2004 Honda Element

Introduction

The 2004 Honda Element is a compact SUV known for its versatility and off-road capabilities. It came equipped with two engine and transmission options:

• 2.4L i-VTEC inline-4 engine (160 horsepower, 161 lb-ft torque)
  • 5-speed manual transmission
  • 5-speed automatic transmission
• 2.0L i-VTEC inline-4 engine (155 horsepower, 133 lb-ft torque)
  • 4-speed automatic transmission

Owners appreciate the Element’s spacious interior, rugged exterior, and reliable performance. However, some issues have been reported over the years.

Engine

2.4L i-VTEC Inline-4 Engine

• Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) Valve Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine hesitation or lack of power, particularly at low speeds.
  • Solution: Replacement of IMRC valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water Pump Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine overheating, coolant leaks.
  • Solution: Replacement of water pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L i-VTEC Inline-4 Engine

• No Issues Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Grinding Gears:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears.
  • Solution: Replacement or repair of damaged gears.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission Slipping or Hard Shifting:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission doesn’t engage smoothly, delayed shifts or abrupt gear changes.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replacement of transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: 06V182000
• Coolant Leakage into Transmission:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid becomes contaminated with coolant, leading to transmission failure.
  • Solution: Replacement of transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: 05V310000

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Rear Leaf Springs Sagging:
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle’s rear end sags, reduced stability.
  • Solution: Replacement of rear leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Lower Ball Joint Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise when driving over bumps, compromised handling.
  • Solution: Replacement of lower ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery light illuminates, reduced electrical power.
  • Solution: Replacement of alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Electrical Gremlins:
  • Description/Symptoms: Various electrical issues, including dashboard lights malfunctioning or flickering, power window failures.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of specific electrical components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rear Bumper Cracking:
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks develop in the plastic rear bumper.
  • Solution: Replacement of rear bumper.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Control Unit Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Climate control doesn’t work properly, buttons malfunctioning.
  • Solution: Replacement of HVAC control unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuators Malfunctioning:
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors don’t lock or unlock using the key fob or interior buttons.
  • Solution: Replacement of door lock actuators.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Honda Element is generally a reliable and capable vehicle, but it has some common issues to watch out for. The cost of repairs and severity of the issues can vary depending on the specific problem. However, many of the issues reported are minor and can be resolved at a reasonable cost.