Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-47
How does your key look? I wore down the key on my Honda Accord and it would not accept anything.
A number of websites (carsurvey, elementownersclub, consumerguideauto) document similar experiences with the door lock. I tried your suggestion of using a new key (the old one did look worn) but it worked for only about a week before the problem started again. Something tells me I'll be getting rid of this car rather than buy a second door lock. What a shame Honda hasn't assumed responsibility for correcting the problem.
I had the door lock cylinder replaced on April 2005. Purchased the Element May of 2003. On Nov. 3rd 2007 I had to climb into the car from the trunk end (since neither of the doors can be opened with my key). Since I have no warranty there will be a charge. I am still getting into the car through the trunk end because the quote I got for the repair of the two door locks was about $600.00. So now I've called customer relations. I hope I get a call back as promised. I really think the door lock cylinders are just defective. Any one have any info? PS I too have had windshield windows replaced. I am up to three replacements. Good to hear about the law suit unfortunately I have over 75,000 miles. Oh well.
I'd say, since it worked a little once you replaced the key, there must be an electrical problem within the immobilizer system. It could not be worn parts because it would have reacted differently with a new key. I am not Honda mechanic, but knowing Honda keys, it must be something inside that reads the key. Since no one has ignition problems, it must be something that gets wet or outdoor elements in it.
An electrical problem... the "immobilizer"... whatever that is that won't let the key enter the lock? So it's still a Honda problem, right? This is so frustrating, especially since I've owned Honda Accords for years with never a problem... such a disappointment with the Element.
I've had this problem, too. A strange "fix" is that if I rattle the door handle and then insert the key, it works... go figure!
My husband and I own a 2003 Element. We had the drivers side lock replaced about 1 1/2 years ago. We also had to climb in from the passenger door. Just about 3 months ago we had to have the ignition parts replaced because the key wouldn't start the car anymore. Now we are having the same problem with the drivers side door again. I am calling Honda customer service tomorrow. We cannot afford to fix the door again!
I'm going through the same exact problem with the locks on my 2003 Element. Today I had to enter through the trunk of my car! How embarrassing is that? It's not fair that we have to pay for faulty locks.
Hello there. I own the '03 Honda Element model and had problems with cracking windshield. I heard that there was a refund given to reimburse the cost to repair windshield cracks. Does anyone know how I may apply for the refund?
Thanks!
We have a 2003 Honda Element that has the drivers side lock problem and the passenger side isn't going to last much longer. Tonight the ignition key stopped working. It has been stubborn several times in the past few weeks. It will not turn at all - it is as if it is the wrong key for the car. My wife's key won't work either.
The Honda dealer is 40 miles away so its gonna be a BIG towing bill. Hopefully there will eventually be a class action suit on this one. I have never heard of things like this happening to any car brand with 63K miles especially with a car company that has such a stellar reputation like Honda - sounds more like a Yugo problem to me!
We have a Honda Element 2003 and also have chronic problems with the lock on the driver's side. It simply does not work anymore. We have problems unlocking the trunk door as well. We are crawling over the passenger seat in order to unlock the driver's door etc. The lock is also a safety hazard as no one would be able to get into the car in case of a crash. One is also tempted to leave the car unlocked which of course isn't a good idea. We simply cannot afford to replace the locks. We also like the Element a lot. It is a shame. It does not encourage people to buy Honda cars that is for sure.
We have a Honda Element 2003 and also have chronic problems with the lock on the driver's side. It simply does not work anymore. We have problems unlocking the trunk door as well. We are crawling over the passenger seat in order to unlock the driver's door etc. The lock is also a safety hazard as no one would be able to get into the car in case of a crash. One is also tempted to leave the car unlocked which of course isn't a good idea. We simply cannot afford to replace the locks. We also like the Element a lot. It is a shame. It does not encourage people to buy Honda cars that is for sure.
I own a Honda Element 2004 which I love. However. I am having the same door key problem, The key will not open either door, so we have to go in from trunk. We had this problem fixed in Sept. 2006, and now it is back not under warranty. Called Honda and asked if there had been a recall. They said no, and we should take it in to be checked, and they would see
if the dealer could give us a break. We are senior citizens and have owned several cars, but never had this key problem before. Why hasn,t there been a recall or class action on this yet. Does anyone know. I hope Honda sees this and corrects the problem. I am to old 68 to crawl in thru the back.
FAULTY LOCKS A CHRONIC PROBLEM. 2003 Honda Element. Driver's side door replaced in 2005, $400. January 2008, the lock is once again is totally useless. Had my windshield replaced FOR FREE at the dealership in 2004 because of a 90 degree crack that appeared in right hand corner. Honda should be held responsible for selling faulty parts. How do we arrange a massive lawsuit? Anyone have any legal advice?
I have a 2003 Element that I love except... The driver side door lock has not worked for about a year. I unlock the passenger side and reach over but now the passenger side is sticking. The back hatch lock does this on occasion. It is the same with all of the keys that came with the car. The ignition has started doing the same thing over the past 4 weeks and this week it feels like the key will quit working entirely.
Diana in Arkansas