2005 HONDA ELEMENT Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2005 Honda Element. This model year has 157 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
Before you buy — check the actual VIN
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 2005 Honda Element Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Airbag Malfunctions
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Considering a 2005 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 2005 Honda Element. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 75 | 11 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 16 | — | 5 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 12 | — | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 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 2005 Honda Element. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 157 most recent complaints
"Reporting a Material Compound Failure on a set of 4 Falken Wildpeak AT Trails tires (size 215/70/16) sold as 'new' but manufactured in 2021 (DOT 3921). Despite 8/32" tread remaining (75% life), from there original 10/32'' tread the rubber is failing with severe dry rot/cracking …
The contact owns a 2005 Honda Element. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle began to tilt sideways while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled off to the shoulder of the…
Air bag in drivers seat deployed when I shut rear door. Car was running at the time.
The contact owns a 2005 Honda Element. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear trailing arm mount was severely rusted. The vehicle was taken to an independent frame mechanic, where the contact was informed that the rear trailing arm mou…
The left rear control arm pulled out of the subframe and floor panel and hit the pavement facing forward, the direction in which the car was moving. The left rear tire pulled out and away from the vehicle, and the car lurched downward. There were sparks. I was pulling away from a…
Rear unibody rust through allowing the drivers side rear trailing arm to become detached. Pulling up to stop sign very slowly luckily. At speed this failure would have assuredly led to a crash from loss of control. Calls have been placed to local Honda dealer as well as American …
I was driving and all of a sudden vehicle became hard to control. I got it stopped and noticed drivers side rear tire was sideways. upon inspection I noticed trail arm was broke loose at frame. apparently it had rusted through at the frame.
I was driving and left rear trail arm connecting wheel to frame broke loose. upon inspection I noticed the frame was so rusted in that one spot causing trail arm to break loose which caused me to lose control of vehicle very dangerous!
The contact owns a 2005 Honda Element. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and making a right turn, the rear driver’s side wheel assembly separated from the vehicle. The contact was able to park the vehicle in a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was towed to an independent mech…
Defect where rear controller arm connects to frame is rusted out. This would cause the rear tires to fall off. The rest of the car isn’t that bad. Canada there is a recall for this but not in the USA.
Vtec oil pressure switch low voltage threw a code so I replaced entire mechanism, I don't know the name buy removed wire snaps and three bolts and replaced with brand new, and reattached. Unplugged battery till all reserve was gone. Plugged back up [battery] drove, but still as I…
I have a 2005 Honda Element, undercarriage and suspension components have severe rust. I tried to get an inspection from Virginia and it failed immediately due to the rust. The mechanic lowered the vehicle as quickly as he could because of it falling off the lift. ultimately he t…
Having rust issue with my 2005 Honda Element causing steering and handling issues Unsafe to drive per my mechanic This model has been recalled in Canada to address this issue Is there anything investigating ongoing in the USA as this problem is affecting many elements in the U…
The contact owns a 2005 Honda Element. The contact stated that while his vehicle was parked in a parking lot, the vehicle independently drifted backwards without warning. Due to the failure, the vehicle collided with another vehicle which resulted in the injury of the occupant i…
MY 2005 HONDA ELEMENT CONSTANTLY DISPLAY AIRBAG OFF, WHEN IT'S INACCURATE, DASHBOARD LIGHT DOESN'T WORK. THERE'S SOME KIND OF SHORTAGE BECAUSE IT BLINKS, COME ON AND GO OFF AND STAY OFF. IT SHOWS THE SAME INFORMATION, RATHER DRIVING OR STATIONARY. ARE THERE RECALLS ON THIS CAR? …
THE AIR BAG STAYS ON EVEN AFTER A THE LEFT AIR BAG ASSEMBLY REPLACED. THERE IS A LOUD KNOCKING FRONT END WHICH IS WORSE WHEN IT IS GOING ABOUT 15-30 MILES.
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHTS WILL COME ON FOR NO REASON SAYING PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFF AND IT IS NOT OFF. THIS HAPPENS AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. THIS HAPPENS AT VARIOUS TIMES, CRANKING VEHICLE, DRIVING VEHICLE, THERE IS REALLY NO SPECIFIC SITUATION . IT'S SPORADIC. HEADLIGHTS HAVE ALWAYS B…
WAS DRIVING ON A GRAVEL ROAD AROUND 30 MPH WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG AND NOTICED THAT SOMETHING HIT MY LEFT ARM. I LOOKED TO THE SIDE AND SAW THAT THE SIDE AIRBAG ON THE DRIVER SIDE HAD DEPLOYED. I DID NOT GET HIT NOR DID I HIT ANYTHING.
IN A PARKING LOT MOVING SLOWLY. I WAS THE ONLY ONE IN THE CAR. THE AIR BAG ON THE REAR OF THE PASSANGER SEAT DEPLOYED. NOTHING WAS HIT OR WAS I HIT BY ANYTHING. THE SEAT WAS MOVED FORWARD AS FAR AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE I HAD SOMETHING IN THE BACK.
THE UNDERBODY FRAME IS RUSTED SEVERELY CAUSING LEFT REAR WHEEL TO BE LOOSE MAKING IT UNFIT TO DRIVE AS IS. DUE TO THE SIGNIFICANT RUST AND CORROSION DISCOVER WHEN TOOK TO MY MECHANIC TO EVALUATE POOR HANDLING AND LOOSENESS WHEN DRIVING TOLD ME UNSAFE TO DRIVE AWAY
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2005 Honda Element.
Recalls for 2005 Honda Element
10 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2005 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.
2005 Honda Element — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2005 Honda Element reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2005 Honda Element has 157 NHTSA owner complaints, 13 crash-related, and 10 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Airbag Malfunctions (75 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Honda Element?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (75 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (16 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (13 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2005 Honda Element?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2005 Honda Element?▾
The 2005 Honda Element has 13 crash-related complaints and 5 fire reports out of 157 total NHTSA complaints. 19 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2005 Honda Element have any recalls?▾
Yes — 10 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2005 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 2005 Honda Element?▾
The 2005 Honda Element has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Airbag Malfunctions 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 2005 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.