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.

  • 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.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Element. See the full Element owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

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

Other Element model years

Compare every Element year side by side to see how 2003 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Element against its rivals