DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. THE BATTERY WAS RECHARGED, AND AFTERWARDS, THE ENGINE STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTERWARDS, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.
2005 honda Element electrical problems
severe 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$850
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHTS WILL COME ON FOR NO REASON SAYING PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFF AND IT IS NOT OFF. THIS HAPPENS AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. THIS HAPPENS AT VARIOUS TIMES, CRANKING VEHICLE, DRIVING VEHICLE, THERE IS REALLY NO SPECIFIC SITUATION . IT'S SPORADIC. HEADLIGHTS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN DIM. SOMETIMES I CAN'T EVEN TELL IF THEY ARE ON. THE CARGO LIGHTS, FRONT MIDDLE AND BACK WORK SOMETIMES AND MOST TI…
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2005 honda Element?
It's a meaningful issue. 14 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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