The best and worst Honda Element years, by the numbers
Short answer: among Honda Elements old enough to judge (2005–2011), the 2011 has the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold. The 2007–2008 have the most.
We counted every owner complaint filed with the federal government (NHTSA) for each model year and divided by how many were sold that year, so a year that sold more doesn’t look worse just for being popular. Years newer than 2011 are shown but not ranked — they haven’t been on the road long enough. How this is calculated.
Years with the most complaints
2007 Honda Element · 28.4 per 10,000 sold (1.4× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 108,000 miles; then body control and other modules.
2008 Honda Element · 36.0 per 10,000 sold (1.8× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Subframe, cradle and frame corrosion, typically around 148,000 miles; then airbags, seatbelts and restraints.
Years with the fewest complaints
2011 Honda Element · 9.5 per 10,000 sold (0.5× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 165,000 miles.
Every year: complaints per 10,000 sold
Typical Honda Element year: 20.2 per 10,000 sold.
Complaints are counted once each, even when an owner lists several parts. Sales are US units sold in the calendar year, a close stand-in for the model year.
Common questions
What is the worst year for the Honda Element?
Among Honda Elements old enough to judge (2005–2011), the 2008 has the most owner complaints per 10,000 sold: 36.0, about 1.8× a typical Honda Element year. The 2007 also stands out.
What is the best year for the Honda Element?
The 2011 has the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold among Honda Elements from 2005–2011: 9.5, against 20.2 for a typical year.
What goes wrong on the 2008 Honda Element?
The most-reported problem on the 2008 Honda Element is subframe, cradle and frame corrosion, typically around 148,000 miles.
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Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; US sales from public industry figures. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. This is not an inspection and not a recommendation to buy or avoid any vehicle.