2005 Honda Element Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 8%of 159 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the seats of the 2005 Honda Element, 8% of the 159 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,750 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 was driving to work on march 26, 2011 on the freeway and it was early and a clear day. I was on the highway and out of no where I heard a loud explosion sound and was completely freaked out. My right ear was ringing and I started to smell smoke. I looked to my right side and the passenger side airbag had exploded out. It wasn't even inflated and there was no one sitting on the seat thankfully. But since no one was on the seat the airbags should have been off, the Honda Element has a sensor on the seat. …”
NHTSA complaint #10393045, filed 2011-03, 77,500 miles“Owner of a 2005 Honda Element. The driver's seat rocks back and forth, getting progressively worse and now rocking left and rock. This presents a danger when trying to accelerate and brake during driving. Since the problem is worsening I feel that at some point my seat will definitely come unmounted causing an accident. Honda's local dealership and corporate office refuse to fix this issue for free. This could result in a multitude of injuries - even whiplash from jerking of the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10286077, filed 2009-10, 20,000 miles“While driving through parking lot approaching exit, the passenger side seat airbag deployed without reason. Loud bang, ringing ears, and crying kids. No bumps, potholes, curbs or accident. So far everyone from Honda, the dealer and insurance are all pointing the finger at each other. As seen on this and other sites this seems common however everyone acts like it's the first time they've heard of such a thing.”
NHTSA complaint #10557130, filed 2013-12, 104,830 miles“2005 Honda Element. Front seat loose. Was told by mechanic that a part was holding the front driver seat that is welded has some problem where it came loose. The front driver seat literally rocks back and forth. When discussed with dealership, they did say it is not wear and tear and that it was a mechanical problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10333981, filed 2010-06, 70,000 miles“Driver's seat rocks during acceleration and deceleration. This is possibly a safety issue in an accident if the seat fixtures were to break. Also the seat belt configuration makes egress impossible from the rear seats only. There is no interior handle for a rear seat passenger to open the door in an emergency.”
NHTSA complaint #10280778, filed 2009-08, 20,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10019417Dec 21, 2005Front seat-back makes a squeaking, chafing, or rubbing noise.
Seats: other model years
Other parts of the 2005 Honda Element
76 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsEngine
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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