2003 Honda Element electrical system problems
35 complaints about electrical system have been filed for the 2003 Honda Element, which is 7% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the 3rd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 35 7% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 94,000 miles 24 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 2 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 3 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When electrical system problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 2 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 1 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 4 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 1 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 6 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 3 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 2 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 2 |
| 200k+ miles | 2 |
What the data shows
Of the 24 electrical system complaints that report mileage, the median is about 94,000 miles, and 29% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 2 crashes, 1 fire, 3 injuries.
What owners wrote
Car was parked, engine turned off, and key removed from the ignition. As I stepped out the car began to roll, my right leg became caught in the car, I was dragged about 80 feet down my driveway until I finally managed to free my foot and roll away. I fractured a finger, tore ligaments in that and another, injured my right knee and ankle, scraped my right arm, and bruised my upper thigh. The car continued to roll over some large rocks, across the road, and into the corn field.
Tumblers in ignition becomes mal aligned, key will not insert or turn, engine will not start. This is not part of the current active recall on the ignition system. I have replaced the ignition lock cylinder twice in 3 years. It is a common occurrence, ask any one who drives a 2003 element, they've replaced this part too. Honda only warranties the part for one year.
Other problems reported for the 2003 Honda Element
- Wipers, windshield & visibility 226 complaints
- Air bags 49 complaints
- Body & structure 32 complaints
- Latches & locks 27 complaints
- Suspension 25 complaints