In the last couple of weeks I have noticed a few more rattles driving around town, and over the weekend was "volunteered" to drive...happens all the time now!!! When we were all getting out I noticed that the passenger "suicide" door didn't shut with that all to familar thump that it always had before. The next morning I checked the door and the bottom latch is not securing the door to the frame. I have scheduled a trip to the dealership to have it checked out and will update everyone. Since the door is critical to the frame of the Element I thought this was worth a post to the rest of the world. This is the first problem I've had with my E and I've had mine since Feb 26.

12000 miles and going!!!

Well that is good to hear. Mine isn't even a month and I got a crack in the windshield but as far as the door, you are right to get it checked out right away.

Keep us posted!

I guess Tiger decided not to keep us posted, which is disappointing as my passenger side bottom latch has started not working. So we're in tomorrow to the dealer for a repair, and I for one, will report the result!

And please note that I did a search on "latch", which resulted in 213 hits and this message, which I have resurrected from the dead, was #163.

My passenger side suicide door makes a cunk sound whenever I go over a bump. Is this what yours is/was doing?
L.

No, mine wiggles at the bottom when shut, and when the passenger door closes both of them wiggle. It's just purely not latching.

Haven't noticed any bump sounds - are you sure some Honda line worker didn't leave you a present in the door? Or do you have something in your door pocket?

Wow I didn't even know the rear doors opened ! :shock:

Wow I didn't even know the rear doors opened ! :shock:

Right...

BigFoot, nah, I don't have anything in the door. Maybe there is a present in there. Or maybe the speaker is loose. I'll check it out.
L.

Went to the dealer and they found the bottom latch-hook was loose. Duh! I looked at that but didn't think it was adjustable so I didn't wiggle it. Oh well, all under warranty for them to screwdriver it!

However, some good did come from my visit.

1. Got to see the 2005 Red Element with Black Panels - very striking!

2. Got free popcorn.

3. The Dent Buster (or DentBuster for searches) guy was there and I had him look a two small dents I had in my driver's side rear door. One of these was very recent, very noticable, and probably from some jerk's backdoor as it was high up. We ALWAYS park in the most secure locations but someone got to us anyway. Aholes one and all. :x

Anyway, for $75 this guy did his magic and made them both disappear in 30 minutes! Worth every penny to not get pissed off everytime I walk up to the car and see that dent. They do it from the bottom drain holes so no panels need be removed. Highly recommended solution to this annoyance.

Wanted to resurrect this thread to ask a question. Has anyone ever had to have to bottom latch on a sucide door replaced? How much did it cost? I've had to order a new one and want to know the extent of the labor charges.

Perhaps a dumb question, but why are they called "SUICIDE DOORS?" :confused:

Perhaps a dumb question, but why are they called "SUICIDE DOORS?" :confused:


Technically the rear doors on an E are not suicide doors.True suicide doors on a 4 door vehicle could be opened indepently of the front doors.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicide_door