What are the worst Honda Element years?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints per year on the road, the worst Honda Element years are 2003, 2004 - complaint rates far above this model's median. The years with the fewest problems relative to time on the road: 2009, 2010, 2011.

Honda Element: best and worst years

Every model year, ranked by owner complaints reported to NHTSA relative to time on the road. Click a year for its problems, recalls and trouble codes.

Years to avoid: 2003, 2004

Complaint rates far above this model's median, even after adjusting for time on the road.

Held up best: 2009, 2010, 2011

The fewest complaints relative to years on the road - at most half the model's median rate.

2011solid year11 complaints · 11 recalls 2010solid year30 complaints · 11 recalls 2009solid year30 complaints · 9 recalls 2008113 complaints · 13 recalls 2007112 complaints · 12 recalls 2006122 complaints · 11 recalls 2005159 complaints · 10 recalls 2004worst year281 complaints · 11 recalls 2003worst year423 complaints · 12 recalls

Ranked by complaints per year on the road (age capped at 12 years), so older years do not lead just because they have been around longer. Years under 3 years old are not judged - they have not had time to show their problems. Rates are relative to this model only and are not adjusted for sales volume.