2011 Honda Element Problems
Shopping for a used 2011 Honda Element? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 11 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2011 Honda Element has 11 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.
2011 Honda Element Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2011 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. 3 trims analysed.
2011 Honda Element Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2011 Honda Element SUV AWDOfficial 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 2011 Honda Element has 11 owner complaints, 1 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
- 2011
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 11
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- 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 2011 Honda Element problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Visibility
Seat Belt Issues
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Visibility, Seat Belt Issues. 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 2011 Honda Element?
The 2011 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 2011 Honda Element
Inspection Focus
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbag systems.
- Request service records for any reported airbag or visibility issues.
- Have a mechanic inspect the airbag system and check for any warning lights.
- Test all seat belts and ensure proper operation.
Before You Close the Deal
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbag systems.
- Request service records for any reported airbag or visibility issues.
- Have a mechanic inspect the airbag system and check for any warning lights.
- Test all seat belts and ensure proper operation.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2011 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 11 NHTSA complaints for the 2011 Honda Element, the data suggests that airbag malfunctions are the most frequently reported issue, accounting for the majority of complaints. Other concerns include visibility, seat belt issues, and steering defects, but with very few reports each. With only one model year analyzed and low confidence, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Airbag malfunctions are the most common complaint, with 6 reports.
- Visibility issues are the second most reported concern, with 2 complaints.
- Only 1 crash-related complaint was recorded among the 11 total.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Visibility
- Seat Belt Issues
Full breakdown
All 2011 Honda Element complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Honda Element. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 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 2011 Honda Element. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, SHE HAD NOTICED THAT AN EXTENSION LADDER AND DEBRIS HAD LANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. IN ORDER TO AVOID THE OBJECTS, THE CONTACT AND THE DRIVER BEHIND HER ATTEMPTED TO MAKE THE SAME T…
ALUMINUM STEERING WHEEL 'HUB SUPPORT MOUNTING BRACKET' HAS CRACKED AND IS BROKEN IN TWO PLACES. THIS HAS HAPPENED OVER A TIME PERIOD DURING NORMAL USAGE OF MY VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL IS WOBBLEY AND LOOSENED. HONDA DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT DISASSEMBLED AND REVIEWED COMPONENTS…
THERE ARE TWO INDICATOR LIGHTS FOR AIR PRESSURE THAT COME ON AND STAY ON WITHOUT CAUSE (PRESSURE IS NORMAL) "TPMS" AND A SYMBOL. IT IS A DOCUMENTED PROBLEM AMONG OWNERS ONLINE IN GROUP DISCUSSIONS. IN ADDITION, THE SUSPENSION IS FAULTY IN THAT AN UNEXPLAINABLE "CRACKING" AND SL…
TAKATA RECALL MY COMPLAINT IS THAT WE RECEIVED THE LETTER FROM HONDA IN JULY 2016 ABOUT THE AIR BAG RECALL. THE LETTER ADVISES US TO AVOID HAVING A PASSENGER SIT IN THE FRONT SEAT. THAT IT'S NOT YET REPAIRED IS JUST AGGRAVATING. FOR SIX MONTHS, WE'VE HAD TO AVOID A FRONT SEAT …
TAKATA RECALL: I WAS ADVISED THAT IT WOULD POSSIBLY TAKE LONGER THAN A 3 MONTH WAIT UNTIL THE REPAIR KIT EVEN ARRIVED AT THE FACILITY DUE TO THE FACT THAT THEY "DON'T MAKE THAT VEHICLE ANY MORE" AND WAS TOLD TO HAVE MY FAMILY OF 4 RIDE IN THE REAR SEATS FOR SAFETY ISSUE. IT IS A …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. TH…
TAKATA RECALL: REPLACED DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG 2 YRS AGO WHEN NEWS BROKE. DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE PASSENGER SIDE AS HONDA AMERICA REFUSED TO PAY FOR IT. NOW HONDA ISSUES RECALL ON PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG, STATING NO ONE SHOULD SIT IN PASSENGER SEAT UNTIL REPAIR. CALLED DEALER, HONDA A…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V351000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR.…
REPEATEDLY SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND CHECK ENGINE ICONS WILL COME ON AND THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE POWER. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP SEVERAL TIMES BUT THEY CLEARLY ARE GUESSING. IT HAPPENED MOST RECENTLY JUST LAST WEEK. IT USUALLY HAPPENS UPON STARTUP, BUT…
SUN VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP AND IS BLOCKING VISIBILITY OF THE ROAD AHEAD. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE I SEE THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH SIMILAR MODELS OF HONDA. IT SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL FOR HONDA AS IT MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *JS
THE DRIVER SIDE, FRONT WINDOW SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED IN ON ME WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE THAT ANY OBJECT STRUCK THE WINDOW. IT JUST EXPLODED. *JS
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Honda Element.
Safety recalls
2011 Honda Element recalls
11 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 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:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2011 Honda Element buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2011 Honda Element reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 11 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 11 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2011 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 2011 Honda Element?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (6 complaints). #2: Visibility (2 complaints). #3: Seat Belt Issues (1 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Honda Element?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2011 Honda Element?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2011 Honda Element, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 11 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Honda Element have any recalls?▾
Yes. 11 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 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 2011 Honda Element?▾
The 2011 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 2011 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.