2003 Honda Element: common problems and reliability

The 2003 Honda Element has 449 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 12 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are visibility and air bags. Owners most often flag engine misfires (codes p0302, p0303) — recurrent issue linked to ignition coils, spark plugs, or more serious internal problems like valve issues or head gasket failure. frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2003 model year

449
Owner complaints
12
Recalls
33
Crash reports
5
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2003 Honda Element vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

visibility
231
air bags
55
electrical system
36
structure
34
latches/locks/linkages
28

Recalls affecting the 2003 Element

air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

Campaign 19V182000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 20…

air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

Campaign 19V499000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 E…

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 19V501000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-20…

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 18V268000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Ins…

What owners say across generations

Overwhelmingly positive sentiment among long-term owners, characterized by deep affection for the vehicle's unique practicality, durability, and versatility. The Element is consistently praised for its cavernous, configurable interior with a flat, rubberized f

  • Engine misfires (codes P0302, P0303) — recurrent issue linked to ignition coils, spark plugs, or more serious internal problems like valve issues or head gasket failure. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Oil consumption/burning — very high oil consumption (2-3 quarts in 500 miles) reported in some high-mileage examples, often accompanied by knocking. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Overheating/cooling system problems — coolant overflow, suspected cracked block or head gasket failure, particularly in high-mileage vehicles. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Drivetrain failure — complete loss of propulsion while driving; described as a "thunk" and rolling in neutral, suspected axle or differential failure. Frequency: isolated.
  • Transmission/clutch issues — manual transmission models experiencing sudden lurching or loss of power in gear, suspected clutch or internal failure. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Element.

Typical used price

Used Element listings typically run $8,366–$13,799 across 2003 to 2011 model years.

Other Element model years

2008 Element
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