2004 Honda Element Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 1%of 281 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the equipment of the 2004 Honda Element, 1% of the 281 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 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.
“Original equipment vehicle scissor-style jack had to be almost fully extended to have enough clearance for front left tire to be removed. Despite rear wheel chocked and jack in proper position according to owner's manual, jack gave way, allowing vehicle to fall resulting in crush injury to vehicle owner lower extremity. Jack lift seems to be inadequate for ground clearance of vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10578764, filed 2014-04, 145,000 miles“2004 Honda Element: (I have 2 and both have the following exact problems)1. Airbags warning lights indicating problems 2. Drivers seat is loose and rocks 3. Passenger seat causes extreme discomfort to hip and back on long tips (this is occurs with all passengers, young and older) 3. Under carriage brushes failure 4. A/c air compressor failure 5. Straps in back seats pulled out and seat cannot be reclined 6. Engine decelerates without warning. Power cutback during passing makes this very dangerous. 7. Drivers seatbelt buckle is difficult to secure (only 1 car with this problem) 8. …”
NHTSA complaint #10348937, filed 2010-08, 80,000 miles“There is a defect in both the workmanship (design) and material (prone to malfunction in normal driving conditions) of the Honda Elements air conditioner condenser. The condenser is located in front of the radiator, directly behind the cars front grille. The condenser is apparently extremely delicate and prone to damage from road debris. This vital part of the air conditioning system is directly exposed to road debris. No protection is provided for this critical component. This is a defect in workmanship and design. …”
NHTSA complaint #10065827, filed 2004-04, 80 miles“On february 2, 2008, my husband and I were driving from milwaukee wi to madison wi which is about 80 miles. There was no snow on the road that morning, roads were clear. All of a sudden we heard what sounded like a gun shot go off. We had no idea what it was and moved out of traffic to the shoulder to pull over. We then noticed that the side airbag that is located in the drivers seat deployed. Nothing hit us, we hit nothing. Called schlossmans Honda city that monday they said they have never heard of this happening. I made an appointment to bring the car . …”
NHTSA complaint #10218746, filed 2008-02Related 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"
- 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.
- 10013833Sep 16, 2004Sending hds snapshot.
Equipment: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Honda Element
107 complaintsAir bags
73 complaintsSeats
26 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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