2006 Honda Element Owner Complaints

Chest clip won’t pull tight and tethered to pull on lower anchor malfunctions when you pull it is difficult to get tight

NHTSA ID

11751415

Incident

Jul 19, 2026

Vehicle (2-owner, all svc records), involved in a head-on collision, with approximately 75% of impact/damage to the Driver’s front (see photos). The passenger front (25% of impact) airbag deployed, the DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG did NOT deploy. The Takata airbag recall service/replacement (see invoice) was performed by a local Honda dealership on 01/08/2018. (Factory recall: 16-047; Kit Inflator: 06999). The vehicle is in my (owner’s) private possession since the time of the incident, I have deliberately not yet had it serviced or inspected for damage/repair estimates in any way, as my priority is to FIRST go through proper, qualified channels to have it properly inspected and diagnosed in regards to the AIRBAG FAILURE.

NHTSA ID

11714865

Incident

Dec 12, 2025

Honda Canada recognized the safety risks from salt damage to the frames and rear suspension of Honda Elements and recalled all years of the Element for warranty repairs, or if the damage was too severe, buy back of the vehicles. Yet they have not in the USA in rust belt states where salt damage is prevalent. As you will note from the attached photos, severe injury or death could occur in a major collision, which falls into the scope of your agency. All Elements in areas where corrosive salty and liquid brine is used are at risk, posing a significant safety hazard. Contacting local Honda dealers confirm the absence of a recall for this issue which puts motorists in this country at risk.

NHTSA ID

11706003

Incident

Dec 17, 2025

left rear rear trailing arm rusted out. had car checked due to rough ride & was informed said part so rusted it was dangerous to drive. damage so severe repair not feasible. appears this is a problem with elements & some crvs. canada apparently has a recall for this, & US should, too.

NHTSA ID

11704944

Incident

Dec 2, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11694785

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

Rusting rear suspension is safety issue. Elements were already recalled in Canada but not yet in USA since not enough complaints were issued. The Element is based on the CRV which already does have a recall in USA for this issue

NHTSA ID

11691611

Incident

Jan 14, 2025

I live in Minnesota and my Elements rear trailing arms are badly rusted. There is a recall for the same issue in Canada but not in the US. This is my 2006 Honda Element with 96k miles. I would love to be able to get another at least 100k miles if not lots more. These cars can go to 400k if maintained well.

NHTSA ID

11674062

Incident

Jul 16, 2025

The contact owns a 2006 Honda Element. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the passenger's side door air bag deployed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact and her mother heard a loud explosion, and the passenger's side door air bag deployed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed. There was no impact GTC system scanned -1 completed troubleshooting found no damage while SRS and air bag unit need to be replaced. The vehicle had previously been repaired, a year and a half prior to the failure under an unknown recall associated with the air bags. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,500.

NHTSA ID

11650488

Incident

Mar 17, 2025

Mileage

155,500 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11632315

Incident

Dec 24, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11583821

Incident

Apr 17, 2024

The part in my car that has failed twice is the right front seat belt buckle. I was alerted to this problem in June of 2020, when my SRS light lit up. I took the car to AutoNation Honda 104 in Westminster, Co., 80234, on 6/2/20 after learning about Honda's previously documented SRS and seat belt issues. The code that led to the SRS light going on was 22-1, indicating "open or increased resistance in the right buckle tensioner." The part was replaced at that time and the SRS light remained off after the repair. However, in July of 2023, the SRS light went on again. I took it to the same dealership on 7/20/23. I was informed that the same code occurred, and that the part would be replaced again under warranty. However, it was not available due to supply issues. Both times this problem has occurred, I was informed by Honda personnel that the seat belt system might not perform as designed in a crash, creating increased risk of death or injury for a passenger in that seat. I was advised to avoid having passengers ride in that seat. At the 7/20/23 appointment I was informed that the estimated time of arrival (ETA) for this part was 9/2/23. On 9/21/23 I called USA Honda for an update since I had not heard anything from them. I was informed that the ETA was now unknown, and that they would provide me with regular updates via email. However, all subsequent emails indicated an unknown ETA. On 1/10/24 I again contacted contacted USA Honda by phone to ask for an update. I was informed that there is now a "possible" ETA of 5/20/24. Thus the earliest I might get my car fixed is 10 months from when the problem started, if then. Honda has said that the delay is due to problems with the part manufacturer, but has refused to give me information about how to reach this manufacturer. The delay in honoring their warranty, for any reason, amounts to negligence that could lead to death or injury of a passenger, and results in me not being able to use the car as designed.

NHTSA ID

11567346

Incident

Jun 2, 2023

These cars have severe issues with their frames and they rot. There are TONS of recalls in Canada and I am wondering why the same recalls are not in the US - this is equally dangerous regardless of location - especially upstate NY where the climate is extremely similar to Canada. I have had TWO LIFE THREATENING INCIDENTS recently - one with the front axel completely breaking several months ago, and yesterday when the frame and rear axel fell apart. Fortunately both times, I was barely moving or I would likely not be here to be typing this. My frame is so rusted, it is disintegrating and beyond repair. I was advised by my local Sheriff to check on the recalls in Canada and there are so many, basically the whole frame is recalled - I am writing to report that I am in several Honda Element groups here in the US, and there are hundreds of life threatening posts in these groups regularly. This should absolutely be addressed. It is clearly a problem. As you can see in my attachments, otherwise the vehicle is in amazing condition. This is really devastating - and I have a vehicle that I cannot sell or trade-in. There is no value whatsoever and it is beyond repair.

NHTSA ID

11537675

Incident

Aug 9, 2023

The contact owns a 2006 Honda Element. The contact stated that while HIS son was driving approximately 55 MPH, the driver heard a loud clunking sound, and the rear of the vehicle suddenly became unstable. The driver stopped and inspected the vehicle, and it was discovered that the driver’s side rear wheel was turned outward, and the rear driver’s side trailing arm had detached from the frame of the vehicle due to severe rust. The vehicle was later towed to a welding shop. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 123,000.

NHTSA ID

11527326

Incident

May 1, 2023

Mileage

123,000 mi

LEFT REAR (DRIVER SIDE) TRAILING CONTROL ARM CAME OUT OF THE MOUNTING BRACKET CAUSING THE TIRE ASSEMBLY TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND NARROWLY ESCAPED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THIS DEFECT HAS A RECALL NOTICE IN CANADA BUT NOT USA. I NOTICED SIMILIAR COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WHICH IS A DESIGN DEFECT BY HONDA WITH NO GOOD REMEDIATION. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS INJURY TO MYSELF AND GRANCHILDREN IN THE CAR.

NHTSA ID

11518386

Incident

Apr 20, 2023

I AM LOCATED IN OHIO AND THE REAR TRAILING ARM HAS RUSTED OUT TO THE POINT THAT IT IS ON THE VERGE OF BREAKING OFF ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS WAS FOUND OUT BECAUSE I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR WOULD SWAY BACK AND FORTH IN THE REAR EVERY TIME I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. I WENT TO MY NEAREST TIRE SHOP THINKING IT COULD BE A WHEEL ALIGNMENT ISSUE AND THEY BROUGHT ME TO THE BACK AND SHOWED ME THE ISSUE. IT IS BEING HELD BY ABOUT 4-5 INCHES OF THE FRAME. THEY ADVISED ME TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED AS IT WAS NOT SAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE HOME. I HAVE SINCE NOT BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND HAVE IT PARKED IN MY GARAGE. I'M AWARE THAT THIS IS A RECALL BY HONDA IN CANADA WHICH IS A NEIGHBORING BORDER TO MY STATE AND A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH A LOT OF US NORTHERN STATES IN THE U.S. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT CAN BE DONE AS I LOVE THIS VEHICLE BUT IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON THE ROAD.

NHTSA ID

11403002

Incident

Jan 3, 2021

Mileage

163,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE KEY WAS NOT IN THE IGNITION AND THERE WAS NO ONE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11385189

Incident

Dec 24, 2020

Mileage

160,000 mi

WINDOW MOTOR DIDNT LET WINDOW GO UP.. WINDOW WENT DOWN N WASN'T ABLE TO ROLL UP.. LOUD NOISE FROM DRIVER WINDOW MOTOR..MY CAR WAS PARKED N WHEN TURN ON CAR WINDOW DROPPED ALSO POWER STEERING N KNOCK SENSOR CAUSING NO PRESSURE TO MOVE. HESITATION LOSS OF FUEL

NHTSA ID

11340303

Incident

Jul 19, 2020

Mileage

170,000 mi

THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT ROCKS DANGEROUSLY BACK AND FORTH. I ONLY WEIGH 108 POUNDS SO IT'S NOTHING I HAVE DONE TO CAUSE THIS. WHEN I LOOK ONLINE, THOUSANDS OF ELEMENT OWNERS HAVE THIS SAME COMPLAINT. IT IS PRETTY EXPENSIVE TO GET THE SEAT ASSEMBLY REPLACED. I HAVE DRIVEN HONDAS FOR 30 YEARS AND NEVER HAD THIS ISSUE. IT BEGAN A YEAR OR SO AGO AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE!

NHTSA ID

11338587

Incident

Apr 19, 2019

OPDS SENSOR FAILED/TRIPPED. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. NO ACCIDENT/COLLISION INVOLVED. AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON DASH CONSTANTLY ON. ALTHOUGH OPDS SENSOR IS CLEARLY PART OF SRS, HONDA DEALERSHIP CLAIMS IT FALLS OUTSIDE OF SRS LIFETIME WARRANTY/WARRANTY EXTENSION. CONCERN OVER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT IN CASE OF ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ID

11330117

Incident

Jun 20, 2020

Mileage

182,700 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD HIS VEHICLE SERVICED FOR AN AIR BAG RECALL AT AUTONATION HONDA CLEARWATER (17275 US HWY 19 N, CLEARWATER, FL 33764) UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V182000(AIR BAGS) . AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED, BUT TO NO AVAIL. AFTER THE FIFTH VISIT, THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND DISCOVERED THAT THE DEFECT WAS DUE TO FAULTY AIR BAG WIRING. THE CONTACT WAS THEN GIVEN AN ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRS OF APPROXIMATELY $1,000.00. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID

11300876

Incident

Oct 1, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE, BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT RELEASE OR MOVE. SOMETIMES, THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE ABS SENSOR NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID

11244260

Incident

Oct 24, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT ROCKED BACK AND FORTH WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION NUMBER: 03032 (SEATS). THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.

NHTSA ID

11241088

Incident

Jul 15, 2019

Mileage

185,000 mi

RIGHT BACK SEAT WINDOW BROKE

NHTSA ID

11217681

Incident

May 31, 2019

THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON IN MY 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. IT IS WELL KNOWN TO BE A FAULT IN THE DESIGN OF THE SEATBELT LATCH SENSOR. HONDA WON'T TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND WANTS TO CHARGE $$$$$ TO DIAGNOSE AND FIX. THIS DESIGN FLAW WILL CAUSE THE AIRBAGS TO NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH. LIVES ARE AT RISK AND HONDA WON'T FIX IT.

NHTSA ID

11169961

Incident

Jan 14, 2019

2006 HONDA ELEMENT APPROX 114,000 MILES. VEHICLE LOW BEAMS BOTH STOP WORKING SIMULTANEOUSLY WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT VARIOUS SPEEDS INCREASING LIKELIHOOD OF CRASH. THIS IS RECURRENT ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL AND OTHER HONDA MODELS INCLUDING PILOT AND FIT. ISSUE RELATES TO BURNING CONTACT IN WIRING HARNESS. THIS IS CLEARLY A DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING/ DESIGN THAT PUTS DRIVERS AND OTHER MOTORISTS AT RISK OF ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ID

11141762

Incident

Oct 15, 2018

Mileage

114,000 mi