2011 Honda Element Review
Price: $17,590
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Versatile and roomy cabin
- removable rear seats
- easy cargo loading
- available four-wheel drive
- optional Dog Friendly package.
Cons
- Seats only four
- rear half-doors impede rear ingress and egress
- unimpressive acceleration and fuel economy.
What’s new
For 2011, Honda drops the Element's SC trim, resulting in a streamlined model lineup with LX and EX trims only. The optional manual transmission and optional navigation system have also been discontinued. Honda says 2011 will be the Element's final year before it's discontinued.
Edmunds says
The 2011 Honda Element is well into its twilight years but remains a good option for those who desire a proven and versatile compact utility.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
32 listings
- $15,995fair price$2,924 below market
- 93,479 miles
- 4 Seats, 19 City / 24 Hwy MPG
- 54 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Power Liftgate/Trunk
- Rear Bench Seats
- Stability Control
Close
Located in Fredericksburg, VA
** CLEAN CARFAX ** NO ACCIDENT HISTORY ** BLUTOOTH ** AWD **ADJUSTABLE STEERING WHEEL** AUX INPUT JACK ** CRUISE CONTROL ** POWER LOCKS ** POWER MIRRO...
- Features and Specs:
- 21 Combined MPG (19 City/24 Highway)
- Listing Information:
- VIN:
- 5J6YH2H71BL005860
- Stock:
- 5860
- Certified Pre-Owned:
- No
- Listed since:
- 08-29-2026
- 222,455 miles
- 4 Seats, 20 City / 25 Hwy MPG
- 234 mi away
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Power Liftgate/Trunk
- Rear Bench Seats
- Stability Control
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Raleigh, NC
- Features and Specs:
- 22 Combined MPG (20 City/25 Highway)
- Listing Information:
- VIN:
- 5J6YH1H3XBL003256
- Stock:
- J03256
- Certified Pre-Owned:
- No
- Listed since:
- 09-05-2026
Vehicle overview
Entering its ninth model year without a major redesign, the 2011 Honda Element compact crossover looks and performs pretty much as it did back when it debuted in 2003. For many vehicles, such a length of time would result in a bottom-of-the-barrel status for its respective vehicle segment. But the long-lived Element just keeps rolling along year after year, as if to prove the inherent goodness of its original quirky design.
Aside from losing the sporty SC model and EX-only navigation option, the 2011 Honda Element carries over with no content changes. However, it maintains a familiar set of strengths and weaknesses. We appreciate its user-friendly nature, space-efficient design, distinctive styling, four-wheel-drive option and room for four people and their gear. Loading cargo is a breeze thanks to the Element's swing-out rear doors and rear seats that can either be flipped up or removed. A small footprint and a boxy layout also help make the Element highly maneuverable in urban environments. The Element was always particularly dog-friendly, but Fido really loves it now thanks to the aptly named Dog Friendly package introduced last year with its fully enclosed kennel and related accessories.
On the downside, the Element's door layout can be inconvenient for rear passengers, and on the move it's hampered by unimpressive acceleration and fuel economy. As such, newer yet still distinctive competitors like the 2011 Kia Soul, 2011 Nissan Cube and 2011 Scion xB might hold more appeal, while a host of more conventional crossovers offer more power, room and refinement. But for a shopper looking for a small crossover SUV with lots of cargo-friendly utility, the Element continues to be a fine choice.
Performance & mpg
Every 2011 Honda Element is motivated by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 166 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque transmitted through a standard five-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available on both the LX and EX trim levels.
With a portly curb weight of about 3,500 pounds, the Element isn't very lively. In Edmunds testing, an EX model took a leisurely 10 seconds to complete the 0-60-mph dash. It isn't especially economical either. EPA-estimated fuel economy is below average compared to other four-cylinder compact crossovers (a matter of weight and this vehicle's space-efficient yet boxy profile) at 20 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined for 2WD models. The AWD version of the Element offers slightly worse mpg at 19/24/21.
Safety
The Honda Element comes standard with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, traction control, active front head restraints, front side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.
The 2011 Honda Element has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous crash-testing procedures. Its 2010 ratings (which aren't comparable to 2011 tests) were a perfect five stars for frontal- and side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Element a highest-possible score of "Good" in its frontal-offset and side-impact collision tests.
Driving
The 2011 Honda Element won't win many street races with its modest four-cylinder engine, but it is smooth and entirely adequate for commuting and regular everyday use. On the move, the Element is surprisingly responsive and agile, though its ride is noticeably firmer than the average compact crossover. The Element's box-on-wheels shape also pushes a lot of air that generates a noticeable amount of wind noise at highway speeds.
Interior
The Honda Element's cabin design is purposeful but compromised by trade-offs. There's only room for four, while its competitors can seat five or more. Getting in or out of the rear-seat area is an awkward two-step process because of the lightweight rear half-doors; the front doors must be opened before passengers can make their move through the small rear access. This operation can be annoying for drivers who regularly transport rear passengers. On the plus side, the Element's theater-style seating layout offers rear passengers generous room and exceptional views. A multitude of bins and pockets throughout provide plenty of storage options for small items.
Those same rear-hinged access doors shine when it comes to loading cargo from the side. With the Element's rear seats removed, there's an impressive 75 cubic feet of space available. Whether you're loading camping gear, sports equipment or the family pet, the Element's urethane utility floor allows for hose-out cleaning convenience when necessary. Dog lovers will be especially pleased with the EX's dealer-installed Dog Friendly package, which includes an enclosed kennel, pet bed, ramp and more.
2011 Honda Element models
The 2011 Honda Element is a compact crossover SUV available in two trim levels: LX and EX.
The base LX comes with 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, keyless entry, a height-adjustable driver seat, folding and removable rear seats, a urethane utility floor and a four-speaker CD sound system.
The uplevel EX adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a center console with removable cooler/storage box, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a seven-speaker premium audio system with satellite radio and an auxiliary input jack.
The Dog Friendly dealer-installed accessory package adds a rear car kennel, a pet bed, a stowable ramp, dog-patterned seat covers, all-season floor mats, a spill-resistant water bowl, an electric fan and a bag dispenser.

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Owners' Opinions
What Owners Like
Owners of the 2011 Honda Element consistently appreciate its unparalleled versatility and practicality. Dog owners, in particular, love the vehicle's easy-to-clean interior and the room it provides for their furry companions. The Element's removable rear seats and spacious cargo area cater to outdoors enthusiasts who often need to transport camping gear, bicycles, or even large furniture items. Many find the Element's upright driving position and wide windows provide excellent visibility, making it a pleasure to drive on long trips. The simplicity of its design features, such as the easy-to-navigate rear access doors and utility floors, appeals to those who value function over flash. Drivers often highlight the Element's reliability, noting they encounter minimal maintenance issues even after considerable use over many years. Fans of the Element also find its boxy shape endearing and appreciate the recognition it brings from fellow enthusiasts. While its design is admittedly unconventional, many owners express a sense of commitment, often returning to purchase another Element after testing various alternatives. The Honda Element has built a loyal following among those who value its unique blend of practicality, comfort, and consistency in performance.
Common Issues
Owners of the 2011 Honda Element consistently report frustration with its intrusive wind noise during highway drives. This aerodynamic quirk, combined with the vehicle's notably boxy design, exacerbates the noise levels when cruising at higher speeds. The rear half-doors, while aiding side cargo loading, complicate access for rear passengers, requiring the front doors to open first. Many drivers find the seats uncomfortable on longer journeys, with reports suggesting they become less supportive over time. The absence of telescopic steering contributes to an awkward driving position for taller individuals, creating discomfort during extended commutes. Some owners are dissatisfied with the sluggish acceleration due to the Element's four-cylinder engine, which also struggles with fuel efficiency, often falling short of expectations. The placement of certain interior controls, like the phone charger port, is deemed inconvenient and challenging to access. Despite its utility-oriented design, the Element's utile flooring lacks the drainage capability that some owners mistakenly assume it has, leading to cleaning frustrations. Finally, although rare, reports of starting issues have left some owners unexpectedly stranded, detracting from the otherwise strong reputation for reliability.
Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers
For day-to-day use, the 2011 Honda Element garners a strong sense of satisfaction among its drivers due to its unique blend of practicality and reliability. Its straightforward and robust utility is evident in how seamlessly it adapts to various lifestyles, particularly for those with active outdoor interests or pets. Owners regularly highlight the vehicle's enduring reliability, with many having experienced trouble-free miles even after surpassing the 100,000-mile mark. Daily commuting is complemented by the Element's high driving position, which offers excellent road visibility and comfort for diverse driving conditions. The ease of reconfiguring the interior space makes it a favored choice for individuals needing a flexible vehicle for unexpected cargo tasks. However, when battling heavy winds on the highway, some drivers advise caution, noting the effects on handling due to its shape. Despite some quirks, like the trade-offs in comfort and noise, drivers find themselves continually drawn back to the Element's functional design. Even in its "last-of-its-kind" status, die-hard fans eagerly vouch for its distinctive aspects compared to more luxurious or modern alternatives. Thus, the Element remains an endearing choice for those prioritizing utility and reliability in their daily drives…
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$223/mo for Element LX
Element LX
vs
$221/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Reliability
The 2011 Honda Element has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 12 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #23 out of 29 among Compact SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#23 out of 29 among Compact SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$400/yr
vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Frequency
1.58x/yr
vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Severity
15.3%
vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
12 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 19V501000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- E5D, X5C
- Manufactured from:
- 2003-10-16 to 2004-12-13
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1657752
- Defect Description:
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Defect Consequence:
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.
- Recall Number:
- 19V499000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- Q5A, Y58
- Manufactured from:
- 2001-08-22 to 2002-08-22
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 3947
- Defect Description:
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Defect Consequence:
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.
- Recall Number:
- 19V182000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- U40,M45,O4
- Manufactured from:
- 2004-08-12 to 2005-09-02
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1101534
- Defect Description:
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
- Defect Consequence:
- An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning on April 17, 2019, however, dealers are ready to begin repairs immediately. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.
- Recall Number:
- 19E068000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- AS1019XXXX
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 3744
- Defect Description:
- Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."
- Defect Consequence:
- If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by December 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5. Dorman's number for this recall is AS1019XXXX.
- Recall Number:
- 18V662000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- H2H, S2I
- Manufactured from:
- 2011-11-01 to 2012-09-29
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 57095
- Defect Description:
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles nationwide. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2012 Acura RL, 2011 Honda Element and 2011-2013 Ridgeline vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Lastly, if not included above, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2011 Honda Element, 2010-2012 Acura RL and 2010-2013 Ridgeline vehicles in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Defect Consequence:
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 13, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are H2H and S2I.
- Recall Number:
- 18V268000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- C1X
- Manufactured from:
- 2004-10-21 to 2005-01-28
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 492
- Defect Description:
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
- Defect Consequence:
- An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.
- Recall Number:
- 18V041000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- U0H, G0I
- Manufactured from:
- 2011-11-01 to 2012-09-27
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 24945
- Defect Description:
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura RL, 2010 Honda Element, and 2010-2013 Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010 Acura RL, 2010-2011 Honda Element and Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." If not included in zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura RL, Honda Element, and Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Defect Consequence:
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are U0H, and G0I.
- Recall Number:
- 17V029000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- KD9, KE0
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 308884
- Defect Description:
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2011 Honda Element vehicles, 2005-2012 Acura RL vehicles, 2006-2012 Honda Ridgeline vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2009 Acura RL and Honda Element vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles and 2006-2009 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2008 Acura RL, Honda Element and Honda Pilot vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Defect Consequence:
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KD9 and KE0.
- Recall Number:
- 16V344000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- KA0, KA1,
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1790894
- Defect Description:
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Defect Consequence:
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.
- Recall Number:
- 15V320000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 5100000
- Defect Description:
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
- Defect Consequence:
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153.
- Recall Number:
- 14V351000
- Defect Description:
- American Honda Motor Company, Inc. (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2001-2007 Accord (4-cylinder), 2001-2002 Accord (V6), 2001-2005 Civic, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2007 Pilot, 2006 Ri
- Defect Consequence:
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the vehicle occupants.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
- Recall Number:
- 12V436000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- S53
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 5216
- Defect Description:
- Honda is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 Element passenger vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness. The wire that supplies power to the trailer turn signal lights was inadvertently switched with the stop lamp wire. As a result the turn signals only illuminate when the brake lamps are illuminated. This does not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Defect Consequence:
- Without trailer turn signal illumination, the driver's intent is not communicated, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on, or about, September 20, 2012. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 5 years / unlimited miles
Honda Element Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(76%)
4(14%)
3(10%)
2(0%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
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4.88 out of 5 starsgvlivingaz, 01/05/2011
2011 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
This is my second Element.
I traded in my first after losing my dog. Unfortunately I equated the car with the dog. Later I found out I missed the Element so much I had to have another. Traded in my leased MB ML350 early when I found out the Element was going to be discontinued.
The versatility is unmatched. You may not think it, but this is a very comfortable car on a long trip. No … back ache like I got from some of my other vehicles. On first two fill-ups got 25 MPG. Take the back seat out and you've got quite a hauler.
I also like the fact that you can flip up the back seats to the side if you have to and haul a large payload in an emergency.
A Love Affair
4.75 out of 5 starsGVLiving AZ, 12/01/2010
2011 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
This is my second Element. This car does not appeal to a large base. But once you own one and enjoy the versatility and reliability you can become hooked. If you take the back seats out this baby becomes a van! I did have another car in between but knew I had to have another.
What a car!
5 out of 5 starsEd May, 07/11/2010
2010 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
I just traded in my 2003 Element on a 2010 Element. I have owned dozens of cars and trucks before, but the Element is the best. The 2003 Element had 136,000 miles on it, no repairs for the first 130,000 miles.
Never gonna GIVE YOU UP...
5 out of 5 starsJCP in NC, 11/14/2018
2011 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
First off, if you have an element, you will meet people that LOVE it, or HATE it. The haters don't like it because it's ugly apparently. That's fine. More for me. I bought this brand new. Dog friendly edition package. This car is pure perfection for ME. I am an avid cyclist, outdoorswoman, adventure seeker, antique-er and so on.. The rear seats are roomy and EASILY removable. It's the … quintessential UTILITY vehicle. DON'T HOSE IT OUT. It has no drain holes, dummy. It's not a 6 cylinder. Pretty much the only bummer about this vehicle. Otherwise, it's irreplaceable. I have had several strangers approach me asking if it's for sale. My omni blue pearl Elly is really a sea foam green. And she's not for sale. Ever. I'm worried I'll never find a similar replacement. But if you ask me what is close in style, utility, and performance? Maybe the Toyota RAV4. Subaru?... meh...Honda, do me a favor, bring back the Elly.
UPDDATE: 5/16/19:
95,000 ish miles on it and I still don't have any issues. Pretty sure it may be time to replace the brake pads. But that's about it thus far.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Honda Element, so we've included reviews for other years of the Element since its last redesign.
2011 Element Features & Specs
LX
| Est. Market Value | $7,420 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $223/month |
| Seating | 4 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 25.1 cu.ft. |
front wheel drive | |
| Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Element include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover21.9%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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