2006 Honda Element Problems
Shopping for a used 2006 Honda Element? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 121 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2006 Honda Element has 121 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2006 Honda Element Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2006 Honda Element trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2006 Honda Element Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2006 Honda Element has 121 owner complaints, 17 crash-related complaints, and 11 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Honda
- Model
- Element
- Model year
- 2006
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 121
- Crash-related complaints
- 17
- Safety recall campaigns
- 11
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2006 Honda Element problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Visibility
Structural Problems
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Visibility, Structural Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2006 Honda Element?
The 2006 Honda Element shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2006 Honda Element
Inspection Focus
- Check for open recalls related to airbag malfunctions at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records to see if airbag system has been inspected or repaired.
- Have a mechanic inspect the airbag system, visibility components, and structural integrity.
- Test all visibility features (windows, mirrors, defrosters) during a test drive.
Before You Close the Deal
- Check for open recalls related to airbag malfunctions at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records to see if airbag system has been inspected or repaired.
- Have a mechanic inspect the airbag system, visibility components, and structural integrity.
- Test all visibility features (windows, mirrors, defrosters) during a test drive.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2006 Honda Element, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2006 Honda Element are concentrated in airbag malfunctions, which account for nearly half of all reports. Other notable areas include visibility, structural problems, and electrical faults. The data suggests potential issues with the airbag system, but the low confidence level means these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Airbag Malfunctions represent the largest share of complaints with 55 reports.
- Visibility issues account for 12 complaints, the second most common category.
- Structural Problems and Electrical Faults each have 11 complaints.
- Airbag Malfunctions: 55 complaints, indicating a potential systemic issue.
- Visibility: 12 complaints, possibly related to windshield or mirror design.
- Structural Problems: 11 complaints, may involve body integrity or corrosion.
Full breakdown
All 2006 Honda Element complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Honda Element. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| 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.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2006 Honda Element. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
Safety recalls
2006 Honda Element recalls
11 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2006 Honda Element. 11 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2006 Honda Element buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2006 Honda Element reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 121 owner complaints, 17 crash-related complaints, and 11 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2006 Honda Element shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
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?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2006 Honda Element, NHTSA complaints include 17 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 121 total complaints. 16 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2006 Honda Element have any recalls?▾
Yes. 11 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2006 Honda Element. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 11 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2006 Honda Element?▾
The 2006 Honda Element shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2006 Honda Element based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.