Own a Honda Element in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Honda Element for model years 2005 to 2011. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help Element owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 578 owner complaints on file for the Element and 20 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are air bags (200), suspension (76), electrical system (58).
Most-Reported Honda Element Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Element (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 200 | 34% | |
| Suspension | 76 | 13% | |
| Electrical System | 58 | 10% | |
| Structure | 46 | 7% | |
| Visibility | 42 | 7% | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 41 | 7% | |
| Power Train | 27 | 4% | |
| Service Brakes | 25 | 4% |
Air Bags
200 of the 578 complaints (34%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Suspension
76 of the 578 complaints (13%) mention the suspension. Suspension wear shows up as clunks, pulling and uneven tires. We inspect shocks, struts, bushings and joints and align the car after repairs. See our suspension & alignment page.
Electrical System
58 of the 578 complaints (10%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Honda Element Complaints by Model Year
The Element model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005, 2006, 2008. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 159 | |
| 2006 | 122 | |
| 2007 | 112 | |
| 2008 | 113 | |
| 2009 | 31 | |
| 2010 | 30 | |
| 2011 | 11 |
Honda Element Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the Element, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Honda.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your Element? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Honda Element Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 20 recall campaigns for the Element in these model years, most often involving air bags, power train, exterior lighting. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2019 recall, Air Bags (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 2009 Honda Accord,...
- 2019 recall, Air Bags (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, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004...
- 2019 recall, Air Bags (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 Element, 2002-2004...
- 2019 recall, Vehicle Speed Control (campaign 19E068000): Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda...
- 2018 recall, Air Bags (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 Insight, 2002-2004...
- 2018 recall, Air Bags (campaign 18V041000): Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura RL, 2010 Honda Element, and 2010-2013 Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi,...
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Element, 48 involved a crash, 6 involved a fire, 50 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Honda Element Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Honda will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Element that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Element owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Honda Element, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Honda Element Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Honda Element repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Suspension & Alignment
Shocks, struts, alignment and steering.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Honda Element FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Honda Element?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Honda Element are air bags (200), suspension (76), electrical system (58). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Element model years have the most complaints?
The Element model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005, 2006, 2008. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Honda Element?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Honda Element. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Honda Element have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 20 recall campaigns for the Honda Element across model years 2005 to 2011. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Honda Element in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Honda vehicles including the Element, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Honda Element?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Honda Element in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Honda Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.