2003 HONDA ELEMENT Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2003 Honda Element. This model year has 449 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Visibility.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2003 Honda Element Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Visibility
Airbag Malfunctions
Electrical Faults
Considering a 2003 Honda Element?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2003 Honda Element. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | 231 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 55 | 13 | 2 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 36 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 34 | 5 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 28 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 25 | 3 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 17 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 14 | 5 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 10 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 7 | 3 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2003 Honda Element. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 400 most recent complaints of 449 total. View all on NHTSA ↗
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the rear …
Please see attachment:
The trailing arm connection that connects to the subframe has completely rusted make the car unsafe to drive. Parts will break and driver will lose control of the car. These same parts were recalled in Canada many years ago.
Rear driver side trailing arm separating from body non repairable. Needs professional inspection. Northern state purchased Michigan driven in salt conditioned roadways. Canadian recall for same issue. Recall Details Transport Canada Recall Number2021-024 Recall Date2021-01…
I was driving and my odometer light and dash lights went dim on me. I changed the bulbs it didn't make a difference. I had to replace the instrument cluster. Other complaint is drivers seat keeps loosening from the floor
Rust corrosion
in 2023 while driving my 2003 Honda Element the control arm ripped out of the frame I had it fixed to the tune of $1800. Fast forward to this week when servicing my Element I found a major rust spot on the other trailing arm bracket. After more research there is a recall in Canad…
Vehicle has extreme corrosion of the frame near the rear trailing arm which is nearing catastrophic failure. Trailing arm is in danger of separating from the frame. This is similar to NTSB Campaign # 23V-22800 for the CR-V which shares suspension parts with the Element on these…
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V370000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that the vehicle was at the dealer for a week for the recall repair…
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. The contact stated that while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the trailing arm fractured. In addition, the rear of the vehicle dropped to the ground and the driver's rear side of the vehicle was dragging on the ground…
The drivers side mount for the rear trailing arm has rusted to the point it may be unsafe to drive according to my mechanic. I looked online and saw that Honda has issued a recall campaign in Canada but not the US. I do know from my local dealer that Honda did have them bring in …
While driving on a rough road the driver's seat airbag deployed injuring my arm (big bruise and tennis-ball size laceration). I plan to take the vehicle into the dealership to find out why this happened.
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 25 MPH, the rear driver’s side tire detached from the vehicle. Despite the failure, the contact's daughter managed to drive the vehicle to the residence. Upon inspection…
Inspection of the underbody revealed complete rusting away of the frame mount point for the passenger side lower control arm. The mounting has not failed yet, but the metal surrounding the bolt point is no longer providing any structure. I would not ordinarily have thought info…
Same as the recalls for Honda ELEMENT of Canada and American Honda CRV of America In Honda’s words: SUMMARY: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain 2007-2011 model year CR-V vehicles. In salt-belt states where de-icing agents are used to maintain the roadway…
The rear frame brace of my Honda element is rusted. Same exact situation as the recalls on 2007-2011 Honda CRV
I was driving and felt something broke from the driver rear. I had a mechanic look at it and it was the trailing arm. inspector said it not safe to drive. I see there is a recall in Canada but not in America. This is a safety matter. how can we fix this since it the frame?
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the independent mechanic informed him that the trailing arm mount was corroded, and that the subframe needed to be replaced. The mechanic advised the contact that the vehicle was unsafe to…
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle, the vehicle would roll forward or backward. The contact stated that he restarted the vehicle and shifted into park(P), and the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated…
Seems Honda is hiding specific vin needing recal replacement of airbag fue to fact it's deployed. Attempt to cover up recall regarding this specific vin possibly aware that damage is done and if airbag deployed, vin check results "no current recalls" for vehicle. 2003 Honda Eleme…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2003 Honda Element.
Recalls for 2003 Honda Element
12 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2003 Honda Element. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2003 Honda Element — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2003 Honda Element reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2003 Honda Element has 449 NHTSA owner complaints, 33 crash-related, and 12 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Visibility (231 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Honda Element?▾
#1: Visibility (231 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (55 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (36 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2003 Honda Element?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2003 Honda Element?▾
The 2003 Honda Element has 33 crash-related complaints and 5 fire reports out of 449 total NHTSA complaints. 31 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2003 Honda Element have any recalls?▾
Yes — 12 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2003 Honda Element. The largest issue: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2003 Honda Element?▾
The 2003 Honda Element has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Visibility issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Honda Element reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2003 Honda Element
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.