2005 Honda Element EX review from North America

Battery died within 2 weeks.

Engine valve cover leaked.

It has starting problems, sounds like the starter, but the dealer can't verify it so he won't replace any parts. Still unresolved 3 years later.

The clutch freezes up at -20c,cold yes, but this is Canada so I leave it at home at that temperature and drive the wife's Corolla. Again the dealer can't find the problem, so he won't replace anything.

Rear brakes, new pads rotors calipers X2 in an effort to get rid of rattling and grinding sounds... noise is still there.

Rear knuckles seized up making a loud creak in the suspension. The dealer replaced the knuckles and in the process found the rear bearings were worn out, so he replaced those too... as well as the rear ABS sensors.

A pillar rattle.. I fixed it myself.

Rear doors rattle... I fixed it myself.

Rear hatch made a clunking sound... I fixed it myself.

Dashboard rattle... on the to do list.

The dealer replaced the large rear panel on the side of the cargo area in attempt to get rid of a popping sound... the noise has returned.

All this with 26000 km, coupled with the poor service and response from Honda Canada; it usually takes 3 visits to the dealer to get one thing repaired... if the repair even works is another question.

What a major disappointment, this was my first Honda and my last. It's now for sale as the warranty is coming to an end. I think I'll replace it with a Ford.