Ford Escape vs Honda Element
For 2005–2011 models, the Honda Element has 22.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 78.8 for the Ford Escape. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2011), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Ford Escape
78.8 complaints per 10,000 sold
3.5× the Honda Element’s rate
- Complaints
- 9,957
- Sold
- 1,263,020
- Recall campaigns
- 5
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2008–2010. Fewest: 2007. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 56,500 mi
-
Head gasket and cylinder head
Typically around 85,000 mi · repair $1,620–$3,010
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 110,984 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 52,000 mi
-
Cooling system: radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan
Typically around 80,200 mi · repair $260–$1,910
Honda Element
22.2 complaints per 10,000 sold
72% fewer than the Ford Escape
- Complaints
- 468
- Sold
- 210,614
- Recall campaigns
- 14
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2007–2008. Fewest: 2011. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 116,557 mi
-
Subframe, cradle and frame corrosion
Typically around 168,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 84,287 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 111,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 100,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Ford Escape or the Honda Element?
For 2005–2011 models, the Honda Element has 22.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ford Escape has 78.8, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Escape?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Escape is stalling and no-start, typically around 56,500 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Honda Element?
The most-reported problem on the Honda Element is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 116,557 miles.
Which Ford Escape and Honda Element years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Ford Escape: 2008–2010; Honda Element: 2007–2008.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.