21st Dec 2010, 08:57
I bought a 2003 Honda Element in October of 2008 and the windshield problems started almost immediately.
I actually cannot even list the number of windshield repair and replacements that I have had. I've been told that this happens because the windshields are so vertical compared to other vehicles which allow the rocks to basically skip off of them. It's really, really annoying, not to mention SCARY! On two different occasions I was told that they couldn't believe the rock didn't come through my windshield because it put such a big gash. Both times, it was right in front of my face! I am on the road A LOT with my legally blind, and basically deaf 3-year-old daughter. It is basically about every road trip for her appointments, we take a rock to the windshield, some chip, some don't.
I LOVE this car, but will NEVER again own another one or advise anyone to buy one due to this problem. Besides the fact that it is very costly, it is very dangerous! I think the whole car should be recalled. I highly doubt there is a way to slant the windshield to make it better. Grrrr! All of the comments that are in common with mine just made me mad all over again!
15th Apr 2011, 11:55
I've also had windshield problems with my 2003 Honda Element. Because there are huge amount of complaints with the windshields cracking and Honda is unwilling to fix the problems, the solution is to trade the Honda in for a Toyota.
20th Jun 2011, 12:36
Probably won't do me any good. The windshield on my 2003 Element cracked yesterday after a little over 8 years and 132,500 miles, so I doubt Honda will pay for it. The crack is at the lower part on the passenger side of the windshield.
Other than that, and a problem with the driver's side door lock at 84,000 miles, which has not recurred after being fixed, my Element has been very reliable. After all I've seen on this site about cracking Element windshields 8 years and 132,500 miles before, mine cracking doesn't seem so bad, but I still don't like that it happened.
14th Dec 2010, 09:06
I am the owner of a 2005 Element, which has a cracked windshield. The crack starts at bottom of passenger side, and makes a nice big arc across windshield, and is heading for the same location on the driver's side. I suspect, deduced from what I have read on the web, that there are two pieces of metal at the bottom upon which windshield rests. My guess is that the cracks on these windshields originate from these metal tabs. I have read of many other owners experiencing the same problem, many of whom who have had to replace more than one windshield. One owner claimed to have replaced seven! Appalling.
Apparently Honda has recalled certain Elements to address this problem stateside, but not in Canada. Here in Canada, Honda plays dumb, claiming not to have even heard of the problem, at least at our local dealership. With today's typically high deductibles, $300-$500, it could make these vehicles too costly to drive. In the case of the owner who claims to replaced seven windshields, $2100 to possibly as high as $3500. ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE.
This will be our last Honda. The prevailing attitude at our dealership is frustrating to say the least, not to mention the blatant double standard between the U.S. and Canada. Toyota's recent recall woes have made them very willing to address any and all concerns I have with my second vehicle, a Toyota. Once I pay out of pocket to have the windshield replaced, I will not wait for a second or even more cracked windshield. Honda has dropped the ball again. This Element will be sitting on a Toyota dealership lot very soon as a trade in.