The Honda Element is a compact crossover SUV that was produced by Honda and introduced in 2003. It was designed to be a versatile and practical vehicle, with features such as a removable and washable interior, and a roomy cargo area that could be configured in various ways.
While the Element was generally well-regarded by drivers and reviewers, some models from 2005 have been known to have various problems. These problems range from minor issues such as faulty air conditioning units and power windows, to more serious problems such as transmission failures and engine problems.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the common problems that have been reported with the 2005 Honda Element.
2005 Honda Element Problems
1. Door Lock May be Sticky and Not Work Due to Worn Door Lock Tumblers
This issue has been reported by 183 people and is caused by the door lock tumblers (the part of the lock mechanism that moves to lock or unlock the door) becoming worn over time.
When this happens, the door lock may become difficult to operate or may not work at all. This can be a frustrating problem for drivers, as it can make it difficult to lock or unlock the vehicle.
2. SRS Light Due to Faulty Wire Harness For Seat Belts
This problem has been reported by 140 people and is related to the vehicle’s seat belt system. The SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) light is a warning light that is displayed on the dashboard when there is a problem with the seat belts.
In this case, the issue is caused by a faulty wire harness for the seat belts, which can cause the SRS light to come on and stay on. This can be a safety concern, as the seat belts may not function properly if there is a problem with the wiring.
3. Groaning Noise on Turns Due to Differential Fluid Breakdown
This problem has been reported by 51 people and is related to the differential, which is a part of the vehicle’s drivetrain that helps distribute power to the wheels. When the differential fluid breaks down, it can cause a groaning noise to be heard when turning.
This noise can be concerning for drivers, as it may indicate a problem with the vehicle’s drivetrain. It is important to have this issue addressed by a mechanic as soon as possible, as the differential is an important part of the vehicle’s performance and safety.
4. Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause Vibration When Braking
This problem has been reported by 25 people and is related to the front brake rotors, which are circular discs that the brake pads press against to stop the vehicle. If the rotors become warped, it can cause a vibration to be felt when the brakes are applied.
This vibration can be annoying for drivers and may indicate that there is a problem with the brakes. If this issue is not addressed, it can lead to further damage to the brakes and potentially compromise the vehicle’s ability to stop safely.
5. Maladjusted rear tailgate will cause rear hatch light to come on
This problem has been reported by 19 people and is related to the rear tailgate of the vehicle. If the tailgate is not properly adjusted, it can cause the rear hatch light to come on. This light is a warning light that is displayed on the dashboard when there is a problem with the tailgate.
In this case, the issue is caused by the tailgate not being properly adjusted, which can be a nuisance for drivers as it may indicate a problem with the vehicle when there is none.
6. Engine Leaking Oil
This problem has been reported by 13 people and is related to the engine of the vehicle. If the engine is leaking oil, it can cause the oil level to drop, which can lead to damage to the engine. Oil is essential for the proper functioning of the engine, as it helps to lubricate the various moving parts and keep them from overheating.
If the oil level drops too low, it can cause the engine to seize, which can result in a costly repair. If you notice that your engine is leaking oil, it is important to have it looked at by a mechanic as soon as possible to determine the cause and have it repaired.
7. Software Update Will Stop Car From Moving Faster Than Expected
This problem has been reported by 11 people and is related to the vehicle’s software. Some 2005 Honda Element models may have a software issue that causes the car to stop moving faster than expected.
This can be a frustrating problem for drivers, as it can make it difficult to drive the vehicle at the desired speed. To fix this issue, a software update may be required to correct the problem.
8. Replace fuel gauge to fix incorrect empty reading and indicator light
This problem has been reported by 9 people and is related to the fuel gauge and indicator light on the dashboard. If the fuel gauge is not working properly, it may display an incorrect reading or the indicator light may come on when there is still fuel in the tank.
This can be confusing for drivers, as they may not be aware of the actual fuel level of the vehicle. To fix this issue, the fuel gauge may need to be replaced.
9. Manual Transmission Cars may Misinterpret Air/Fuel Sensor Readings
This problem has been reported by 4 people and is specific to manual transmission models of the 2005 Honda Element. The air/fuel sensor is responsible for monitoring the air-to-fuel ratio in the engine.
If the sensor is not working properly, it can cause the engine to run poorly or stall. In this case, manual transmission models of the 2005 Honda Element may misinterpret the sensor readings, which can cause issues with the vehicle’s performance.
10. Groaning Noise on Turns Due to Differential Fluid Breakdown
This problem has been reported by 2 people and is related to the differential, which is a part of the vehicle’s drivetrain that helps distribute power to the wheels. When the differential fluid breaks down, it can cause a groaning noise to be heard when turning.
This noise can be concerning for drivers, as it may indicate a problem with the vehicle’s drivetrain. It is important to have this issue addressed by a mechanic as soon as possible, as the differential is an important part of the vehicle’s performance and safety.
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 wire harness for seat belts |
| Groaning noise on turns due to differential fluid breakdown | Replace differential fluid |
| 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 rear tailgate |
| Engine leaking oil | Fix oil leak and replace oil as needed |
| Software update will stop car from moving faster than expected | Install software update |
| Replace fuel gauge to fix incorrect empty reading and indicator light | Replace fuel gauge |
| Manual transmission cars may misinterpret air/fuel sensor readings | Replace air/fuel sensor |
2005 Honda Element Recalls
| Recall | Problem | Affected Models |
| 19V501000 | Newly replaced passenger air bag inflator ruptures during deployment spraying metal fragments | 10 models |
| 19V499000 | Newly replaced driver’s air bag inflator ruptures during deployment spraying metal fragments | 10 models |
| 19V182000 | Driver’s frontal air bag inflator ruptures during deployment spraying metal fragments | 14 models |
| 17V029000 | Passenger air bag inflator ruptures during deployment spraying metal fragments | 7 models |
| 16V344000 | Passenger frontal air bag inflator ruptures on deployment | 8 models |
| 15V320000 | Driver’s front air bag defective | 10 models |
| 11V395000 (Drive Train) | Automatic transmission bearing failure | 3 models |
Recall 19V501000:
This recall affects 10 models of the 2005 Honda Element and is related to the passenger air bag inflator. In some cases, the newly replaced passenger air bag inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments.
This can be a serious safety issue, as the metal fragments may strike the driver or other occupants of the vehicle, potentially causing serious injury or death.
Recall 19V499000:
This recall also affects 10 models of the 2005 Honda Element and is related to the driver’s air bag inflator. In some cases, the newly replaced driver’s air bag inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments.
This can be a serious safety issue, as the metal fragments may strike the driver or other occupants of the vehicle, potentially causing serious injury or death.
Recall 19V182000:
This recall affects 14 models of the 2005 Honda Element and is related to the driver’s frontal air bag inflator. In some cases, the inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments.
This can be a serious safety issue, as the metal fragments may strike the driver, front seat passenger, or other occupants of the vehicle, potentially causing serious injury or death.
Recall 17V029000:
This recall affects 7 models of the 2005 Honda Element and is related to the passenger air bag inflator. In some cases, the inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments. This can be a serious safety issue, as the metal fragments may strike the vehicle occupants, potentially causing serious injury or death.
Recall 16V344000:
This recall affects 8 models of the 2005 Honda Element and is related to the passenger frontal air bag inflator. In some cases, the inflator may rupture on deployment. This can be a serious safety issue, as the metal fragments may strike the vehicle occupants, potentially causing serious injury or death.
Recall 15V320000:
This recall affects 10 models of the 2005 Honda Element and is related to the driver’s front air bag. In some cases, the air bag may be defective and may not deploy properly in the event of a crash. This can be a serious safety issue, as the driver may not be properly protected in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Recall 11V395000:
This recall affects 3 models of the 2005 Honda Element and is related to the drive train. In some cases, the automatic transmission bearing may fail, which could cause the engine to stall. Additionally, broken pieces of the outer race or ball bearing from the secondary shaft
may become lodged in the parking pawl, causing the vehicle to roll after the driver has placed the gear selector in the park position. This can be a serious safety issue, as engine stall and unexpected vehicle movement increase the risk of a crash or personal injury to persons within the path of a rolling vehicle.
Problems and Complaints Sources
https://repairpal.com/2005-honda-element/problems
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Element/2005/
All Honda Element years we talked –
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