Head-to-head reliability
Honda Odyssey vs Honda Passport
How the Honda Odyssey 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 Odyssey vs Honda Passport: The Odyssey averages 339.9 complaints per year and has 81 recalls, while the Passport averages 92.4 complaints per year and has 43 recalls. Both report forward collision avoidance issues, but the Odyssey has more electrical and engine complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Odyssey or Honda Passport more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Odyssey
The Honda Odyssey is a minivan with a high complaint volume: 3,399 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 340 per year, plus 81 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical glitches, such as alarms that won't shut off and infotainment screens going blank, as well as forward collision avoidance systems that can brake unexpectedly or fail to accelerate. Engine issues like ignition coil and spark plug failures are also common, sometimes leading to limp mode. With 123 injuries and 3 deaths reported, these are not just minor annoyances.
Honda Passport
The Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV with far fewer complaints: 924 over 10 years, averaging about 92 per year, and 43 recalls. The most common trouble spots are electrical problems, forward collision avoidance that can brake randomly, and engine issues like a knock that may require replacement. Owners also report brake and emissions system faults. There are 29 injuries and 0 deaths reported, but the lower complaint count doesn't mean zero risk.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Odyssey | Honda Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,399 | 924 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 81 | 43 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 49 | 43 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 339.9 | 92.4 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 123 | 29 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 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 Odyssey
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,036
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE721
- 03ENGINE714
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER583
- 05LANE DEPARTURE461
Owners report alarms that activate and won't turn off for hours, and infotainment screens that go blank, disabling the backup camera. These failures can leave you unable to see behind you or silence a blaring alarm, which is frustrating and potentially distracting.
Complaints describe the vehicle braking on its own without an obstacle, or failing to accelerate when the pedal is pressed. In one case, the van slammed from 2nd to 3rd gear, went into limp mode on the highway, and showed a forward collision sensor failure. This can create dangerous situations in traffic.
Owners report engine failure requiring new ignition coils and spark plugs, often around 62,000 miles, followed by recurring acceleration issues and check engine lights. Another complaint describes the power cutting off suddenly while driving, leaving only steering and brakes. These symptoms suggest potential stalling or loss of power.
This category repeats the same engine and infotainment complaints, suggesting owners may not know where to file them. It reinforces that electrical and engine problems are widespread and can recur after repairs.
“The contact owns a 2017 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the alarm activated, and the contact attempted to turn off the alarm; however, the alarm failed to deactivate. The alarm went off for several hours before stopping. The co…”
“The infotainment screen will go blank and will no longer show the backup camera at all. The FAKRA recall was performed at the Honda dealership when I first purchased the car new. I did not have any significant issues until around July of 2026. First, the spea…”
Honda Passport
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM196
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE177
- 03ENGINE137
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER129
- 05SERVICE BRAKES98
Owners report automatic emergency braking engaging randomly while driving, and emissions lights that stay on. One complaint describes an electrical malfunction that caused a braking failure, nearly leading to a collision. These electrical gremlins can affect critical safety systems.
Complaints state the collision mitigation brakes abruptly even when no objects are nearby, sometimes happening multiple times. Backup cameras and sensors may also fail. This unpredictable braking can startle drivers and increase crash risk.
A 2023 Passport owner reported a subtle engine knock at 49,900 miles that worsened, requiring engine replacement. Another complaint links automatic braking to emissions system lights. Engine problems appear less frequent than in the Odyssey but can be severe when they occur.
One owner reported an electrical malfunction that caused a braking failure, though they avoided a collision. This suggests that brake-related electrical faults can happen, and buyers should test the brakes carefully.
“My Auto-Electronic braking was randomly engaging while I was driving. It was unnecessary, & scary. It would just engage, then stop. Then, My Emissions Systems Light came on, & would NOT go off. I had to get to a safe place. The dealership told me to bring it…”
“On 11 Apr 2025, I was driving my 2023 Honda Passport at night on a toll road in clear weather when my infant son began screaming in distress. I pulled over onto the shoulder, partially onto a dirt area with bushes for more space. I pressed the “Park” button,…”
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 Odyssey — 81 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The second row outboard seats can slide sideways to one of two positions. If a seat is placed between either of the two positions when attaching the seat to the vehicle floor, the seat will not latch properly to…
The risk: If the seat tips forward during braking, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket to the second row outboard floor strikers, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2018. Owners may contact American Honda Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.…
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 2018-2023 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 2023-2024 Odyssey and 2024 Acura RDX vehicles. The steering gear box assembly may not have been tightened properly, allowing water to enter the assembly and cause corrosion and binding gears.
The risk: Corroded and binding steering gears can result in a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are LHU and FHT.
Honda Passport — 43 recalls
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.
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…
Buyer analysis
Honda Odyssey or Honda Passport: which should you buy?
The Honda Passport has far fewer complaints per year (about 92 vs. 340 for the Odyssey) and fewer recalls (43 vs. 81). In practice, that means you're less likely to encounter frequent repair visits with the Passport, but both models have reported safety-related issues like unexpected braking and engine problems. The Odyssey's higher volume suggests a broader range of recurring problems.
Key differences
- The Odyssey has about 3.7 times more complaints per year than the Passport, with electrical and forward collision avoidance issues being the most common.
- Odyssey owners report engine failures requiring ignition coil and spark plug replacements, while Passport engine complaints include a severe knock needing replacement.
- Both models have forward collision avoidance systems that can brake unexpectedly, but the Odyssey also has reports of failing to accelerate.
- The Odyssey has 3 reported deaths and 123 injuries, while the Passport has 0 deaths and 29 injuries, though these numbers don't capture all incidents.
- Check the infotainment screen and backup camera for blanking or failure, as owners report these going out and not showing the rear view.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system at low speeds if possible, and listen for any unusual engine noises or check for a history of ignition coil replacements.
- During a test drive, watch for any unexpected braking or warning lights related to the collision mitigation system.
- Listen for engine knocking sounds, especially around 50,000 miles, and ask for maintenance records regarding the emissions system and brakes.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, including the infotainment and backup camera, and scan for stored error codes.
- Test drive on varied roads to see if the forward collision avoidance system engages unexpectedly or fails to respond.
- For the Odyssey, ask about ignition coil and spark plug replacement history; for the Passport, listen for engine knock and check brake function.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been performed, especially those related to fuel pumps, brakes, and backup cameras.
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 Odyssey | Honda Passport |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 38 | 63 |
| 2025 | 391 | 40 |
| 2024 | 109 | 17 |
| 2023 | 100 | 39 |
| 2022 | 136 | 62 |
| 2021 | 143 | 142 |
| 2020 | 474 | 102 |
| 2019 | 976 | 278 |
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 Odyssey or Honda Passport in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Odyssey vs Honda Passport
- Honda Odyssey total complaints
- 3,399
- Honda Passport total complaints
- 924
- Honda Odyssey total recalls
- 81
- Honda Passport total recalls
- 43
- Honda Odyssey avg complaints/year
- 339.9
- Honda Passport avg complaints/year
- 92.4
- More reliable overall
- Honda Passport
- Honda Odyssey top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Passport top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM