fixed the rocking returned and I was told the work is no longer covered. The other issue is the bottom of the seat where you sit along the left side is worn and the fabric is cracked. I realized the wear and tear is above the seat base where the TSB repair was made. The wear and tear is from the inside of the seat, not from the driver. …”
NHTSA complaint #10496182, filed 2013-02, 25,000 miles“The steel frame in the drivers seat completely cracked and broke, causing the seatback to become separate from the vehicle. Local Honda dealer acknowledged the break and offered a $2,400 new seat option. I am the original owner and the car is well maintained. This is a significant safety issue and a front/rear collision would have caused bodily injury. Photos and video are available.”
NHTSA complaint #10840245, filed 2016-03, 174,000 miles“The passenger head rest foam has deteriorated. You can now feel the metal frame sticking out against the back of the skull. In a collision, instead of the headrest protecting the head and neck, it seems as this defect in the headrest could potentially cause a fatal injury.”
NHTSA complaint #10421582, filed 2011-08, 100,000 miles“Driver's side seat material/its structure or both caused the driver to have severe back pains. Dealership indicated that the seat was poorly structured. Consumer spoke to 5 other owners of this vehicle and they all are experienced the same back pains.”
NHTSA complaint #10063091, filed 2004-04, 1,200 miles“Front driver's seat is loose and it rocks. Dealer fixed it once under warranty and now wants $ 130 to fix the problem. No injury yet, but why want until one occurs. There is a website of other Honda owners with the same problem. You do not list the Honda Element in your complaint system for 2003. Shame on you.”
NHTSA complaint #10220054, filed 2008-03Related service bulletins
- 10019417Dec 21, 2005Front seat-back makes a squeaking, chafing, or rubbing noise.
Seats: 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 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 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