Severe Issues

2004 HONDA ELEMENT Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2004 Honda Element. This model year has 281 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Visibility.

281
Complaints
16
Crashes
3
Fires
19
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
11
Recalls

Before you buy β€” check the actual VIN

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.

Worst 2004 Honda Element Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
106
complaints

Visibility

#2
73
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

Crash-related:12
Injuries:14
#3
26
complaints

Seat-Related Issues

Crash-related:3
Injuries:3

Considering a 2004 Honda Element?

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2004 Honda Element. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Visibility106β€”β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions7312β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues263β€”β€”
Electrical Faults18β€”2β€”
Suspension Failures161β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues152β€”β€”
Structural Problems131β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain101β€”β€”
Engine Problems7β€”1β€”
Steering Defects6β€”β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration6β€”β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues5β€”β€”β€”
Brake System5β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues5β€”β€”β€”
Equipment4β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures3β€”β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic3β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System2β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System2β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline2β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Child Seat1β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper1β€”β€”β€”

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 2004 Honda Element. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

πŸ”

Showing 281 most recent complaints

Seat Belt IssuesJan 16, 2026

On 722 2024 dealer try to replace a defective seatbelt buckle could not do the repair could not get a replacement from Honda SRS light stays on so that if the vehicle is in an accident, the airbags will not deploy. Have been waiting on this partfor a very long time. Have no infor…

Suspension FailuresJul 20, 2025

Trailing arm mount rotting out from rust

Suspension FailuresJul 1, 2025

my control arm mount and frame of my element is rusted out, it is an ongoing problem with the honda element as i am seeing a lot of people online with similar issues. if this fails, it could put people at risk, i also see other elements on the road with a camber'd out back tire …

Steering DefectsJun 13, 2025

Just like the same era's Honda CR-V (the Honda Element's sibling car with many of the same components), the undercarriage rust on my vehicle is excessive: as described in the same era Honda CR-V's NHTSA Recall (23V-228). Large sections of my car’s rear frame are completely missin…

Seat Belt IssuesNov 8, 2024

The contact owns a 2004 Honda Element. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an unknown recall related to the seat belts; however, the seat belt retractor was repaired incorrectly and was installed backward. The local dealer was not contacted due to new ownership…

Suspension FailuresJul 9, 2024

The trailer arm rusted at the mount. I was told it was not safe to drive. I have learned that this is a common problem with this vehicle and Honda has issued a recall in Canada, but not the USA. I also learned that there is a similar issue with I believe the Honda CRV and that…

Suspension FailuresMay 23, 2024

The rear left trailing arm mounting point is completely corroded through, making the car unsafe to drive. If it were to fall off during driving the chances of it creating an accident are high. There are many other Elements with this specific spot rusting through.

Structural ProblemsMay 15, 2024

● The area of the body that serves as the forward mounting point for the rear driver-side trailing arm has completely rusted though. At this mounting point, the trailing arm mounting bracket has become entirely separated from the body leaving only one bolt securing the trailing a…

Wheel IssuesMay 7, 2024

I'm am told the component that failed is the "lower control arm." The vehicle is available for inspection. At the onset of this problem was a loss of control of my steering. At first I felt a play in the steering wheel when I made a small adjustment in my turn and felt the car …

Structural ProblemsFeb 19, 2024

There is a corrosion recall on 2003-2014 Honda elements in Canada because, from salted roads, the frame rusts and extremely important safety parts can break and cause death to the driver. Seeing as these elements are made in the same factories and are in the same region (mine i…

Suspension FailuresJan 28, 2024

Drivers side rear control arm mount is almost none distant from rust. The subframe is almost gone and there is tons of rust on the drivers side frame as well. I have seen this with a lot of people laments. Canada even had a recall on this exact problem.

Structural ProblemsOct 5, 2023

The contact owns a 2004 Honda Element. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced intermittent vibrations. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rear control arm mounting joint. The contact w…

Suspension FailuresAug 17, 2023

The fuel filler neck has rusted through. If pumping gas into the vehicle, gasoline runs onto the ground by the rear tire. The rear trailing arm of the suspension has significant rust. I am concerned this suspension part could fail and become unattached to the vehicle frame/bod…

Suspension FailuresAug 16, 2023

the left rear trailing arm separated from the body causing the wheel to turn outward and stop moving.

Suspension FailuresAug 15, 2023

The rear driver’s side trailing arm, which connects to the frame and body of the car, is rusted out to the point where it can no longer be driven safely. If the arm detaches from the body, it will cause an extremely dangerous situation which can even result in death. I can no lon…

Steering DefectsJun 2, 2023

While driving down a city street, heard a very loud crack/bang, and lost control of the vehicle. Fortunately I was going slow, 20-30mph and was able to safely stop. Upon exiting the vehicle, the rear driver side wheel was hanging at a weird angle. Looking under the car, the entir…

Suspension FailuresMay 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2004 Honda Element. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the rear trailing arm detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Th…

Suspension FailuresMay 22, 2023

My air conditioner went out and I was going to put car in reverse to see if the fans were working. When I put the key in I didn't start the car because my key wouldn't go forward or backwards it was just stuck and the steering column locked up. When I first purchased the vehicle …

Airbag MalfunctionsπŸ’₯ CrashFeb 6, 2023

I drive a 2004 Honda Element and on Friday 2/3/23 I was in a car accident where I t-boned a car going 25 mph and my airbags did NOT deploy.

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 3, 2022

The contact owns a 2004 Honda Element. The contact stated that after the vehicle was shifted into park(P), the vehicle would roll forward or roll backward. Additionally, the key would remain stuck in the ignition, causing the contact to have to maneuver the key to release the key…

Page 1 of 15

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Honda Element.

Recalls for 2004 Honda Element

11 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 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.

19V182000Jun 3, 2019
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

19V501000Invalid Date
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

19V499000Invalid Date
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

18V268000Invalid Date
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

15V320000Invalid Date
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

14V700000Apr 11, 2014
AIR BAGS

16V344000Invalid Date
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

14V353000Invalid Date
AIR BAGS

09E012000Jul 4, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING

10V364000May 8, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

09E025000Nov 5, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Other Honda Element Years

201120102009200820072006200520042003

2004 Honda Element β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2004 Honda Element reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. The 2004 Honda Element has 281 NHTSA owner complaints, 16 crash-related, and 11 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Visibility (106 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Honda Element?β–Ύ

#1: Visibility (106 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (73 complaints). #3: Seat-Related Issues (26 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Honda Element?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2004 Honda Element?β–Ύ

The 2004 Honda Element has 16 crash-related complaints and 3 fire reports out of 281 total NHTSA complaints. 19 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2004 Honda Element have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes β€” 11 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 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 2004 Honda Element?β–Ύ

The 2004 Honda Element has severe issues β€” 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 2004 Honda Element

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.