2010 Honda Element

The 2010 Honda Element is a versatile and boxy compact crossover SUV known for its spacious interior, durable construction, and unique design that appeals to those seeking practicality and utility. All 2010 Honda Elements came equipped with a 2.4-liter i-VTEC inline-4 engine producing 166 horsepower and 161 lb-ft of torque. The engine could be paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Element’s easy-to-clean interior, ample cargo space, and dog-friendly features. On the other hand, some criticize its fuel economy and polarizing styling.

Engine

2.4L i-VTEC Inline-4

• VTC Actuator Rattle/Grinding Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: A rattling or grinding noise upon cold startup, typically lasting for a few seconds. This is caused by wear in the Variable Timing Control (VTC) actuator.
  • Solution: Replacement of the VTC actuator with an updated part.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oxygen Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illuminated, poor fuel economy, rough idling. Often related to a faulty upstream or downstream oxygen sensor.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty oxygen sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting between gears, or the transmission slipping out of gear. This can be caused by worn clutch packs, low transmission fluid, or a faulty solenoid.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and fill, solenoid replacement, or a complete transmission rebuild/replacement in severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid flush) - $300 (solenoid) - $2,000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual

No Issues Found

Suspension

• Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the rear suspension, especially over bumps. Uneven tire wear. Excessive play in the rear suspension.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear trailing arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Strut Mount Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Squeaking or creaking noise coming from the struts, usually noticeable when going over bumps, turning, or during braking.
  • Solution: Replacement of the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door locks not functioning properly (not locking/unlocking) or making a buzzing sound. This is often due to a failing door lock actuator.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per door
  • Recalls: None Found
• Radio Display Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim, flickering, or non-functioning radio display.
  • Solution: Replacement of the radio unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rear Hatch Latch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear hatch failing to latch properly, making it difficult to close or causing it to pop open while driving.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear hatch latch assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Upholstery Seam Separation
  • Description/Symptoms: The seams in the seat upholstery, particularly on the driver’s seat, separating or coming undone.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the seat upholstery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sun Visor Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Sun visors that no longer stay in the raised position and droop down, obstructing the driver’s view.
  • Solution: Replacement of the sun visors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+ per visor
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2010 Honda Element is a generally reliable vehicle, but owners may encounter some common issues. The most reported issues include VTC actuator noise, oxygen sensor failure, transmission problems with the automatic transmission, rear trailing arm bushing failures, and electrical gremlins like door lock actuator problems. Most of these issues are of moderate severity and can be addressed with relatively affordable repairs, however some of the repairs, such as a full transmission rebuild, can be costly.