2005 Honda Element Problems: 13 Known Issues
2005 model year · 995+ owner reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 995+ owner reports, the 2005 Honda Element has 13 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are Alternator Failure ($500-$850 repair), Timing Chain Rattle on Cold Start (K24A) ($1,500-$2,500 repair), Automatic Transmission Secondary Shaft Bearing Failure and Park-Pawl Rollaway (Recall 11V395) ($0-$0 repair), Takata Passenger Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture and Repeated Recall Expansions (14V353 / 16V344 / 17V029 / 19V501) ($0-$0 repair), Rear-frame corrosion can let a rear trailing arm separate (Transport Canada recall 2021024) and Takata Driver Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture (Recall 15V320 / 19V182 / 19V499) ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is AC Failure: Compressor, Clutch, or Pressure Sensor with 175 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $100 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 13 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls17 recalls
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles nationwide. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2012 Acura RL, 2011 Honda Element and 2011-2013 Ridgeline vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Lastly, if not included above, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2011 Honda Element, 2010-2012 Acura RL and 2010-2013 Ridgeline vehicles in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Honda Element problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 995+ owner reports, the 2005 Honda Element has 13 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Alternator Failure, Timing Chain Rattle on Cold Start (K24A), Automatic Transmission Secondary Shaft Bearing Failure and Park-Pawl Rollaway (Recall 11V395). Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Honda Element reliable?
The 2005 Honda Element has 13 known issues documented across 995+ owner reports. 6 issues are rated critical: Alternator Failure and Timing Chain Rattle on Cold Start (K24A) and Automatic Transmission Secondary Shaft Bearing Failure and Park-Pawl Rollaway (Recall 11V395) and Takata Passenger Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture and Repeated Recall Expansions (14V353 / 16V344 / 17V029 / 19V501) and Rear-frame corrosion can let a rear trailing arm separate (Transport Canada recall 2021024) and Takata Driver Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture (Recall 15V320 / 19V182 / 19V499). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Honda Element problems?
Repair costs for known Honda Element issues range from $0 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Alternator Failure, typically costs $500-$850 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2003-2011 Honda Element Alternator Failure?
A failed alternator diode can cause a persistent battery drain that continues even after the battery is replaced. Failures are common around 140k miles. Element owners strongly prefer OEM Honda alternators and report that aftermarket units often fail prematurely. Repairs typically run $500-$850. Severity: high.
What is the 2003-2011 Honda Element Timing Chain Rattle on Cold Start (K24A)?
K24A engine timing chain tensioner wear causes rattling noise on cold start. Element owners agree that many Elements reach 200k+ miles without chain issues, so don't replace the chain without a confirmed diagnosis. If persistent rattling: Replace timing chain, tensioner, guides,… Repairs typically run $1,500-$2,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2005-2008 Honda Element Automatic Transmission Secondary Shaft Bearing Failure and Park-Pawl Rollaway (Recall 11V395)?
On 2005-2008 Elements with the automatic transmission, rapidly rocking the shifter between Reverse, Neutral and Drive - for example rocking the vehicle to free it from mud or snow - can damage the secondary shaft bearing inside the transmission. The bearing's outer race breaks up… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2003-2011 Honda Element Takata Passenger Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture and Repeated Recall Expansions (14V353 / 16V344 / 17V029 / 19V501)?
The passenger frontal airbag inflator is the Element's most-recalled component, and it has been recalled repeatedly rather than once. The same non-desiccated ammonium nitrate propellant degrades with age, temperature swings and humidity, and can rupture the inflator canister on d… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2003-2011 Honda Element Rear-frame corrosion can let a rear trailing arm separate (Transport Canada recall 2021024)?
Transport Canada recall 2021024 covers certain 2003–2011 Elements originally sold or currently registered in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador. Rear-frame corrosion can allow a rear trailing arm to separate, risking lo… Severity: high.
What is the 2003-2011 Honda Element Takata Driver Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture (Recall 15V320 / 19V182 / 19V499)?
The driver's frontal airbag module on 2003-2011 Elements uses a Takata non-desiccated phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate inflator. Long-term exposure to heat cycling and humidity degrades the propellant, so it burns too fast on deployment and over-pressurizes the inflator housing. Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2003-2011 Honda Element AC Failure: Compressor, Clutch, or Pressure Sensor?
AC compressor clutch failure around 100k-140k miles is most common Honda AC issue across all Element years. Pressure sensor failure (most common), clutch coil failure, or compressor debris clogging the expansion valve cause warm air. The Element Owners Club community prefers Dens… Repairs typically run $800-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2003-2011 Honda Element Power Door Lock Actuator Failure?
Two separate door lock problems are reported. The power door lock actuator can fail, usually on the driver's door first: the key still locks and unlocks the door, but keyless entry doesn't respond. Separately, the door lock cylinder tumblers can wear prematurely and become pitted… Repairs typically run $150-$400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2003-2011 Honda Element Rear Differential Noise (AWD Models)?
AWD Elements experience whining/grinding noise from rear differential during turns or acceleration. The cause is differential fluid breakdown or bearing wear. Element Owners Club members note that many owners don't know the rear differential needs fluid changes. Regular fluid cha… Repairs typically run $150-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2003-2011 Honda Element Power Steering Fluid Leaks?
Power steering hose cracks, pump seal failure, connection leaks cause grinding/whining noise and stiff steering. Rubber hose deterioration over time, worn pump seals, loose connections. DIY-friendly if just hose replacement according to Element Owners Club. Check all connections… Repairs typically run $200-$800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2003-2011 Honda Element Tailgate/Liftgate Hinge and Lift Support Problems?
The tailgate hinges can be damaged by opening the gate too far, and the plastic hinge flap can break. The lift supports (spring struts) weaken over time, making the tailgate hard to open or close. Replace the lift supports before they fail, because a falling gate is a safety haza… Repairs typically run $100-$800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2003-2011 Honda Element Automatic Transmission Harsh Shifts?
Automatic transmission (4-speed on 2003-2006, 5-speed on 2007-2011) exhibits harsh shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, "searching" between gears, occasional grinding sounds. Transmission fluid oxidation with clutch material buildup at high mileage, worn motor/transmission mounts. Elem… Repairs typically run $200-$3,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2003-2008 Honda Element Paint/Clearcoat Peeling?
Clearcoat failure causes white haze turning to peeling/flaking on hood, fenders, trunk, roof. Owner reports span 2003-2008 models. The cause is Honda paint and primer quality from that era, a problem seen across Honda's lineup. It is not a safety issue, but it affects resale valu… Repairs typically run $100-$3,500. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.