Head-to-head reliability
Honda Passport vs FORD F 150
How the Honda Passport and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Honda Passport vs FORD F 150: The Passport averages 92 complaints per year with 43 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162 complaints and 151 recalls. The F-150 has more power train and electrical issues, but the Passport has unexpected braking complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Passport or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Passport
The Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV that, over the past decade, has generated an average of 92 complaints per year. Owners frequently report electrical glitches and forward collision avoidance systems that brake unexpectedly, which can be startling. Engine issues, such as knocking sounds, also appear in complaints. With 43 recalls and 43 crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that demands attention to electronic and safety systems.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that averages over 1,160 complaints annually, far more than the Passport. Power train problems, especially transmission limp mode and lead frame failures, dominate owner reports. Electrical issues and exterior lighting complaints are also common. With 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints, the F-150 has a higher volume of reported problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Passport | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 924 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 43 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 43 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 92.4 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 29 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
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 Passport
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM196
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE177
- 03ENGINE137
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER129
- 05SERVICE BRAKES98
Owners report random automatic braking and warning lights that won't turn off, such as the emissions light. These electrical glitches can be distracting and may require dealer visits.
Complaints describe the emergency braking system activating unexpectedly on clear roads with no obstacles, sometimes multiple times. This can cause sudden braking and loss of vehicle control.
Some owners note engine knocking sounds and emissions system issues. In one case, a knock developed shortly after purchase, leading to potential major repairs.
Brake-related complaints include electrical malfunctions that cause braking failure. This is a serious safety concern that owners say occurred soon after buying.
“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,…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission problems, such as limp mode and getting stuck in 5th gear. Lead frame issues are also common, with some saying it nearly caused a collision.
Electrical complaints include lead frame failures and output speed sensor issues that trigger limp mode. These can leave drivers stranded or in reduced power.
Reports mention rear window defroster shorts causing the back window to shatter. This is a surprising and potentially dangerous failure.
Engine-related complaints are less frequent than power train but still present. Some owners report issues that require dealer attention.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
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 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…
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Honda Passport or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Honda Passport has far fewer complaints per year (92 vs. 1,162 for the F-150), suggesting fewer reported problems overall. However, the Passport's issues often involve unexpected braking and electrical faults, while the F-150's are more numerous and include transmission failures. In practice, the Passport may be less likely to leave you stranded, but both require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over 12 times more complaints per year than the Honda Passport, with power train issues like transmission limp mode being a major theme.
- Honda Passport owners often report forward collision avoidance braking unexpectedly, while F-150 owners report lead frame and transmission failures that can cause limp mode.
- The F-150 has more than triple the recalls (151 vs. 43) and significantly more crash-related complaints (330 vs. 43).
- Both vehicles have electrical complaints, but the Passport's are often tied to automatic braking, while the F-150's are linked to transmission sensors and window defrosters.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system to ensure it doesn't brake unexpectedly; look for any warning lights on the dashboard.
- Listen for engine knocking sounds and check for emissions system issues, especially if the vehicle is near 50,000 miles.
- Check for transmission issues by test-driving at highway speeds to see if it enters limp mode or gets stuck in gear.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for signs of shorting and ask if the window has ever shattered unexpectedly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Honda Passport's electrical system and forward collision avoidance sensors.
- For the Ford F-150, have a mechanic check the transmission and lead frame, and test drive extensively.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission or electrical repairs.
- Test all safety features, including automatic braking and backup cameras, during the test drive.
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 Passport | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 63 | 35 |
| 2025 | 40 | 345 |
| 2024 | 17 | 638 |
| 2023 | 39 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 62 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 142 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 102 | 44 |
| 2019 | 278 | 52 |
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 Passport or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Passport vs FORD F 150
- Honda Passport total complaints
- 924
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Honda Passport total recalls
- 43
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Honda Passport avg complaints/year
- 92.4
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Honda Passport
- Honda Passport top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN