The 2004 Honda Element was a compact SUV produced by Honda. It was known for its unique boxy design and versatility. However, like any vehicle, it was not without its problems.
Some common issues reported by owners of the 2004 Honda Element include transmission issues, problems with the fuel system, and issues with the power steering.
It is important for potential buyers to be aware of these issues when considering purchasing a 2004 Honda Element, or for current owners to be aware of potential problems they may encounter.
It is always a good idea to thoroughly research any potential issues with a vehicle before purchasing or to be prepared for potential problems that may arise during ownership.
2004 Honda Element Problems
1. Door Lock May be Sticky and Not Work Due to Worn Door Lock Tumblers
This problem may occur when the door lock tumblers, which are small parts that help the lock mechanism function properly, become worn out.
As a result, the door lock may become sticky or may not work at all, causing inconvenience and potentially leaving the vehicle vulnerable to theft.
2. SRS Light Due to Faulty Wire Harness For Seat Belts
The SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) light is a warning light that indicates a problem with the vehicle’s airbags or seat belts. In the case of the 2004 Honda Element, some owners have reported that the SRS light comes on due to a faulty wire harness for the seat belts.
This issue can prevent the airbags from deploying properly in the event of a collision, posing a safety hazard.
3. Groaning Noise on Turns Due to Differential Fluid Breakdown
The differential is a component of the vehicle’s drivetrain that helps transfer power to the wheels. If the differential fluid, which helps lubricate and cool the differential, breaks down, it can cause a groaning noise when the vehicle makes turns. This problem can also lead to damage to the differential if left unchecked.
4. Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause Vibration When Braking
Brake rotors are discs that are mounted to the wheels of a vehicle and are used in conjunction with the brake pads to slow and stop the vehicle. If the front brake rotors on a 2004 Honda Element become warped, it can cause a vibration when the brakes are applied.
This problem may be caused by using the brakes excessively or driving the vehicle aggressively, and can lead to reduced braking performance if not addressed.
5. Maladjusted Rear Tailgate Will Cause Rear Hatch Light to Come On
The rear tailgate is the door at the back of the vehicle that provides access to the cargo area. If the rear tailgate is not properly adjusted, it can cause the rear hatch light to come on, indicating a problem with the tailgate.
This issue can be caused by the tailgate being misaligned or not closing properly, and can be resolved by having the tailgate adjusted or repaired by a mechanic.
6. Engine Leaking Oil
Oil is an essential lubricant that helps keep the engine running smoothly and prevents excess wear and tear on the engine’s internal components. If the engine is leaking oil, it can cause the oil level to drop, potentially leading to engine damage if not addressed.
Some owners of the 2004 Honda Element have reported problems with the engine leaking oil, which can be caused by a number of issues such as a faulty oil seal or a damaged oil gasket. It is important to address any oil leaks as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the engine.
7. Check Engine Light Due to Faulty A/F Sensor
The check engine light is a warning light that indicates a problem with the vehicle’s engine or emissions system. In the case of the 2004 Honda Element, some owners have reported that the check engine light comes on due to a faulty A/F (air/fuel) sensor.
The A/F sensor is responsible for measuring the ratio of air to fuel in the engine and sending this information to the vehicle’s computer. If the A/F sensor is not functioning properly, it can cause issues with the engine’s performance and fuel efficiency, as well as trigger the check engine light.
8. Software Update Will Stop Car From Moving Faster Than Expected
Some owners of the 2004 Honda Element have reported that their vehicle’s software needs to be updated in order to prevent the car from moving faster than expected. This problem may be caused by a glitch in the vehicle’s software, which can be resolved by installing the latest software update.
It is important to keep the vehicle’s software up to date in order to ensure that it is functioning properly and to prevent any potential issues from occurring.
9. Faulty ELD May Cause Head Lights to Dim and CEL
ELD stands for electronic load detector, which is a component of the vehicle’s electrical system that helps regulate the flow of electricity. If the ELD is faulty, it can cause issues with the vehicle’s electrical system, including the head lights dimming and the check engine light (CEL) coming on.
It is important to have any issues with the ELD diagnosed and repaired by a mechanic in order to prevent further problems with the vehicle’s electrical system.
10. Replace Fuel Gauge to Fix Incorrect Empty Reading and Indicator Light
The fuel gauge is a dashboard instrument that shows the level of fuel in the vehicle’s tank. If the fuel gauge is not functioning properly, it can cause issues such as an incorrect empty reading and the fuel indicator light coming on.
Some owners of the 2004 Honda Element have reported that they needed to replace the fuel gauge in order to fix these problems. It is important to have any issues with the fuel gauge addressed as soon as possible in order to avoid running out of fuel unexpectedly
11. PCM May Misinterpret Low Voltage Condition and Cause False CEL
PCM stands for powertrain control module, which is a computer that manages the engine and transmission of a vehicle. If the PCM interprets a low voltage condition incorrectly, it can cause the check engine light (CEL) to come on falsely.
This issue may be caused by a problem with the vehicle’s electrical system, and can be resolved by having the issue diagnosed and repaired by a mechanic.
12. Manual Transmission Cars May Misinterpret Air/Fuel Sensor Readings
Some owners of 2004 Honda Element vehicles with manual transmissions have reported that their vehicle may misinterpret the readings from the air/fuel sensor. This can cause issues with the engine’s performance and fuel efficiency, and may trigger the check engine light.
It is important to have any issues with the air/fuel sensor diagnosed and repaired by a mechanic in order to prevent further problems from occurring.
13. PCM May Misinterpret Idle Circuit Data and Cause High Idle/CEL
If the PCM interprets the data from the idle circuit incorrectly, it can cause the engine to idle at a higher speed than normal, and may also trigger the check engine light.
This issue may be caused by a problem with the idle circuit or with the PCM itself, and can be resolved by having the issue diagnosed and repaired by a mechanic.
14. PCM May Misinterpret Data and Cause High Cold Idle/CEL
Some owners of the 2004 Honda Element have reported that the PCM may misinterpret data and cause the engine to idle at a high speed when the vehicle is cold.
This issue may also trigger the check engine light. It is important to have any issues with the PCM diagnosed and repaired by a mechanic in order to prevent further problems from occurring.
Possible Solution
| Problem | Possible Solution |
| Door Lock May be Sticky and Not Work Due to Worn Door Lock Tumblers | Replace door lock tumblers |
| SRS Light Due to Faulty Wire Harness For Seat Belts | Replace faulty wire harness for seat belts |
| Groaning Noise on Turns Due to Differential Fluid Breakdown | Replace differential fluid and check for any damage to the differential |
| Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause Vibration When Braking | Replace front brake rotors |
| Maladjusted rear tailgate will cause rear hatch light to come on | Adjust or repair rear tailgate |
| Engine Leaking Oil | Repair or replace faulty oil seal or oil gasket |
| Check Engine Light Due to Faulty A/F Sensor | Replace faulty A/F sensor |
| Software Update Will Stop Car From Moving Faster Than Expected | Install latest software update |
| Faulty ELD may cause head lights to dim and CEL | Replace faulty ELD |
| Replace fuel gauge to fix incorrect empty reading and indicator light | Replace fuel gauge |
| PCM may misinterpret low voltage condition and cause false CEL | Diagnose and repair issue with PCM or electrical system |
| Manual Transmission Cars may Misinterpret Air/Fuel Sensor Readings | Diagnose and repair issue with air/fuel sensor |
| PCM may misinterpret idle circuit data and cause high idle/CEL | Diagnose and repair issue with PCM or idle circuit |
| PCM may misinterpret data and cause high cold idle/CEL | Diagnose and repair issue with PCM |
2004 Honda Element Recalls
| Recall Number | Problem | Models Affected | Date Issued |
| 19V501000 | Newly Replaced Passenger Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | 10 models | Jul 1, 2019 |
| 19V499000 | Newly Replaced Driver’s Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | 10 models | Jul 1, 2019 |
| 19V182000 | Driver’s Frontal Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | 14 models | Mar 7, 2019 |
| 18V268000 | Front Passenger Air Bag Inflator Potentially Installed Improperly During Replacement | 10 models | May 1, 2018 |
| 16V344000 | Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator Ruptures On Deployment | 8 models | May 24, 2016 |
| 15V320000 | Driver’s Front Air Bag Defective | 10 models | May 28, 2015 |
| 14V700000 | Front Airbag Inflator Module | 9 models | Nov 4, 2014 |
| 14V353000 | Front Airbag Inflator Module | 9 models | Jun 20, 2014 |
| 10V364000 | Honda Recalls 2003-2004 Vehicles Due to Defective Ignition Switch | 3 models | Aug 5, 2010 |
Recall 19V501000:
This recall was issued due to problems with the passenger air bag inflator. During deployment, the newly replaced passenger air bag inflator may rupture, spraying metal fragments. This can result in serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants. The recall affects 10 models of the 2004 Honda Element.
Recall 19V499000:
This recall was also issued due to problems with the air bag inflator. In this case, the newly replaced driver’s air bag inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments. This can result in serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants. The recall affects 10 models of the 2004 Honda Element.
Recall 19V182000:
This recall was issued due to problems with the driver’s frontal air bag inflator. The inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments. This can result in serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants. The recall affects 14 models of the 2004 Honda Element.
Recall 18V268000:
This recall was issued due to the potential for the front passenger air bag inflator to be installed improperly during replacement. If the air bag is installed incorrectly, it may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants. The recall affects 10 models of the 2004 Honda Element.
Recall 16V344000:
This recall was issued due to problems with the passenger frontal air bag inflator. The inflator may rupture on deployment, spraying metal fragments. This can result in serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants. The recall affects 8 models of the 2004 Honda Element.
Recall 15V320000:
This recall was issued due to defects with the driver’s front air bag. In the event of a crash that requires deployment of the air bag, the inflator may rupture, spraying metal fragments. This can result in serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants. The recall affects 10 models of the 2004 Honda Element.
Recall 14V700000:
This recall was issued due to problems with the front airbag inflator module. In the event of a crash that requires deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator may rupture, spraying metal fragments. This can result in serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants. The recall affects 9 models of the 2004 Honda Element.
Recall 14V353000:
This recall was also issued due to problems with the front airbag inflator module. In the event of a crash that requires deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator may rupture, spraying metal fragments. This can result in serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants. The recall affects 9 models of the 2004 Honda Element.
Recall 10V364000:
This recall was issued due to a defect with the ignition switch. If the ignition key is removed while the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission
Problems and Complaints Sources
https://repairpal.com/2004-honda-element/problems
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Element/2004/
All Honda Element years we talked –
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