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2006 Honda Element Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2006 Honda Element has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rear trailing arm and frame rust perforation.” Honda vehicles use the Maintenance Minder system — your dashboard displays a Code A (oil change) or Code B (oil change plus inspections) along with sub-codes 1-6 for additional services. Intervals adjust based on how you drive. The schedule below reflects Honda's underlying targets.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2006 Honda Element.

Reported to NHTSA

Rear trailing arm and frame rust perforation

SUSPENSION

9 NHTSA complaints · 2021-03 → 2025-12

“left rear rear trailing arm rusted out. had car checked due to rough ride & was informed said part so rusted it was dangerous to drive”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11704944
“LEFT REAR (DRIVER SIDE) TRAILING CONTROL ARM CAME OUT OF THE MOUNTING BRACKET CAUSING THE TIRE ASSEMBLY TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11518386
“I AM LOCATED IN OHIO AND THE REAR TRAILING ARM HAS RUSTED OUT TO THE POINT THAT IT IS ON THE VERGE OF BREAKING OFF ON THE PASSENGER SIDE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11403002

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield cracking without impact

VISIBILITY

7 NHTSA complaints · 2006-07 → 2010-09

“2006 HONDA ELEMENT WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITHOUT IMPACT. DEALER REFUSES TO REPAIR STATING THAT THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE IS "USUALLY" CAUSED BY ROAD DEBRIS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10162010
“ON NOVEMBER 12, 2007, I NOTICED A HORIZONTAL CRACK IN MY HONDA ELEMENT'S WINDSHIELD, ABOUT 7 INCHES IN LENGTH ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, ABOUT HALFWAY UP STARTING AT THE LEFT SIDE PILLAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10209860
“I NOTICED A HORIZONTAL CRACK IN MY HONDA ELEMENTS WINDSHIELD, ABOUT 7 INCHES IN LENGTH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, ABOUT HALFWAY UP STARTING AT THE RIGHT SIDE PILLAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10325557

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power window regulator failure

VISIBILITY

5 NHTSA complaints · 2009-12 → 2020-07

“I HAVE A 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. THE LAST FEW MONTHS I'VE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH POWER SIDE WINDOWS BECAUSE THE WINDOW REGULATOR 'CAME APART.'”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10295085
“BROKEN WINDOW REGULATOR: WE WERE REFUELING AT THE GASOLINE STATION WHEN SUDDENLY THE GLASS OF THE WINDOW (FRONT PASSENGER SIDE) FELL DOWN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10375869
“POWER WINDOW REGULATOR ON FRONT LEFT WINDOW HAD TO BE REPLACED 11/2009. POWER WINDOW FAILED TO GO UP, DIAGNOSED AS BROKEN WINDOW REGULATOR CABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10328686

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Driver seat rocking on worn bushings

SEATS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2011-08 → 2020-07

“THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT ROCKS DANGEROUSLY BACK AND FORTH. I ONLY WEIGH 108 POUNDS SO IT'S NOTHING I HAVE DONE TO CAUSE THIS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11338587
“DRIVER'S SEAT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH WHILE DRIVING AND BRAKING MY MECHANIC SAID BUSHINGS WORN/LOOSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10915756
“DRIVER'S SEAT IS ROCKING BACK AND FORTH. THIS CREATES A DANGEROUS CONDITION DURING DRIVING AS IT MAY AFFECT CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10565898

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag deployment without collision

AIR BAGS

17 NHTSA complaints · 2006-08 → 2025-03

“The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the passenger's side door air bag deployed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact and her mother heard a loud explosion, and the passenger's side door air bag deployed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11650488
“AIR BAG WENT OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY... AIR BAG WENT OFF FOR NO REASON JUST DRIVING DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG BURNED AND BRUISED ARM..CAR AT THE HONDA DEALER THEY ARE DECIDING TO FIX OR NOT TO FIX THE CAR. DON'T KNOW IF HONDA WILL FIX THE CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10236234
“JULY 28TH 2006 @ ABOUT 3 PM. I WAS DRIVING HOME ON THE FREEWAY @ NORMAL RATE OF SPEED (65 OR SO MPH) WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. I WAS DRIVING IN THE SECOND FROM THE FAST LANE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10164131

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment in a collision

AIR BAGS

11 NHTSA complaints · 2006-10 → 2026-02

“DRIVER RAN INTO STOPPED CAR IN FRONT OF HIM. SPEED WAS SUFFICIENT TO FLATTEN THE CAR UP TO THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE - LITTLE DAMAGE BEHIND THAT. CAR IS 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10171794
“WHEN: MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON WEDNESDAY, 11/07/2007, 1515HRS WHERE: SOUTHBOUND CO HWY 93 AND EASTBOUND CO HWY 72; JEFFERSON COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO; WHAT: MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT: 2006 HONDA ELEMENT WAS STRUCK BY AN SUV”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10208435
“Vehicle (2-owner, all svc records), involved in a head-on collision, with approximately 75% of impact/damage to the Driver’s front (see photos). The passenger front (25% of impact) airbag deployed, the DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG did NOT deploy”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11714865

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag recall repair parts unavailable

AIR BAGS

11 NHTSA complaints · 2014-10 → 2017-04

“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS) FOR THE FRONTAL PASSENGER INFLATOR; HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10981132
“I CALLED BRAMAN HONDA IN MIAMI, FLORIDA (7000 CORAL WAY, MIAMI, FL 33155, (800) 568-9724), IN ORDER TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR RECALL #14V-351 (AIRBAGS), AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD TRY TO GET BACK TO ME IN THREE WEEKS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10652669
“2006 HONDA ELEMENT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DISSATISFACTION WITH SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP ASSOCIATED WITH DEFECTIVE AIR BAG RECALL REPLACEMENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10720927

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stalling and idle speed surge

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

8 NHTSA complaints · 2010-12 → 2014-08

“IN COLD WEATHER AND COLD STARTS. ENGINE STALLS AT STOPS. SLOWING DOWN BETWEEN 15 MPH AND 0 MPH ENGINE STALLS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10429166
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL SPORADICALLY WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH OR ABOVE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10474186
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ELEMENT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE IDLE WAS NOT STABLE CAUSING IT TO FLUCTUATE FROM 2000 RPMS TO 4000 RPMS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10369910

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Code A)

Every 7,500 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter. The Maintenance Minder triggers Code A between 7,500 and 10,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires front-to-back to even out wear. Honda triggers Sub-code 1 alongside every other oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection (Code B)

Every 15,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake. Code B includes a multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and fluids.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid (Sub-code 5)

Every 45,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 3 years regardless of mileage to prevent moisture absorption and corrosion of ABS components.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission / CVT Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF or CVT fluid. Honda CVT models (Civic, HR-V, Accord LX) use Honda HCF-2 — do not substitute. The Maintenance Minder triggers earlier under heavy stop-and-go.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid (AWD models, Sub-code 5)

Every 30,000 mi

AWD CR-V, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline: replace rear diff fluid every 30,000 miles, sooner if towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 4)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Honda uses a long-life cellulose element on most port-injected engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Honda uses iridium-tipped plugs rated for 100,000+ miles. Replace at 105,000 miles or whenever Sub-code 6 displays.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant (Sub-code 5)

Every 60,000 mi

Honda Long-Life Type 2 (blue) coolant: first change at 120,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles. Do not mix with other coolant types.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 3)

Every 15,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter — accessible behind the glove box on most Hondas. Honda recommends 15,000 miles in dusty conditions, longer in clean climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Valve Clearance Adjustment (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Inspect and adjust valve clearances at 105,000 miles. Critical on K-series and L-series engines to prevent valve recession.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$495–$535

Shop

~$345–$375

DIY

Pro only

Mechanical-bucket valvetrains (many Honda 4-cyls, older Toyotas) need this. Hydraulic lifters don't. Shop work — feeler-gauge precision required.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Modern Honda engines (K-series, L-series, R-series, plus all Earth Dreams 1.5T and 2.0T) use a timing chain designed to last the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

42 crashes 1990–2024

How the 42 occupant deaths break down

34

driver deaths

8

passenger deaths

42

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2006 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

17

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2006 Honda Element reflects Honda's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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