2005 Honda Element Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 8%of 159 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 15,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the visibility of the 2005 Honda Element, 8% of the 159 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 15,000 miles. 2 a fire, 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.
“I was driving on a busy street, quite slow (about 20-25 MPH) and smoke started to billow out of my drivers side door. The smoke was coming from underneath the switches which control my windows. The smoke got progressively worse in a very short amount of time (30 seconds - 1 minute). I was unable to open my windows to let the black smoke out. I opened my car door while I drove into the first parking lot I saw. As soon as I parked, I could see flames under the window switches, which melted the plastic and caused the flames to get larger. …”
NHTSA complaint #10576146, filed 2014-04, 163,000 miles“I have owned my Honda Element for two weeks now....first time on the freeway going around 65-70 miles per hour. At a substantial following distance recieved one chip and one large ding/crack in my windshield from oncoming debris--all within the space of one half hour. …”
NHTSA complaint #10142872, filed 2005-11, 350 miles“3-5-08, in morning, when I got into my Element, I noticed two long cracks in the windshield, starting at the lower right- and left-hand corners, traveling upwards at an angle, toward the center, approx 15 inches long, each. I called the Honda dealer, and they said I should check my warranty. I did. Windshield damage not covered. I called Honda motor company. They tried to tell me it was not a design defect (as I believed). After telling them I knew of many reports to the NHTSA, they finally agreed to replace the windshield, as ...a one-time goodwill gesture. …”
NHTSA complaint #10286203, filed 2009-10, 47,000 miles“While driving in traffic at 40 MPH on paved city streets, the passenger side window suddenly fell into the door cavity and was left inoperable. Had to continue to drive the car in cold weather without a side window. Took to dealer for repair of window regulator. Dealer had vehicle for 24 hours. Repair was it appears this premature failure could occur at any time, leaving the car vulnerable to weather and break ins. This should not happen to a car of this age. Repair was $244.32.”
NHTSA complaint #10504676, filed 2013-03, 78,288 miles“On saturday, september 10, 2011, upon starting the ignition of my 2005 Honda Element, I noticed smoke emitting from the power window switch on the driver's side door. After hearing some crackling noises from the power window switch, it soon popped into a small fire which went out on it's own, proceeded by more continuous smoke.”
NHTSA complaint #10425047, filed 2011-09Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 2 | 18% |
| 2010 | 3 | 10% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 6 | 5% |
| 2007 | 7 | 6% |
| 2006 | 13 | 11% |
| 2005 | 13 | 8% |
| 2004 | 107 | 38% |
| 2003 | 226 | 53% |
Other parts of the 2005 Honda Element
76 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsSeats
12 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 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