Honda Element used buyer's guide: specs, recalls and best years

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Honda Element was a boxy compact SUV sold in the US for the 2003–2011 model years. Every Element used a 2.4L i-VTEC four-cylinder (160 hp at launch) with front- or four-wheel drive and a 5-speed manual or an automatic; a 5-speed automatic replaced the 4-speed for 2007. EPA ratings run 20–22 mpg combined.

Type
Compact four-seat SUV (discontinued after 2011)
Powertrains
Element 2WD automatic (2011), Element 4WD automatic (2011), Element 4WD manual (2011)
Towing
up to 1,500 lb (Honda launch fact sheet for the 2003 Element; we found no Honda figure for later years.)[4]
Current generation
Element (2007–2011 update), 2007–2011

2007 Honda Element price and trims

For 2007 Honda refreshed the Element with a 166-hp engine, a new 5-speed automatic, standard side curtain airbags and Vehicle Stability Assist, and added the street-styled SC. LX is the simplest trim, EX adds audio and painted body panels, and the SC adds a lowered suspension, 18-inch wheels and a carpeted floor. A $995 Dog Friendly package was offered on 2010 EX models.[14][15][16][17]

Honda Element trims with 2007 model-year base MSRP (USD) and powertrains
TrimMSRP (2007)Powertrain
LX$18,9002007 MY starting price for LX/EX, excl. $595 destination and handling2.4L i-VTEC four-cylinder (166 hp, 161 lb-ft), 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual[14][15][16][17]
EX—Honda’s 2007 release gives only a shared LX/EX starting price; EX MSRP not listed2.4L i-VTEC four-cylinder (166 hp, 161 lb-ft), 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual[14][15][16]
SC$22,6952007 MY starting price, excl. $595 destination and handling2.4L i-VTEC four-cylinder (166 hp, 161 lb-ft), 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual[14][15]

Every Element trim compared, with standard equipment and previous-generation prices →

Honda Element engines, horsepower and mpg

These are the final (2011) US combinations EPA lists; the 2011 manual was offered only with 4WD. Honda's launch fact sheet rated the 2.4L at 160 hp and 161 lb-ft; we could not open a Honda source for later output figures or final-year pricing, so those are not shown.

Honda Element powertrains with Honda-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
Element 2WD automatic (2011)2.4L DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder[1]——5-speed automaticFWD20/24/222011 MY[1]
Element 4WD automatic (2011)2.4L DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder[2]——5-speed automatic4WD19/24/212011 MY[2]
Element 4WD manual (2011)2.4L DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder[3]——5-speed manual4WD18/22/202011 MY[3]

Output is as rated by Honda; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

2003–2006 vs 2007–2011 Element

EPA ratings for the automatic Element before and after the 5-speed automatic arrived.[5][6][1][2][3]

2003–2006 vs 2007–2011 Element
2003 Element2011 Element
Engine2.4L i-VTEC four2.4L i-VTEC four
Automatic4-speed5-speed
EPA 2WD automatic20 / 24 / 21 mpg20 / 24 / 22 mpg
EPA 4WD automatic19 / 23 / 20 mpg19 / 24 / 21 mpg
Manual5-speed (2WD or 4WD)5-speed (4WD only)
  • The 5-speed automatic adds about 1 mpg combined.
  • A manual-transmission Element in the final year came only with 4WD.

Which used Honda Element years to buy

The 2009–2011 Element sits outside the largest powertrain campaigns. 2005–2008 Elements were recalled in 2011 for an automatic transmission secondary-shaft bearing whose broken outer race could cause a stall or let the car roll after being put in Park, remedied with a control-module software update; 2007–2008 cars were also recalled for air entering the stability-system pump and softening the brake pedal. 2003–2004 automatics had an ignition interlock lever that could deform and let the key come out when the car was not in Park.

Every model year from 2003 to 2011 is covered by Takata air bag inflator recalls for both the driver (15V-320) and the front passenger (16V-344 and follow-ups), so proof of replacement is the first thing to confirm on any Element. 2007–2011 Elements with the accessory trailer-hitch harness were recalled because the trailer turn-signal and stop-lamp wires were swapped.[7][8][9][10][11][12][13]

Used Honda Element inspection checklist

Check the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup before anything else; an Element is now 15 years old or more, so any open air bag campaign should be completed before you drive it regularly.

  • All years: confirm driver and passenger Takata inflator replacements
  • 2005–2008 automatics: confirm the transmission control software update
  • 2007–2008: confirm the stability-system pump (VSA) repair and check pedal feel
  • 2003–2004 automatics: confirm the key cannot be removed unless the shifter is in Park
  • 2007–2011 with a tow hitch: test trailer turn signals and brake lights separately
  • 4WD models: check for driveline noise and uneven tire wear
  • [10][11][7][8][9][13]

Element seating, cargo and capability

Honda's launch fact sheet lists the Element as a four-seater with 25.1 cu ft of cargo space behind the rear seats and 74.6 cu ft maximum, a 166.5 in length and 101.4 in wheelbase, and a 1,500-lb tow rating. At launch the Element listed at $16,100 with the 5-speed manual and $16,900 with the 4-speed automatic.

  • Seats: 4
  • Cargo: 25.1–74.6 cu ft
  • Towing: 1,500 lbs (2003)
  • Drive: FWD or 4WD
  • Transmissions: 5-speed manual; 4-speed (2003–2006) or 5-speed (2007–2011) automatic
  • [4][5]

Honda Element generations by year

Every US Honda Element generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
Element (2007–2011 update)2007–20112.4L i-VTEC four; 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual; FWD or 4WDEPA lists a 5-speed automatic from 2007, rated 20/25/22 mpg (2WD) and 19/24/21 (4WD) through 2010. 2010 and 2011 4WD models are listed by EPA as all-wheel drive. EPA lists no Element after 2011.[5][1][2]
Element (2003–2006 launch version)2003–20062.4L i-VTEC four, 160 hp / 161 lb-ft (2003); 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual; FWD or 4WDHonda's launch fact sheet lists four seats, 25.1–74.6 cu ft of cargo space, 1,500 lbs of towing, a 3,352–3,403 lb curb weight and MSRPs of $16,100 (manual) and $16,900 (automatic). EPA rated the 2003 2WD automatic at 20/24/21 mpg.[4][5][6]

Honda Element problems and recalls

Every Element year from 2003 to 2011 has Takata air bag recalls, so recall counts vary little: 2008 has the most NHTSA campaigns (11) and 2005 the fewest (7). Beyond air bags, 2005–2008 automatics have a transmission software recall and 2007–2008 cars a VSA brake fix. Honda sold more than 325,000 Elements in the US.

Documented Honda Element issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
Takata driver air bag inflator (recall 15V320 and replacement-part campaigns)[18][19][20][21][22]Element (2003–2011)2003–2011Recall 15V320
Takata passenger air bag inflators (recalls 16V344, 17V029, 18V041, 18V662, 15V370)[23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31]Element (2003–2011)2003–2011Recall 16V344
Automatic transmission bearing may break; software update (recall 11V395)[32]Element (2003–2011)2005–2008Recall 11V395
VSA modulator may let air into the brakes (recall 10V098)[33]Element (2003–2011)2007–2008Recall 10V098
Ignition interlock may let the key come out outside Park (recall 10V364)[34]Element (2003–2011)2003–2004Recall 10V364
Build-batch recalls: rear trailing arm weld, shift cable, trailer wiring (08V349, 10V361, 12V436)[35][36][37]Element (2003–2011)2007–2011Recall 08V349

All 6 documented Element issues and 6 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

MSRP is the starting point, not the transaction price. These CarWhere pages show real buyer-reported prices, dealer invoice estimates and current asking prices for the Honda Element.

More Element research

See how an Element was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Honda build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Honda build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What is the best year for a used Honda Element?

The 2009–2011 Element avoids the 2005–2008 transmission-bearing and 2007–2008 stability-system recalls and has the 5-speed automatic. Every year still needs proof of Takata air bag inflator replacement.

What years of Honda Element should you avoid?

No year is a blanket avoid. 2005–2008 automatics were recalled for a transmission bearing issue, and all 2003–2011 Elements are in Takata air bag recalls, so verify the repairs on the VIN.

When was the Honda Element discontinued?

The 2011 model year was the last; EPA lists no Element after 2011.

What gas mileage does a Honda Element get?

EPA rates the Element at 20–22 mpg combined. The 2011 2WD automatic is 20/24/22, the 4WD automatic 19/24/21 and the 4WD manual 18/22/20.

How many seats does a Honda Element have?

Four. Honda's launch fact sheet lists seating for four with 25.1 to 74.6 cu ft of cargo space.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Honda for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. 2011 Honda Element 2WD 2.4L, 5-speed automatic — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  2. 2011 Honda Element 4WD 2.4L, 5-speed automatic — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  3. 2011 Honda Element 4WD 2.4L, 5-speed manual — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  4. Fast Facts: 2003 Honda Element — Honda News (hondanews.com, American Honda)
  5. Honda Element fuel economy, 2003–2011 model years — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  6. 2003 Honda Element 2WD 2.4L, 4-speed automatic — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  7. NHTSA recall 11V-395: Automatic Transmission Control Module Software (2011-08-04) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  8. NHTSA recall 10V-098: Soft Brake Pedal/Braking Performance (2010-03-16) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  9. NHTSA recall 10V-364: Ignition Interlock (2010-08-05) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  10. NHTSA recall 15V-320: Driver's Frontal Air Bag May Rupture (2015-05-28) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  11. NHTSA recall 16V-344: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture (2016-05-23) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  12. NHTSA recall 17V-029: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture (2017-01-10) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  13. NHTSA recall 12V-436: Accessory Trailer Hitch Wiring Harness (2012-09-05) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  14. Honda Announces Pricing for the 2007 Element (Aug 9, 2006) — Honda Newsroom (hondanews.com)
  15. 2008 Honda Element Features (Sep 19, 2007) — Honda Newsroom (hondanews.com)
  16. 2010 Honda Element Goes to the Dogs (Oct 9, 2009) — Honda Newsroom (hondanews.com)
  17. Honda Element fuel economy, model years 2003–2011 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  18. Recall 15V320: Driver's Frontal Air Bag May Rupture — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  19. Recall 19V182: Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  20. Recall 19V499: Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  21. 2003 Honda Element Delivers Ultimate Utility and Value — Honda News (American Honda Motor Co.)
  22. 2011 Will Be Final Model Year of Production for Honda Element (Dec. 3, 2010) — Honda News (American Honda Motor Co.)
  23. Recall 16V344: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  24. Recall 17V029: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  25. Recall 18V041: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  26. Recall 18V662: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  27. Recall 15V370: Passenger Side Front Air Bag Inflator may Rupture — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  28. Recall 19V501: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  29. Recall 14V353: Passenger Side Air Bag Inflator may Rupture — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  30. Recall 14V700: Passenger Air Bag Inflator May Rupture — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  31. Recall 18V268: Improperly Installed Passenger Air Bag — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  32. Recall 11V395: Automatic Transmission Control Module Software — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  33. Recall 10V098: Soft Brake Pedal/Braking Performance — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  34. Recall 10V364: Ignition Interlock — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  35. Recall 08V349: Improper Welded Suspension — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  36. Recall 10V361: Gear Selector — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  37. Recall 12V436: Accessory Trailer Hitch Wiring Harness — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. or American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Honda, Type R and the model names are trademarks of their owners.