The Honda Element has had quite a sordid history. It was built on the CR-V platform, but it had a much boxier appearance. It was plagued with problems that lasted far beyond the end of its run in 2011.
Have there been any Honda Element recalls related to the airbag light?
Nope, but many Element owners feel there should be. Complaints and recalls include:
- Many complaints about the airbag light staying on
- Concerns that when the airbag light was on, the airbags wouldn’t function
- Multiple recalls for the Honda Element’s airbags themselves
If you own a Honda Element or are simply curious about this piece of Honda history, keep reading for the lowdown on the airbag light that won’t go off and the recall that spawned a recall and angered many Honda owners.
Airbag Rupture Recalls
NHTSA Recall ID: 15V320000
This recall applies to Honda Elements manufactured from 2003 through 2011. The driver’s side airbag can rupture due to an accumulation of moisture. This recall includes airbags that were part of a prior recall. It was issued in July 2015. The affected vehicles amounted to 6,281,043 vehicles across Honda and Acura brands.
During a crash, the driver’s side airbag inflator can rupture. This can send metal fragments flying into the driver or passenger, resulting in serious injury or death.
If your vehicle is involved in this recall, your dealership will replace the airbag at no cost.
Passenger Frontal Airbag Inflator Might Rupture
NHTSA Recall ID: 16V344000
The passenger airbag inflator can deteriorate and explode, sending metal fragments flying into the driver and passenger. This applies to 2003 through 2008 Honda Elements. This recall was issued in June 2016 and affected 1,790,894 vehicles.
Other Honda Element recalls related to rupturing or exploding airbags include: 17V029000, 18V041000, 19V501000, 19V499000, 19V182000, and 18V662000.
Improperly Installed Airbags
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V268000
These airbags may not deploy properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. This recall includes Honda Elements manufactured from 2006 to 2008 and 2011. It applies to airbags that were replaced during a recall. It states that they were not installed correctly. This recall began in June 2018.
If your vehicle is affected by this recall, your local Honda dealership will perform an inspection and replace the airbag if necessary.
Airbag Light Staying on
Even though an official recall was never issued, this problem has plagued the Honda Element. Online reports state that it is likely due to the SRS system or faulty wiring. There are concerns that the airbags will not work if the airbag light is on.
One owner stated that they took their vehicle into the dealership seven times, and the problem still wasn’t remedied. They suspected that the problem was the seat belt wiring harness, which, at approximately $1,000, is a costly fix. They stated that Honda should cover it based on the vehicle occupant safety warranty, but they would not.
There’s another report that the airbag harness was the cause of the airbag light staying on. This may be similar to the Honda CR-V recall in which the steering wheel core affected the airbag wiring harness.
If You Own a Honda Element
If you own a Honda Element, there’s a good chance that it has been part of a recall at some point. You’ll need to check the NHTSA website.
Given the number of recalls, it’s a good idea to search with your VIN number to get a clear answer. You can contact your local dealership for information. You can also contact the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236. You can also contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
