Top 5 Problems Honda Element SUV 1st Generation 2003-2011

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This lady needs a raise seriously 👍

I have a 2005 Element. Purchased with 128,000 miles, it now has 170,500 miles. Replaced brake rotors and pads, struts, spark plugs, ignition coils and motor mounts. It’s been a dependable suv, plan on keeping for around town errands, possibly up to mountains for some camping.lm///

You know a car is lit when 1A put out a new video on a 10-18 year old car

She is truly great at working on cars, very good at explaining things and definitely has a lot of experience

I can tell she’s really passionate about what she’s doing. Keep up the good work.

I bought my Element 21 years/180,000 miles ago and never had one major problem with it. Taken some major road trips with it, and it's been my work truck too. Not so many miles because we always had two cars sharing the load. Element's been the best and most dependable vehicle I've ever owned, would buy it again if a time-traveler!

Picked up a 2004 from my neighbor 2 years ago... 55,000 miles. Excellent condition with full dealer service history for all required service. Its all wheel drive and the best car I have driven here on Alaska roads. Love the fact it turns into a mini truck with the seats out.

Haha! Saw her face...clicked on the video immediately! She is very knowledgeable, knows her stuff. I've never even owned a Honda. (She has helped me keep my Mazda 3 alive though.)

I found after having 5 Elements the most common problem is the window regulators seem to go out unexpectedly and intervals of about 50-80k miles, depending on how much you use the windows. I am sure there is a specific number of cycles that Honda has in their testing for production but that number I do not have and do not know if Honda releases that information to the public. Other common items are the cooling fans seem to go out about 100k miles in Florida weather while in a northern climate they last to about 150k miles or more. Its about $120 for aftermarket fans, easy install if you are mechanically capable. The radio volume knob tends to "slip " and the heater control light bulbs are intermitten after about 70k miles and replacements are very expensive($20 for one specific bulb and about $12each for the other 2) Other than that maybe corrosion on the brake calipers function and rotor warp if you are a heavy braker. Underneath corrosion in salty climates is a bad one. Finally what t3 of my Elements had was a clunking noise in the rear was from the rear stabilizer bushings were worn but not looking worn. About $15.00 and 1/2 hour 4 bolts (if not rusted) work. Any questions about the Element feel free to ask me.

I enjoyed your no-nonsense and to-the-point explanation of each issue, followed by a very practical, clear explanation of the fix. Oh, and I very much appreciate the absence of the horribly loud background music many posters include in their video. Thank you for your clear and practical approach to the maintenance, prevention, and repair of an old favorite. I own a 2004 Element 174,000 miles and thank goodness, haven't yet experienced any of the problems mentioned. Thank you!

Being a Honda tech I laughed at this video, the ignition immobilizer fault is not normally a issue it’s the electrical portion of the ignition switch. Can be replaced separately PN is in a tech bulletin for common fault and does not require reprogramming. Knock sensors common to fail but verify harness or previous repairs. Vibration issues, inner cv joints front, wear causing vibration on acceleration, no mention of contamination of rear diff fluid, noise, vibration on turns. Please be advised under no circumstances use aftermarket axles, total junk, you will be sorry No mention of rear control arm corrosion some models safety recall No mention serious AC faults, compressor failure contaminates whole system. ac relay failures No mention of lack maintenance “ oil changes” causing timing chain to wear out prematurely as well camshaft lobes failing. Some other issues with drive belt tension making noise under accessory load. Common oil leaks, valve cover, timing chain, timing chain tensioner cover.

I love your videos. I will never do any of this work myself as I am not mechanically inclined, but I love the way you break down everything and are concise when you speak! I've watched every Honda Element video you've done. Seems like you really dig the Element and would love to learn from someone like you on doing work to it ! Thanks again and keep 'em coming!

I own a 2006 Element and must be very lucky. I haven't had any of these problems. I bought it used in 2011 with 54k miles and now have 128k miles. I have a very short commute. The Element has been probably my favorite vehicle I have ever owned in the 26 cars I have owned since about 1989. The thing is a tank in snow and the most utilitarian vehicle. But, thank you for the video. I will keep these issues in the back of my brain for possible future reference.

I have a 2007 with over 200k miles. I haven’t gotten any of those problems. Knock on wood! Thanks for sharing!

Yes! Love how she’s so enthusiastic! Really speaking in layman’s terms and very helpful!

Used your vids for a control arm and ball joint replacement a few days ago. Super helpful. Now for my variable timing control solenoid...

One cause for bad axles that a lot of mechanics overlook is broken or worn out motor or transmission mounts. Before replacing a CV axle, it's a good idea to check those so you don't damage a new axle. The damaged engine mount or transmission mount can allow the engine/trans assembly to move enough to pull the inner CV axle bearing assembly partially out of the outer raceways and even rip the rubber boot which causes loss of grease and premature wear. I've seen a lot of CV axle issues coincide with bad motor/trans mount.

Sue your videos are so helpful and clear. Don't stop making these!!

I think it's awesome that a woman knows so much about a vehicle, and shares her knowledge. Thanks 👍