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2011 Honda

Element 2WD

Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L

Honda Element: best and worst years
2011 Honda Element 2WD

Closest available photo (2007 model year); you're viewing the 2011.

2007 photoIFCARPublic domainvia Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic 5-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
166
Power to weight
0.048 hp/lb
Axle ratio
4.50
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

Smog score
5/10
Real-world MPG
26 mpg, reported by 1 driverabout 4 mpg above the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

GVWR class
Class 1C (4,001 to 5,000 lb)NHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026

Safety NHTSA record NHTSA, model year

Recalls
10
Owner complaints
11 See on NHTSA
Theft rate
0.6 per 1,000 produced (CY 2011 federal data)

Reported problems NHTSA record NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • AIR BAGS40%
  • VISIBILITY13%
  • POWER TRAIN7%
  • SEAT BELTS7%
  • STEERING7%
  • SUSPENSION7%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 15 total.

Honda Element: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA record NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • EA21002Openopened Sep 17, 2021AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

    Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

  • EA15001Openopened Feb 24, 2015AIR BAGS

    Air Bag Inflator Rupture

  • PE14016opened Jun 11, 2014AIR BAGS

    Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

25 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 3, 2022AIR BAGSA20-015

    Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passenger's airbag inflator only.

  • Jan 23, 2021EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONERA07-030

    "Service Bulletin - There are several A/C leak detection tools available. -Refrigerant Gas Leak Detector -Ultrasonic Leak Detector -Leak Dye"

  • Mar 10, 2020AIR BAGSA20-010

    Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only.

  • Aug 13, 2019AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE19-002-1

    Warranty Extension: Customer Support Program For Front Passenger's Airbag Inflator for 2010-11 element and 2010-14 Ridgeline (Expires September30, 2028)

  • Jan 14, 2019AIR BAGSA16040E

    Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passenger's airbag inflator only.

  • Jun 8, 2018AIR BAGSA18-056

    Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passengers airbag inflator only.

  • Jun 7, 2018AIR BAGSA18-053

    Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passengers airbag inflator only.

  • Jun 1, 2018AIR BAGSA18-050

    Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passengers airbag inflator only.

  • and 17 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Source: www.cars.com as of 2026-06

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.