2021 Honda Passport Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Powertrain & suspension issues are among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

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Manufactured by Isuzu as part of a partnership with Honda in the 1990s, the first two generations of the Honda Passport followed in the footsteps of Isuzu Rodeo. This is when Isuzu discontinued its production of passenger cars and Honda wanted to add an SUV to its lineup.

The Isuzu-Honda partnership ended in 2002, and the Honda Passport was replaced with the Pilot, engineered by Honda.

Click on other model year to view more problems: 2019   2020   2022

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NHTSA Complaints for the 2021 Honda Passport

Complaint CategoryNumber of Complaints
Power Train
9
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
7
Engine
6
Service Brakes
3
Electrical System
3
Exterior Lighting
3
Fuel/propulsion System
3
Tires
2
Vehicle Speed Control
2
Visibility/wiper
2

The first Honda-manufactured Passport was available for the 2019 model year. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records that there were 6 recalls and 92 complaints that year.

Most Common Problems with the 2021 Honda Passport

There are 16 complaints registered with the NHTSA for the 2021 Honda Passport. The top complaint, with 5 on record, relates to the powertrain. The rest are spread between problems that have 1 or 2 complaints each.

In all, they cover the electrical system, engine, forward-collision avoidance, suspension, and tires, which have 2 problems each. Then with 1 problem each: exterior lighting, the fuel/propulsion system, land departure issues, service brakes and service brakes/hydraulic, vehicle speed control, and wheels.

We’re going to cover 3 of the most common problems reported to the NHTSA.

2021 Honda Passport Powertrain Problems

A 2021 Honda Passport owner who has had recurring powertrain issues reports a dashboard message that says: “Transmission problem. See Manual.” When this happens, the car shifts automatically to neutral and then park. The only other option is to restart the car.

The complaint references a forum, and the complaint adds to concern that the fault may be potentially fatal.

Another complaint states that the Honda Passport shifts into neutral when the driver accelerates up a highway onramp. There is a transmission error warning on the dashboard. But the complaint states that the car cannot go back into gear until the ignition is cycled “a couple of times.”

The problem here is that there are safety risks because the car can’t move. It can’t even coast out of the traffic lane. The NHTSA complaint states:

“There was no known symptom prior to this event and the vehicle is currently at the dealership for repair/warranty evaluation though they state ‘it is not showing any error codes on the diagnostics plugin.’ They did state that on (the) test drive it ‘behaved perfectly’. But the Passport owner says when it was returned, it acted up again, “showing a dash warning but no diagnostic code.”

Another complaint relates to the towing rate achieved. This NHTSA complaint also cross-references a forum. Having bought the vehicle for its towing capacity, there are big questions here.

“The dealership told me that Honda knows about this and if they fix it they will let me know. To me, this means that this is a known engineering defect and they didn’t say if they have a fix or not.”

2021 Honda Passport Suspension Problems

One of the 2 suspension problems relates to a vibration the new owner noticed driving back from collecting a new Honda Passport. After waiting for 2.5 hours, the dealership said there weren’t any alignment or wheel balance issues. After 2 repair attempts, the issue still persists.

2021 Honda Passport Tires Problem

In addition to the wheel problems mentioned above, 2021 Honda Passport owners also report tire issues. The 2 on record with NHTSA relate to tire blowouts.

What to do if your 2021 Honda Passport is a lemon? Your Lemon Rights?

A Lemberg Law article published in 2020 talks about the previous model and the problems and top complaints vehicle owners have. These issues may not be the same as those you have with your 2021 Honda Passport. But, if you think you have a lemon, contact us so that we can assess your problems.

We have successfully negotiated many cash settlements, buybacks, trade-ins, and replacement vehicles for clients. You may not know, but the law makes the manufacturer pay if vehicles are lemons, so you don’t have to worry about legal bills.

Complaint Data

CategorySeat Belts
DateMar 15, 2023
StateMN
Description
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.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
DateJan 09, 2023
StateCA
Description
On october 29, 2022, the cmbs emergency braking system slammed the brakes on for no obvious reason. This happened at least four or five times while traveling eastbound on I-40 in az. There were no cars in front of or changing into my lane. After it happened a few times, I called the dealer rsm honda in rancho santa margarita, ca, where I service the car to see if I could turn it off. They suggested reducing the sensitivity, which I did. After changing the sensitivity, I still experienced two or three more incidents of surprise emergency braking for no reason. After the fifth or sixth incident, I pulled over and searched a pdf copy of my owners manual and found a way to turn off the cmbs with a button on the dash. This worked to stop the braking incidents, but I had to do it over again every time I restarted the engine after stopping for gas, etc. This scared me and was dangerous as this would happen while I was going 70 mph. I think every instance occurred while I was passing a "big rig", but I was never in the same lane as the truck. Sometimes it was on a very gentle curve, but other times we (truck and I) were both going straight down a straightaway. I had done similar trips previously in february, june, and july without having this issue, but had it happen multiple times on my october trip as described above.
CategoryPower Train
DateDec 28, 2022
StateID
Description
This car accelerates when down shifting in mid to higher gears. We were in the snow on a steep decline and when I downshifted into 4th gear the car immediately accelerates ( not coasted ) but accelerated increasing my speed before finally downshifting. It is also having similar issues with the 7th, 6th, and 5th gears. We lost traction immediately after shifting when the car accelerates and I have no drought that we would have crashed if we were approaching or in a turn at the time. 12/28/22 I spoke with the dealer today and he was aware of other complaints. I made an appointment to have them check it out tomorrow 12/29/22. I have repeated this issue multiple times and plan to show them. This also happens every time you downshift into 4th gear etc on dry or wet pavement, even on flat surfaces.
CategoryEngine, Power Train, Vehicle Speed Control
DateDec 26, 2022
StateCA
Description
We were driving at 55mph and every warning light came on. It quickly decelerated to 20mph then wouldn't shift from first gear. We were in an area where there was no places to pull over. We pulled over and the car wouldn't shift from park. We were told to let it sit 15min then try again. After 20 min the car worked normally. The computer system deletes all the errors once it sits. The dealership says there is nothing wrong. This is the 2nd time it's done it. We were told to check the battery. It's new and we do not trust this vehicle. If it does it on the freeway it would be catastrophic. Honda needs to fix this problem. The crash avoidance also says to brake at every car in the opposite lane. I purchased a code reader to try and save all the codes when the car acts up.
CategoryEngine
DateDec 24, 2022
StateMI
Description
I am writing to make you aware of an alarming incident that happened with our 2021 honda passport this fall. My wife backed out of the garage and was in our driveway when the vehicle engine suddenly turned off and a message appeared on the entertainment display. It said that the antitheft system had lost power and that the power button needed to be pushed to restore it. She finally got the car to start by pushing the “volume” button, not the power (engine on/off) button. The message disappeared. If this would have happened while actually on the road, there could have been serious consequences. Can you image your vehicle suddenly shutting off on a highway? About a two months later, I also received the same message when driving through my subdivision, but the engine did not shut off. I immediately took the vehicle a local honda dealer who tested the battery (the original battery – just about to turn two years old) and found that it needed to be replaced. There was no indication that it was going bad prior to these incidents. As I stated earlier, it is the first scenario that is a red flag. Why did the engine shut off? Have other passport or honda owners had a similar experience? I thought you should know what happened to us.
CategoryService Brakes
DateDec 10, 2022
StateTX
Description
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.
CategoryVisibility/wiper
DateNov 30, 2022
StateNC
Description
I was pulling out of my drivway on a colder mid-november morning when the windshield on my new honda passport spontaneiously cracked from the upper left frame and ran all the way across the driver's side view. I was only pulling out of my driveway at about 5 mph when it cracked. My mechanic suggested honda's have a problem with frame flex, which cracks the windshields similar to how mine cracked. I reported the defect to honda but they said they don't replace windshields, and referred me to a 3rd party to pay the repair out of pocket. Since the windshield is a crucial to the structure of the vehicle, it's alarming how many people are experiencing the same problem with honda windsheilds
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateNov 22, 2022
StateVA
Description
I brought my 2021 honda passport brand new in may 2021. It started having a safety defect issue in july 15, 2022, I placed the vehicle in reverse and proceeded to back out and the vehicle switched to neutral as I was backing out. Then a dash indicator displayed that read stop driving when safe transmission problem, see manual. Then a few weeks later, I put it into drive and proceeded to drive off and the vehicle switched to neutral and the same dash indicator came on that read, stop driving when safe transmission problem, see manual. Then a month later I put it into park and the same message displayed again. Over the past 4 months it has done this intermittently. I feel unsafe as I could be driving at a higher speed on the interstate around others and this issue could occur. I have taken it to the honda dealership over 3 times. They even had a field inspector from the honda corporation to look at it for a couple of hours but they couldn't replicate the issue at all. I have been reaching out to the honda corporation since july and they have yet to repurchase my vehicle or give me any solution. I had to wait over two months before I even got a call back from my case manager, as I was reaching out almost daily. I even sent a letter stating that I will be taking action under the vehicle warranty enforcement act for a repurchase of my 2021 honda passport and still no response. I even wrote a complaint to bbb and they still didn't acknowledge the safety issue.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
DateOct 27, 2022
StateNM
Description
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.
CategoryPower Train
DateOct 25, 2022
StateAR
Description
My 2021 honda passport first shifted itself into neutral and displayed a message on the instrument panel saying “stop driving when safe. Transmission problem. See manual” in february 2022. My dealer inspected the vehicle and said no problem codes were stored and returned the vehicle to me. In may 2022, my vehicle displayed the same message and shifted itself into neutral while backing out of a parking space. This resulted in my vehicle rolling forward into the curb. Luckily my vehicle was parked by a curb and not in front of another vehicle where a collision could occur or pin a pedestrian between the two vehicles. My dealer inspected the vehicle again and stated no codes were stored and returned the vehicle to me. Honda has been contacted twice regarding the issue and on the fourth repair attempt, a field engineer inspected the vehicle and could not find any codes stored. The engineer also recommended the vehicle be kept in park while it is not moving.
CategoryVisibility/wiper
DateOct 19, 2022
StatePA
Description
At highway speeds, example 70 mph, the driver side mirror vibrates so violently you cannot see clearly what is in the adjoining lane making lane changes difficult, the dealer will not replace the mirror claiming it will just happen again, the dealer claims that honda corporate is aware of the issue but they have bee telling me that for 21 months
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
DateOct 07, 2022
StateWA
Description
Last year my wife and I purchased a 2021 honda passport. For the past year we have complained to honda that the sensor for the brake assist was not working properly when the vehicle is in a curve. The sensor could not distinguish the vehicle's lane of travel and would sense oncoming traffic in the other lane as though it was in my lane, and would flash "brake" with a high pitch alarm. Up until last month, this was only an annoying issue. We complained to the dealership, who said they know about the issue, but honda does not have a fix. We were under the impression the problem was only a passive issue. Given the lack of vehicle inventories, we decided to keep the vehicle. Two weeks ago, the sensor caused the vehicle to abruptly brake, causing an extreme change of speed from 65 mph to 45-50 mph. My wife struggled to keep the vehicle in the lane of travel. We spoke to the honda dealership, who advise this active response is also a known issue, especially at night, and there is nothing they can do about it. We asked about a recall notice or fix. The dealership said there is nothing from honda corporate. The dealership service department commented that the sensor has issues distinguishing the vehicle's lane of travel, especially at night, and can cause the active braking. Our frustration is with the obvious severe safety issue. My wife and son almost struck another vehicle on the freeway because of this. Had we known about this safety issue, we never would have purchased the vehicle. Honda never disclosed this safety problem to us at the time of sale, and has never made any attempt to communicate this issue to us.
CategoryElectrical System
DateAug 02, 2022
StateNC
Description
The radio started to "crackle or skip" while using apple carplay. The crackle noise continued after audio had been paused. Our safety was at risk because the noise was very distracting. I needed to take my hand off the wheel to unplug my phone to stop the noise. The equipment has not been inspected. The only sign of failure were small cracks that were much more intermittent, compared to constant crackling that I am experiencing now.
CategoryElectrical System, Engine
DateJul 19, 2022
StateNY
Description
Suv randomly unable to shift out of park. Push-button electronic shifter rendered useless. Car cannot be manually put into neutral for towing because honda does not provide its customers with the tool. They apparently will sell it to you for 0+ dollars if they even have or are willing to give you one. Warning for transmission system and blind spot systems both appeared. No other codes or indicator prior or at incident.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Service Brakes
DateJul 03, 2022
StatePA
Description
Car will brake when no one is near sometimes jamming on brakes. I reported it to dealer 2 times. They said no software updates avalable and no codes showing a problem. I left the dealer and drove less than 2 miles down the road when the brakes can on again. I returned to the dealer again when they informed me there is nothing they can do. Maybe I have a fly on the sensor setting it off. I replied don't try to bs me, I'm a cdl driver for over 40 years.
CategoryExterior Lighting
DateMay 07, 2022
StateIA
Description
Automatic high beam headlights turn on and off sporadically causing flashing lights for oncoming traffic.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
DateApr 29, 2022
StateMA
Description
I purchased a 2021 honda passport sport on april 30, 2021. Since purchasing the passport, we have experienced a "phantom braking" problem, in which the automatic emergency braking system is deployed for a few seconds. This occurs several times a month. We have taken the passport to a honda dealer and they claimed that there maybe some type of obstruction on the emergency braking system camera that is causing the problem. We have not seen any obstruction on the camera and clean it regularly, but we still experience the braking issue. While no serious incident has occurred to date, we are extremely concerned that the braking issue could cause our passport to brake and be rear ended by a car behind us.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
DateApr 14, 2022
StateCO
Description
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 ,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.
CategoryPower Train
DateApr 01, 2022
StateIL
Description
My 2021 honda passport with under 12k miles has gone into neutral on its own twice in the past year ( may and october of 2021) it has also slipped into low gear on its own (d1 of an automatic transmission from d3 or d4 in oct 2021 and march 18 2021. The last incident forced me onto the shoulder to avoid serious injury as I was gaining speed to merge from an entry ramp to a 50 mph, 3 lane rd. I brought it back to the honda dealer after the march 18 incident and they told me they couldn't find anything wrong with it. I don't trust this transmission and will be forced to sell it back to honda but am leery of it happening to someone else who may not be able to avoid an accident like I did. I also reported these incidents to honda on 03/24/22 (case# 12912165)
CategoryEngine, Fuel/propulsion System
DateMar 24, 2022
StateMN
Description
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.
CategoryExterior Lighting
DateMar 14, 2022
StateTX
Description
The headlights iced over completely while driving in light freezing drizzle. When they iced over it was at night and I was no longer able to see well enough to drive safely. These all led headlights need a heating system like emergency lights to prevent this in freezing conditions.
CategoryPower Train
DateMar 14, 2022
StateMI
Description
Had the optional transmission cooler installed at the honda dealership to help increase vehicle towing capacity. After install, when the vehicle shifts from 7-8 gear at light throttle application (approx. 45mph) the transmission makes a grinding noise. Took vehicle back to dealership and they inspected. They contacted honda tech support and they stated it is a known design defect. They will not address it in anyway even though there are many possibilities to address this. Noise is energy and energy has to dissipate. I am concerned the grinding noise will start to wear something out and cause a failure later in the life of the transmission or the cooler.
CategoryFuel/propulsion System
DateMar 10, 2022
StateMI
Description
Confirmed high pressure fuel pump makes a high pitched “chirp” when engine is warm and at idle.
CategoryExterior Lighting, Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
DateFeb 23, 2022
StateNC
Description
Vehicle has led headlights. In snowy conditions at night, buildup on headlights caused extremely reduced visibility. Required frequent pulling over, getting out of vehicle, and clearing headlights. Not a safe situation in the snow. Never had problems with halogen or hid lighting so I suspect it's a heat issue due to led lights operating much cooler. Also, snow buildup on grille emblem that houses radar for accident avoidance causes system failure which results in instrument display of failure. The warning box completely covers the speedometer so you have no idea of your speed. Also not good in snowy conditions. This can be turned off, but not while moving, and defeats the purpose of the avoidance system.
CategoryFuel/propulsion System, Suspension
DateFeb 04, 2022
StateMD
Description
Emission system problem all wheel drive problem warning light on and off on dashboard.
CategoryService Brakes, Hydraulic
DateJan 26, 2022
StateAZ
Description
The contact owns a 2021 honda passport. The contact stated while driving at a slow speed, the brake pedal would intermittently fail to operate as needed without warning. The contact stated that he had to repeatedly pump the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was made to inspect the braking system. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 400. Incident happened twice. Vehicle failed to stop when brakes were applied, brakes were applied several times before it stopped without a collision. Second incident happened while consumer shifted the gear in reverse in the parking lot brakes applied would not work. Consumer hit the bollard in front of the parking lot. Speed was approximately 5-10mph. Odometer reading was about 1600. No further occurrences after windshield replacement.
CategoryPower Train
DateNov 16, 2021
StateOH
Description
Multiple times when my car is in drive I will receive a message on the dashboard saying "transimission problem. See manual" when this happen the car automatically shifts into neutral and will not shift back into any gear other than park unless I completely restart the car. Many other people have also had this problem, can be seen here https://www. Passportforums. Com/threads/major-transmission-failure. 2984/ I believe there is a major issue with the transmission on some honda passports that is potentially fatal. I took the car in once to get it looked at and they could not find anything wrong with the car, it has happened since I took the car in to repair.
CategoryElectrical System
DateOct 14, 2021
StatePA
Description
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.
CategoryElectrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel, Electrical System:adas:video Monitor/screen
DateSep 01, 2021
StateNY
Description
The contact owns a 2021 honda passport. The contact stated while driving 40-45 mph, the instrument panel lights, and gps navigator screen inadvertently turned black. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the dashboard wiring connectors were faulty. The contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired as the parts for repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring upon starting the vehicle and while driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 3,000.
CategoryTires
DateAug 30, 2021
StatePA
Description
Tire blowout on pothole with appox diameter less than 4" 265 45 r 20
CategoryTires
DateAug 30, 2021
StatePA
Description
Tire sidewall blowout drivers front 8/27/21 continental cross contact lx 265 45 r 20 104h is the number after that. Rode over a branch approx 3" in diameter at approx 10mph do not feel this should have caused a blow out on an suv could have caused loss of control
CategoryPower Train
DateJun 28, 2021
StateNV
Description
Car shifted into neutral on its own while accelerating up a freeway on ramp with a transmission error warning light on dash and could not get the vehicle to go back into gear until ignition was cycled a couple times. Obvious safety risk as any vehicle movement was impossible, and was not able to completely coast out of the traffic lane. There was no known symptom prior to this event and the vehicle is currently at the dealership for repair/warranty evaluation though they state "it is not showing any error codes on the diagnostics plug in", they did state that on test drive it "behaved perfectly until coming back to the dealership and acted up again.... Again showing a dash warning but no diagnostic code."
CategoryPower Train:automatic Transmission
DateJun 25, 2021
StateMI
Description
When I bought vehicle it came rated with 5000lbs towing. To achieve that towing rating I had to buy and get installed the honda transmission cooler. I got the kit installed and right after install there is a noise when the vehicle shifts from 7-8 gear. It sounds like rumble strips. I did some research and there are others who have the same issue. See link to honda passport forum. Https://www. Passportforums. Com/threads/noise-when-shifting-from-7th-to-8th-gear. 2923/ took vehicle to dealership and they looked it over. They checked fluid level and spoke to honda tech support. The dealership told me that honda knows about this and if they fix it they will let me know. To me this means that this is a known engineering defect and they didn't say if they have a fix or not. The reason I bought the vehicle was because of the towing capacity. To get the towing capacity I had to install the trans cooler. I paid and had it installed and now the vehicle does not run like it did when I bought it. As for safety risks there could be unforeseen issues. Because the transmission is now making a noise of unknown origins it could get damaged and cause a loss of power/malfunction. The noise (through fluid dynamics) could also cause damage to the cooler causing the transmission fluid to leak out and cause the vehicle to lose power.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
DateApr 28, 2021
StateCA
Description
Tl* the contact owns a 2021 honda passport. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the collision mitigation braking system inadvertently and forcefully activated and the steering wheel would shake. The brake warning light was illuminated. Norm reeves honda superstore vista (401 w vista way, vista, ca 92083) was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the collision mitigation braking system activated in error, sensing a possible collision. The contact was also informed that the failure occurred occasionally with curves in the roadway or when a metal sign was detected. The contact was informed that the feature operated as designed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,300.
CategoryLane Departure: Assist
DateApr 25, 2021
StateMD
Description
Hello I've had my 2021 passport awd for only a week and have noticed it pulls noticeably to the right. This even happens when " the lane keep assist" is switched off. It is a constant struggle to keep it from drifting into the right lane and other cars. This happens on all types of roads but is most noticeable of highways. The pull is so strong that it makes the lane keep assist system (lkas) unusable. When using lkas on cruise control the vehicle keeps drifting into the shoulder of the road and even crosses the line. I went to the nhtsa. Gov website and found that honda is aware of this issue on the 2019 passport (off-center steering /pulling) and has sent communications about it's investigation to it's dealerships. The alignment being off on a factory car that is built for off-roading is highly irregular. For comparison, my honda hr-v which I had for 3'years has never had any alignment issues..
CategoryEngine, Service Brakes
DateApr 07, 2021
StateNJ
Description
The car is park at home for the first time after the purchase from the dealer the day before. I went to start the car in the morning the brake pedal is stiff, hard, or locked causing the car to not start when start button is pushed. I ended up using the remote start and goes in the car put my foot on the pedal; the brake pedal is no longer stiff, hard, or locked and the car start when I pushed the start button. Every day is the same since.
CategorySuspension, Wheels
DateMar 24, 2021
StateFL
Description
Purchased this automobile that have a vibration while riding in every type of roads that I noted after riding back home from the dealership. At the moment of the initial test drive this condition wasn't noted since we test drive a passport ex-l trim model. I went to the dealership (appointment on record) and informed the service department of the issues. I waited at the dealership for 2. 5 hrs and they informed that they verified the alignment and wheel balances and nothing was found. I returned home and called back the dealer and informed that vibration condition still occurring. They suggested to change the 4 tires and wheels since maybe a from factory issue. I asked the dealer to perform a test ride on a new similar unit. We did it, drove the new unit and no vibrations found, so that is not a normal operating condition. Dealer test drive my automobile and noted that the vibration still there on the driver's seat and steering wheel. I went to the dealership again and left the car for correcting the vibration issue. They still working on the same service order and didn't closed the previous one. Today, they changed the front right tire (doesn't looks new) and they mentioned that they redo the wheel balances. After a second repair attempt, while driving back home I noted that the vibration stills. During the ride back home I noted that while breaking, the automobile was vibrating also now. New issue. My automobile was left at the service department for a complete verification with their technicians. I asked them before delivering the automobile to me to perform a final test drive inspection with the shop foreman after correcting the issue. As a note, vibration condition happens in newly asphalted roads, old asphalted roads, highways, fl turnpike, everywhere. I feel unsafe with these vibration conditions.
CategoryPower Train
DateMar 03, 2021
StateNY
Description
The vehicle is supposed to automatically go into park if the driver stops the vehicle and exits the vehicle without taking it out of drive, reverse, or neutral. It's designed to do that on the push button transmissions used in this vehicle. The sensor that does this is activated by unbuckling the seat belt. If someone is using a seat belt extender and unbuckles the seat belt from the extender and leaves the extender plugged in this system is defeated. The vehicle can move forward or backwards creating a serious safety hazard. Thousands of people use these extenders due to weight issues, wearing bulky clothing, and various other reasons. The sensor shouldn't be in the seatbelt, it should be in a pressure switch in the seat measuring the absence of weight on the seat. The same type of sensor that activates the airbags.
CategoryEngine, Power Train, Vehicle Speed Control
DateFeb 02, 2021
StateNY
Description
Bought the car from the dealer drove great ! Weeks into owning it transmission is clicking banging and driving rough most of the issues are second and third gears . Street or highway . Service can't seem to fix it vehicle is also some times sluggish and doesn't have the pep that it should . Test drove 2 other passports and they both had great power and no transmission issues please help!

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Brian Jones

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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1 COMMENT
  • Sam j

    2021 Honda passport AWD problems:
    Dashboard says door open when it’s locked
    Car occasionally refuse to go forward when in Drive and sometimes does not reverse.
    Remote with new batteries does not work..can’t lock or open car.
    Bright light does not come on unless lever on steering wheel is manually held.
    Dome light switch malfunctions.
    Heated steering wheel does not work
    I have only 17890 miles on new Honda.
    This is ridiculous…dangerous to drive on highway with these issues. Honda has to do a better job in notifying customers about problems.

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