Ford Explorer vs Honda Element
For 2005–2011 models, the Honda Element has 22.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 27.4 for the Ford Explorer. 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 Explorer
27.4 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.2× the Honda Element’s rate
- Complaints
- 2,425
- Sold
- 883,854
- Recall campaigns
- 7
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 3
Most complaints: 2011. Fewest: 2005, 2007 and 2009. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 82,000 mi
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 78,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Power steering pump, rack and lines
Typically around 77,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 88,300 mi
-
Water leaks and seals
Typically around 60,000 mi
Honda Element
22.2 complaints per 10,000 sold
19% fewer than the Ford Explorer
- 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 Explorer or the Honda Element?
For 2005–2011 models, the Honda Element has 22.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ford Explorer has 27.4, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Explorer?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Explorer is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 82,000 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 Ford Explorer and Honda Element years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Ford Explorer: 2011; 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.