2020 Honda Passport

On June 3, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the AIS function engaged. The subject vehicles are equipped with a 3.5L engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On January 6, 2023, Honda released service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009. These service bulletins address the failure to restart issue in the 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles, as well as the 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2019-2022 Honda Passport, and 2020-2023 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The repair outlined in the service bulletins is a two-stage countermeasure to remedy the issue. The first stage is a Programmed Fuel Injection (“PGM-FI”) software update. The second stage is only deployed if the software update fails to remedy the issue. The second stage, depending on the model and model year, consists of replacement of the starter assembly, starter relays, and a valve adjustment. Additionally, Honda extended the warranty coverage to 10 years with unlimited mileage for vehicles requiring the second stage component replacement. ODI continues to receive complaints of the AIS failure to restart, with many complainants alleging the campaign countermeasures had been completed.NHTSA has reviewed Honda's Information Request Letter responses involving warranty claims, lawsuits, and consumer complaints in addition to ODI's own data. This Engineering Analysis is being opened to further consider the potential safety defect, including gathering additional data regarding Honda’s service campaign efficacy. ODI is additionally expanding the scope to encompass all vehicles addressed in Honda’s service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009 as well as newer model year vehicles, which are substantially similar to the vehicles covered by the service campaign. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

On March 7, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24008) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system in model year 2019-2022 Honda Insight and 2019-2022 Honda Passport vehicles. The complainants allege activation of the AEB system with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's path, resulting in rapid vehicle deceleration. Honda indicated that it is aware of a total of 412 reports that may relate to the alleged defect. Honda provided analysis of the alleged defect and stated that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of the AEB system and its limitations. However, many consumer complaints received by ODI allege that Honda dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or state that Honda dealerships informed the consumer that this is considered normal AEB operation. To date, ODI has received a total of 106 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of AEB in the subject vehicles.In total, ODI reviewed 475 reports involving vehicles with unique VINs that may relate to the alleged defect. Of the reports reviewed by ODI, three (3) allege a crash caused by the inadvertent activation of AEB and two (2) allege injury. This Engineering Analysis is being opened to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations. Further, the scope of the investigation is being expanded to include assessment of model year 2023 Honda Passport vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

On March 7, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24008) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system in model year 2019-2022 Honda Insight and 2019-2022 Honda Passport vehicles. The complainants allege activation of the AEB system with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's path, resulting in rapid vehicle deceleration. Honda indicated that it is aware of a total of 412 reports that may relate to the alleged defect. Honda provided analysis of the alleged defect and stated that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of the AEB system and its limitations. However, many consumer complaints received by ODI allege that Honda dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or state that Honda dealerships informed the consumer that this is considered normal AEB operation. To date, ODI has received a total of 106 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of AEB in the subject vehicles.In total, ODI reviewed 475 reports involving vehicles with unique VINs that may relate to the alleged defect. Of the reports reviewed by ODI, three (3) allege a crash caused by the inadvertent activation of AEB and two (2) allege injury. This Preliminary Evaluation is being upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA25002) to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations. Further, the scope of the Engineering Analysis is being expanded to include assessment of model year 2023 Honda Passport vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Passport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several warning lights illuminated, and the message that the safety features were deactivated was displayed on the instrument panel. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered a discount on the repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failure in the camera for the safety features. The failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA ID

11774008

Incident

Oct 6, 2026

Mileage

75,000 mi

My 2020 Honda Passport (approximately 52,000 miles) has experienced recurring Auto Idle Stop/engine restart failures in May 2023, November 2024, and October 2026, despite multiple repairs by an authorized Honda dealership. The latest incident occurred in October 2026, immediately after a routine state inspection. While stopped with my foot on the brake, the dashboard unexpectedly displayed "N" (Neutral) and instructed me to remove my foot from the accelerator, although I was not accelerating. The electronic gear selector would not respond, requiring me to turn off the vehicle. Shortly afterward, while stopped at a traffic light, the brake pedal became extremely stiff, and the engine would not restart. The dashboard, radio, and other accessories remained operational. The battery warning light appeared only during restart attempts. I eventually restarted the vehicle and returned home. These failures pose a serious safety risk, potentially leaving the vehicle immobilized in active traffic and compromising normal brake assistance. In May 2023, Honda performed a PGM-FI software update under Service Bulletin 23-008. When the problem returned in November 2024, Honda replaced the starter assembly and starter relays and performed an engine valve adjustment under Service Bulletin 23-009. Despite these repairs, similar symptoms returned in October 2026. Another driver had also noticed hesitation and unusual cranking sounds during automatic restarts approximately one month earlier. I contacted American Honda, reported the recurring failure, and requested a manufacturer-level technical inspection. Although my case was escalated, I have received no substantive follow-up despite multiple calls and written inquiries. The vehicle has remained parked without a confirmed manufacturer inspection or repair plan. The vehicle remains available for inspection. I am concerned that Honda's prescribed repairs have not resolved this recurring safety-related malfunction.

NHTSA ID

11771608

Incident

Oct 9, 2026

I have a 2020 Honda passport elite with a 3.5L V6 J35Y6 with 108k miles on it which is similar to the engines that have been recalled in other models like the pilot, ridgeline, and odyssey, and I have researched multiple vehicles with a similar problem of spun rod bearings which has left metal debris in my engine. I have found hundreds of passports that have been reported with the same issue. My vehicle is currently sitting at the dealership and they said it needs a new engine due to this issue. My vehicle is not drivable until the engine is replaced. The dealership estimated a cost of over $5k.

NHTSA ID

11770068

Incident

Oct 1, 2026

The improperly designed or manufactured MOST coaxial cable can deform its terminals. This leads to intermittent connection losses between the audio display unit and the vehicle cable connector. If connection loss lasts for more than 20 seconds while the vehicle is in reverse, the rearview camera image fails to display. This increases the risk of a crash or injury. Honda issued a recall notice to replace with a new harness. The replacement did not fix the underlying problem. Our vehicle was “repaired” under the recall but the problem persisted. We were told by our local Honda dealership that we would need to replace the entire AV system to remediate the issue. We paid to have that work done, and the issue has started again. The dealership called Honda to consult with its technicians and they say that the issue is caused by the replacement harness. The work completed under the recall did not remediate the underlying safety issue, we paid thousands of dollars to try to fix it, and are now being told we would have to pay $5000 to repair a manufacturing defect

NHTSA ID

11768131

Incident

Sep 30, 2026

This is the third time that the Auto Idle Engine has caused an issue while driving. If I attempt to turn the system off at a stop light it will automatically force my car into neutral and will not allow me to put my car back into drive. I have to turn the car off completely which it also does NOT allow easily and takes several attempts while I’m sitting in the middle of the road with my hazards on and praying I don’t get rear ended! Once I finally get the car to turn off it then allows me to restart and drive again. This should not be happening and is very unsafe yet when I took it into Honda they couldn’t replicate the issue so they said they couldn’t fix it even though it is a very common and known problem with the Auto Idle Engine!

NHTSA ID

11767136

Incident

Sep 26, 2026

Vehicle has excessive battery drain at times. Auto start-stop causes car to stop in traffic and difficult to restart. The original battery was replaced at 3 1/2 years of age. The replacement battery failed after about 2 years of service and replaced under warranty. That battery has now failed again. The car is a little over 6 years old and by all rights should only now need a replacement battery. I suspect parasitic drain problem but the dealer has only replaced the battery and no other parts I'm aware of.

NHTSA ID

11764118

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

Began to have a small shake in the steering wheel at first I thought i had thrown a tire weight on the front. The shaking became increasing worst to the point I felt unsafe driving the vehicle. I took it to a service center on February 2, 2026 to have it inspected. They informed me a belt in the driver's side tire had shifted, causing the steering shimmy while driving. They said that there was no visual damage to the outside of the tire. When ask they cause the reply that it sometimes happens. I had to have the tire replaced as well as a second for balance. The thread on the tire was recorded at 5/32nds. The tires that were replaced were: Continental CrossContact LX Sport 265/45/R20, DOT A3XKD8WV 2120 104H. I have seen that a similar tire that was produced by Continental the same year was recalled by your organization

NHTSA ID

11763794

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

The 9-speed transmission in my vehicle has been acting very strange after owning it since March 2026.These issues did not start until May 2026. When driving the vehicle at low speeds (under 30mph) the transmission is very jumpy and jerky. When you let off the gas the vehicle rocks back and forth and the rpms drop dramatically. It often feels like the transmission is skipping gears. I took my vehicle to the honda dealership to address the issue and they said there was nothing they could do to fix or look into my issue. I am very upset and I feel like I’ve been cheated out of my hard earned money. Honda needs to address this issue and provide relief for all of the owners who are in the same predicament. Be accountable Honda!

NHTSA ID

11762858

Incident

Sep 7, 2026

Service Bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the auto idle stop feature engages, the vehicle may not automatically restart. In other circumstances, vehicles may experience a slow crank or fail to start under hot ambient temperature conditions.

Dealer Message - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle may not automatically restart. In other circumstances, vehicles may experience a slow crank or fail to start under hot ambient temperature conditions. The customer should be able to restart the vehicle by selecting Park and pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button.

Service Bulletin - The wireless charger starts charging the phone and then stops charging, even when the phone remains in the correct position on the charger due to software specifications that can cause some phones to have issues charging.

Service Bulletin - One or more accessory running board lights are flickering or not working due to a faulty running board light assembly.

Service Bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and engaging idle stop, the vehicle may not restart automatically due to excessive cylinder pressure and/or low cranking torque. Typically, the customer can immediately restart the vehicle by selecting Park and pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button.

Service Bulletin - The AWD warning light is on potentially due to water intrusion into the rear differential pump motor connector area that corrodes the terminals.