Head-to-head reliability
Honda CR V vs Honda Passport
How the Honda CR V and Honda Passport compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Honda CR-V vs Honda Passport: The CR-V has 5805 complaints over 10 years (avg 580/yr) while the Passport has 859 (avg 86/yr). CR-V owners report steering and power loss issues; Passport owners face auto stop/start and phantom braking. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda CR V or Honda Passport more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda CR V
The Honda CR-V, over the past decade, has accumulated a high volume of owner complaints, averaging over 580 per year. The most frequent issues involve steering, forward collision avoidance, and engine performance, with reports of hard steering, sudden power loss, and phantom braking. These patterns suggest that while the CR-V is a popular compact SUV, its advanced systems and steering components may require more attention than typical.
Honda Passport
The Honda Passport, with an average of about 86 complaints per year, shows a much lower complaint rate. Its top issues are electrical system problems, forward collision avoidance glitches, and engine start-stop failures. Owners report sluggish restarts, phantom braking, and occasional engine shutdowns, indicating that while the Passport is generally more reliable, it still has notable electronic and driver-assistance quirks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda CR V | Honda Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5,805 | 859 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 40 Better | 43 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 207 | 43 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 580.5 | 85.9 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 184 | 29 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 0 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Honda CR V
- 01STEERING1,299
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1,165
- 03ENGINE907
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM760
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM741
Owners report the steering wheel making cracking noises and becoming hard to turn at certain angles, sometimes accompanied by the engine stuttering or stopping. This can affect maneuverability and safety, especially in parking lots or at low speeds.
The front radar module is reported as easily accessible, raising security concerns, and the system may trigger false alerts or phantom braking. This can cause unexpected stops and increase the risk of rear-end collisions.
Sudden significant power loss on the highway, with warnings like 'Emissions system problem — power may be reduced,' has been reported in newer models. This can be dangerous when merging or overtaking, leaving the driver with limited acceleration.
The same power loss incidents are often tied to the fuel or propulsion system, with the vehicle entering a reduced-power mode. This suggests potential fuel delivery or hybrid system issues that could strand drivers.
“While driving, car engine stutters and stops. The infotainment system went black while driving. The system is hard to steer often while turning. The trunk would not open when touching button for it to open. Took out the key fob and it also would not respond.…”
“After having my car for a month I noticed the steering wheel making a cracking noise when turning going down a parking garage. It made this sound when turning both left and right along with suddenly making it hard to turn the wheel in certain angles. The vehi…”
Honda Passport
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM172
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE168
- 03ENGINE118
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER117
- 05SERVICE BRAKES95
The Auto Idle Stop system becomes progressively slower to restart the engine, and sometimes the vehicle shuts off while accelerating. This can cause hesitation at intersections and may leave the driver without power unexpectedly.
Phantom braking occurs randomly, with the system activating when no obstacles are present, especially on windy or hilly roads. This can cause sudden stops and increase the risk of being rear-ended.
Engine restart issues are common, with sluggish starts and occasional failure to restart after stopping. This is often linked to the auto stop/start feature and may indicate battery or starter problems.
Some owners report nighttime visibility issues where the upper portion of the windshield appears blacked out or severely dimmed, impairing the driver's view. This could be related to the windshield or driver-assistance camera placement.
“For several months before the failure, the Auto Idle Stop (engine stop-start) system became progressively slower to restart the engine after stopping. Each restart sounded sluggish, as though the starter was dragging, and the vehicle would remain stopped for…”
“The contact owns a 2025 Honda Passport. The contact stated that on several occasions, the Auto START/STOP intermittently failed to operate and the vehicle shut off while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that a battery warning light was dis…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Honda CR V — 40 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have b…
The risk: Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers f…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017, 2020, and 2022 CR-V vehicles. The certification label on the driver's side door states incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), and tire size information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with th…
The risk: An incorrectly sized tire may cause premature tread wear, or a tire blow out, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a new corrected label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is CF7.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV,…
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansi…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022…
The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH,…
Honda Passport — 43 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Passport and 2023-2025 Pilot vehicles. The fuel filler neck tube and fuel filler pipe may separate, allowing fuel to leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the fuel filler neck tube and pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this r…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Pilot, and 2019-2023 Passport vehicles. Due to a faulty Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) communication coaxial cable connector, the rearview camera image may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles…
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the MOST cable harness and install a straightening cover over the vehicle cable connector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-21…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, w…
The risk: Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall ar…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Passport and Ridgeline vehicles. The inner ball joint housing in the steering gearbox assembly may loosen and detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
The risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gearbox as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is LHY.
Buyer analysis
Honda CR V or Honda Passport: which should you buy?
The Honda Passport has significantly fewer complaints per year (about 86 vs. 580 for the CR-V), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. In practice, this means Passport owners are less likely to encounter major failures, but both vehicles have notable electronic and driver-assistance quirks that should be checked.
Key differences
- The CR-V has far more steering complaints, including hard steering and cracking noises, while the Passport's steering issues are less prominent.
- Both have forward collision avoidance problems, but the CR-V's radar module security concern is unique, while the Passport's phantom braking is more frequently reported.
- The CR-V experiences sudden power loss on the highway, whereas the Passport's engine issues are mainly related to auto stop/start restart failures.
- The Passport has a notable electrical system issue with the auto idle stop, while the CR-V's electrical complaints are less specific but still present.
- Inspect the steering system for unusual noises or stiffness, especially when turning at low speeds.
- Check for any warning lights related to emissions or power reduction, and test the forward collision avoidance system for false alerts.
- Test the auto stop/start feature repeatedly to ensure the engine restarts smoothly every time.
- Drive on a hilly or curvy road to see if the forward collision avoidance system triggers phantom braking.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic inspect the steering rack and power steering components on the CR-V.
- Ask for service records related to the fuel pump or emissions system on the CR-V.
- On the Passport, verify the battery health and starter condition, as they affect the auto stop/start.
- Test the Passport's windshield visibility at night to ensure no darkening or obstruction.
- Check for any open recalls on both vehicles and ensure they have been addressed.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Honda CR V | Honda Passport |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 118 | 49 |
| 2025 | 234 | 28 |
| 2024 | 373 | 15 |
| 2023 | 500 | 35 |
| 2022 | 247 | 56 |
| 2021 | 314 | 132 |
| 2020 | 339 | 92 |
| 2019 | 1076 | 271 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Honda CR V or Honda Passport in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda CR V vs Honda Passport
- Honda CR V total complaints
- 5,805
- Honda Passport total complaints
- 859
- Honda CR V total recalls
- 40
- Honda Passport total recalls
- 43
- Honda CR V avg complaints/year
- 580.5
- Honda Passport avg complaints/year
- 85.9
- More reliable overall
- Honda Passport
- Honda CR V top complaint area
- STEERING
- Honda Passport top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM