Two problems related to front air bag sensor control have been reported for the 2004 Honda Element. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Honda Element based on all problems reported for the 2004 Element.
Passenger seat airbag deployed while driving less than 5 mph and not involved in accident. No damage to vehicle, except torn seams in seat from airbag. This happened while traveling on gravel road to lake house, right front tire hit pot-hole, causing the bag deployment. Inappropriate sensitivity in airbag sensor or faulty airbag seems to be the cause. Hughes Honda in athens, GA. States they will not repair since this is not a recall issue.
My 2004 Element light came on while driving one day. I had it serviced by a mechanic with set belt replacement. Did not help with the light came back on. Had it looked at by someone else who told me it was the airbag sensors. I really don"t want to keep spending money but it failed inspection because of this along with my driver side seat that is rocking. Driving and coming to a stop with any type of force causes the seat to jump forward. Even if I am sitting and if I move around my seat will move. Is there any type of permanent fixes for these problems. Our daughter loves her Element but, these are major issues for our family as they are and can have serious problems now and in the future.