Why Not to Buy a Honda Element - The Worst Starter Design

Honda Element Review. Why Not to Buy a Honda Element, the Worst Starter Design, DIY and car review with Scotty Kilmer. Honda starter replacement. How to remove starter from car. How to replace starter. Honda starter problem. Are Honda Elements good cars? Are Honda Elements reliable? Should I buy a Honda Element. DIY car repair with Scotty Kilmer, an auto mechanic for the last 50 years.

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⬇Things used in this video:
1. Common Sense

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[scottykilmer]

I know it can be removed from underneath as well, but that requires a lift to make it an EASIER job. Which I don't use and most DIY people don't use, so without a lift this is the easiest way to remove the starter. This channel mainly shows backyard DIY style and how anti-DIY many vehicles have become, so I stand by that this is a crappy design.

⬇Things used in this video:
1. Common Sense




Scotty on Social:

[leilafigo]

Having read so many of the comments, this video acheived unintended consequences. I usually follow Scotty's advice. But in this case, I see a Honda element in my future.

[nickb]

well scotty, we've had a honda element in the family for 280k miles and in that time we've only had to replace the heater core.
other than that, oil changes, brakes, and wiper blades.
never owned a more reliable car, and honestly if the time comes to do the starter, i'll be glad to do the job considering how little i've had to open the hood on that thing in over 14 years

[doughjangles]

Sigh. You can get the starter in/out from the bottom. Not that's difficult. Judging a car based off of a part that need replaced every 150-200k miles is ridiculous. The element is an excellent, super reliable and practical suv.

[chrisbrown]

I’m not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination but I can’t get enough of these videos. Pure gold👍🏽👍🏽

[shawnwaldrop]

I clicked on this video because I have owned 2 Honda Elements, which I absolutely loved. Partly, because how easy they are to service. There are several service procedures that are made easier by loosening the frame from the bottom. It doesn't require a lift, but you do need a jack and stands - which most DIY people have. I replaced the starter (after 250K miles) and actually found it to be quite easy, as compared to other sub compact SUVs.

I'd tap the brakes on calling the Honda Element a "crappy design".

[chadharmon]

SCOTTY is pissed lol eric the car guy hope you are watching this 😆

[HollywoodHornet]

Lol. He sounds like me when working on a car. "Stupid this and stupid that."

[joshbacon]

What sort of manufacturer would design a car where you had to take the engine apart just to replace the starter motor?!?!

[katphenakatphena]

Starter seems to be least of the problems in replacement in a car! I have seen more Honda elements still running quiet and with 300 thousand plus miles compared to the Nissan SUV’s!

[roxborotomm]

My Element has 350K on it currently. The original starter went south at 280K. I thought about doing it myself, but since I was on a cross country trip, I let Honda do it for $585.. Yes, expensive, but it was done in a day and no grease under my nails while on my trip. Good to go for another 280K

[xxBLKSNXxx]

I have an Element and a starter would not keep me from buying this vehicle again.. Incredibly reliable... Give me a break.

[mauistarz]

Lol I love your videos! Great sense of humor to balance everything out!

[Brycereigle]

This is a video I will disagree with. My dad bought one of these in 2003 brand new, and we drove it to 203, 000 miles when it ended up in an accident, and it needed nothing but normal maintenance. Oil, spark plugs, alignment, etc. It was by far the most reliable car we’ve ever owned. To be fair I can see the headache from the mechanic’s position but it’s a joy to own.

[nicolee]

I definitely think everyone needs to follow Scotty’s brilliant advice and avoid buying an Element due to its crappy starter location. Because starter maintenance and repair is a tremendously frequent occurrence.<eye roll>
That way, when I’m shopping for my own Element, there will be a better selection at a better price due to decreased demand.

[toomanyprojectstx]

Im on my Honda Element Number 3 im not afraid of some Hard work, HONDA ELEMENTS RULE

[poopsmcgeek]

Where I come from we put the Element on a hoist and remove the starter from the bottom like a normal person.

[jngtruong]

Eric the car guy did his starter replacement without removing the intake manifold.

[Skygazer]

You had to remove the INTAKE MANIFOLD?!?! That is INSANE!!! You have the patience of a saint...

[MrSamadolfo]

🙂 a quick check if the starter is failing, tap the starter with a long pry bar or something while a helper tries to start the car. Also dont forget to replace the battery & the negative cable that bolts to the trans, clean & lube everything up 😍