VIN Vehicle Report

2003 Honda Element

5J6YH28514L001289

Vehicle record for the 2003 Honda Element (VIN 5J6YH28514L001289). Orange, wagon / suv, gasoline. Registered in Odesa. 12 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Free specifications, registration region and recall data.

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Full vehicle history report

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What a full report checks for VIN 5J6YH28514L001289

⚠️ 12 recall campaigns for this model year — shown below, free 🔒 Title & brand records 🔒 Accident & damage history 🔒 Salvage, total-loss & theft 🔒 Odometer & owner count 🔒 Liens & market valuation

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.

📜 Title status Clean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon
🚨 Open recalls on this VIN Unrepaired recalls and whether the fix is available, from the manufacturer
🏷️ Title brand history Every brand ever applied, by state
🧾 Number of owners How many registrations on record
🛞 Odometer readings Reported mileage over time
🔎 Rollback check Mileage inconsistency / tamper flags
💥 Accident & damage Reported collisions and damage events
🚧 Total-loss records Insurance total-loss declarations
♻️ Salvage & auction Salvage-yard and auction history
🚓 Theft records Reported / recovered theft events
🏦 Liens & impounds Outstanding liens or impound records
🏷️ Sale & listing history Past marketplace and dealer listings
💰 Market valuation Estimated value for this exact spec

History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page are free.

At a glance

LocationOdesa, UKRAINE
ColorOrange
Recall campaigns12

Vehicle identity & specifications

Make
Honda
Model
Element
Year
2003
Body style
Wagon / SUV
Vehicle type
Passenger car
Fuel type
Gasoline
Country of origin
United States

🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 2003 Honda Element data →

What's a 2003 Honda Element worth?

What comparable 2003 Honda Element vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.

Low
$2,450
Typical price
$4,236
High
$7,300

Most 2003 Honda Element listings fall between $2,450 and $7,300, from 57 comparable cars.

Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.

See this car's exact value →

MPG & running costs

U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2003 Honda Element.

Combined20–21 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway23 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,275
FuelRegular
EPA size classSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$4,375 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.

Crash-test safety ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Honda Element.

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2003 Honda Element 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Honda Element costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$16,375
Fuel only$16,375
Per mile$0.22

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
169.3 in
Width
71.7 in
Height
74.0 in
Wheelbase
101.6 in
Curb weight
3,596 lb
Front track
62.2 in
Rear track
62.2 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2003 Honda Element. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 4

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture Open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deploymen…

NHTSA #EA21002 · Air Bags · opened Sep 2021

Air Bag Inflator Rupture Open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers. All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems. Dur…

NHTSA #EA15001 · Air Bags · opened Feb 2015

Air Bag Inflator Rupture Closed

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers. All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems. Dur…

NHTSA #PE14016 · Air Bags · opened Jun 2014 · closed Mar 2015

Ignition Shift Interlock Closed

On August 4, 2010, American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA regarding a ignition interlock defect in approximately 384,220 model year (MY) 2003 Honda Accord and Civic and MY 2003 and 2004 Honda Element vehicles with automatic transmissions (Recall 10V-364). In a September 22, 2010 supplemental DIR, Honda expanded the scope of the recall population based on manufacturing an…

NHTSA #EA09001 · Electrical System · opened Jan 2009 · closed Oct 2010

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 178

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be free. Showing the 10 most recent of 178.

Service Bulletin - Warranty Extension: Customer Support Program For Front Passenger's Airbag Inflator.

Bulletin A18-051 · Air Bags · Jun 2026

"Service Bulletin - There are several A/C leak detection tools available. -Refrigerant Gas Leak Detector -Ultrasonic Leak Detector -Leak Dye"

Bulletin A07-030 · Equipment · Jan 2021

Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag infla…

Bulletin A20-009 · Air Bags · Mar 2020

Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passenger's air…

Bulletin A20-014 · Air Bags · Mar 2020

Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passengers airb…

Bulletin A18-051 · Air Bags · Jun 2018

Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects to the replacement front passengers airb…

Bulletin A18-049 · Air Bags, Equipment · May 2018

Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects to the replacement driver's airbag infla…

Bulletin A18-046 · Air Bags, Equipment · May 2018

"SERVICE BULLETIN - AS THE RESULT OF TAKATA DEFECT DETERMINATIONS AND NHTSA DIRECTIVES, AMERICAN HONDA HAS MOVED THE 2003-05 ACCORD, 2003–05 CIVIC, 2003–04 CIVIC GX, AND 2003–05 CIVIC HYBRID FROM THIS AIRBAG INFLATOR CAMPAIGN INTO SB 15-041, SAFETY RECALL: FRO…

Bulletin A14-046 - 7-1-15 · Air Bags · Jun 2017

POSTERS SENT TO HAWAIIAN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITIES, AUTOMOTIVE PART STORES, CAR WASHES, AND GAS STATIONS TO REMIND OWNERS OF THE TAKATA RECALL AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT THEIR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE.

Bulletin TAKATA_HAWAII PO · Air Bags, Equipment · Sep 2016

FLYER CIRCULATED TO THE RESIDENTS OF HAWAII TO REMIND OWNERS OF THE TAKATA RECALL AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT THEIR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE.

Bulletin TAKATA_HAWAII FL · Air Bags, Equipment · Sep 2016

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the ELEMENT. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 8

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2003 Honda Element. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Structure

Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear frame could rust. In extreme cases, this could result in a rear trailing arm separating from the vehicle. This recall applies to vehicles originally sold or currently registered in areas of heavy road salt usage (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador). Safety Risk: A rear trailing arm…

Transport Canada #2021024 · Jan 2021

Airbag

Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag ass…

Transport Canada #2019323 · Jun 2019

Airbag

Issue: On certain vehicles, there could be a problem with the driver-front airbag inflator. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, pieces could be propelled toward the occupants. This could also cause damage to the airbag assembly and prevent it from inflating properly. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles…

Transport Canada #2019117 · Mar 2019

Airbag

On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could b…

Transport Canada #2016249 · May 2016

Airbag

On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airba…

Transport Canada #2015225 · May 2015

Airbag

Honda Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Campaign concerning the driver's airbag inflator on certain vehicles equipped with Takata airbags. Honda will replace the driver's inflator on affected vehicles. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Note: This special service campaign was replaced by recall 2015225. P…

Transport Canada #2014567 · Dec 2014

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Honda Element

The Honda Element is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by Honda and marketed in North America over a single generation for model years 2003–2011, and noted for its boxy exterior styling with bi-parting side doors and its boxy, flexible interior layout.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

Safety recall campaigns 12

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or repla…

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.

NHTSA Campaign #19V499000 · manufacturer #Q5A, Y58 · 27/06/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part o…

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.

NHTSA Campaign #19V501000 · manufacturer #E5D, X5C · 27/06/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and…

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service

NHTSA Campaign #19V182000 · manufacturer #U40,M45,O41,G44 · 06/03/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.

NHTSA Campaign #18V268000 · manufacturer #C1X, N2L, U2M · 26/04/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, America…

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.

NHTSA Campaign #16V344000 · manufacturer #KA0, KA1, KA2, KA3 · 23/05/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic vehicles manufactured March 21, 2000, to January 20, 2005, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX vehicles manufactured June 14, 2000, to August 19, 2004, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles manufactured February 24, 2002, to January 18, 2005, 2003-2007 Honda Accord vehicles manufactured February 21, 2002, to August 28, 200…

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JU4, JU5, JU6, and JU7. Note: Vehicles that have already received a re

NHTSA Campaign #15V370000 · manufacturer #JU4, JU5, JU6, JU7 · 15/06/2015

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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 m…

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 hav

NHTSA Campaign #15V320000 · manufacturer #JQ9 & JR0-JR8 · 28/05/2015

AIR BAGS

American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2003-2004 Civic CNG and Element, 2002-2005 CR-V, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2005 Accord, Pilot, Civic Hybrid, and Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever regi…

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

NHTSA Campaign #14V700000 · 04/11/2014

AIR BAGS

American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 2005 Acura RL, and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in California, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger …

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

NHTSA Campaign #14V353000 · manufacturer #JH6,JH7,JH8,JH9,JJ0 · 20/06/2014

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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE ORIGINAL INTERLOCK PIN AND LEVER WITHIN THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND REPLACE THEM WITH NEW, DESIGNED COMPONENTS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 7, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

NHTSA Campaign #10V364000 · manufacturer #R44 · 05/08/2010

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

NHTSA Campaign #09E025000 · 11/05/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009

Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.

These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

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Common problems & what to inspect

Based on all 449 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Honda Element, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.

💥 33 involved a crash 🔥 5 involved a fire 🚑 31 reported injuries

Visibility 231 reports

🔍 Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.

Air Bags 55 reports

🔍 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.

Electrical System 36 reports

🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Structure 34 reports

🔍 Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

Latches/locks/linkages 28 reports

🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

Suspension 25 reports

🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

Pre-purchase checklist

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 #11698521

SUSPENSION

Please see attachment:

NHTSA ODI #11697330

SUSPENSION,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 #11691501

SUSPENSION

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 #11681494

ELECTRICAL 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 #11674334

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,WHEELS

Rust corrosion

NHTSA ODI #11673474

SUSPENSION

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 #11633928

SUSPENSION,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.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?

No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.

Is the VIN 5J6YH28514L001289 valid?

5J6YH28514L001289 is a structurally valid 17-character VIN with a correct ISO 3779 check digit, assigned to a manufacturer in United States. It decodes to the 2003 Honda Element.

Are there safety recalls on the 2003 Honda Element?

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2003 Honda Element model year. That covers the model year, not this individual car: to see whether a specific vehicle still needs a recall repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What is a fair price for a 2003 Honda Element?

Comparable 2003 Honda Element listings run roughly $2,450–$7,300, typically around $4,236 (from 57 comparable vehicles). The full report shows this exact VIN's valuation.

What is the 2003 Honda Element safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2003 Honda Element crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 5★, rollover 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What fuel economy does the 2003 Honda Element get?

The 2003 Honda Element has U.S. EPA estimates of 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

Recall data checked 7 Oct 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.