general problems of the 2006 Honda Element

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.

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 for operation, waived the diagnostic fees, and replenished the transmission fluid to prevent the risk of being stranded due to a lack of fluid on the return trip. Honda service department took the attached photos and documented the vehicle's safety violations.

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.

After I had my local Honda dealer complete the air bag recall for the second, my cruse control stopped working and my air bag light came on. I returned to the dealer and they stated that it had nothing to do with the replacement of my air bag and that they would have to charge me to diagnosis the problem. I paid for them to diagnosis, they said it was the seat belt buckle on the drivers seat and that it would cost over $350 and the throttle body would cost $810 to fix the cruse control. I did not pay them for the repair. They "reset" the light, but advised that it would probably come back on. They stated that while the light was on that my srs system would not work. So now I have a car I love, but am afraid to drive. Seems funny that the light never came on before I let the dealer touch my car.

See Honda safety recall no. R44. Pub NHTSA 2010-08-05 same issue as described. The interlock lever of the ignition switch may unexpectedly deform, which can allow the interlock function of a vehicle with an automatic transmission to be defeated. Removal of the ignition key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been shifted to the park position can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash. Personal experience is that my car rolled while I was exiting the vehicle a few times before I figured out I was leaving the car in drive while exiting because I leave my foot on the brake until I jump out. This was scary and nearly disastrous, because with the car rolling backward, it is a dukes of hazard move to jump back in the car while getting impacted by the door, then launching into the seat and hitting the foot pedal brake. It is a frightening hazard, but the $800-1k to fix is a barrier to many people. I choose to always use the parking break instead of pay that much. I find this a frightening problem that is an absolute safety issue Honda knows about and should fix.

: the contact stated after getting inside of the vehicle, the contact suffered headaches and eye burning. The dealership could not duplicate the problem. The contact did not smell anything except the new car smell.