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2010 Honda Element Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Change Year or Change Vehicle
Front passenger 3/4 w/ wheels turned.
Kelley Blue Book Value®
$7,807 - $11,594
Used Fair Purchase Price Range
Crash Test
Source: NHTSA.gov
MPG (up to)
20 City / 25 HWY
Horsepower
166
Seats
4
4.43 Owner Reviews (21) Photos (61) Video Reviews (4) Compare Models & Features For Sale Near Me (0)

Expert Review

By Kelley Blue Book Editorial Staff

Editor's Overview

Show Full Review
What's New Interior Features Exterior Features Driving Impressions Pricing Notes Notable Equipment

Honda Element Models & Trims

LX - $7,807 - $10,184

Horsepower: 166 hp
Engine Type: Gas I4
Standard Seating: Cloth
Standard Wheels: 16 (in.) Steel
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System
  • Heated Seats
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

SC - $8,744 - $11,405

Horsepower: 166 hp
Engine Type: Gas I4
Standard Seating: Cloth
Standard Wheels: 18 (in.) Aluminum
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System
  • Heated Seats
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

EX - $9,191 - $11,594

Horsepower: 166 hp
Engine Type: Gas I4
Standard Seating: Cloth
Standard Wheels: 16 (in.) Aluminum
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System
  • Heated Seats
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

EX w/Navi - $9,191 - $11,594

Horsepower: 166 hp
Engine Type: Gas I4
Standard Seating: Cloth
Standard Wheels: 16 (in.) Aluminum
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System
  • Heated Seats
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

Owner Reviews

4.43
5 star
52%
4 star
38%
3 star
10%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%

Honda element, the best of the box shaped cars if you love to travel w/dogs!

I love that there's no carpet to vacuum or keep clean especially since I live at the beach & have 2 dogs that love to get wet & sandy! The material the seats are made out of is practically water resistant & if it does get damp it dries really fast. I like how much room there is in the back & both seats lay back & fold up making it completely open. . . Enough space to sleep back there if necessary. When traveling long distances w/2 dogs they're much more comfortable like that. The way the doors open up across from each other is great if no cars are parked next to you. My only complaint is the doors & that is only when cars are next to you & you must open the front door before the back door can be opened & then you are stuck between the 2 doors in a box if a car is beside you. Other than that I love it!
Amanda N
Helpful

The good, the bad, and the ugly.

My car is very gas efficient, and I'd like to think it is pretty reliable. The main thing I do not like about it are the back doors. You have to open the front ones first to open the back doors. And you have to make sure the back doors are closed first before you can close the front doors. Also, because the back seats are technically on the same floor as the trunk, it is more elevated than the front seats, but you cannot really see out the windows.
Elizabeth K
Helpful

The good the bad and the ugly.

I feel like my car is pretty reliable, there are not any major issues. The one thing that really bugs me about it though is that the back seat doors open backwards and you need the front doors to open first before you can open the back and vice versa. Also, while sitting in the back, you do not really get to see out the window because you are higher than the front seats.
Emily K
Helpful
See All Reviews (21)

Video Reviews

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Compare Models & Key Features

For Sale Near Me

Crash Test Results: Front, Side & Rollover

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides consumers with information about crash protection and rollover safety

  • Overall
  • Front
  • Side
  • Rollover

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a non-profit group which conducts safety testing beyond federal regulations. "Good" is the highest rating.

  • Moderate Overlap Front G
  • Side G
  • Roof Strength G
  • Driver-side Overlap Front N/A
GGood
AAcceptable
MMarginal
PPoor

Safety Features

  • 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) w/electronic brake distribution (EBD)
  • Brake assist
  • Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) w/traction control
  • Side-impact door beams
  • Daytime running lights
  • Dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags
  • Front side-impact airbags -inc: passenger-side occupant position detection system *
  • Side curtain airbags w/rollover sensor, front & rear
  • 3-point seat belts in all positions -inc: front seat belt automatic tensioning system
  • Lower anchors & tethers for children (LATCH)
  • Tire pressure monitoring system
* Optional Safety Feature

Long-Term Reliability

J.D. Power Ratings 2

JD Power's Initial Quality Study measures issues with a vehicle the first 90 days after purchase.

  • ‌Overall ?
  • Mechanical ?
  • Powertrain Quality ?
  • Body & Interior Design ?
  • ‌Features ?
Among the best
Better than most
About average
The rest

Safety Recalls (6)

  • .
    Electrical System > Wiring Aug 31, 2012
    Report Receipt Date:
    Aug 31, 2012
    NHTSA Campaign:
    12V436000
    Summary:
    Honda is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 Element passenger vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness. The wire that supplies power to the trailer turn signal lights was inadvertently switched with the stop lamp wire. As a result the turn signals only illuminate when the brake lamps are illuminated. This does not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
    Consequence:
    Without trailer turn signal illumination, the driver's intent is not communicated, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on, or about, September 20, 2012. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
  • .
    Air Bags May 28, 2015
    Report Receipt Date:
    May 28, 2015
    NHTSA Campaign:
    15V320000
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153.
  • .
    Power Train > Automatic Transmission > Gear Position Indication (Prndl) Aug 3, 2010
    Report Receipt Date:
    Aug 3, 2010
    NHTSA Campaign:
    10V361000
    Summary:
    HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 ELEMENT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 1, 2010 THROUGH JUNE 25, 2010. DURING ASSEMBLY PROCESS, THE CABLE THAT CONNECTS THE SHIFT LEVER TO THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT SET CORRECTLY AT THE SHIFT LEVER BRACKET. AS A RESULT THE DRIVER MAY MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER BUT THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT BE PLACED IN THE SELECTED GEAR.
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    HONDA HAS CONTACTED SOME OWNERS BY PHONE AND ARRANGED TO, HAVE, OR HAS HAD, THEIR VEHICLES REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. ALL OTHER OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY MAIL. DEALERS WILL CORRECTLY SET THE SHIFT CABLE BUSHING. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT AUGUST 9, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
  • .
    Air Bags Jan 9, 2018
    Report Receipt Date:
    Jan 9, 2018
    NHTSA Campaign:
    18V041000
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Acura RL, 2011 Honda Element, and 2011-2013 Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010 Acura RL, Honda Element, and Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." If not included in zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura RL, Honda Element, and Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minne...
    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are U0H, and G0I.
  • .
    Air Bags Sep 27, 2018
    Report Receipt Date:
    Sep 27, 2018
    NHTSA Campaign:
    18V662000
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles nationwide. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2012 Acura RL, 2011 Honda Element and 2011-2013 Ridgeline vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Lastly, if not included above, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2011 Honda Element, 2010-2012 Acura RL and 2010-2013 Ridgeline vehicles in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a v...
    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 13, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are H2H and S2I.
  • .
    Air Bags Jan 10, 2017
    Report Receipt Date:
    Jan 10, 2017
    NHTSA Campaign:
    17V029000
    Summary:
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2011 Honda Element vehicles, 2005-2012 Acura RL vehicles, 2006-2012 Honda Ridgeline vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2009 Acura RL and Honda Element vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles and 2006-2009 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Okla...
    Consequence:
    An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KD9 and KE0.

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Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price (Used)

Updated weekly, the Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price for used cars is generally the midpoint of the Fair Market Range. It is Kelley Blue Book's estimate of what a consumer can reasonably expect to pay this week in their area for this year, make and model used vehicle with typical miles and configured with their selected options, excluding taxes, title and fees, when buying from a dealer. It's based on actual used-car transactions, plus data from other reliable third-party sources as well as market conditions.

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Initial Quality Study: After 90 days.

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Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the engine or transmission as well as problems that affect the driving experience (i.e., vehicle/brakes pull, abnormal noises or vibrations).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems that have caused a complete breakdown or malfunction of any component, feature, or item (i.e., components that stop working or trim pieces that break or come loose).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the engine or transmission as well as problems that affect the driving experience (i.e., excessive brake dust, brake noise, excessive oil consumption and battery failed).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with exterior, seats and interior (i.e., memory seat controls difficult to use, center console difficult to use and materials scuffs/soils easily).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the windshield wipers, navigation system, rear-seat entertainment system, heater, air conditioner, stereo system, sunroof and trip computer.

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2010 Honda Element

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