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Honda2004–2013 Major issues documented

Honda Elysion: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Honda Elysion (2004–2013) in New Zealand? We've documented 12 known faults for this model spanning transmission, engine, suspension, and body & rust. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated major. Every one is listed below with its symptoms and repair cost, and each has its own page with where to look and what to ask the seller. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact Honda Elysion

  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

Type the plate for the free basics. The full record is a paid check from $13.49, one car at a time, no subscription.

No NZ plate yet, or buying in Australia? Pick the generation and engine and start a free check below. New to KickTyres? How the check works →

12

Documented faults

Major

Most serious

$400–$1,500

Typical repair

12

Service milestones

Which Honda Elysion are you looking at?

2 generation variants documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Which engine is in it? These cover every year of this model.

2.4L petrol (K24A)· 2.4 litre petrol3.0L petrol (J30A)· 3.0 litre petrol

Start your free check on this Honda Elysion

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

Honda ElysionEngine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the Elysion came with 2, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

Free. The paid plate check is separate, and stays optional.

Can't confirm for this car

Honda Elysion

Nothing has been narrowed yet, so nothing below is a claim about a particular car. Pick a year and an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

matched on no vehicle context

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Honda Elysion before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Costly issue

    Check oil consumption history, scan for misfire codes, inspect plug condition, and watch for smoke; ask about any VCM management steps.

    See why

    J30A/J35 VCM oil consumption and misfire

    The V6 Elysion's Variable Cylinder Management deactivates cylinders and is linked to oil consumption and spark-plug fouling in the deactivated bank, causing misfires and higher oil use. A well-known Honda VCM V6 issue.

    What you would notice

    • Oil consumption between changes
    • Misfire or vibration under light load
    • Fouled plugs on one bank
    • Blue smoke on acceleration

    Typically $400–$3,000 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Test drive at 80-100 km/h with light throttle and feel for vibration.

    See why

    J30A Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Shudder

    The J30A 3.0 V6 torque converter develops lock-up clutch shudder at highway speeds. Rhythmic vibration at 60-100 km/h under light throttle is the primary symptom.

    What you would notice

    • Rhythmic vibration at 60-100 km/h under light throttle that clears under firm acceleration
    • Shudder most prominent at steady cruise speed on flat roads

    Typically $400–$2,500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Cold-start from overnight cold and listen for metallic rattle from engine top.

    See why

    K24A VTC Actuator Cold-Start Rattle

    The K24A 2.4 Variable Timing Control actuator rattle on cold start from oil pressure lag. Very common on all K24A-engined vehicles over 100,000 km.

    What you would notice

    • Metallic rattle from engine top on cold start that clears as oil pressure builds
    • Rattle persisting beyond 10 seconds indicates worn VTC actuator vanes

    Typically $600–$2,000 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Test both sliding doors through multiple complete open and close cycles.

    See why

    Power Sliding Door Actuator and Motor Failure

    The Elysion power sliding doors share the same actuator and motor architecture as other Honda MPV platforms of the era and exhibit the same documented failure pattern: actuator motors wear out, cable guides crack and the door stops mid-travel or fails to latch. High-mileage JDM Elysions imported to NZ frequently arrive with at least one partially functioning or failing sliding door that requires attention before passing a warrant of fitness.

    What you would notice

    • Sliding door hesitates, reverses mid-travel or stops partway open
    • Door motor audibly running but door not moving
    • Door not closing or latching under power
    • Sliding door warning light on instrument cluster

    Typically $450–$1,100 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Inspect boots for splitting.

    See why

    Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear

    Front lower arm ball joints wear causing clunking and handling imprecision on higher mileage examples.

    What you would notice

    • Clunking from front suspension when driving over bumps or speed humps
    • Imprecise steering feel when cornering

    Typically $350–$800 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Remove VTEC solenoid and inspect screen for sludge.

    See why

    J30A VTEC solenoid clogging

    J30A-engined Elysion variants share the same VTEC oil pressure solenoid screen blockage failure pattern as other Honda J-series applications. The spool valve screen collects oil sludge from extended service intervals or degraded oil, preventing hydraulic oil pressure reaching the VTEC engagement mechanism. Codes P2646/P2647 are diagnostic.

    What you would notice

    • Check engine light with VTEC pressure codes P2646 or P2647
    • Flat power delivery — no VTEC engagement above 3500 RPM
    • Engine oil dark or long-overdue for service
    • Occasional oil pressure warning light flicker

    Typically $180–$480 to put right.

Honda Elysion service schedule

What falls due, and at what distance, for each generation of the Honda Elysion. These are the model’s intervals — the car’s own service book is the only thing that can tell you what has actually been done to it.

Honda Elysion First Generation · 2007–2013 · 2.4L (K24A) i-VTEC - Prestige trim

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    Inspect the drive belt tensioner, replace spark plugs with genuine iridium units, and perform a complete coolant and transmission fluid service.

  2. 150,000 km

    Inspect front suspension control arm bushings and shock absorbers; check drive shaft CV boots for grease leaks or tears.

  3. 200,000 km

    Inspect alternator output, starter motor operation, power steering pump seals, and engine mount rubber integrity.

Honda Elysion First Generation · 2006–2013 · 3.5L (J35A) V6 i-VTEC - Prestige/Performance trim

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    Mandatory timing belt, hydraulic tensioner, water pump, and thermostat replacement for the 3.5L J35A V6, plus spark plug replacement and coolant flush.

  2. 150,000 km

    Inspect active hydraulic engine mounts for failure or leaks, evaluate radiator core condition, and check front lower control arm bushings for WOF compliance.

  3. 200,000 km

    Inspect transmission torque converter operation, refresh front and rear shock absorbers, and evaluate the power steering pump and drive shaft CV joints.

Honda Elysion First Generation · 2004–2013 · 2.4L (K24A) i-VTEC - Standard trim (G/X/VG)

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    Inspect the auxiliary drive belt, check the water pump for seepage, and confirm the long-life engine coolant has been refreshed to protect the alloy engine block.

  2. 150,000 km

    Thoroughly inspect front and rear suspension bushings, lower control arms, and stabilizer bar links - New Zealand roads accelerate wear on these heavy MPV chassis components.

  3. 200,000 km

    Evaluate the alternator, starter motor, power steering pump, and engine mounts; these auxiliary components frequently need preventative maintenance at this mileage.

Honda Elysion First Generation · 2004–2013 · 3.0L (J30A) V6 i-VTEC - Luxury/Premium trim (VX/VZ)

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    Mandatory timing belt, hydraulic tensioner, and water pump replacement for the J30A V6 interference engine, plus a full cooling system flush.

  2. 150,000 km

    Inspect the active electronic engine mounts (ACM) for fluid leaks or degradation, check rear-bank spark plugs for VCM-related oil fouling, and evaluate power steering pump seals.

  3. 200,000 km

    Full suspension refresh including shock absorbers and control arm bushes; inspect the alternator, starter motor, and radiator for fatigue.

See all 12 documented issuesEverything researched for the Honda Elysion.
Depends on which engine this Honda Elysion has — 12Each of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling5

01AWD Rear Coupling Unit Failure

On a dry sealed surface, perform several tight full-lock slow turns in both directions and feel for binding, shudder or resistance.petrol2004–2013Transmission
OccasionalTransmission $1,500–$4,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Elysion 4WD variants (RR3 and RR4) use a rear viscous or electronic coupling unit to distribute torque to the rear axle. With fluid degradation and wear the coupling develops shudder and binding during tight cornering or low-speed manoeuvring. Complete coupling failure disengages rear-axle drive and triggers AWD system warning. Coupling unit replacement or rebuild is the standard repair.

Symptoms to notice

  • Vibration or binding sensation when cornering tightly at low speed
  • AWD system warning light on instrument cluster
  • Shudder through drivetrain during four-wheel-drive engagement
  • Rear axle wind-up or resistance on tight carpark turns

What to check

  1. On a dry sealed surface, perform several tight full-lock slow turns in both directions and feel for binding, shudder or resistance.
  2. Check for AWD warning light history.
  3. Inspect rear coupling unit for fluid leaks at seals.
  4. Confirm whether AWD coupling fluid has ever been changed.

Where to look: Rear AWD coupling unit between propeller shaft and rear differential

Ask the seller

  • “Is this model AWD equipped?”
  • “Has the AWD warning light ever illuminated?”
  • “Does the car bind, shudder or feel resistant during tight low-speed turns?”

02J30A/J35 VCM oil consumption and misfire

Check oil consumption history, scan for misfire codes, inspect plug condition, and watch for smoke; ask about any VCM management steps.petrol2004–2013Engine
CommonEngine $400–$3,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The V6 Elysion's Variable Cylinder Management deactivates cylinders and is linked to oil consumption and spark-plug fouling in the deactivated bank, causing misfires and higher oil use. A well-known Honda VCM V6 issue.

Symptoms to notice

  • Oil consumption between changes
  • Misfire or vibration under light load
  • Fouled plugs on one bank
  • Blue smoke on acceleration

What to check

Check oil consumption history, scan for misfire codes, inspect plug condition, and watch for smoke; ask about any VCM management steps.

Where to look: V6 engine VCM system, rear cylinder bank

Ask the seller

  • “How much oil does it use?”
  • “Any misfires or rough running?”
  • “Have the plugs and rings been checked?”

03J30A Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Shudder

Test drive at 80-100 km/h with light throttle and feel for vibration.petrol2004–2012Transmission
CommonTransmission $400–$2,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The J30A 3.0 V6 torque converter develops lock-up clutch shudder at highway speeds. Rhythmic vibration at 60-100 km/h under light throttle is the primary symptom.

A cutaway automatic transmission torque converter showing the internal turbine and stator.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A torque converter, sectioned. The lock-up clutch inside is what shudders.

No machine-readable author provided. BerndB~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims). · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Rhythmic vibration at 60-100 km/h under light throttle that clears under firm acceleration
  • Shudder most prominent at steady cruise speed on flat roads

What to check

Test drive at 80-100 km/h with light throttle and feel for vibration. ATF condition check — brown or burnt smell indicates degraded fluid requiring change.

Where to look: Automatic transmission and torque converter

Parts involved: Torque converter.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the j30a automatic transmission torque been inspected or repaired?”

04K24A VTC Actuator Cold-Start Rattle

Cold-start from overnight cold and listen for metallic rattle from engine top.petrol2004–2012Engine
CommonEngine $600–$2,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The K24A 2.4 Variable Timing Control actuator rattle on cold start from oil pressure lag. Very common on all K24A-engined vehicles over 100,000 km.

Symptoms to notice

  • Metallic rattle from engine top on cold start that clears as oil pressure builds
  • Rattle persisting beyond 10 seconds indicates worn VTC actuator vanes

What to check

Cold-start from overnight cold and listen for metallic rattle from engine top. Normal: clears in 3-5 seconds. Extended rattle indicates worn VTC actuator or tensioner.

Where to look: Front of engine, timing chain and VTC actuator

Ask the seller

  • “Has the k24a vtc actuator cold-start been inspected or repaired?”

05J30A VTEC solenoid clogging

Remove VTEC solenoid and inspect screen for sludge.petrol2004–2013Engine
CommonEngine $180–$480 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

J30A-engined Elysion variants share the same VTEC oil pressure solenoid screen blockage failure pattern as other Honda J-series applications. The spool valve screen collects oil sludge from extended service intervals or degraded oil, preventing hydraulic oil pressure reaching the VTEC engagement mechanism. Codes P2646/P2647 are diagnostic.

Symptoms to notice

  • Check engine light with VTEC pressure codes P2646 or P2647
  • Flat power delivery — no VTEC engagement above 3500 RPM
  • Engine oil dark or long-overdue for service
  • Occasional oil pressure warning light flicker

What to check

  1. Remove VTEC solenoid and inspect screen for sludge.
  2. Check engine oil condition and service records.
  3. Scan for VTEC fault codes.
  4. Test drive for power delivery through full RPM range.

Where to look: VTEC solenoid on valve cover, J30A engine

Ask the seller

  • “Has the VTEC solenoid or screen been cleaned?”
  • “What oil change interval has been followed?”
  • “Has a check engine light appeared recently?”
Electrical3

01Electric Power Steering Rack Rattle

Drive over speed humps with windows down and listen for rattle from steering column area.2004–2012Electrical
CommonElectrical $600–$2,200 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

EPS rack develops internal rattle at low speed over rough surfaces.

Symptoms to notice

  • Knocking or rattling from steering column area at low speeds and over rough surfaces
  • Vibration felt in steering wheel rim during slow manoeuvring over rough roads

What to check

Drive over speed humps with windows down and listen for rattle from steering column area. Any notchiness through steering wheel warrants rack inspection.

Where to look: Electric power steering rack assembly

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the electric power steering rack been inspected or repaired?”

02Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch Bearing Failure

Test AC during test drive.2004–2012Electrical
CommonElectrical $400–$1,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

AC compressor clutch bearing wears causing squealing noise when AC is engaged. Advanced cases cause bearing seizure.

Symptoms to notice

  • Squealing or grinding noise from engine front when AC is switched on
  • Noise absent with AC off and present with AC on

What to check

  1. Test AC during test drive.
  2. Listen for squealing from compressor area when AC is switched on.
  3. Switch AC on and off and note if noise follows.

Where to look: AC compressor mounted on front of engine

Parts involved: Clutch.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the air conditioning compressor clutch been inspected or repaired?”

03Power sliding door motor failure

Cycle both power sliding doors checking for smooth full operation and safety reverse, and listen for motor/cable noise.petrol2004–2013Electrical
CommonElectrical $300–$1,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Elysion's power sliding doors commonly fail at the motor, actuator or cable, leaving a door that won't operate powered or jams. A frequent and inconvenient fault on this people-mover.

Symptoms to notice

  • Power door won't operate
  • Door jams part-way
  • Grinding when operating
  • Works manually only

What to check

Cycle both power sliding doors checking for smooth full operation and safety reverse, and listen for motor/cable noise.

Where to look: Power sliding door motors and cables

Ask the seller

  • “Do both power doors work reliably?”
  • “Any door motor or cable repairs?”
  • “Do they jam?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior4

01Rear air suspension compressor failure (air-suspension variants)

Check rear ride height is equal side-to-side.petrol2004–2013Suspension
OccasionalSuspension $800–$2,800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Higher-spec RR Elysion variants fitted with rear air suspension (Absolute/Premium grades) suffer compressor motor failure from moisture ingress and brush wear. The compressor runs hot due to corroded air lines leaking pressure, accelerating wear. When the compressor fails the rear rides on bump stops, giving an extremely harsh rear ride. Replacement compressors from Honda are expensive; aftermarket units are available.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rear of vehicle sitting noticeably lower than normal
  • Very harsh rear ride quality — bottoming sensation on bumps
  • Air suspension warning light illuminated
  • Audible compressor running noise without levelling the vehicle

What to check

  1. Check rear ride height is equal side-to-side.
  2. Observe whether the vehicle self-levels after loading.
  3. Listen for compressor operation.
  4. Inspect air lines and bags for cracks or moisture damage.
  5. Check for air suspension warning codes.

Where to look: Rear air suspension compressor typically mounted under boot floor or near spare wheel

Parts involved: Air suspension strut.

Ask the seller

  • “Does the rear suspension warning light come on?”
  • “Does the rear feel harsh or sit lower than expected?”
  • “Has the air suspension compressor ever been serviced or replaced?”

02Power Sliding Door Actuator and Motor Failure

Test both sliding doors through multiple complete open and close cycles.petrol2004–2013Body & Rust
CommonBody & Rust $450–$1,100 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Elysion power sliding doors share the same actuator and motor architecture as other Honda MPV platforms of the era and exhibit the same documented failure pattern: actuator motors wear out, cable guides crack and the door stops mid-travel or fails to latch. High-mileage JDM Elysions imported to NZ frequently arrive with at least one partially functioning or failing sliding door that requires attention before passing a warrant of fitness.

Symptoms to notice

  • Sliding door hesitates, reverses mid-travel or stops partway open
  • Door motor audibly running but door not moving
  • Door not closing or latching under power
  • Sliding door warning light on instrument cluster

What to check

  1. Test both sliding doors through multiple complete open and close cycles.
  2. Listen for motor stall (motor sound without door movement).
  3. Inspect the B-pillar cable and guide rail for fraying or cracking.
  4. Check for door-related codes in the body control module.

Where to look: Sliding door actuator motor and cable assembly, B-pillar track mechanism

Ask the seller

  • “Do both sliding doors complete a full open and close cycle without stopping or reversing?”
  • “Have the door motors or actuators been replaced on either door?”
  • “Is there a door warning light present on the dashboard?”

03Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear

Inspect boots for splitting.2004–2012Suspension
CommonSuspension $350–$800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Front lower arm ball joints wear causing clunking and handling imprecision on higher mileage examples.

The front wheel of a car splayed outward with the lower control arm hanging down after a ball joint separation.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A separated lower ball joint: the control arm has dropped and the wheel has splayed out under the guard.

Elfix · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunking from front suspension when driving over bumps or speed humps
  • Imprecise steering feel when cornering

What to check

Inspect boots for splitting. Any movement indicates replacement needed. If a workshop inspection is possible: With vehicle raised, lever the lower arm and check for ball joint play.

Where to look: Front lower suspension control arms

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the front lower control arm been inspected or repaired?”

04Power steering pump failure and motor mount wear

Listen for steering pump whine, check power steering fluid level and leaks, and feel for idle vibration from worn mounts.petrol2004–2013Suspension
OccasionalSuspension $300–$1,400 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Elysion can suffer power steering pump wear/leaks causing whine and heavy steering, and worn engine mounts causing vibration. Both are common age-related issues on this heavy people-mover.

Symptoms to notice

  • Power steering whine
  • Heavy or notchy steering
  • Power steering fluid leak
  • Vibration at idle from mounts

What to check

Listen for steering pump whine, check power steering fluid level and leaks, and feel for idle vibration from worn mounts.

Where to look: Power steering pump and engine mounts

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

  • “Any steering whine or heaviness?”
  • “Any power steering leaks?”
  • “Have the mounts been replaced?”

Other Honda models

Honda CR-V59 documented faultsHonda Accord55 documented faultsHonda Jazz51 documented faultsHonda Integra12 documented faultsHonda Life12 documented faultsHonda City11 documented faults

Honda Elysion buyer questions

Is the Honda Elysion reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 12 documented faults for the Honda Elysion, the recurring problem areas are transmission, engine, and suspension. A Honda Elysion with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.

What are the most common problems with a used Honda Elysion?

We've catalogued 12 known faults for the Honda Elysion, covering transmission, engine, and suspension. All 12 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Honda Elysion?

Most single repairs on the Honda Elysion fall between $400–$1,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 12 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Honda Elysion?

Yes. A Honda Elysion inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.