2004 HONDA ELEMENT Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2004 Honda Element. This model year has 281 NHTSA complaints β top issue: Visibility.
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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.
Visibility
Airbag Malfunctions
Seat-Related Issues
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.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | 106 | β | β | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 73 | 12 | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 26 | 3 | β | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 18 | β | 2 | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 16 | 1 | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 15 | 2 | β | β | |
| Structural Problems | 13 | 1 | β | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 10 | 1 | β | β | |
| Engine Problems | 7 | β | 1 | β | |
| Steering Defects | 6 | β | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | β | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Brake System | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Tire Issues | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Equipment | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Door Lock Issues | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel System | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Gasoline | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Child Seat | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | β | 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. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
Showing 281 most recent complaints
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 inforβ¦
Trailing arm mount rotting out from rust
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 β¦
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 carβs rear frame are completely missinβ¦
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 ownershipβ¦
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 thatβ¦
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.
β 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 aβ¦
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 β¦
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 iβ¦
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.
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 wβ¦
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/bodβ¦
the left rear trailing arm separated from the body causing the wheel to turn outward and stop moving.
The rear driverβs 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 lonβ¦
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 entirβ¦
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. Thβ¦
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 β¦
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.
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 keyβ¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Honda Element.
Recalls for 2004 Honda Element
11 campaignsNHTSA 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.
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?βΎ
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?βΎ
#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?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Honda Element?βΎ
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?βΎ
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?βΎ
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.