Honda CR-V vs Honda Element
For 2005–2011 models, the Honda Element has 22.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 28.5 for the Honda CR-V. 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.
Honda CR-V
28.5 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.3× the Honda Element’s rate
- Complaints
- 3,901
- Sold
- 1,367,792
- Recall campaigns
- 26
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 3
Most complaints: 2007–2008. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 68,000 mi
-
Driver-assist cameras, radar and calibration
Typically around 16,750 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 45,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 66,350 mi
-
Injectors and high-pressure fuel system
Typically around 13,203 mi · repair $720–$2,150
Honda Element
22.2 complaints per 10,000 sold
22% fewer than the Honda CR-V
- 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 Honda CR-V or the Honda Element?
For 2005–2011 models, the Honda Element has 22.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Honda CR-V has 28.5, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Honda CR-V?
The most-reported problem on the Honda CR-V is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 68,000 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 Honda CR-V and Honda Element years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Honda CR-V: 2007–2008; 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.