2003 Honda Element EX
5J6YH18593L002540
Vehicle history report for the 2003 Honda Element EX (VIN 5J6YH18593L002540). Blue, sport utility vehicle [suv]/multipurpose vehicle [mpv], 2.4L 4-cyl 160 hp, gasoline. 133,402 mi reported. Registered in Fl. No open recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
![2003 Honda Element EX, Blue, Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] — representative vehicle photo for VIN 5J6YH18593L002540](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/2003-06_Honda_Element.JPG?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=original)
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
What's a 2003 Honda Element worth?
What comparable 2003 Honda Element vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
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What a full report checks for VIN 5J6YH18593L002540
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls None found
No open NHTSA recall campaigns were found for this 2003 Honda Element.
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Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 449 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Honda Element, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
💥 1 involved a crash 🚑 1 reported injury
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
🔍 Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
🔍 Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 449
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2003 Honda Element.
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the rear trailing arm was severely corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mech…
NHTSA ODI #11698521SUSPENSION
Please see attachment:
NHTSA ODI #11697330SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The trailing arm connection that connects to the subframe has completely rusted make the car unsafe to drive. Parts will break and driver will lose control of the car. These same parts were recalled in Canada many years ago.
NHTSA ODI #11691501SUSPENSION
Rear driver side trailing arm separating from body non repairable. Needs professional inspection. Northern state purchased Michigan driven in salt conditioned roadways. Canadian recall for same issue. Recall Details Transport Canada Recall Number2021-024 Recall Date2021-01-26 Last Updated2023-07-07 Notification TypeSafety TC SystemStructure Issued byH…
NHTSA ODI #11681494ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I was driving and my odometer light and dash lights went dim on me. I changed the bulbs it didn't make a difference. I had to replace the instrument cluster. Other complaint is drivers seat keeps loosening from the floor
NHTSA ODI #11674334SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,WHEELS
Rust corrosion
NHTSA ODI #11673474SUSPENSION
in 2023 while driving my 2003 Honda Element the control arm ripped out of the frame I had it fixed to the tune of $1800. Fast forward to this week when servicing my Element I found a major rust spot on the other trailing arm bracket. After more research there is a recall in Canada to fix this but not in US. how can this be? It is a major flaw and concern tha…
Crash · NHTSA ODI #11633928SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Vehicle has extreme corrosion of the frame near the rear trailing arm which is nearing catastrophic failure. Trailing arm is in danger of separating from the frame. This is similar to NTSB Campaign # 23V-22800 for the CR-V which shares suspension parts with the Element on these model years. If the trailing arm separates at highway speeds it could be fatal…
NHTSA ODI #11614604+ 441 more complaints on record.
