Seat complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My side curtain airbag came out after running over a branch that I could not avoid. I came over a hill on a residential street and the branches were all over the road. I got out of my car because I smelled smoke. It was only upon getting back in my car that I realized the air bag was hanging out. It did not inflate just came out. I recently had the recall taken care of for the front driver side. Every auto body person I have spoke with says that it should not have deployed for something like a branch. Also, my seat belts are still working which is uncommon after the air bag deploying. Honda has not wanted to take responsibility for the air bag deploying without true cause.
Driver ran into stopped car in front of him. Speed was sufficient to flatten the car up to the front of the engine - little damage behind that. Car is 2006 Honda Element. Air bag did not deploy. Safety belt did not lock up quickly - driver struck the steering wheel, and chest was bruised by top of steering wheel. Passenger seat moved to the full forward position, almost touching the dashboard. No significant injuries resulted, but safety systems did not work as expected.
The driver side seat rocks back and forth when decelerating at a stop light or at a stop sign and/or when performing a turn . It also happens when accelerating after a stop or turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the bushings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. A service bulletin (TSB 03-032) was issued yet Honda claims they do not see this as an issue even though there have been numerous reports and complaints. A quick google search informally verifies this happens with other models of Honda vehicles (civic, crv, Element). This is a constant issue for me when driving especially during stop and start and turning. This presents a danger when trying to accelerate and brake during driving.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Honda Element. The contact stated that the driver side seat rocked back and forth every single time it was used. The failure occurred for approximately one year. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000. ...updated 03/08/17
Driver's seat rocks forward and backward while driving - braking rocks forward - accelerating rocks backward. Was rear-ended two days ago and realized that the seat or head restrant would not provide support to prevent injury.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Honda Element. The contact stated that a vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle, causing the contact to crash into a preceding vehicle. The front driver side seat belt did not restrain the contact and caused the contact to be injured. A passenger was also reported injured. In addition, the air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was destroyed and was not inspected to for the seat belt and air bag failures. The failure and the current mileage was 108,000. Updated 03/05/12 the consumer also stated the seat went from an upright position to a reclining position. Updated 03/07/12
The steel frame in the drivers seat completely cracked and broke, causing the seatback to become separate from the vehicle. Local Honda dealer acknowledged the break and offered a $2,400 new seat option. I am the original owner and the car is well maintained. This is a significant safety issue and a front/rear collision would have caused bodily injury. Photos and video are available.
Honda has a TSB for the driver side front seat. The issue is the seat rocks as you accelerate or brake like a rocking chair. I had my local dealer fix the seat under the TSB, however soon after it was fixed the rocking returned and I was told the work is no longer covered. The other issue is the bottom of the seat where you sit along the left side is worn and the fabric is cracked. I realized the wear and tear is above the seat base where the TSB repair was made. The wear and tear is from the inside of the seat, not from the driver. I was told that it isn't covered and I tried to explain how it is directly related to the seat rocking. None of the other seats have a problem and this is along the seat from the front to back, same as the base of the seat where the rocking takes place. I would like this investigated and the base of the seat recalled. Thank you.
Frequently asked questions
Which Honda Element years have seat problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (26), 2005 (12), 2006 (9) and 2003 (6) model years. Seat complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Honda Element seat problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seats recall for any Honda Element model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Honda Element seat problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles; 43% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front assembly › recliner (1 mentions).
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.