2006 HONDA ELEMENT Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2006 Honda Element. This model year has 121 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
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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 2006 Honda Element Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Airbag Malfunctions
Visibility
Structural Problems
Considering a 2006 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 2006 Honda Element. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 55 | 15 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 11 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | 3 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Equipment | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 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 2006 Honda Element. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 121 most recent complaints
Vehicle (2-owner, all svc records), involved in a head-on collision, with approximately 75% of impact/damage to the Driver’s front (see photos). The passenger front (25% of impact) airbag deployed, the DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG did NOT deploy. The Takata airbag recall service/replacem…
Honda Canada recognized the safety risks from salt damage to the frames and rear suspension of Honda Elements and recalled all years of the Element for warranty repairs, or if the damage was too severe, buy back of the vehicles. Yet they have not in the USA in rust belt states w…
left rear rear trailing arm rusted out. had car checked due to rough ride & was informed said part so rusted it was dangerous to drive. damage so severe repair not feasible. appears this is a problem with elements & some crvs. canada apparently has a recall for this, & US should,…
The trailing arm mounts are severely rotted due to rust and my mechanic has claimed that it is unsafe to drive. The element has been recalled in Canada for this same issue. It is a huge safety concern for a vehicle that is otherwise in great condition.
Rusting rear suspension is safety issue. Elements were already recalled in Canada but not yet in USA since not enough complaints were issued. The Element is based on the CRV which already does have a recall in USA for this issue
I live in Minnesota and my Elements rear trailing arms are badly rusted. There is a recall for the same issue in Canada but not in the US. This is my 2006 Honda Element with 96k miles. I would love to be able to get another at least 100k miles if not lots more. These cars can go …
The contact owns a 2006 Honda Element. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the passenger's side door air bag deployed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact and her mother heard a loud explosion, and the passenger's side door air bag deployed. The vehicle was…
The check engine light indicated a "gas cap" code, and the "side airbag off" light was illuminated. Upon diagnosis, the technician identified significant rust and cracked transmission components, resulting in fluid leakage. The service department assessed the vehicle as unsafe fo…
I got into my Element. I closed the driver side door. I heard a loud pop and heard the back right corner window shatter and break. It’s the window in the cargo area.Waiting for the insurance adjuster to look at it.
The part in my car that has failed twice is the right front seat belt buckle. I was alerted to this problem in June of 2020, when my SRS light lit up. I took the car to AutoNation Honda 104 in Westminster, Co., 80234, on 6/2/20 after learning about Honda's previously documented S…
These cars have severe issues with their frames and they rot. There are TONS of recalls in Canada and I am wondering why the same recalls are not in the US - this is equally dangerous regardless of location - especially upstate NY where the climate is extremely similar to Canada.…
The contact owns a 2006 Honda Element. The contact stated that while HIS son was driving approximately 55 MPH, the driver heard a loud clunking sound, and the rear of the vehicle suddenly became unstable. The driver stopped and inspected the vehicle, and it was discovered that th…
LEFT REAR (DRIVER SIDE) TRAILING CONTROL ARM CAME OUT OF THE MOUNTING BRACKET CAUSING THE TIRE ASSEMBLY TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND NARROWLY ESCAPED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THIS DEFECT HAS A RECALL NOTICE IN CANADA BUT NOT USA. I NOTICED SIMI…
I AM LOCATED IN OHIO AND THE REAR TRAILING ARM HAS RUSTED OUT TO THE POINT THAT IT IS ON THE VERGE OF BREAKING OFF ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS WAS FOUND OUT BECAUSE I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR WOULD SWAY BACK AND FORTH IN THE REAR EVERY TIME I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. I WENT TO MY N…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE KEY WAS NOT IN THE IGNITION AND THERE WAS NO ONE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT F…
WINDOW MOTOR DIDNT LET WINDOW GO UP.. WINDOW WENT DOWN N WASN'T ABLE TO ROLL UP.. LOUD NOISE FROM DRIVER WINDOW MOTOR..MY CAR WAS PARKED N WHEN TURN ON CAR WINDOW DROPPED ALSO POWER STEERING N KNOCK SENSOR CAUSING NO PRESSURE TO MOVE. HESITATION LOSS OF FUEL
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT ROCKS DANGEROUSLY BACK AND FORTH. I ONLY WEIGH 108 POUNDS SO IT'S NOTHING I HAVE DONE TO CAUSE THIS. WHEN I LOOK ONLINE, THOUSANDS OF ELEMENT OWNERS HAVE THIS SAME COMPLAINT. IT IS PRETTY EXPENSIVE TO GET THE SEAT ASSEMBLY REPLACED. I HAVE DRIVEN HONDAS FOR…
OPDS SENSOR FAILED/TRIPPED. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. NO ACCIDENT/COLLISION INVOLVED. AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON DASH CONSTANTLY ON. ALTHOUGH OPDS SENSOR IS CLEARLY PART OF SRS, HONDA DEALERSHIP CLAIMS IT FALLS OUTSIDE OF SRS LIFETIME WARRANTY/WARRANTY EXTENSION. CONCERN OVER SIDE A…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD HIS VEHICLE SERVICED FOR AN AIR BAG RECALL AT AUTONATION HONDA CLEARWATER (17275 US HWY 19 N, CLEARWATER, FL 33764) UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V182000(AIR BAGS) . AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, THE AIR…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE, BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT RELEASE OR MOVE. SOMETIMES, THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRI…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2006 Honda Element.
Recalls for 2006 Honda Element
11 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2006 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.
2006 Honda Element — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2006 Honda Element reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2006 Honda Element has 121 NHTSA owner complaints, 17 crash-related, and 11 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Airbag Malfunctions (55 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Honda Element?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (55 complaints). #2: Visibility (12 complaints). #3: Structural Problems (11 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2006 Honda Element?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2006 Honda Element?▾
The 2006 Honda Element has 17 crash-related complaints and 1 fire reports out of 121 total NHTSA complaints. 16 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2006 Honda Element have any recalls?▾
Yes — 11 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2006 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 2006 Honda Element?▾
The 2006 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 2006 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.