Honda Element problems
121 owner complaints with NHTSA, no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 7.8/10 — above the segment average
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 2006 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 — 53 owner reports · tends to show around 90,118 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
- visibility — 13 owner reports · tends to show around 27,825 mi · ~$350 to fix
- suspension — 10 owner reports · tends to show around 92,500 mi · ~$900 to fix
- electrical — 8 owner reports · tends to show around 81,165 mi · ~$850 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 90,118 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 7.8/10 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.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2006 Honda Element
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.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Broken window regulator: we were refueling at the gasoline station when suddenly the glass of the window (front passenger side) fell down. Culprit was broken window regulator.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Honda element. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle rolled away and crashed into another vehicle. The contact mentioned that the key was not in the ignition and there was no one inside the vehicle. A police report was not…
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…
There's an electrical problem. The car sometimes will not start right away. We have to give it several tries and usually after 5 minutes it will start. We've already replaced the starter and problem still persists. We thought last recall would have fixed the problem, because…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Under investigation 2 open at NHTSA
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA15001 on NHTSA →
How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →
Common questions
Is the 2006 Honda Element reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 121 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 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 2006 Honda Element?
On the NHTSA data, the 2006 Honda Element does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 7.8/10 — above the segment average. 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 2006 Honda Element?
Inspect the airbags first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 53 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 90,118 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 2006 Honda Element a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 121 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is airbags. Typical failure occurs around 90,118 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 2006 Honda Element?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 53 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 90,118 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 90,118 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 2006 Honda Element?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 121 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.