Check a VIN

2006 Honda Element body problems

11 complaints (9% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 123,000. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
11
of this car's complaints
9%
typical mileage
123,000
crashes
2
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Body
    8
  • Body: door: hinge and attachments
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Honda Element body problems in other years

20032004200520062007200820092010

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2006 Honda Element owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 25, 2024 · Body, Transmission · OR

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.

Filed Aug 10, 2023 · Body, Suspension · NY

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.

Filed Jun 16, 2023 · Body · 123,000 miles · PA

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.

Filed Mar 15, 2021 · Body, Suspension · 163,000 miles · OH

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.

Filed Jun 4, 2019 · Body · CA

Right back seat window broke

Filed Sep 14, 2018 · Airbags, Body · SC

We got a letter in the mail about the recall on the airbags. Air bag light always on. We have a knocking sound in the engine ,the driver door gets stuck, we have no A/C , one fan under the hood work,shocks missing up tires, battery die all the time, and have had problems with the car just cutting off at lights or when stoped by itself.

Filed Jun 25, 2014 · Airbags, Body · 96,000 miles · CA · crash

I hit a deer last december and the only reason the insurance company did not total it was because the air bags did not deploy. There was just about $10,000 worth of damage to my car. After waiting a month and a half, traveling 18 hours & spending an extra $200 for travel to go get my car I finally got it back. Also, my car does not idle like it should. It will also go dead when I come to a stop. It doesn't happen all the time but it will happen in the middle of traffic and I will be stuck there for a few minutes.

Filed Sep 16, 2013 · Airbags, Body · 161,000 miles · NY · crash

I was driving approximately 25 MPH vehicle in front suddenly stopped I rear ended vehicle causing damage to front bumper, hood and driver side panel, there was no injuries thank god driver air bags did not deploy also passenger on rear side seat belt snapped this was my second fender bender in three years where front air bags did not deploy, this is a major concern because my family's safety is my priority and honda should look into this seriously before major injuries or deaths occurs.

Filed May 10, 2007 · Body · 1,500 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 honda element. The contact stated that there is a hole in the vehicle's driver side door gasket. The dealer has replaced the gasket. The current mileage is 2,400 and failure mileage was 1,500.

Filed Nov 6, 2006 · Body · CT

Vehicle sustained multiple dents throughout the roof and hood from "simple" acorns falling from a tree. Damage is unacceptable and was basically told by honda motor corp. That I "shouldn't" park under trees that damage my car. The car parked next to mine sustained "no" damage. No other cars seem to sustain this kind of damage. Absolutely unacceptable structural "intolerance" on this vehicle. My seven previous cars never sustained "any" damage from acorns. I would never have purchased this vehicle, had I known it had such thin metal on its exterior. I was left high & dry by honda case management as well as by honda of danbury service department. I am very disappointed with how they were unwilling to help me with my situation.

Questions about the 2006 Honda Element body

Does the 2006 Honda Element have body problems?

Owners have filed 11 complaints about the body of the 2006 Honda Element, 9% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2006 Honda Element body problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 123,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2006 Honda Element body?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Honda Element have the most body problems?

The Honda Element model years with the most body complaints are 2003 (33 complaints), 2008 (14 complaints) and 2004 (13 complaints).

Other 2006 Honda Element problems

Airbags 55Visibility 13Electrical 11Suspension 10Seats 9Engine 5Lights 5Seat belts 5Transmission 5Acceleration 2Brakes 2Fuel system 2Wheels 2Driver assistance 1Locks 1Steering 1Tires 1

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2006 Honda Element?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history