2004 Honda Element: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Jun 2, 2021 · Lights · CA

While driving in the freeway; the low beam lights went out and would no longer work. For visibility purposes, I was forced to use high beam lights to make it home while impairing the driving ability of others. The low beams and high beams run on the same light bulb. While using the high beams, the bulbs work as intended. The light bulbs and relays were promptly replaced and the issue is not fixed. It is often caused the a malfunctioning multiswitch that controls lighting and blinkers. The issue is well known within Honda elements and a previous recall have been issued for other Honda models including the Honda civic. Oftentimes the wiring goes back due to the switch malfunctioning. This is extremely unsafe toward everyone on the road as we lack visibility and by using high beams, we unwantingly blind other drivers which could result in injury by other drivers, passengers, and even pedestrians.

Filed Jul 12, 2018 · Lights · 200,438 miles · NC

Owner was driving for roughly 30 minutes when she stopped for gas and after restarting car neither one of her headlights were working. Her high beams continued to work and had to be used. Owner was told by mechanic that the headlight switch had over heated and burned the wiring within the switch. Honda has already issued recalls for civics and accords for this very problem but not for honda elements. Repair cost $200.00

Filed Feb 7, 2017 · Electrical · 248,000 miles · MN

The headlight switch connector overheated and melted at its terminal with the headlight switch resulting in the random failure of my headlights while driving at night. After searching more about this particular issue, I found that the same issue resulted in a recall of the part in 2001/2002 honda civics (export service bulletin 04-015, april 2004). The solution, "replace the combination light switch, the red/wht wire in the headlight wire harness and, if needed, the 16p headlight wire harness connector." I verified that it is the same red/wht wire that overheated in the connector. Why is my 2004 honda element not covered by this recall?

Filed Dec 2, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 101,000 miles · OH

The car shut down while driving and came to an instant stop. The first time this happened the vehicle shut down completely while pulling into a business. Thankfully there was no one behind me. It has been maybe a year from the first incident and now the car will flash off and on within a nano second while driving at different speeds and also while coming to a stop and turning corners. The headlights also dim at different times while driving. This is very scary and will eventually cause an accident. I will be making an appointment with the local dealer asap. I am hoping that by getting the ignition recall completed this will fix the issue.

Filed Oct 13, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 158,000 miles · WA

Low beams stopped working simultaneously. Headlight bulbs were promptly replaced but the bulbs were fine. The defect was in the vehicle itself. Low beams do not work, while the high beams and running lights continue to operate normally. Honda had a recall for this, just not for the element: http://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/cars/problems/defect/results.cfm?action_number=ea11012&searchtype=quicksearch&summary=true my local honda dealership wants $350 to fix this defect.