2006 Honda Element

122 complaints on file, page 1 of 7.

1. Filed Jul 19, 2026Failure Jul 19, 2026California, CAChest clip, Buckle, Harness, Tether

   Chest clip won’t pull tight and tethered to pull on lower anchor malfunctions when you pull it is difficult to get tight

   NHTSA complaint 11751415
2. Filed Feb 1, 2026Failure Dec 12, 2025Ocala, FLAir bagsCrash1 injured

   Vehicle (2-owner, all svc records), involved in a head-on collision, with approximately 75% of impact/damage to the Driver’s front (see photos). The passenger front (25% of impact) airbag deployed, the DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG did NOT deploy. The Takata airbag recall service/replacement (see invoice) was performed by a local Honda dealership on 01/08/2018. (Factory recall: 16-047; Kit Inflator: 06999). The vehicle is in my (owner’s) private possession since the time of the incident, I have deliberately not yet had it serviced or inspected for damage/repair estimates in any way, as my priority is to FIRST go through proper, qualified channels to have it properly inspected and diagnosed in regards to the AIRBAG FAILURE.

   NHTSA complaint 11714865
3. Filed Dec 18, 2025Failure Dec 17, 2025Struthers, OHSuspension

   Honda Canada recognized the safety risks from salt damage to the frames and rear suspension of Honda Elements and recalled all years of the Element for warranty repairs, or if the damage was too severe, buy back of the vehicles. Yet they have not in the USA in rust belt states where salt damage is prevalent. As you will note from the attached photos, severe injury or death could occur in a major collision, which falls into the scope of your agency. All Elements in areas where corrosive salty and liquid brine is used are at risk, posing a significant safety hazard. Contacting local Honda dealers confirm the absence of a recall for this issue which puts motorists in this country at risk.

   NHTSA complaint 11706003
4. Filed Dec 14, 2025Failure Dec 2, 2025piqua, OHSuspension

   left rear rear trailing arm rusted out. had car checked due to rough ride & was informed said part so rusted it was dangerous to drive. damage so severe repair not feasible. appears this is a problem with elements & some crvs. canada apparently has a recall for this, & US should, too.

   NHTSA complaint 11704944
5. Filed Oct 21, 2025Failure Sep 1, 2025Kansas City, MOSuspension, Unknown or other

   The trailing arm mounts are severely rotted due to rust and my mechanic has claimed that it is unsafe to drive. The element has been recalled in Canada for this same issue. It is a huge safety concern for a vehicle that is otherwise in great condition.

   NHTSA complaint 11694785
6. Filed Oct 6, 2025Failure Jan 14, 2025Struthers, OHSuspension

   Rusting rear suspension is safety issue. Elements were already recalled in Canada but not yet in USA since not enough complaints were issued. The Element is based on the CRV which already does have a recall in USA for this issue

   NHTSA complaint 11691611
7. Filed Jul 16, 2025Failure Jul 16, 2025Saint Paul, MNSuspension

   I live in Minnesota and my Elements rear trailing arms are badly rusted. There is a recall for the same issue in Canada but not in the US. This is my 2006 Honda Element with 96k miles. I would love to be able to get another at least 100k miles if not lots more. These cars can go to 400k if maintained well.

   NHTSA complaint 11674062
8. Filed Mar 25, 2025Failure Mar 17, 2025155,500 milesEureka, CAAir bags

   The contact owns a 2006 Honda Element. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the passenger's side door air bag deployed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact and her mother heard a loud explosion, and the passenger's side door air bag deployed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed. There was no impact GTC system scanned -1 completed troubleshooting found no damage while SRS and air bag unit need to be replaced. The vehicle had previously been repaired, a year and a half prior to the failure under an unknown recall associated with the air bags. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,500.

   NHTSA complaint 11650488
9. Filed Dec 25, 2024Failure Dec 24, 2024Selma, ORPower train, Body, Unknown or other

   The check engine light indicated a "gas cap" code, and the "side airbag off" light was illuminated. Upon diagnosis, the technician identified significant rust and cracked transmission components, resulting in fluid leakage. The service department assessed the vehicle as unsafe for operation, waived the diagnostic fees, and replenished the transmission fluid to prevent the risk of being stranded due to a lack of fluid on the return trip. Honda Service Department took the attached photos and documented the vehicle's safety violations.

   NHTSA complaint 11632315
10. Filed Apr 18, 2024Failure Apr 17, 2024Los Angeles, CAUnknown or other

    I got into my Element. I closed the driver side door. I heard a loud pop and heard the back right corner window shatter and break. It’s the window in the cargo area.Waiting for the insurance adjuster to look at it.

    NHTSA complaint 11583821
11. Filed Jan 23, 2024Failure Jun 2, 2023Broomfield, COSeat belts

    The part in my car that has failed twice is the right front seat belt buckle. I was alerted to this problem in June of 2020, when my SRS light lit up. I took the car to AutoNation Honda 104 in Westminster, Co., 80234, on 6/2/20 after learning about Honda's previously documented SRS and seat belt issues. The code that led to the SRS light going on was 22-1, indicating "open or increased resistance in the right buckle tensioner." The part was replaced at that time and the SRS light remained off after the repair. However, in July of 2023, the SRS light went on again. I took it to the same dealership on 7/20/23. I was informed that the same code occurred, and that the part would be replaced again under warranty. However, it was not available due to supply issues. Both times this problem has occurred, I was informed by Honda personnel that the seat belt system might not perform as designed in a crash, creating increased risk of death or injury for a passenger in that seat. I was advised to avoid having passengers ride in that seat. At the 7/20/23 appointment I was informed that the estimated time of arrival (ETA) for this part was 9/2/23. On 9/21/23 I called USA Honda for an update since I had not heard anything from them. I was informed that the ETA was now unknown, and that they would provide me with regular updates via email. However, all subsequent emails indicated an unknown ETA. On 1/10/24 I again contacted contacted USA Honda by phone to ask for an update. I was informed that there is now a "possible" ETA of 5/20/24. Thus the earliest I might get my car fixed is 10 months from when the problem started, if then. Honda has said that the delay is due to problems with the part manufacturer, but has refused to give me information about how to reach this manufacturer. The delay in honoring their warranty, for any reason, amounts to negligence that could lead to death or injury of a passenger, and results in me not being able to use the car as designed.

    NHTSA complaint 11567346
12. Filed Aug 10, 2023Failure Aug 9, 2023Malta Ridge, NYBody, Suspension

    These cars have severe issues with their frames and they rot. There are TONS of recalls in Canada and I am wondering why the same recalls are not in the US - this is equally dangerous regardless of location - especially upstate NY where the climate is extremely similar to Canada. I have had TWO LIFE THREATENING INCIDENTS recently - one with the front axel completely breaking several months ago, and yesterday when the frame and rear axel fell apart. Fortunately both times, I was barely moving or I would likely not be here to be typing this. My frame is so rusted, it is disintegrating and beyond repair. I was advised by my local Sheriff to check on the recalls in Canada and there are so many, basically the whole frame is recalled - I am writing to report that I am in several Honda Element groups here in the US, and there are hundreds of life threatening posts in these groups regularly. This should absolutely be addressed. It is clearly a problem. As you can see in my attachments, otherwise the vehicle is in amazing condition. This is really devastating - and I have a vehicle that I cannot sell or trade-in. There is no value whatsoever and it is beyond repair.

    NHTSA complaint 11537675
13. Filed Jun 16, 2023Failure May 1, 2023123,000 milesDuncansville, PAStructure

    The contact owns a 2006 Honda Element. The contact stated that while HIS son was driving approximately 55 MPH, the driver heard a loud clunking sound, and the rear of the vehicle suddenly became unstable. The driver stopped and inspected the vehicle, and it was discovered that the driver’s side rear wheel was turned outward, and the rear driver’s side trailing arm had detached from the frame of the vehicle due to severe rust. The vehicle was later towed to a welding shop. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 123,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11527326
14. Filed Apr 22, 2023Failure Apr 20, 2023Kingsley, MISuspension, Wheels

    LEFT REAR (DRIVER SIDE) TRAILING CONTROL ARM CAME OUT OF THE MOUNTING BRACKET CAUSING THE TIRE ASSEMBLY TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND NARROWLY ESCAPED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THIS DEFECT HAS A RECALL NOTICE IN CANADA BUT NOT USA. I NOTICED SIMILIAR COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WHICH IS A DESIGN DEFECT BY HONDA WITH NO GOOD REMEDIATION. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS INJURY TO MYSELF AND GRANCHILDREN IN THE CAR.

    NHTSA complaint 11518386
15. Filed Mar 15, 2021Failure Jan 3, 2021163,000 milesHamilton, OHBody, Suspension

    I AM LOCATED IN OHIO AND THE REAR TRAILING ARM HAS RUSTED OUT TO THE POINT THAT IT IS ON THE VERGE OF BREAKING OFF ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS WAS FOUND OUT BECAUSE I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR WOULD SWAY BACK AND FORTH IN THE REAR EVERY TIME I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. I WENT TO MY NEAREST TIRE SHOP THINKING IT COULD BE A WHEEL ALIGNMENT ISSUE AND THEY BROUGHT ME TO THE BACK AND SHOWED ME THE ISSUE. IT IS BEING HELD BY ABOUT 4-5 INCHES OF THE FRAME. THEY ADVISED ME TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED AS IT WAS NOT SAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE HOME. I HAVE SINCE NOT BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND HAVE IT PARKED IN MY GARAGE. I'M AWARE THAT THIS IS A RECALL BY HONDA IN CANADA WHICH IS A NEIGHBORING BORDER TO MY STATE AND A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH A LOT OF US NORTHERN STATES IN THE U.S. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT CAN BE DONE AS I LOVE THIS VEHICLE BUT IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON THE ROAD.

    NHTSA complaint 11403002
16. Filed Dec 28, 2020Failure Dec 24, 2020160,000 milesLumberport, WVPower trainCrash

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE KEY WAS NOT IN THE IGNITION AND THERE WAS NO ONE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11385189
17. Filed Jul 20, 2020Failure Jul 19, 2020170,000 milesMiami, FLElectrical system, Steering

    WINDOW MOTOR DIDNT LET WINDOW GO UP.. WINDOW WENT DOWN N WASN'T ABLE TO ROLL UP.. LOUD NOISE FROM DRIVER WINDOW MOTOR..MY CAR WAS PARKED N WHEN TURN ON CAR WINDOW DROPPED ALSO POWER STEERING N KNOCK SENSOR CAUSING NO PRESSURE TO MOVE. HESITATION LOSS OF FUEL

    NHTSA complaint 11340303
18. Filed Jul 10, 2020Failure Apr 19, 2019Winston Salem, NCSeats

    THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT ROCKS DANGEROUSLY BACK AND FORTH. I ONLY WEIGH 108 POUNDS SO IT'S NOTHING I HAVE DONE TO CAUSE THIS. WHEN I LOOK ONLINE, THOUSANDS OF ELEMENT OWNERS HAVE THIS SAME COMPLAINT. IT IS PRETTY EXPENSIVE TO GET THE SEAT ASSEMBLY REPLACED. I HAVE DRIVEN HONDAS FOR 30 YEARS AND NEVER HAD THIS ISSUE. IT BEGAN A YEAR OR SO AGO AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE!

    NHTSA complaint 11338587
19. Filed Jun 22, 2020Failure Jun 20, 2020182,700 milesCarrboro, NCAir bags

    OPDS SENSOR FAILED/TRIPPED. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. NO ACCIDENT/COLLISION INVOLVED. AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON DASH CONSTANTLY ON. ALTHOUGH OPDS SENSOR IS CLEARLY PART OF SRS, HONDA DEALERSHIP CLAIMS IT FALLS OUTSIDE OF SRS LIFETIME WARRANTY/WARRANTY EXTENSION. CONCERN OVER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT IN CASE OF ACCIDENT. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 11330117
20. Filed Jan 21, 2020Failure Oct 1, 2018Largo, FLAir bags

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD HIS VEHICLE SERVICED FOR AN AIR BAG RECALL AT AUTONATION HONDA CLEARWATER (17275 US HWY 19 N, CLEARWATER, FL 33764) UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V182000(AIR BAGS) . AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED, BUT TO NO AVAIL. AFTER THE FIFTH VISIT, THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND DISCOVERED THAT THE DEFECT WAS DUE TO FAULTY AIR BAG WIRING. THE CONTACT WAS THEN GIVEN AN ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRS OF APPROXIMATELY $1,000.00. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

    NHTSA complaint 11300876