Federal safety data shows 1 recalls and 281 complaints for the 2004 Honda Element, a elevated safety profile overall. Check the known issues section below for the most common problem areas.

Recalls

281

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

10V3640002010-05-08

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 HONDA ACCORD, CIVIC TWO AND FOUR DOOR, AND MODEL YEAR 2003-2004 HONDA ELEMENT VEHICLES. THE INTERLOCK LEVER OF THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY UNEXPECTEDLY DEFORM, WHICH CAN ALLOW THE INTERLOCK FUNCTION OF A VEHICLE WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO BE DEFEATED.

REMOVAL OF THE IGNITION KEY WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR OF A VEHICLE WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS NOT BEEN SHIFTED TO THE PARK POSITION CAN ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Of 281 issues reported over 1 model years, visibility problems are the most common for the 2004 Honda Element. A pre-purchase inspection should focus here first.

01Visibility100

02Air Bags63

03Seats21

04Electrical System11

05Seat Belts7

281 total across 1 model years (2004–2004)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Honda Element Fuel Economy

20–21mpg combined

18-20city

22-24hwy

$3,200-$3,400/yr

The 2004 Honda Element delivers 20 to 21 MPG combined across 4 powertrain combinations. If fuel cost matters to you, pay attention to engine and drivetrain. The spread is significant.

By Trim

Element 2WD - Automatic 4-spd

21mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

20 city24 hwy~$3,200/yr-1/10 Poor

Element 2WD - Manual 5-spd

21mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

19 city24 hwy~$3,200/yr-1/10 Poor

Element 4WD - Automatic 4-spd

20mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive

19 city23 hwy~$3,400/yr-1/10 Poor

Element 4WD - Manual 5-spd

20mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive

18 city22 hwy~$3,400/yr-1/10 Poor

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2004 Honda Element

38States

26%in top 3

Oregon has the most inventory at 10%, with options spread across 38 states. Willing to ship? Your selection opens up significantly.

OROregon

1510%

FLFlorida

138%

WAWashington

128%

TXTexas

117%

COColorado

106%

GAGeorgia

85%

ILIllinois

64%

DCWashington DC

64%

MIMichigan

64%

CACalifornia

64%

CTConnecticut

53%

NYNew York

43%

OHOhio

43%

KYKentucky

43%

NCNorth Carolina

43%

DEDelaware

32%

MDMaryland

32%

VTVermont

32%

WIWisconsin

32%

PAPennsylvania

32%

MA2

MO2

VA2

NE2

AZ2

NH2

NJ2

NV2

KS2

ID1

UT1

MN1

AL1

ND1

SC1

OK1

WY1

TN1

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2004.

Buying a 2004 Honda Element?

Answers to common buyer questions

Is the 2004 Honda Element a good car to buy?

The 2004 Honda Element has its strengths and its watch-outs. 1 recall has been issued, so verify completion with the dealer. Owners report visibility as the area to watch most closely. Check the safety section for recall details and the pricing data to see if the numbers work for you.

Are there recalls on the 2004 Honda Element?

There are 1 documented recall for the 2004 Honda Element. Don't let that scare you; most are routine. Just make sure they're all resolved before you sign. Details in the safety overview.

What's the gas mileage of the 2004 Honda Element?

You'll get between 20 and 21 MPG combined from the 2004 Honda Element, depending on engine and drivetrain. That's a meaningful difference over time. The fuel economy table shows exactly which configs get what.

What are common problems with the 2004 Honda Element?

Out of 281 owner complaints, visibility issues lead the pack. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers this area. The known issues breakdown has all the details.