Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Honda Element owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle, the vehicle would roll forward or backward. The contact stated that he restarted the vehicle and shifted into park(P), and the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and unintendedly striking the gear shifter, the vehicle shifted out of gear. The contact stated that he would manually shift back into the intended gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the ignition switch had failed to turn and was repaired by a locksmith; however, the failure recurred. …
I was driving and my odometer light and dash lights went dim on me. I changed the bulbs it didn't make a difference. I had to replace the instrument cluster. Other complaint is drivers seat keeps loosening from the floor
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. The key should not have come out of the ignition when the car was not in park. After getting no satisfaction from Honda America, my local dealer finally agreed to fix the problem by replacing the entire key interlock system.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. The contact stated that the key became stuck in the ignition and failed to turn over in order to start the vehicle. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to start. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for a diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the ignition needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing the failure in NHTSA campaign id number: 10V364000 (electrical system) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. Upon entering the vehicle and attempting to place the key in the ignition, the key failed to engage with the ignition switch. Ocasionally, it took the contact ten minutes to get the key in the ignition. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ignition needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000. Ma 10/25/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. After the ignition key was turned to the start position, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V364000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 107,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. The contact stated that he could remove the key from the ignition in any gear without warning. The contact was informed by the manufacturer that the vehicle was serviced per NHTSA campaign number: 10V364000 (electrical system), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 169,000.
While driving the SRS/airbag light on the dash. Had it resetted but doesnt go away. Called the dealer and was informed about recalls on the airbags and ignition switch. Nothing about the airbag light. Ive reviewed many form which countless people complain of this issue. Please update me on anything reguarding this issue! Im scared the airbags May deploy as im driving, or not deploy when needed.
Ignition will allow key to be removed while car is in motion. Was taken in for recall on 11/13/15 and problem still persisted and now ignition switch is inoperable. Contacted dealer and they said problem was fixed and not willing to look over it again. Was instructed to contact cooperate number and they just tried to talk circles around me about it. Just over a year later and recall is worse.
I was driving out of the parking lot of my condo, when my knee tapped the keys on my ignition inwards. As this happened the car shut off. I was worried but had to go on with my day. After hearing about the GM issues I became concerned because the issue with their ignition was the same one I was having with my Honda Element. I called Honda on July 1, 2014 and was told there was nothing they could do. I was told I would have to pay for the inspection at the dealership and would have to figure it out on my own. This is not the first time the ignition on my Honda has had an issue. A recall was initiated by Honda regarding the ignition allowing a car to roll away if not on park. I followed direction and had my car inspected by a Honda automotive service dealer. The problem was addressed, but now with a light bump on the key the ignition turns off. …
Related recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 Honda accord, civic two and four door, and model year 2003-2004 Honda element vehicles. The interlock lever of the ignition switch May unexpectedly deform, which can allow the interlock function of a vehicle with an automatic transmission to be defeated.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the original interlock pin and lever within the ignition switch, and replace them with new, designed components. This service will be performed free of charge.
NHTSA investigations
Ignition Shift Interlock
On August 4, 2010, American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA regarding a ignition interlock defect in approximately 384,220 model year (MY) 2003 Honda Accord and Civic and MY 2003 and 2004 Honda Element vehicles with automatic transmissions (Recall 10V-364).In a September 22, 2010 supplemental DIR, Honda expanded the scope of the recall population based on manufacturing…
Electrical complaints in other Element years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2003 Honda Element?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Honda Element, 8% of the model year's 423 complaints. The component named most often is horn (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Honda Element electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 10V-364 (ignition, Aug 5, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Honda Element electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.