Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (door latches, locks, hood and tailgate latches).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. The contact stated that the vehicle would not recognize the key remote unlock feature. In addition, the key would not unlock the driver side door even when it was manually inserted. In order to unlock the driver's door, the passenger door had to be unlocked to get to the driver's door inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing, but the results were not provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.
Driver's side door lock tumblers seized my key when I tried to unlock the car. They key was stuck midway - I could not remove the key nor turn it either way. Since the key was caught in the lock, the key fob would not open the passenger's door or rear latch. I was locked out of the car with my little girl trapped inside. After a pop-a-lock visit, I was able to get my spare key to drive the vehicle, but I still had the original key stuck in the door lock. I drove to Honda service center; they were unable to remove the key also. They said I would have to pay $450 to have the lock tumbler replaced. I asked them if they would remove the door panel because the key in the door was a theft issue. They said I would have to pay $112.50 for them to remove the panel. When I asked if they would remove the panel for free so I could try to remove the key, they refused, citing liability issues. …
We initially had problems opening the driver's side door with the key and for a long time had to open the car from the passenger side and reach over to unlock the driver's door. This continued to get worse when we were unable to unlock the car from the passenger's side door also and so had to start leaving the car unlocked from fear of not being able to get back in. We had to pay to get wireless entry installed in the car since this seems to be a habitual problem with the Element and we would just end up in the same situation again down the road if we had chosen to get the car re keyed. So far we are still able to use the original key for the ignition but have had problems with one of the keys working and now only have one.
Driver side exterior door lock does not accept a key. This is extremely problematic due to the fact that the Element did not include auto locks. This is a safety hazard because I have been in a parallel parking situation where my driver door was facing a busy street. I was trying to get into the car when the light behind me turned green and the cars came whipping by. It is also scary at night walking to my car in a parking lot as I don't know if my lock will work and someone could easily follow me out to my car and have plenty of time to attack me. I have a daughter and her safety is most important. This issue needs to be fixed not only for convenience but also peace of mind.
Driver's side door lock started to "stick", key would not unlock door from time to time, until it would no longer unlock at all. I've had to open the lock from the passenger side and crawl over the seats to unlock the vehicle. I have very limited funds at the moment and can't afford the repairs, which were estimated at over $300.00 by a local shop. My fear is that the passenger lock will eventually fail and I'll have to crawl in through the back as has been reported by other 2003 Honda Element owners. I only have 56,000 original miles on my Element, the lock started failing at 52,000 miles. Has there been a recall on this that I'm unaware of?
Both door locks (driver and passenger) are jammed. At times the key goes in and others it doesn't but do not turn. I have two keys and neither of them open either door. I have to enter through the back door, climb over the back seats to get to the driver's seat. This appears to be an issue with many Honda elements made in 2003. I have read many reviews and see that many people have this same issue. I have back problems and cannot be climbing in through the back of my car to open the driver side door to enter my car. I think Honda should be responsible for replacing these locks.
Like many others, driver side door key was difficult to insert. Then it inserted and was unable to turn; despite greasing lock. Now using passenger side door lock. I am hoping this does not get stuck on me too like it has happened with many others. Lock costs ~$33 on ebay and $55 from dealer, but this does not include installation and it lock will have a separate key. I was quoted around $350-375 to have a matching lock installed. I am worried to even do this because it sounds like it is a recurring problem even after replacement. This needs to be made a recall.
The driver's side lock has not worked well for some time, and now it doesn't work at all. The key won't go all the way into the lock. The passenger side lock has the same problem often, but not every time. As a result, I can't lock my doors, because I May not be able to get them open. This is a safety hazard, because I leave my car in a parking garage all day, and I don't feel safe getting into an unlocked car every night or having to struggle to get into a permanently locked car. There are complaints about this issue all over the internet.
1. The event leading up to the failure was usage. 2. The failure occurred as locking mechanisms failed to allow key entry to driver side door (entrance to vehicle). 3. What was done to correct the failure was nothing but to crawl to the driver side door via opening the passengers door with a locking mechanism progressively failing on it's door as well. (many - many other owner's of Honda elements have complained of this issue - please, please, please - look into it.) the car is great minus this and it's' gas mileage.
Driver's side door lock began to not unlock the door on first attempt. After approximately one year the lock became stuck at a 45 degree angle and would not release the key. Forced the key out of the lock by placing my knee against the door and pulling on the key until the key finally came out. Lock continues to be at about 20 degrees and will not allow the key to enter and/or turn. Have tried liquid wrench, but no improvement. Have to unlock the driver's door by entering through the passenger door.
Door Lock & Latch complaints in other Element years
Frequently asked questions
How common are door lock & latch problems on the 2003 Honda Element?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the locks & latches of the 2003 Honda Element, 6% of the model year's 423 complaints. The component named most often is doors › latch (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Honda Element door lock & latch problems?
No. NHTSA lists no locks & latches recall for the 2003 Honda Element, though it has 10 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Honda Element door lock & latch problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles.
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.