The 2010 Honda Element was a compact crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Honda. While generally well-regarded by drivers and reviewers, the 2010 Honda Element did have a few reported problems that are worth noting.
Some of the common issues that have been reported with the 2010 Honda Element include problems with the transmission, suspension, and power steering system. In addition, some drivers have experienced issues with the vehicle’s electrical system, including problems with the battery, alternator, and starter.
It is worth noting that the 2010 Honda Element has a relatively low overall reliability rating compared to other vehicles in its class, and drivers may want to consider this when deciding whether to purchase one.
2010 Honda Element Problems
1. Door lock may be sticky and not work due to worn door lock tumblers
This issue can occur when the tumblers in the door lock mechanism become worn over time and no longer function properly. This can cause the door lock to become sticky or not work at all, making it difficult for drivers to unlock or lock their doors.
2. SRS light due to faulty wire harness for seat belts
The SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) light is a warning light that appears on the dashboard of the vehicle when there is a problem with the seat belt system.
In the case of the 2010 Honda Element, some drivers have reported that the SRS light has come on due to a faulty wire harness for the seat belts.
This can be caused by a variety of issues, such as damaged wires or connections, and can potentially compromise the safety of the seat belts.
3. Groaning noise on turns due to differential fluid breakdown
The differential is a mechanical component that helps to distribute power to the wheels of a vehicle, and it is lubricated by a special type of oil called differential fluid.
If the differential fluid breaks down or becomes contaminated, it can cause a groaning noise when the vehicle is turning.
This can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a leak in the differential or a problem with the fluid itself. Drivers experiencing this issue may need to have their differential fluid replaced in order to fix the problem.
4. Warped front brake rotors may cause vibration when braking
Brake rotors are a critical component of a vehicle’s braking system, and they can become warped over time due to wear and tear or improper use. When brake rotors are warped, it can cause a vibration when the brakes are applied, which can be felt through the pedal or the steering wheel.
This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, such as uneven wear on the rotors or excessive heat, and it can be resolved by replacing the rotors or resurfacing them if they are not too badly damaged.
5. Maladjusted rear tailgate will cause rear hatch light to come on
The rear tailgate of a vehicle is the door that opens at the back of the vehicle to provide access to the cargo area. If the tailgate is not properly adjusted, it can cause the rear hatch light to come on, which is a warning light that indicates there is an issue with the tailgate.
This problem can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a misaligned tailgate or a faulty latch, and it may require the attention of a mechanic to fix.
6. Engine leaking oil
Oil is a critical lubricant for an engine, and it is important to keep the oil level in the engine at the proper level in order to keep the engine running smoothly. If the engine is leaking oil, it can cause the oil level to drop, which can lead to engine damage if not addressed.
Oil leaks can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a damaged oil seal or a problem with the oil pump, and it is important to have the issue repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the engine.
Possible Solutions
| Problem | Possible Solutions |
| Door lock is sticky | Replace the door lock tumblers |
| SRS light is on | Replace the wire harness for the seat belts |
| Groaning noise on turns | Replace the differential fluid |
| Vibration when braking | Replace or resurface the front brake rotors |
| Rear hatch light on | Adjust the rear tailgate or replace the latch |
| Engine leaking oil | Replace the oil seal or repair the oil pump, depending on the cause of the oil leak |
2010 Honda Element Recalls
| Recall | Date | Models Affected | Problem |
| Recall 19V501000 | Jul 1, 2019 | 10 models | Newly Replaced Passenger Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
| Recall 19V499000 | Jul 1, 2019 | 10 models | Newly Replaced Driver’s Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
| Recall 19V182000 | Mar 7, 2019 | 14 models | Driver’s Frontal Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
| Recall 18V662000 | Sep 28, 2018 | 3 models | Passenger Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
| Recall 18V041000 | Jan 16, 2018 | 3 models | Passenger Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
| Recall 17V029000 | Jan 13, 2017 | 7 models | Passenger Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
| Recall 16V344000 | May 24, 2016 | 8 models | Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator Ruptures On Deployment: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
| Recall 15V320000 | May 28, 2015 | 10 models | Driver’s Front Air Bag Defective: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
| Recall 10V361000 | Aug 4, 2010 | 1 model | Shifter May Not Select the Correct Gear: THIS CAN CAUSE THE KEY TO BE STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, AN INABILITY TO SHIFT INTO OR OUT OF PARK, OR AN INABILITY TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. |
| Recall 12V436000 | Sep 6, 2012 | 1 model | Trailer Turn Signals May Not Function as Expected: Without trailer turn signal illumination, the driver’s intent is not communicated, potentially increasing the risk of a crash. |
Recall 19V501000:
This recall affects 2010 Honda Element models with newly replaced passenger air bag inflators that may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments. An inflator explosion can cause sharp metal fragments to strike the driver or other occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 19V499000:
This recall affects 2010 Honda Element models with newly replaced driver’s air bag inflators that may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments. An inflator explosion can cause sharp metal fragments to strike the driver or other occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 19V182000:
This recall affects 2010 Honda Element models with driver’s frontal air bag inflators that may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments. An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module can cause sharp metal fragments to strike the driver, front seat passenger, or other occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 18V662000:
This recall affects 2010 Honda Element models with passenger air bag inflators that may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments. An inflator explosion can cause sharp metal fragments to strike the driver or other occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 18V041000:
This recall affects 2010 Honda Element models with passenger air bag inflators that may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments. An inflator explosion can cause sharp metal fragments to strike the driver or other occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 17V029000:
This recall affects 2010 Honda Element models with passenger air bag inflators that may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments. An inflator rupture can cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 16V344000:
This recall affects 2010 Honda Element models with passenger frontal air bag inflators that may rupture on deployment. An inflator rupture can cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 15V320000:
This recall affects 2010 Honda Element models with driver’s frontal air bags that may be defective. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture, causing metal fragments to strike the driver or other occupants and potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 10V361000:
This recall affects a single 2010 Honda Element model with a shifter that may not select the correct gear. This can cause the key to be stuck in the ignition switch, an inability to shift into or out of park, or an inability to shift into reverse, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 12V436000:
This recall affects a single 2010 Honda Element model with trailer turn signals that may not function as expected. Without proper trailer turn signal illumination, the driver’s intent is not communicated, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
Problems and Complaints Sources
https://repairpal.com/2010-honda-element/problems
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Element/2010/
All Honda Element years we talked –
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