2010 Honda Element Problems
Shopping for a used 2010 Honda Element? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 30 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2010 Honda Element has 30 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.
2010 Honda Element Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2010 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.
2010 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 Rated20.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
20.4% probability
Source: 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 2010 Honda Element has 30 owner complaints, 2 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
- 2010
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 30
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- 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
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2010 Honda Element problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Suspension Failures
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Suspension Failures, Brake System. 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 2010 Honda Element?
The 2010 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 2010 Honda Element
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for suspension and brake components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for suspension and brake components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2010 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
Based on 30 NHTSA complaints for the 2010 Honda Element, issues are concentrated in airbag malfunctions, suspension failures, and brake system problems. With only 2 crash-related complaints and low confidence, patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Airbag malfunctions account for the highest number of complaints (7).
- Suspension failures are the second most reported issue (6 complaints).
- Brake system problems are also notable (5 complaints).
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Suspension Failures
- Brake System
Full breakdown
All 2010 Honda Element complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Honda Element. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 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 2010 Honda Element. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Rear trailing arm attachment point to frame is rusting out and will cause the trailing arm to detatch from the frame. Vert little rust anywhere else on the car. This is a wide spread issue and very common with this model. Why is honda not taking this serious?
I had arrived home on 7/17/2025 and was sitting in my parked vehicle under my carport talking on the phone when I heard a very loud bang. I was disoriented and worried that my safety may be at risk, so I asked the person I was speaking to if they would stay on the line with me u…
Left rear trailing arm rusted right out of the mount while driving. I was driving about 10 mph off of a two-way stop, crossing the intersection of [XXX] (straight, no turn) As I got through the intersection the back left end dropped, something metal scraped and halted my vehic…
We have had to repair the front suspension parts the entire front suspension and steering component on our 2010 honda element ex and from the very first time we drove it. It never drove right. It would jerk you out of a curve we took it back to the dealer twice and they kept tell…
My name is [XXX] and I am the owner of this vehicle. On [XXX] 2024, my daughter was driving this vehicle at approximately 30 miles per hour when the drivers side rear trailing arm separated from the frame and caused the tire/wheel to destabilize and hung crooked from the side o…
i have had real trouble recently getting my key out of the ignition switch - one time it took me 10 minutes, even tho i had the wheels totally straight & i kept turning engine off & back on many times. (this has happened many times over the past half year or so & occasionally bef…
I've been informed by my mechanic of excessive rust on the rear suspension. The car will not pass state inspection due to safety issues related to this. An appointment has been made with the Honda dealership to confirm. Honda has put out a recall/buy back for the same issue on t…
Drivers side rear trailing arm separated from chassis. This occurred while backing out of a parking spot causing the left rear wheel to turn outward. When this happened I had to turn the steering wheel left to keep vehicle going straight forward and this was at an idling speed. …
The contact owns a 2010 Honda Element. The contact stated that their mechanic had informed them that the vehicle was severely rusted on the underneath of the vehicle. The contact referenced a recall related to the failure however the recall was for Canada manufactured vehicles. T…
MY CAR HAS AN ACTIVE RECALL FOR A TRAILER WIRING HARNESS. I HAVE HAD THE HARNESS INSPECTED BY MY DEALER FOUR TIMES, AND THEY CLAIM IT IS NOT A FACTORY-INSTALLED HARNESS, DESPITE IT BEING IN YOUR DATABASE. THE HARNESS WAS ON THE CAR WHEN I PURCHASED IT. I CANNOT EXPLAIN WHY IT IS …
INTERMITANT SHUDDERING AND LOSS OF POWER UNDER ACCELERATION. TROUBLE CODE P2646
AT 118,000 MILES THE ENGINE IN MY 2010 HONDA ELEMENT SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. AFTER THE ENGINE WAS REMOVED, IT SHOWED THAT A PISTON HAD STOPPED CREATING HEAT SIGNIFICANT ENOUGH TO FUSE IT TO THE CYLINDER. PRIOR TO STOPPING THE ONLY SIGN OF AN ISSUE WAS ODD REVVING …
I RECEIVED "TAKATA RECALL" A NOTICE FROM AUTO AIRBAG SETTLEMENT, SETTLEMENT ADMINISTRATOR PO BOX 3207 PORTLAND, OR 97208-3207 AS A CURRENT OWNER AND I WILL TRY TO CONTACT THE ADMINISTRATOR. ALSO I WILL CALL THE HONDA COMPANY ABOUT THIS VEHICLE. RIGHT NOW THE LIGHT INDICATING DE…
"TAKATA RECALL"
I HAVE A 2010 HONDA ELEMENT SC AND IT HAS A VERY SPONGE LIKE BREAK PEDDLE. (HAPPENS STOPED OR DRIVING)IT WILL GO TO THE FLOOR IF IT IS PRESSED HARD ENOUGH. THE BREAK FLUID HAS BEEN REPLACED ALONG WITH ALL BREAK PADS AND THE PROBLEM STILL ACCURS. ALL WORK WAS DONE BY DEALERSHIP
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON AND EVEN THOUGH TIRES ARE PROPERLY INFLATED, LIGHT DOES NOT NOW TURN OFF.
AFTER THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED FROM THE FLOOR LATCH, IT WILL NOT RECONNECT, SO THE SEAT WILL NOT CONNECT TO THE FLOOR. THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH EITHER THE LATCH OR THE BAR ON THE FLOOR THAT THE LATCH CONNECTS TO. THIS HAPPENED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ST…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, A SECOND VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER AND REAR DRIVER SIDE OCCUPANT SUSTAINED MULTIPLE L…
BRAKES VERY SPONGY, GOING ALMOST DOWN TO FLOOR, CAUSING A DANGEROUS INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE ON THE HIGHWAY MY MECHANIC BLED THE SYSTEM SEVERAL TIMES TO NO AVAIL. THEN CHANGED THE MASTER CYLINDER. STILL SPONGY, THEN THE MECHANIC CHECKED FOR HONDA SERVICE BULLETINS REGARDING …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND EXTENDED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VSA MODULE CONTROL…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2010 Honda Element.
Safety recalls
2010 Honda Element recalls
11 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2010 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:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2010 Honda Element buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2010 Honda Element reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 30 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 11 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2010 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 2010 Honda Element?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (7 complaints). #2: Suspension Failures (6 complaints). #3: Brake System (5 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2010 Honda Element?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2010 Honda Element?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2010 Honda Element, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 30 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2010 Honda Element have any recalls?▾
Yes. 11 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2010 Honda Element. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER 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 2010 Honda Element?▾
The 2010 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 2010 Honda Element based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
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.