2003 Honda Element locks problems

Filed Jun 13, 2016 · Body, Locks · 185,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda element. The contact stated that the vehicle would not recognize the key remote unlock feature. In addition, the key would not unlock the driver side door even when it was manually inserted. In order to unlock the driver's door, the passenger door had to be unlocked to get to the driver's door inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing, but the results were not provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.

Filed Jan 28, 2015 · Locks · 67,000 miles · MD

Driver's side door lock tumblers seized my key when I tried to unlock the car. They key was stuck midway - I could not remove the key nor turn it either way. Since the key was caught in the lock, the key fob would not open the passenger's door or rear latch. I was locked out of the car with my little girl trapped inside. After a pop-a-lock visit, I was able to get my spare key to drive the vehicle, but I still had the original key stuck in the door lock. I drove to honda service center; they were unable to remove the key also. They said I would have to pay $450 to have the lock tumbler replaced. I asked them if they would remove the door panel because the key in the door was a theft issue. They said I would have to pay $112.50 for them to remove the panel. When I asked if they would remove the panel for free so I could try to remove the key, they refused, citing liability issues. The service center is only willing to help when paid astronomical rates like $112.50 to remove a door panel (without being asked to put it back on) and $450 to replace a $40 part that is malfunctioning. I have never heard any other car manufacturers' cars seizing a key in the door lock ever in my life! We could have been in great danger if we had been in a remote area of if it had been nighttime. Honda customer service refuses to fix my problem because there is no recall, despite the problems of others. Even when I asked that the repair be done as "goodwill' the representative refused to consider. Poor quality workmanship on door locks -- something as inexpensive and low tech as a lock, yet so critical to safety and theft -- reflects poorly on honda and draws into question their reputation for quality. That honda refuses to stand by their work when their poor quality endangers drivers and passengers, demonstrates their disregard of human beings safety. Profit over people is honda's motto.

Filed Dec 19, 2014 · Locks · WV

Driver's side door lock has malfunctioned and would not unlock. Sometimes would not lock. I had same problem several years ago and had lock replaced at honda dealer however recently it started again. Apparently this is a common honda problem. I really like the element however these types of problems leave me to probably never buy another honda. Now the airbag recall which has not even recognized the need to replace in wv.

Filed Dec 6, 2014 · Locks · TX

The driver side lock stopped working from the outside. First the alarm and automatic door lock stopped working. It would arm and unarm the alarm and unlock the back and side door but not the driver side door. That was annoying but I have the key and would then just unlock the driver side door but the lock would stick and not allow the key to turn. I would then have to take the key out and try again. Over a few weeks it got worse and worse eventually not allowing the key to even completely enter. It would also get stuck in the locked position and I would have to manually unlock it to get out. Eventually it stopped working all together. To get in I would have to unarm the alarm and from the passenger side use an umbrella to reach access the seats to manually unlock the door. I would then have to walk around the car to get in. I would also have to manually lock the door before driving as it would not lock on its own. To get out I would have to do the whole process again but in reverse order. If I locked the door with the door open it would not shut completely. It progressively got worse over about a year. I had it repaired almost two years ago and have not had issues since. I did not have to change keys, electronic locks, or alarms. This was some time ago so I do not remember what they had to do to fix it but I remember it not being cheap and taking much of the day as they had to take the door apart. I am not sure if the dealer or my regular repair place fixed it but more information can be requested from them if needed. The repair guys had not mentioned this being an issue with 2003 honda elements but after seeing multiple reports on here I decided to add my information for more context and details in how the problem started and advanced.

Filed Oct 28, 2014 · Locks · 40,000 miles · CO

Driver side exterior door lock does not accept a key. This is extremely problematic due to the fact that the element did not include auto locks. This is a safety hazard because I have been in a parallel parking situation where my driver door was facing a busy street. I was trying to get into the car when the light behind me turned green and the cars came whipping by. It is also scary at night walking to my car in a parking lot as I don't know if my lock will work and someone could easily follow me out to my car and have plenty of time to attack me. I have a daughter and her safety is most important. This issue needs to be fixed not only for convenience but also peace of mind.

Filed Aug 14, 2014 · Locks · 130,000 miles · TX

The lock on driver side door no longer accepts the key. I have to unlock from the passenger side. When trying to lock or unlock from the driver side, my key gets stuck in the lock and does not turn.

Filed Aug 13, 2014 · Electrical, Locks · 98,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda element. The contact stated that the electronic door system failed to open or lock the doors, and the doors could not be opened with the key. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

Filed Aug 10, 2014 · Locks · FL

Front door lock will not work. It is jammed and will not accept the key going in. This needs to be recalled and fixed. It's unbelievable.

Filed Aug 5, 2014 · Body, Locks · 190,000 miles · NJ

Both door locks (driver and passenger) are jammed. At times the key goes in and others it doesn't but do not turn. I have two keys and neither of them open either door. I have to enter through the back door, climb over the back seats to get to the driver's seat. This appears to be an issue with many honda elements made in 2003. I have read many reviews and see that many people have this same issue. I have back problems and cannot be climbing in through the back of my car to open the driver side door to enter my car. I think honda should be responsible for replacing these locks.

Filed Jul 17, 2014 · Locks · 180,000 miles · TX

Driver's side door lock began to not unlock the door on first attempt. After approximately one year the lock became stuck at a 45 degree angle and would not release the key. Forced the key out of the lock by placing my knee against the door and pulling on the key until the key finally came out. Lock continues to be at about 20 degrees and will not allow the key to enter and/or turn. Have tried liquid wrench, but no improvement. Have to unlock the driver's door by entering through the passenger door.