2004 Honda Element: seat belt won't latch or retract

8 of the 282 complaints about the 2004 Honda Element describe seat belt won't latch or retract.

owner complaints: 8
of this car's complaints: 3%
typical mileage: 108,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 1 service bulletin covers this area of the car. See below

Seat belt won't latch or retract by model year

2011
1
2007
1
2006
3
2005
1
2004
8

What owners say

Filed Jan 16, 2026 · Seat belts · OH

On 722 2024 dealer try to replace a defective seatbelt buckle could not do the repair could not get a replacement from Honda SRS light stays on so that if the vehicle is in an accident, the airbags will not deploy. Have been waiting on this partfor a very long time. Have no information from Honda when this will be available.

Filed Nov 8, 2024 · Seat belts · 166,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2004 Honda Element. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an unknown recall related to the seat belts; however, the seat belt retractor was repaired incorrectly and was installed backward. The local dealer was not contacted due to new ownership. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.

Filed Sep 17, 2018 · Airbags, Seat belts · 293,800 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 honda element. While driving at various speeds, the air bag sensor indicator remained illuminated, which was a safety concern. In addition, while driving, the front driver side seat belt failed to retract and properly secure the driver while making sudden stops. The failures were not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer (honda cars of corona, 1080 pomona rd, corona, ca). Were notified of the failures and did not assist. The failure mileage was 293,800.

Filed Dec 22, 2015 · Seat belts · 100,500 miles · LA

Female seat belt connection does not lock properly on a consistent basis. There is a national back order for this warrantied part suggesting there is a large problem with this part that honda is not resolving.

Filed Mar 16, 2015 · Seat belts · 80,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 honda element. The contact stated that the seat belt lock failed to engage. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the seat belt lock needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed May 13, 2014 · Seat belts, Seats · 132,000 miles · FL · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 honda element. The contact stated that the driver was in a head on collision and driver's seat moved forward and the seat belt failed to restrain the driver. The driver moved forward hitting the steering wheel and dash board. The driver suffered injuries to the chest, the knee, and minor bruising. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure and current mileage was 132,000.

Filed Jan 3, 2012 · Airbags, Seat belts · 108,000 miles · AL · crash · 2 injuries

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 honda element. The contact stated that a vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle, causing the contact to crash into a preceding vehicle. The front driver side seat belt did not restrain the contact and caused the contact to be injured. A passenger was also reported injured. In addition, the air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was destroyed and was not inspected to for the seat belt and air bag failures. The failure and the current mileage was 108,000. Updated 03/05/12*lj the consumer also stated the seat went from an upright position to a reclining position. Updated 03/07/12

Filed Aug 12, 2010 · Airbags, Fuel system · 80,000 miles · TX

2004 honda element: (I have 2 and both have the following exact problems)1. Airbags warning lights indicating problems 2. Drivers seat is loose and rocks 3. Passenger seat causes extreme discomfort to hip and back on long tips (this is occurs with all passengers, young and older) 3. Under carriage brushes failure 4. A/c air compressor failure 5. Straps in back seats pulled out and seat cannot be reclined 6. Engine decelerates without warning. Power cutback during passing makes this very dangerous. 7. Drivers seatbelt buckle is difficult to secure (only 1 car with this problem) 8. Loud clanking noise when cars are being turned.