2003 Honda Element engine problems

Filed Nov 9, 2015 · Engine · 227,590 miles · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda element. While driving 45 MPH, the engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 227,590. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Jul 2, 2015 · Engine · 124,000 miles · WI · fire

Tl* the contact owned a 2003 honda element. While driving 30 MPH, the check engine light illuminated. The contact heard a loud pop and black smoke emitted through all of the vents inside the vehicle. The brakes became inoperable and the vehicle ignited into flames. The contact was able to escape the vehicle without injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.

Filed Aug 14, 2014 · Engine · 144,000 miles · TX

I stopped to check my mail and turned off my vehicle to use the mail box key and when I tried to start my car again, it would not start. All I got was a buzzing noise from under the steering column. Prior to this incident over the last week there were times my car would not start. I would make several attempts and it would finally start. The battery and starter were checked and in working condition.

Filed Jan 20, 2014 · Airbags, Body · 131,000 miles · NC · crash · 1 injury

I was traveling north on nc hwy 12 on my way to work, alone, and I rear ended another vehicle traveling between 35-40 MPH, when I glanced down to scratch my leg and when I glanced back down, the car in front of me was at a dead stop and I rear ended it. My passenger airbag deployed, however I had no passenger with me, my drivers side airbag failed. Luckily I was wearing my seatbelt and only received minor injuries.

Filed Aug 13, 2012 · Engine, Suspension · 65,000 miles · GA

Excessive vibration where you can see the stick shift shimmy and shake. Both driver and passenger can feel car vibrating like it has a bad wheel alignment but wheels have brand new tires and are aligned. Mechanic says it seems to be a broken motor mount. I have read on several honda and honda element community forums reporting that motor mounts break with low mileage. I believe this is a defect.

Filed Jan 10, 2012 · Engine · 82,000 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

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.

Filed Sep 3, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · 80,000 miles · ME

Tumblers in ignition becomes mal aligned, key will not insert or turn, engine will not start. This is not part of the current active recall on the ignition system. I have replaced the ignition lock cylinder twice in 3 years. It is a common occurrence, ask any one who drives a 2003 element, they've replaced this part too. Honda only warranties the part for one year.

Filed Jan 9, 2008 · Engine, Visibility · 50,000 miles · NY

Poor heating due to restricted heater core. An identical problem was identified in the 2004,and 2005 element (ref. Honda service bulletin 07-076 dated 11/28/2007) and the heater core is thus replaced under the normal warranty. Although the problem began on my 2003 element in 2006 and the vehicle is still covered under warranty, honda service personnel refuse to recognize the trouble as a factory defect and will charge in excess of $1,500 dollars to replace the heater core. *tr the consumer stated a tsb had been issued regarding contamination of the engine coolant which could cause restrictions in the heater core and radiator and sometimes corrosion. Updated 03/05/09.

Filed Jan 26, 2005 · Body, Driver assistance · CA

The consumer has had consistent problems with the vehicle's factory installed horn and alarm. *nm the dealer was unable to remedy the communication system. Other problems were; the bumper cover would pop out intermittently, the right side corner piece was loose, the horn sound was abnormal and anti-freeze was leaking.

Filed Jan 29, 2004 · Engine · 1 miles · OH

My 2003 honda element has a sulphur smell that is beyond annoyance. The smell is so intense that it takes your breath away. My dealer is unable to repair and honda seems indifferent to the problem. While not life threatening, it could, I believe be detrimental to my health as well as the health of my passengers.