2021 Honda Passport Complaints

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 10/04/2026

multipurpose camera failure at 41000 miles. just past warranty

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 09/22/2026

My 2021 Honda Passport experiences a sudden, complete failure of the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen while driving. The dashboard controls go pitch black without warning, resulting in an immediate and dangerous loss of the speedometer, critical vehicle safety warnings, and the federally mandated rearview backup camera. The system stays dark for 3 to 4 minutes before attempting a forced system reboot. This matches the exact failure mode of NHTSA Recall 23V-431 (MOST Bus Network Connectors). However, both the dealership and American Honda Corporate refuse to cover the repair, stating my specific VIN is excluded from the current recall footprint. This is a severe, active driving hazard that removes critical speed and safety information while traveling at highway speeds.

ENGINE — Filed 08/18/2026

The vehicle experienced a sudden internal mechanical failure while driving, resulting in loss of propulsion and complete engine failure. The vehicle was towed to an authorized franchised dealership service center (Gardena Honda) for inspection. No check engine lights, warning lights or any pile pressure warning! Oil change was 2,500 miles until next service. Upon complete teardown and diagnostic inspection, factory-certified technicians confirmed internal engine damage, specifically connecting rod bearing failure leading to a seized engine requiring a complete engine replacement ($9,375.00 total repair cost). This internal failure presents a severe safety hazard: an unexpected engine stall or lockup at highway speeds risks loss of power steering, loss of power brakes, and an immediate crash. Symptoms align directly with NHTSA Recall 23V-751 and ongoing federal investigations regarding Honda 3.5L V6 engine connecting rod bearing failures, where out-of-spec manufacturing leads to premature bearing wear and sudden engine seizure. The vehicle is maintained according to manufacturer specifications and has 55,649 miles. The failed components remain preserved at the dealership service department for federal or manufacturer inspection upon request.

ENGINE — Filed 09/08/2026

Failed engine rod bearing, And a full engine replacement is needed. As I was driving it completely lost acceleration power and became difficult to manage. The dealer verified the issue. All the warning lights including engine flashed on and off as the vehicle lost acceleration power.

ENGINE — Filed 09/01/2026

This is related to service bulletin, 23–010 Honda will not fix my vehicle under the extended warranty unless the problem is replicated while they are doing a performance test

SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 08/30/2026

This has happened several times but today it was dangerous. I was doing around 40mph and there were some changes in the concrete color and my car slammed on the breaks (again) for no reason. I was almost hit. This keeps happening in my vehicle and I am terrified to drive it. Please help get this recalled. I have a child with cancer and I bought this safer vehicle to transport her to the hospital.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 08/01/2026

There is a known issue with auto idle feature. If you do not manually turn off every time it stays on and occasionally will cause car issue when stopping. I have had it happen in vehicle about a dozen times. When you fully depress brake engine is suppose to i gel to save gas however on occasion the vehicle will completely stall out. I have had this issue happen when approaching stop signs or in traffic situations. The biggest problem is trying to reengage car. Sometimes you can feel it starting to do this and if you quickly apply gas you can avoid it however sometimes the car will lock up with display lights and you have to keep pushing the Engine stop button to turn off the vehicle and turn vehicle back on. It is sometimes difficult to even turn off engine vehicle when this happens but seems to be only way to get vehicle to respond. I have had vehicles behind me almost hit me while I try to get vehicle out of this mode. I know it’s an issue as it’s all over the forums when you search for fix.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 09/18/2024

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Passport. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance activated, and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that the braking was aggressive. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The contact stated that the vehicle was the only form of transportation. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to use while transporting minor children. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that an unknown recall repair was performed previously; however, the failure occurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 08/01/2026

U3000-49, front facing camera issue, obviously a known flaw, message boards flooded with complaints and ridiculous costs to repair, us included to the tune of $2400. Class action suit filed June 2028: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/12/2026

Shortly after purchasing my 2021 Honda Passport Elite, I experienced issues with the Auto Start/Stop feature. Once engaged, my vehicle was very sluggish when restarting after a complete stop. Had the issue checked every time I went in for service at my dealership with no problems detected. I have had a new battery installed within the last year. In the last week, I have had 2 separate incidents where my vehicle completely shut down when I stopped at stop signs. The dash went black and steering wheel was extremely stiff. Other vehicles had to wait behind me for a couple of minutes until I was able to restart my vehicle. I had my battery, alternator and starter checked with all of them passing. Now when I drive, I turn off the Auto start/stop so I don't cut off in traffic. This is a problem.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/01/2026

The power door-lock system on my 2021 Honda Passport malfunctions while the vehicle is moving. When I make a right turn, the doors unexpectedly unlock, the interior dome light comes on, and I hear the door-unlocking sound. The doors do not physically open, but I must manually lock them again while driving. The problem occurs repeatedly during right turns. This malfunction creates a safety risk because the vehicle’s doors unlock unexpectedly while it is in motion, including when young children are passengers. The vehicle is available for inspection. I reported the issue to a Honda dealer, but the dealer requested a $199 diagnostic fee and has not yet diagnosed or repaired the problem. No crash or injury has occurred.

ENGINE — Filed 07/25/2026

The engine experienced a catastrophic lower-end bearing failure at approximately 63,000 miles. The vehicle had been maintained according to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule at the dealership service department. There were no missed oil changes. The failure occurred without any prior indication that a major internal engine problem was developing. The vehicle was taken to a Honda dealership, where the engine was disassembled. The dealer confirmed a lower-end bearing failure and reported significant metal debris inside the engine. The engine was determined to require complete replacement. A sudden internal engine failure creates the risk of an unexpected loss of power while driving, which can increase the risk of a crash, especially in traffic or at highway speeds. The failed engine is available for inspection through the servicing dealership if requested. The failure has been confirmed by the Honda dealership. No warning lamps or messages provided sufficient advance notice to prevent the failure beyond symptoms associated with the engine failure itself. I am submitting this report because I believe this may represent a manufacturing or design defect rather than normal wear and tear. I request that NHTSA investigate whether similar connecting rod bearing failures are occurring in other Honda Passport vehicles with this engine.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 04/11/2026

The vehicle experienced a catastrophic internal engine failure caused by connecting rod bearing failure. Prior to the failure, the engine developed abnormal internal knocking/noise, indicating bearing deterioration. The engine is currently available for inspection. While traveling approximately 55 mph on [XXX], the check engine warning light illuminated. Within about one mile, the engine rapidly lost power and developed a severe knocking noise. The sudden loss of power at highway speed created a serious safety hazard by reducing my ability to maintain traffic speed and safely maneuver the vehicle. I had my child in the vehicle, and both we and surrounding motorists were placed at risk of a collision while I attempted to move to exit traffic. The failure has been confirmed by an independent repair facility, Absolute Automotive LLC in Parker, Colorado. Their inspection determined the engine suffered internal damage due to connecting rod bearing failure. I have the engine replacement invoice, technician's diagnostic notes, and photographs documenting the engine damage. The vehicle has not been inspected by Honda. I contacted Honda to report the failure and request assistance, but I was informed there was no recall for the 2021 Honda Passport equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine and that Honda would not provide assistance unless a recall existed. Before the engine failed completely, the engine developed abnormal internal knocking/noise. While driving on [XXX], the check engine warning light illuminated, and within approximately one mile the engine lost power and produced a heavy knocking noise, rendering the vehicle unsafe to operate. I am submitting this complaint because a sudden internal engine failure resulting in loss of power at highway speeds presents a significant safety hazard and should be investigated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 02/02/2026

Honda has a recall on certain vin numbers for the starter. My starter i was told to replace at a $2500 fee from reggie jackson honda in raleigh nc. I had to visit the dealership 3 times, they said its the battery, replaced the battery at my cost, now they said its the starter. They said there is a recall but my vin number was not included in the recall. The starter is worn out from the auto start and stop feature at stop lights. My issue is it will stop at a stop light and it wont start again then a warning comes on the screen about collision detection issue, then the warning goes away quickly and eventually i will get it to start but it is a safety issue that honda is aware of. I am asking honda to do partial credit on repair costs, but i dont understand why my vin number was excluded. The managers name was ruben lopez who informed me that the starter is causing issues, and sometimes its the battery, but that my vin wasnt covered. I just want my vehicle to not get stuck at after stopping in traffic when honda knows of the issue it should be covered for a lifetime warranty or recall. The stopping issue where it wont start again happens approximately 1 time per month, and seems to be in warmer weather but i cannot confirm this nor do i keep an exact log of when it happens. Thank you.

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS — Filed 02/14/2024

There were no warning light, malfunction errors or anything prior to 1/4/2025. My passenger seat weight sensor was supposedly finally replaced on 4/9/2025 (I kept being turned away due to the part not being available), but it is still not working, as it is not illuminating/communicating with the dashboard appropriately. I told the dealer this the same day and they said it was late in the day so I had to bring it back. I went back to the shop twice and the second time they kept my car for 5 hours and said they couldn’t figure out why it’s not working so I would have to go back to the collision shop from 1/9/2024 to see if it is a wire or air bag issue. I got in my car and noticed that now the passer seat belt alarm is on so I took it back. They told me they can’t keep examining my car and I would have to pay for a full diagnostic test to see why the seat belt alarm and weight sensor is not working. I kept going back and forth with them that this is a safety issue and it needs to be fixed and I should not have to pay for this because at least the seat belt alarm was working before I went to them on 4/29/25. I also asked for a supervisor and was told no one was available and I would have to come back a 4th time. I left and instead of going back for who knows how long, I called the collision shop on 4/30/25 and have gone back and forth with them about finding out why my car is still not fixed. It is now 5/7/2025 and neither my passenger air bag sensor or seat belt sensor is working properly and the alarm is still beeping unless I lock the passenger seat belt. I do not trust the dealership and I am pissed off at the collision shop because no one seems to care that there are safety defects that are still not working correctly. I should also not have to pay for something that was out of my control and should have been done correctly the first time. I need some help now as this is an urgent matter and I do not feel safe or that my passenger will be safe in my vehicle.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 04/04/2025

The vehicle infotainment system froze. Several minutes later after driving, I pressed the brakes but they did not function. The vehicle would not stop and crashed into the vehicle in front of me. Emergency braking did not engage or otherwise show signs of activation. After turning off the car and dealing with the accident, I restarted the vehicle and the brakes and infotainment system operated normally.

POWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 02/06/2024

- Automatic braking system flashes warnings for no reason, with no cars around me - Parking break hasn’t taken a handful of times - No collision warning when parking brake didn’t take, front end is now damaged ** I have dash cam proof I hit the parking brake before I collided with the vehicle in front of me in the school line. Husband glued the grill pieces together to keep them from overlapping.

BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 03/17/2023

I don't know which system failed or malfunctioned. It is available for inspection. While parking at the community parking lot the car accelerated. I wan't able to stop it. It jumped a bumper stop than a curb and drove up a berm and crashed into a tree. (The incident is on film at the clubhouse). I was the only one injured. My knee broke the underside of dashboard (see phpto). I did have other bruises. The vehicle is still at the collision repair shop so it hasn't been seen by the dealer. However I did report the matter to American Honda who assigned a case #13707324 on 3/17/2023. As of this writing I am told they haven't assigned same to a representative. To the best of my knowledge the vehicle has not been inspected. There were no warnings given.

STEERING — Filed 03/29/2023

After turning a corner steering locked and unable to steer car . wrecked

SEAT BELTS — Filed 03/05/2023

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Passport. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, crossing an intersection, crashed into the rear wheel of an unknown vehicle. The seat belt fractured. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. The air bag deployed. The contact sustained bruises and bumps and medical attention was provided. A police report was filed. There were no reports of a fire. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 7,000.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 12/10/2022

Pulling into home garage vehicle suddenly surged forward. Brakes were applied and the brake peddle went to the floor and did not engage brakes to stop the Passport. Effects were the Passport crashed into a refrigerator we had there to handle over flow and crushed the refrigerator and knocked a hole in the wall of the garage. No warning or alarms sounded which Honda said does not happen at low speeds. Took Passport to local dealer. They kept it for 1 week and just drove it around trying to see if it would replicate what had happened. It did not replicate what happen insinuated that it must not have happen the way we reported it. Gave them internet copies of similiar reports that had occurred to same make and model . They gave us 2 choices go into another lease (which would go from 350 a month to 565 a month with no proceeds from present lease. We brought the passport home. turned over to our insurance. $ 4365.00 damage.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 08/02/2022

i have had two incidents of the CMBS slamming on my brakes on my 2021 Honda Passport, EXL, with no threat to warrant the incident. It locked the brakes instantly and I was injured mildly the first time and the second time caused medical bills, a cervical neck epidural injection and injury to my shoulder with still does not have full movement. The first incident occurred on a busy through street and a small car about 1/2 block in front of me did a tight U turn and proceed along the medium on the other side of the street and I was also next to the concrete medium on my side of the street. My car went into full slamming on my brakes, with no warning light o and I had no control of the car. I was very fortunate that the car behind me was about two lengths back and also braked fast enough to avoid a collision. They did honk, yell, etc., as I was pretty stunned and finally realized I should turn off my car to be able to drive again. I had a very sore neck and shoulder but thought it would clear up. I was driving apx 30 mph. I try as a rule to remember to disable this CMBS every time I get in the car but a month later I forgot The second time it happened, I was actually on the same street, same speed and there was a jacket in the road. Looked like a man’s winter jacket. As I got right up to it, I only needed to correct a little to not run over the jacket with the driver side tire. Exactly when I did that the brakes slammed on and I came to an instant stop and the brakes again locked. This time my injury was compounded and I have since seen two doctors, had an MRI and cervical injection done and my shoulder is not fully functioning yet. I got the car to dealer after the first incident, but was told there was nothing they could do. Waiting until I got thru all the doctors appointments and testing after the second incident, which took about seven weeks, I went back to the dealer. They did thorough inspection, found nothing. Offered trade.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 03/25/2022

My son was driving on the highway with the adaptive cruise control on. The car in front of him stopped suddenly. The dashboard screen system flashed the word "brake" but not in enough time for him to react. He braked hard but he still rear-ended the car in front of him. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed because the car is no longer drivable. It is sitting at my house waiting for repair of $7,700 damage. I thought the "Honda Sensing System," the combination of the adaptive cruise control and emergency braking, was supposed to bring the car to a halt. My son and his 3 friends were put at risk. I'm very disappointed in the car.

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 03/21/2022

Was nudging Passport into a handicap parking spot at local grocery store. The Passport suddenly the engine raced to full throttle. The brake couldn't stop car as it hit the handicap pole and airbag deployed. The pole Passport to go to the right and ended up on a parking island. The idle went down and after smoke inside car cleared was able to stop engine. The Passport was towed away with extensive front end damage and minor property damage.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 10/11/2021

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Passport. The contact stated that while driving the 49 mph they noticed their radio suddenly went off and the vehicle's instrument panel blacked out. The vehicle's horn no longer functions properly. The vehicle's windows failed to open and close and the vehicle turned completely off in the middle of the highway losing all power. The contact stated the failure caused an oncoming vehicle to end up rear-ending them. There were no injuries and no medical attention was needed. The vehicle was towed. A police report was filed. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was informed by the manufacturer that they were not to proceed forward with any diagnosing or repairs for the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case regarding the matter. The failure mileage was 3,627.