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ProblemsByVinFile / 2005-HONDA-ELEMENTNHTSA data synced 9 hours ago
2005 · Honda
Honda Element problems
158 owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2005 Element?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average
1 recall campaign on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2005 Honda Element? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
airbags — 70 owner reports
· tends to show around 92,605 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
electrical — 14 owner reports
· tends to show around 89,817 mi · ~$850 to fix
suspension — 12 owner reports
· tends to show around 105,920 mi · ~$900 to fix
visibility — 11 owner reports
· tends to show around 25,976 mi · ~$350 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 92,605 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 1 active recall on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 7.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
While driving through parking lot approaching exit, the passenger side seat airbag deployed without reason. Loud bang, ringing ears, and crying kids. No bumps, potholes, curbs or accident. So far everyone from Honda, the dealer and insurance are all pointing the finger at each…
Started with pass. Air bag light & pass. Seatbelt beeper & light. Have had it repaired 4 times but pass. Beeper & light has not been fixed. Spoke with Honda america in ca regional mgr morris said it doesn't exist in the 2005 Honda element the manual is a misprint. This is a…
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Honda element. While driving at an unknown speed, the front passenger side air bag deployed without warning or impact. There were no injuries. The dealer (mike maroone Honda, 1103 academy park loop, colorado springs, co 80910, (719) 888-2995) stated…
Had a problem with your 2005 Honda Element?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Certain Honda accessory trailer harness kit, p/n 08l91-scv-102, manufactured between november 24 and december 18, 2004, sold for use on my 2005 Honda element vehicles manufactured between december 20, 2004, and april 29, 2005
Improper signaling or a loss of trailer warning lamp function without warning could cause a vehicle crash, possibly resulting in injuries.
Fix: Honda will notify its customers and instruct them to bring their vehicle to a Honda dealer. The dealer will correct the connector wiring free of charge. The recall began on may 17, 2005. Owners may contact Honda at 310-783-2000.
Under investigation
2 open at NHTSA
EAAir Bags › Frontal · opened September 2021
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →
EAAir Bags › Frontal · opened February 2015
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA15001 on NHTSA →
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 158 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Honda Element is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2005 Honda Element?
The 2005 Honda Element is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2005 Honda Element?
Inspect the airbags first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 70 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 92,605 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2005 Honda Element a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 158 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is airbags. Typical failure occurs around 92,605 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2005 Honda Element?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 70 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 92,605 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 92,605 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Honda Element has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2005 Honda Element?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 158 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 9 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Honda/Element.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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