2004 Honda Element

The Honda Element is a very interesting vehicle. It has the typical Honda reliability but not the extreme boredom that Honda usually engineers into their cars. It’s got a funky look to it and an even funkier feel. I like that. If you are looking for something different, reliable and very versatile, the Honda Element is worth a close look. While you are looking, there are a few (and I mean only a few) things to keep your eyes open for.

When you turn the key on (this goes for any car) you should see what we call a “bulb check”, this is where every warning light on the dashboard illuminates. I recommend doing this on every car you are serious about. Anyway, while you are doing this, look for the “SRS” or “airbag” light. It should be on for a few seconds along with all the other bulbs. If it’s not, there is something wrong with the Supplemental Restraint System, or air bag system; actually, this would be because someone tampered with the airbag system. Exit stage left and find another car to look at. Now, after the car is started look for that airbag light again. If it’s on, there’s a good chance the passenger seat OCS sensor is bad. The OCS is the Occupant Classification System, it detects when someone is sitting in the passenger seat. I’ve also been told by more than a few of my colleagues that if you are using a laptop while sitting in the passenger front seat the light may come on. I’ve never seen this myself, so I’m only reporting the possibility. If that OCS sensor goes bad, expect to pay about $225. This is really only the case for the 2003 model years since the sensor was redesigned after 2003. I’ve seen melted blower motors on 2003 models. You can’t really see this to inspect it, so just turn the fan on high with the radio off and the car sitting still. You shouldn’t hear any noise except rushing wind; this is also pretty much a 2003 issue. On 2003 and 2004 models, there was an issue with the programming of the powertrain control module. The faulty programming would cause the check engine light to come on if the battery gets weak. The computer can be “flashed” or programmed for about $100. If you are looking at a 2003 model, it’s likely got at least 50,000 miles on it. Check and see if the seat rocks back and forth. If so, the seat height adjustment mechanism needs to be replaced.

Now, those are the odd issues that may come up and are somewhat unique to the Honda Element. Here’s the typical cost for normal wear items. The alternator is going to be about $475; brakes all around will tally about $500. When the CV joints (these are on your axles, and require replacing the axle shafts) go, look for about $2600 in damage, but these don’t normally go out all at once. A radiator will almost reach $600 and shocks/struts all around are going to be over $1500.

As with every other vehicle, there are a few recalls out there for the Honda Element so check with the dealer. I know of a recall with the trailer wiring harness that could cause you to loose rear lamps, no brake lights, turn signals or back-up lights (2005). Some 2008 vehicles are being recalled to have the suspension inspected. If this part (a weld actually) fail, it could lead to a crash. As always, these are estimated dealer prices and will vary by state, dealer, lunar alignment and whim.