2003 Honda Element - Maintenance & Specs
The 2003 Honda Element belongs to a Honda Element lineup that Know Your Ride tracks across 2 model years, from 2003 to 2004. Engine options on record include the 2.4L, 2.4L I4. It is configured as front-wheel drive with an automatic 4-spd. This 2003 car is the earliest model year on record for the Honda Element.
It takes 5W-20 full synthetic oil, 4.5 qt with a new filter meeting API SP. Fluid specs on file include Type 2 Coolant (Blue) coolant, DOT 3 brake fluid. Know Your Ride lists 13 scheduled maintenance items for this vehicle, the earliest interval falling at 7,500 miles. Documented torque values include oil drain plug 29 ft-lb, lug nut 80 ft-lb, spark plug 18 ft-lb.
NHTSA complaints for this vehicle cluster around visibility (224), air bags (48), latches/locks/linkages (23). A representative report reads: "The contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the rear..." There are 12 safety recalls on record; one covers: HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 HONDA ACCORD, CIVIC TWO AND FOUR DOOR, AND MODEL YEAR 2003-2004 HONDA ELEMENT VEHICLES. THE INTERLOCK....
EPA fuel economy is rated at 20 city / 24 highway MPG, 21 MPG combined. Estimated annual fuel cost is about $2,100.
Quick Specs
| Oil viscosity | 5W-20 |
| Oil type | Full Synthetic |
| Oil capacity (w/ filter) | 4.5 qt |
| OEM oil spec | API SP |
| EPA combined | 21 MPG |
| Coolant | Type 2 Coolant (Blue) |
| Open recalls on record | 12 |
| Technical service bulletins | 65 |
Common Trouble Codes
- P0300 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
- P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
- P0171 - System too Lean (Bank 1)
- P0128 - Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Stable Operation
- P0442 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)
- P0455 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (gross leak)
- P0700 - Transmission Control System Malfunction
- P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
- U0100 - Lost Communication With ECM/PCM A
Related Vehicles
Part of the free Know Your Ride vehicle maintenance reference. Figures are sourced from EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer data and are for general reference - always confirm with your owner's manual.