Table 1 shows one common unknown or other related problems of the 2003 Honda Element.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other problems |
The drivers side and passenger side door locks will freeze up and not allow the keys to be removed. This keeps the car from being abl eto be locked. Honda will not honor a warranty or recall on this item they charge $250. 00 per door to fix the problem. This heppened to both the drivers side and passengers side doors, and is a very common complaint among Honda Element owners.
Like many others, driver side door key was difficult to insert. Then it inserted and was unable to turn; despite greasing lock. Now using passenger side door lock. I am hoping this does not get stuck on me too like it has happened with many others. Lock costs ~$33 on ebay and $55 from dealer, but this does not include installation and it lock will have a separate key. I was quoted around $350-375 to have a matching lock installed. I am worried to even do this because it sounds like it is a recurring problem even after replacement. This needs to be made a recall.
While driving on I-5 going through grants pass in oregon uphill, my 2003 Honda Element suddenly decelerated from 65mph to barely 35 mph. Car has been in the shop for two days, there were no codes indicating an issue with the transmission. The mechanic recommended it be seen by a engine mechanic. Car is still experiencing the issue after a transmission flush, new spark plugs, fuel system cleaning. This is a major safety issue, the car only has 82500 miles on and has never been placed in storage.
The driver's side outer lock and automatic lock fails on the car. Passenger must enter through passenger side only. Intermittent problem with multiple instances of this occurring.
The door locks on the Honda Element are faulty. So faulty in fact that a year after the Elements were advertised, a technical service bulletin (06-068) was issued for "door lock cylinder binds". This TSB applied to 2003-2004 civics, 2002-2003 cr-v, 2003 Elements. The TSB includes the affected VIN numbers. Once the door cylinder stops working you cannot gain entry into the vehicle through the affected door. For me it was the drivers door and I was forced to enter the vehicle via the passenger door. The Honda site stated that you should contact the dealer and ask for re numeration as this was a known failure. The Honda dealer local to me stated that since it wasn't a recall they wouldn't "give me a break" on the cost to fix the problem. Honda should be made accountable since they knew this was a problem. The safety issue here lies in the fact that you can't enter your vehicle quickly in a dangerous situation. Climbing over seats is certainly not a safe thing to do either.
Bought the car with 264 miles on it on Aug. 15th, 2003. On Aug. 23rd, a noise began consistantly from the rear part of the vehicle each & every time when making turns.
The problem is with the windshield. I have had to replace it twice since January and it needs to be replaced again due to cracks. I checked around and I am not the only one with this problem. It seems that the windshield in the Element is very susceptable to cracks due to the flange creating too much stress which renders the glass very prone to cracking by road debris. I got hit by a tiny pebble which should never have cracked the glass. And in my 18 years of driving various vehicles, I have never, ever had this type of problem, so I know it is not just "bad luck" as the dealer has told me.
Complaint regarding Honda american motors and the purchase of a 2003 Honda Element. Consumer stated experience at the dealership was less than good. His vehicle was sprayed with "armor oil type grease" all over the door panel with spray sprinkles. All over the front and back seats and console. They sprayed stuff all over the place to the point where his hand slipped off the steering wheel and the seats were destroyed. Dealership promised the perma plate, low jack and keyless entry. Consumer was told he wouldn't receive his keyless entry despite it being part of the deal. Consumer stated the dealership jacked up his vehicle.