2006 Honda Element Reliability

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Calipers

"Absolutely the worst calipers. They are binding, needs to be cleaned and greased yearly. Otherwise they will drag, and fuel milage goes from 22 average to 13 mpg"

Anonymous, MI (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"They make noise when making turns"

Anonymous, MO (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"on both rear wheels calipers froze, requiring $700 service mostly to one rear brake system"

Eugene H., CT (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Calipers do lock up, scoring the rotors...ouch!"

Anonymous, NY (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Caliper wa sticking, had it replaced and it resolved the problem"

John D., VA (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Caliper locked up on rear passenger wheel"

Anonymous, VA (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Caliper freezing requiring 5 replacements over 8 years"

Melvin M., MA (2006 Honda Element LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Master cylinder

"See my previous report on the vibrations."

Anonymous, TX (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Normal routine brake wear

"The rear brakes wore out and had to be replaced"

Anonymous, (2006 Honda Element LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Needed to be repaired due to wear. Replaced pads and rotors I think"

Anonymous, ON (2006 Honda Element 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Front driver side brakes was making a rubbing sound when driving"

Anonymous, MD (2006 Honda Element LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Just had to have the brakes changed they where due"

Anonymous, QC (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Parking brake

"Normal wear and tear after 100,000 miles."

Anonymous, WA (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Parking brake frozen, required replacement"

James B., MA (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"parking brake was not releasing"

Rick G., KY (2006 Honda Element 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Normal wear and tear."

Anonymous, AB (2006 Honda Element 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Premature brake wear

"Have had premature brake wear from the time the car was 6 mos. old to present. Did a complete brake system overhaul 7/2013, just redid 4/2015"

Thomas G., MI (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Brake line failure"

Anonymous, WI (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"seems like every 1-2 years need a complete brake job"

Anonymous, NH (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Pulsation or vibration

"My vehicle started having a problem of intermittent shaking and vibrating while I was cruising (literally on cruise control) on our wide open far west Texas highways. It felt like I was riding on a flat tire, but the tires were not flat, neither were they low on air pressure. The problem was an occasional annoyance, until one day the car had so much trouble climbing an overpass that I had to pull over to allow traffic to get by me. I was near the dealer where I bought the car so I drove there. The car went, but barely budged no matter how much I pushed on the accelerator. At the dealership they pointed out to me that my brakes were very hot. Their theory was that the power brake system was failing and applying the brakes without me stepping on the brake pedal. They replaced the power booster and the master cylinder. They also flushed and replaced all the brake fluid, something I had not done since the car was purchased. The problem has not recurred since the dealership worked on the car."

Anonymous, TX (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Rotors

"I had to replace rotors on both passenger side wheels. From other's reports this is pretty common in the Element after 100,000 miles"

Anonymous, WA (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"premature failure due to rust"

Mark D., IL (2006 Honda Element LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"I have had trouble with premature wear of the rotors and rotor warping, front and rear, though mostly on the front. I do not "ride" the brakes (keep a foot on the pedal), do not drive through streams or deep water. My family members live in the Ozarks mountains, so I know how to descend a hill by downshifting rather than wearing out the brakes. My local shop turned (resurfaced) the rotors as many times as possible until they had to be replaced. Replaced the front twice, the rear once"

Michael M., TN (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Squeaking

"symptom of caliper problem"

Eugene H., CT (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"driver side making a rubbing and squeaking sound when driving"

Anonymous, MD (2006 Honda Element LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Alignment

"Every time I take the car in it needs an alignment. Yes, the roads are bad around here, but how long are alignments supposed to last?"

Anonymous, OH (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Ball joints

"I have replaced both upper and lower ball joints on this vehicle more than once. I believe there is some type of issue. Either with the parts or the car"

Anonymous, OH (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"She pops and squeaks and makes all kinds of noise. I am considering replacing her."

Sanden C., TX (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Bushings

"rear bushing went out"

Mike S., OR (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Power steering leaks

"Took two attempts by the dealer to correct"

Tim G., SC (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Shocks or struts

"struts were worn out and needed to be replaced"

Brian W., ON (2006 Honda Element LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"both front struts and bushings and towers failed. rear shocks just went bad"

Charles T., AL (2006 Honda Element 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Tires were cupping. Very expensive to replace-$3000"

Anonymous, IL (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

"Leakage and the rack needed to be replaced"

Edwin M., GA (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Wheel bearings

"Took dealer two appointments to diagnose wheel bearing problem. Expensive repair"

Anonymous, BC (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

"rust"

Anonymous, NJ (2006 Honda Element Unsure 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Exhaust leaks

"The tail pipe separated at the catalytic converter"

Rick G., KY (2006 Honda Element 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Muffler

"Clamps for tail pipe rusted out and tailpipe became loose. Back clamp still held it on. No damage to muffler - just replaced all clamps."

Anonymous, ON (2006 Honda Element 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Other/unsure

"Replaced sensor due to failure."

Anonymous, MI (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"It was a recall and had to get the airbag fixed"

Andrea H., TN (2006 Honda Element 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"recall"

Anonymous, FL (2006 Honda Element 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Pipes

"Exhaust system is rusted & needs to be replaced"

Anonymous, NJ (2006 Honda Element Unsure 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Rear exhaust pipe came loose from rusted out flange. repair center removed and welded piece back together."

Anonymous, NY (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

12V power plug

"Due to use, power plug wore out."

Anonymous, MD (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Cruise control

"After Honda replaced my homicidal air bag (oh, the irony), my cruise control stopped working"

Mike M., FL (2006 Honda Element 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Exterior lights (other than headlights)

"Rear brake light went out, and was replaced. No big deal."

Tim G., SC (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Gauges

"Odometer doesn't light up. Honda tells me it's over $500 because they must replace the entire module"

Mike M., FL (2006 Honda Element 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"hate not knowing what is going on in my dash"

Eileen M., FL (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Headlights

"I have had to replace the left headlight 3 times in 18 months"

Anonymous, PA (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"More frequent headlight burn out than usual"

Anonymous, CA (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Horn

"Stopped working"

Joe S., NC (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

What Owners Say

Alternator

"The alternator failed while on trip and had to stay over 2 days to have it repaired"

Janice V., NC (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"quit working"

Mike S., OR (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Battery cables

"I don't consider the battery cable problem a serious issue; the car was 10yr.+ old at time of occurrence but the cable repl. was more involved than I thought and the car never stranded me; it was picked up by dealer during rout.maint."

Gregory F., CA (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Starter

"Replaced"

Anonymous, GA (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Starter wore out"

Robert B., FL (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Dealer wasn't able to diagnose problem immediately, first replaced alternator before getting to replace starter; engine initially acted like the battery was dying."

Gregory F., CA (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"being a 12+ year old car, the starter eventually wore out and needed to be replaced"

Grant M., TX (2006 Honda Element LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

4WD/AWD components

"Vehicle began grinding during turns at about 52000 miles. Service found it to be in the rear differential of the 4WD system due to gear lube needing changed. By the time the lube was changed damage had been done costing me about 400 dollars"

R F., OH (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

CV joint

"113,000 miles. Installed new tires and struts (previous front tires showed unusual wear) The Element began to drive eratic ovver 25 mph acceleration felt like car would flip upside down. Both front axles were replaced and corrected the problem."

Anonymous, CA (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Differential

"Vehicle began grinding during turns at about 52000 miles. Service found it to be in the rear differential of the 4WD system due to gear lube needing changed. By the time the lube was changed damage had been done costing me about 400 dollars"

R F., OH (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Driveshaft or axle

"leaking front right axle seal"

Anonymous, TX (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Electrical failure

"The A/C and heat kept going out intermittantly. Don't know how my mechanic finally fixed it after numerous visits for this problem."

Anonymous, AK (2006 Honda Element Unsure 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"starter stopped working"

Anonymous, MN (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Traction control

"When breaking on ice at about 6-10 mph, pedal goes to the floor and causes car to skid. Have had it checked at 2 auto shops and there is no evidence of a problem with the breaking and tire components."

Anonymous, OH (2006 Honda Element 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Seals and/or weather-stripping

"actually, it was a lock on the back door that lost a screw. no rain leaks but sometimes I can feel air coming in over the driver's door if I put my fingers up to the top of the door"

Linda F., TX (2006 Honda Element 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Squeaks or rattles

"The vehicle is 14 years old. The drivers seat creaks under breaking and acceleration and there are various creaks and squeaking noises during operation. None have been linked to any mechanical issues."

Anonymous, ON (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"The bushings wore out in both rear areas and caused a thumping sound goin g over bumps. Repaired for under $200. 4"

Anonymous, NH (2006 Honda Element Unsure 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"When it is damp or rainy the belts squeal for about 15-20 mins"

Anonymous, PA (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Air dam was loose. Easily and cheaply fixed."

Anonymous, ON (2006 Honda Element 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Wind noise

"If the wind hits at about a 45 degree angle - head + cross - it tends to get noisy. I also drive with the passenger's side window down 1/4 - 1/2" if I'm getting sleepy - that doesn't count!"

Linda F., TX (2006 Honda Element 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"Air conditioner made noise when turned on."

Anonymous, OR (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"I had the entire AC system replaced not once, but twice and still the heating and AC is insufficient. I am tired of being hot int he summer and cold in the winter. As much as I love my blue box, I fear it is time for a new car as I get older and am unable to tolerate the extremes in temperature with my rheumatoid arthritis."

Sanden C., TX (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Automatic climate control

"Air conditioning worded on and off, finally tracked it down to failure on switch"

Anonymous, OR (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Heater system

"The temperature control failed. I was not able to adjust the temperature. When it failed it was at the coldest setting. I was not able to blend any heat into the car until the motor that controlled the opening and closing of the radiator fluid to the heater core was replaced. It cost me $480.00 for the repair and a week's wait to get the part."

Anonymous, TX (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Refrigerant leaks

"Refrigerant was low. Had to replace/recharge."

Anonymous, (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

CD player

"Quit working"

Jeffrey S., AZ (2006 Honda Element 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Display screen goes blank

"one day 2 years ago, my dashboard went blank. no idea how many miles on car etc. annoying, but coggin Honda sucks. wont take it thee"

Eileen M., FL (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Radio

"volume control in dash erratic, but the control in the steering wheel still works fine"

Jeffrey S., AZ (2006 Honda Element 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"XM Radio (all we ever listen to) would occasionally abruptly quit. FM and AM worked OK, but XM was gone. Then it would re-appear"

Arlin S., AZ (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"The volume control has developed bad spots, where the radio volume will jump to a much louder level. I have overcome this by using the steering wheel-mounted volume controls"

Michael M., TN (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"molding came off altogether. rubber seal came off from around the driver side door"

Anonymous, CA (2006 Honda Element 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Right hand upper side front of car, long black plastic trim blew off car"

Anonymous, FL (2006 Honda Element 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"The strip that covers the arm on the right & left of the windshield, that extends from hood to roof, came off"

Peter H., FL (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"The black plastic trim on the passenger side of the front windshield came loose and blew off of the car while I was driving on I-5 in Oregon"

Mike B., TX (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Clutch adjustment

"I took the car in because when I depressed the clutch there was a squeaking sound, as if two rubber parts were rubbing against each other. I was told by the Honda dealer that a pump used to help the clutch engage had to be replaced"

Luis P., PR (2006 Honda Element LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Rough shifting

"2nd gear synchronizer and or shift fork seems bad."

Anonymous, MI (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Slipping transmission

"Went in for service, supposed to include transmission. Began experiencing slipping transmission/shifting issues. Had to put in transmission fluid. Took car to have it looked at for transmission problem. Discovered issues with struts/suspension"

Anonymous, FL (2006 Honda Element 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission computer

"3 or 4 times per year, the engine (or the transmission) - I'm not really sure which - races. I have to slam the transmission into neutral & after about 30 - 45 seconds, the severe racing stops. I complained to the safercar.gov (nhtsa) in the past y"

James S., MI (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

What Owners Say

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

"Evaporative Canister valve stuck open. Very common"

Anonymous, MI (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Fuel injection system

"The car began not running smoothly, feeling like it was going to stall at lights, reduced gas mileage, emission light came on. It started gradually. I took it in and basically had the fuel system replaced, Although this was expensive I had no problems previously. I have had no problems since.It was recommended to use Premium grade gas which I have done since the repair."

Anonymous, UT (2006 Honda Element LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

"Engine light on and was told that this is the problem"

Tim C., TX (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"The sensor that indicates that the fuel cap is loose (by detecting line pressure) started indicating false positives. As such the "check engine" light is always on, so we never know if there is a real problem. Fixing the sensor is expensive"

Robyn T., AB (2006 Honda Element 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Locks and latches

"Due to rust had to replace hood hinge"

Charles E., HI (2006 Honda Element 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Windows

"Gasket on the driver side door wore out and had to be replaced."

Anonymous, (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Window regulators on both passenger and driver side had to be replaced due to wire cable tangling on the hub that drives the mechanism"

Thomas L., TX (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Both Window Motors replace due to a cable severing"

Anonymous, NY (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Clutch replacement

"clutch has been replaced 3 times (counting the original the 4th clutch)"

Anonymous, MI (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"In January of 2020 it was quite cold and I was having problems with the clutch not engaging. I thought the clutch was freezing up and warmed up the vehicle for a long time before driving off. I drove at least 250 kms. before it would no longer work. Luckily I was close to the Honda dealership and drove it in 2nd gear to there where it was repaired."

Anonymous, BC (2006 Honda Element Unsure 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Transmission replaced on warranty in 2009. Not on warranty replaced clutch master cylinder in 2012. Didn't solve problem. Back to dealer twice to find problem. Replaced clutch, again not on warranty. Lots of problems, lots of money"

Anonymous, BC (2006 Honda Element EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"slipping"

David H., MI (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

What Owners Say

Cylinder head

"112,000 miles: burned exhaust valves, (due to over tighted vales from factory) engine would stop running at stop lights. Compression check: 0 psi compression on #1, 28 psi on #2, 90 on #3, 110 on #4. started running poorly at around 106,000 miles, but we just thought it need tune up. We had a complete very costly valve job. No short cuts."

Anonymous, CA (2006 Honda Element EX-P 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Engine rebuild or replacement

"Air intake valve failure cylinder 4"

Melvin M., MA (2006 Honda Element LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

What Owners Say

Cooling fan

"cooling fans, there are two of them, went out at the same time. car overheated, repair was over $1000"

Charles T., AL (2006 Honda Element 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

Honda Element

Honda Element