14th Jul 2011, 14:51

I bought a keyless lock too! And that failed as well. I know this because the alarm still works, but the keyless remote will no longer unlock the door.

5th Jun 2012, 19:59

Could someone please give me a link to the DIY fix it problem, for the driver's side door not working?

6th Jun 2012, 13:29

I am the one who posted 6/29/11. My 2003 Element had another problem after the cracked windshield, the drivers' side power window went out at 134,500 miles. I just drove my other car (a 2005 Toyota Corolla) most of the time until I had the power window fixed a few months ago, and the cracked windshield was replaced last month.

I am now at 137,300 miles. The mechanicals have been very reliable... just these other things.

Still, all in all, I am happy with my Element.

20th Jun 2013, 20:44

I have a 2003 Honda Element. This is the 2nd time my driver's side door lock has failed, and now my passenger side has failed as well. I had to climb in from the trunk leaving work this evening. I find it hard to believe, with all the people having this problem, that Honda has not recalled this issue.

14th Oct 2013, 00:08

I have a 2003 Element that I used to deliver mail out of. Door lock went at 157000 miles. Otherwise pretty much normal worn out parts like all four struts at 90000 miles (dirt roads). I LOVE my tank from Honda.

14th Oct 2013, 10:23

My Element now has 153,620 miles and is still doing well. Overall I can't really complain. I think it could make 300,000 miles eventually. I am going to keep it as long as I can.

17th May 2014, 14:15

Have a Copper 03 with the same driver's door lock and window issues. No windshield problems, perhaps because of the temperate weather here on the Oregon coast. Rear swaybar/strut bushings and normal things like shocks & brakes have needed replacement. With 250+k miles and 7 years ownership, we still think this is the best utility vehicle either of us has ever owned. Bummed they no longer make them, and intend on keeping ours going as long as possible. Absolutely the BEST dog, camping, road-trip, rally support & exploration vehicle there is! We clean ours out with a leaf blower and a garden hose!

10th Jun 2014, 01:11

I have recently had the same problem with my driver's side door lock. I was about to buy a new lock cylinder from one dealer. When I went to another dealer, they gave me the option to put in a keyless remote, which is the route I took. It's easier to open the driver's side door. I also noticed that when you jiggle your key as you are inserting it through the lock, that it manages to open it with no difficulty.

20th Oct 2014, 19:22

I too am having the same issues with the driver's side lock going firs, and now my passenger door lock going. I have a 2003 Honda Element that I bought brand new, and this is the only issue I have had with this vehicle. I love my Element!!!

6th Aug 2015, 22:22

Sounds like a broken record, but here goes; ignition switch and driver's side door lock are not working so well. Sometime I have to try 25 times or more just to get the key into the lock, and I need 25 ins before I can get it to turn, and unless I turn it just right, I only get a click, click, clicking. Door lock is about the same. Is there a fix that doesn't cost $600? At this point I don't care if anyone steals the car. Can't I just ream the wafers out of the lock and start it with any old key I have in my hand? Hey, that worked fine with the 1965 VW Beetle I used to drive.

E-mail me at wildsheepprofessor@gmail.com

11th Jan 2016, 23:42

Are they not afraid of a lawsuit? Add my 2003 Honda Element to this list of serious functional problems. My driver-side door not only does not let me in, it randomly does not let me out. I am always in fear of being either attacked outside my car, because I can't get into it quickly enough. Or, being stuck inside and unable to get out in time after a wreck or some other disaster. This is a real safely issue and I cannot believe it has not been recalled.

19th Jan 2016, 04:27

Please Honda do a recall on Honda Element 2003 locks!! Driver's side lock, key won't go in and after entering thru the passenger's side to open the door for years, now the left side key won't work either. Help!

18th Aug 2016, 03:41

I also own a Honda Element 2003 -- Honda should do a recall on those door locks! Good luck if you have to get into your car in a hurry! Key won't work on driver's side. Bought remotes, that solved the door opening and closing for a while, but now back to square one. Remotes can't open doors. For all the years I've owned cars, I never ran into this problem! All in all I love this car! Honda should take care of this problem.

6th Jul 2017, 20:30

I have the exact same problem, but I also still have the 3rd original valet unused key and it doesn't work any better, meaning it's a lock issue not a key issue.