Honda Passport Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Honda Passport options? We analyzed 10 model years (2001–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Honda Passport has 888 owner complaints and 43 safety recalls across model years 2001–2026. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2019 drew the most complaints; 2024 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Honda
- Model
- Passport
- Model years analyzed
- 2001–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 888
- Safety recall campaigns
- 43
- Crash-related complaints
- 43
- Fire-related complaints
- 0
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2019 (274 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2024 (16 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Honda Passport: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe HONDA PASSPORT has 888 NHTSA complaints and 43 recalls on record. 43 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 888 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 43 federal recall campaigns
- 43 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
43 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
SUSPENSION:REAR
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
TIRES
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
SUSPENSION:REAR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2001–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 888 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
888 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
“Idle-Stop” feature stays on per factory installation. However when car is stopped and brake is released to proceed with acceleration, the feature automatically throws the transmission into “Neutral” and will not go forward, allow shifting of gears or shutting down the engine. This has happened numerous times in heavy traffic and creates a hazard. There is a button to depress to shut off the Idle-Stop but it must be done every time the car ignition is shut off then on. This is not a normal habit of long term drivers. After two inspections at the dealer and several phone calls Honda says they can not replicate the problem when serviced thus offering no solution. Searches online for assistance has revealed that this is a highly prevalent problem with Honda and Acura vehicles since 2019. As an elderly (over 75) driver with an excellent driving record it is creating a troublesome risk when driving.
I have a 2025 Honda Passport. When the start stop shuts off car it will crank very slow or not start at all and have to wait a few minutes for started to cool. After I did some testing on my own then went to the dealer with an appointment, they confirmed this is a know problem with Honda. They did some testing and assured me that my starter is bad. No light or warnings until it would not restart at the stop light. The dealer pulled information off the cars computer and showed me a graph on how low the voltage goes below the threshold.
On August 14th I brought the vehicle to Coconut Point Honda after having the vehicle stall with the auto stop feature. At that time, I also noticed that the car had trouble starting at times. After being there for four days, I was asked to come pick up the vehicle. Yesterday, on August 27th, the vehicle stalled again, this time at a busy intersection. This narrowly missed causing my wife to get hit at high speeds. The car shifted itself to neutral, the battery and warning light came on, and a message saying “shift into park” appeared on the dash. Despite several attempts, the car would not restart until it finally sat a moment and then powered back on. The car was brought back to Coconut Point Honda where I again voiced the complaint and safety concerns regarding the vehicle stalling out and shifting itself into park.
The car has failed to start on numerous occasions. The car has stalled due to the auto start/stop and the dealership told me that the battery needs to fail testing in order to replace under warranty. This is a major safety risk and the dealership said it’s a known issue but they can’t fix it. A recall needs to be put out immediately.
My car has 22,000 miles in it, and maybe around 19,000 miles my starter was already weak. I barely use my car, and one time I used it and my car won't start at all. I almost got stranded. Luckily it turned on, and I was near my house. This could've happen in the middle of nowhere and get me stranded. I don't feel safe driving this now if im not sure. I thought this was supposed to be a reliable car!
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Passport. The contact stated that while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle stalled. The message to start the vehicle was displayed. The vehicle was shifted into park(P), the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle was restarted. The contact stated that the failure had occurred ten times in the month of July. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a faulty battery, and the battery was replaced; however, the failure recurred approximately one week later. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.
Read 14 more owner reports
Over the past two weeks we have been experiencing issues with the Auto Idle Stop device on my 2025 Honda Passport. This has resulted in being temporarily stalled at several busy intersections. I have reported this issue to a Honda dealership where the issue was verified and it is scheduled for a Starter replacement when the part is received from back order.
Description: The vehicle suffers from an intermittent and dangerous "no-restart" defect involving the Auto-Idle Stop (AIS) system. When the vehicle comes to a complete stop and the automated stop-start system shuts off the engine to conserve fuel, the engine frequently fails to automatically restart upon release of the brake pedal. This results in a sudden, unexpected loss of engine power and complete immobilization in live traffic or intersections. This exact failure mode is the subject of an active federal Engineering Analysis by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA EA25004, covering ~2.2 million Honda and Acura vehicles). Prior manufacturer service bulletins and part-replacement attempts have proven ineffective at permanently resolving the hazard, creating an ongoing and unacceptable collision risk.
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 several extra seconds before moving. This occurred repeatedly at traffic lights and other stops creating a safety concern as drivers behind me expected my vehicle to begin moving when traffic started. The unexpected delay increased the risk of being rear-ended or causing confusion in traffic. The failure eventually became complete. While stopped on a two-lane road waiting for another vehicle to turn left into a driveway, the engine shut off as expected with the Auto Idle Stop system engaged but did not restart when I released the brake. Instead, the vehicle entered what appeared to be a neutral state and could not be driven. I was unable to restart the vehicle for several minutes, leaving it disabled in the travel lane while other vehicles had to drive around it. This created a safety hazard because the vehicle was stranded in an active roadway. The vehicle had not previously displayed any warning messages related to this condition. Looking back, the progressively slower and dragging engine restarts appear to have been warning signs before the complete failure to restart. The vehicle is scheduled for inspection the Honda dealership this week. The failed components should be available for inspection if requested.
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 displayed on the instrument panel. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact was forced to manually turn off the feature each time after starting the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact's husband discovered NHTSA Action Number: EA25004; and associated the failure with the Action Number. The husband also associated the failure with the fuel injector or a possible software update. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,800.
Got to red light, auto stop idled down car, when going to move car shut off and stalled out. Also happened two times in a drive thru. All times messages popped up auto stop interruption and vehicle in accessory mode
While waiting at a stoplight, the car was in Auto Idle Stop System mode. When the light turned green, I stepped on gas pedal and the vehicle shut off. The brake was hard and I could not turn off the vehicle for a minute. I opened the drivers side and passenger front door and closed, then was able to turn off vehicle. After a few seconds, I was able to start vehicle with push start button. The vehicle has sounded sluggish when starting up lately but battery tested good.
Collision Mitigation Braking System ( CMBS) on occasion orange dash brake light illuminates doesn't stop vehicle , has occurred since purchase on 02/25/2025 at least 150 times , current mileage to 06/16/2026 6877 miles, ref Honda Case # 1641332 , now every time on short drives this occurs 1-2 times, contacted Holman Honda Centennial Co several times , again last week " told there is no fix, you can turn off CMBS each tine vehicle is started " this is a safety feature , there are numerous complaints on line also with NTSB , am concerned that at some point the brakes could be slammed on without warning and cause another vehicle to rear end me
Idle stop has not engaged motor at intersection. This has happened three times in the last 2 months. Honda Passport has 29024 miles on it. All three incidents required shutting down the Passport and restarting the SUV. Each time there was a backup of cars behind me and I put on warning flashers.
With only 7688 miles, have been having transmission issues like hard shifting, not shifting when needing to speedup especially when trying to pass or on highway. In city hard shifting occurs constantly now. I had tried contacting Honda and the dealership to get the gaps issue resolved for past 2 years and nothing. This has been a poor experience for a Honda, which we have been very loyal for over 40 years. This transmission issue will only get worse and needing a resolution or fix as I have tried both dealership and Honda for help without being told my case has been transferred over and over.
Idle Stop has failed to restart on more than once occasion. Battery tested low @ 25,000 miles
The Idle-Stop feature is malfunctioning, the vehicle is equipped with an "Auto Idle Stop" feature that has a dangerous defect. The engine frequently fail to restart after shutting off at stops, unexpectedly leaving the driver stranded or immobile, with the risk of being hit from behind by incoming traffic.
At red light, foot on break, car in drive. Light turns green, I go to drive off. Car puts itself in neutral, dash says “shift to park”, I try to press to put it in drive, it won’t shift to “D”. I put it in park. Turned the vehicle off, car wouldn’t restart. Kept trying, wouldn’t start. Held my finger on the push to start for ~1 minute, it did not want to start at all. It was spitting trying to start, very very hesitant *car was in accident on 2/26/26 L front (driver side) was damaged Since accident, I have had issues even though car was repaired
25 Passport Black edition only 27k miles at a stop my vehicle won’t start back up kicks it from D to N will start flashing to put in P. Vehicle will not start back up until I turn off and back on. The second time it did this it wouldn’t even start back up battery light flashing. I try to remember to turn that stop/start button off. Very dangerous. Went to dealership. Says they can’t do nothing unless warning are on at the time of check. 4/24 was the second time this has happened. When I start the passport it’s like it has troubles and not wanting to start. Lights will start flashing braking system and blind spot all the safety feature lights. Something is wrong with these passports.
car transmission issue not getting enough power while putting foot on gas pedal rpm goes upto 5k for getting speed not shifting gear properly
Showing 20 of 888 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Honda Passport
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Honda Passport, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Honda Passport has 888 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Honda Passport has 43 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 43 of the Honda Passport's 888 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Honda Passport vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Honda Passport vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Honda Passport has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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Check a Honda Passport by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Honda Passport.
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Honda Passport reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Honda Passport reliable?
Poor. The Honda Passport has 888 NHTSA owner complaints and 43 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Honda Passport years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2019 (274 complaints), 2001 (146 complaints), 2021 (139 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Honda Passport problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (180 complaints); FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (174 complaints); ENGINE (128 complaints).
Does the Honda Passport have recalls?
Yes — 43 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Honda Passport. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.