2004 Honda Element Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 5%of 281 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 24,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the body and structure of the 2004 Honda Element, 5% of the 281 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 24,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“While on the interstate coming from myrtle beach the windscreen was cracked on the Element I purchased about 3 weeks before the trip. I did not see a rock hit , I assumed that is what happened until I started reading the forum on the Element owners club about similar situations that has happened to other Element owners. The fix was $330 out of pocket to replace the windscreen.”
NHTSA complaint #10234377, filed 2008-07, 52,000 miles“On a resent trip to colder climates, where there was still some snow on the ground, while parking in a parking lot, I hit a small patch of snow and slid into a tree. Normally I would expect no damage due to the low speed I was traveling at around 5 MPH and car bumpers to protect the vehicle in low speed mishaps. However, with the design of the 2004 Honda Element I own there is no bumper in the front center for approximately 30 inches. This leaves the car with no protection if struck in that area. There were two passengers in the car at the time. …”
NHTSA complaint #10154302, filed 2006-03, 24,500 miles“2004 Honda Element : 2nd windshield replacement in 6 months . The cracks always start in the black area from below the windshield wiper blades. Honda denies any known problem with the design of the windshield frame . Honda replaced first winshield approx. 6 months ago . The 2nd replacement Honda refused to cover/warranty. I have a signed statement from the window technichian that came out and replaced my 2nd windshield stating; the crack in my winshield was caused by stress and that the bottom corners of the pinchweld on both sides are broke away from the welds and are loose . …”
NHTSA complaint #10152479, filed 2006-03, 10,000 miles“Rattles coming from the right side of the windshield/dashboard when hitting small pot holes. Creaking noises coming the right rear side of the vehicle at any speed. Slight rattles coming from the left passenger door behind the driver seat. Seatbelts do not retract completely. They're often get caught between doors causing pain and body damages.”
NHTSA complaint #10060146, filed 2004-03, 300 miles“Key in driver side will not turn. It gets stuck and will not unlock or lock . I have to insert, remove and re-insert many times in hopes that it will unlock or lock. There are many times it just won't work and I will have to enter from the trunk. Vehicle is stationary/parked.”
NHTSA complaint #11231333, filed 2019-07Related service bulletins
- 10014116Jul 16, 2004Accessory belt noise.
- 10014015May 1, 2004Front door inner sash trim removal and installation.
Body and structure: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Honda Element
107 complaintsAir bags
73 complaintsSeats
26 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsTires
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Honda Element
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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