2021 Honda Passport Engine Problems

The engine experienced a catastrophic lower-end bearing failure at approximately 63,000 miles. The vehicle had been maintained according to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule at the dealership service department. There were no missed oil changes. The failure occurred without any prior indication that a major internal engine problem was developing. The vehicle was taken to a Honda dealership, where the engine was disassembled. The dealer confirmed a lower-end bearing failure and reported significant metal debris inside the engine. The engine was determined to require complete replacement. A sudden internal engine failure creates the risk of an unexpected loss of power while driving, which can increase the risk of a crash, especially in traffic or at highway speeds. The failed engine is available for inspection through the servicing dealership if requested. The failure has been confirmed by the Honda dealership. No warning lamps or messages provided sufficient advance notice to prevent the failure beyond symptoms associated with the engine failure itself. I am submitting this report because I believe this may represent a manufacturing or design defect rather than normal wear and tear. I request that NHTSA investigate whether similar connecting rod bearing failures are occurring in other Honda Passport vehicles with this engine.

NHTSA ID

11755201

Incident

Jul 25, 2026

The vehicle experienced a catastrophic internal engine failure caused by connecting rod bearing failure. Prior to the failure, the engine developed abnormal internal knocking/noise, indicating bearing deterioration. The engine is currently available for inspection. While traveling approximately 55 mph on [XXX], the check engine warning light illuminated. Within about one mile, the engine rapidly lost power and developed a severe knocking noise. The sudden loss of power at highway speed created a serious safety hazard by reducing my ability to maintain traffic speed and safely maneuver the vehicle. I had my child in the vehicle, and both we and surrounding motorists were placed at risk of a collision while I attempted to move to exit traffic. The failure has been confirmed by an independent repair facility, Absolute Automotive LLC in Parker, Colorado. Their inspection determined the engine suffered internal damage due to connecting rod bearing failure. I have the engine replacement invoice, technician's diagnostic notes, and photographs documenting the engine damage. The vehicle has not been inspected by Honda. I contacted Honda to report the failure and request assistance, but I was informed there was no recall for the 2021 Honda Passport equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine and that Honda would not provide assistance unless a recall existed. Before the engine failed completely, the engine developed abnormal internal knocking/noise. While driving on [XXX], the check engine warning light illuminated, and within approximately one mile the engine lost power and produced a heavy knocking noise, rendering the vehicle unsafe to operate. I am submitting this complaint because a sudden internal engine failure resulting in loss of power at highway speeds presents a significant safety hazard and should be investigated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11753735

Incident

Apr 11, 2026

4th occurrence. Car fails to start. The instrument display reads: AUTO ENGINE IDLE STOP SYSTEM PROBLEM. Electrical system including radio, A/C etc were working. (Including the car alarm which begins honking the horn as soon as I open the door) Repeated attempts to start the car failed to do anything except to annoy anyone within earshot as the horn kept honking! Roadside assistance was not able to get the car started either so it was towed to the dealer. I've had the car into the Honda dealer for recalls but this problem has not been solved.

NHTSA ID

11749959

Incident

Jul 11, 2026

My 2021 Honda Passport Elite suffered cataphoric engine failure at 90,000 miles. The 6th cylinder bearing was missing when my vehicle was towed into Honda for diagnosis after my engine shut off while I was traveling 55 mph. I had no warnings for this failure including no engine noises and no check engine lights. I had to have a new engine put in my vehicle and Honda refused to cover the cost at 100% because they stated there were no open recalls at this time. I feel this is a manufacturer engine defect that is the same as the open recall defect Honda has on the 2017, 2018, and 2019 Pilots with the same 3.5-liter V6. The engine failure descriptions are exactly the same.

NHTSA ID

11735989

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

Mileage

90,212 mi

During an oil change my magnetic drain plug was caked with magnetic gray material with specks of silver flake in it. This oil change has 6142 miles on it. I am concerned because my passport was built in Sept of 2020 right at the transition of the previously recalled j35 motors were produced. Car has been serviced at the Honda dealer since new except last 2 oil changes which were performed by me.

NHTSA ID

11719633

Incident

Jan 31, 2026

Auto idle malfunctioned. At a stop light the engine turned off and it took 5 minutes to restart the engine. No warning lights or messages appeared before it happened. Had the PGM-Fl Idle stop software update done 9/16/23 at 17,582 miles. Took to dealer they could not re create , the car has 46,359 miles now. This is 2nd vehicle this has happened to me , other vehicle same exact auto idle problem started at 60,000 and I drove it for 13,000 miles experiencing stalling out at lights and in stop and go traffic for over a year ( very dangerous and scary experience ) I took it to 2 different Honda dealers numerous times before they finally replaced starter assembly , starter relays and adjusted the valves per the March 2023 warranty extension notice .

NHTSA ID

11716504

Incident

Jan 30, 2026

During a normal drive we came to a stoplight, seconds after stopping, an emissions alert displayed along with transmission and VSA (I think). Upon seeing these codes I began to drive into a gas station and the vehicle barely moved with little power. We were able to park about 40 feet away and the vehicle would not move any further. This sounds similar to the existing recall but this model year is not included. I had to have the vehicle towed.

NHTSA ID

11710381

Incident

Jan 11, 2026

Vehicle has been having AIS issues for a couple of years, requiring new batteries, new starter/relays and countless internal computer updates (none of which have helped btw...). This morning she had the AIS engaged, went to turn left at a green light and when she released the brake the vehicle threw itself into Neutral and flashed a "Auto Idle Stop System Problem" message on the dash. She put it into park and tried to restart, which failed, she then had to turn the vehicle off completely and restart from there. As I mentioned, none of the computer updates Honda has done for this vehicle have helped and it's my understanding there is a block of vehicles in this age range (all Passports, Ridgelines and Pilots) that continue to have problems with the AIS as well. Honda needs to disable this "feature" on any vehicles they cannot fix via computer updates IMMEDIATELY before they get someone killed. Not to mention, we are sick and tired of having to replace the battery and/or starter every couple of years. Honda should not be putting tax breaks above their customers safety and satisfaction. You know it's bad when their 30+ year techs go out of their way to buy a used Honda just to avoid the AIS because they don't know what to do with it at this point either.

NHTSA ID

11702714

Incident

Dec 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Passport. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the connecting rod bearing in cylinder #3, resulting in damage to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 73,000.

NHTSA ID

11693606

Incident

Sep 18, 2025

Mileage

73,000 mi

To preface: All of these issues only occur when the engine idle feature is on. I have not experienced any of these problems when the feature is off. Question #1: When I release the brake with the engine idle on, the vehicle will sometimes completely shut off. When this happens, the steering wheel and brakes lock up, and I am unable to restart the vehicle for at least 60 seconds. Question #2: On one occasion, my wife, our 8-month-old child, and I were stuck at a green light for about 60 seconds while unable to restart the vehicle. Cars were passing by at over 50 mph, and we were relying on other drivers to notice us in time. This situation has happened multiple times and poses a serious safety risk to both us and others on the road. Question #3: I have not taken the vehicle in for service because the issue is difficult to reproduce consistently. That uncertainty is part of the problem, along with the anxiety of not knowing whether the car will suddenly shut off. Question #4: For the same reason, I have not been able to demonstrate the problem on demand. However, the main concern is that I should not have to worry about my vehicle stalling when I go to accelerate. Question #5: The vehicle has completely shut off four separate times over the past year. On one occasion, after releasing the brake, the engine struggled to reach normal RPMs and the check engine light came on. I pulled over, turned the vehicle off, restarted it, and it seemed fine afterward, although it had noticeably less power while the check engine light was on. Lastly, there have been several instances where the engine did not completely shut off when the idle feature was on, but when I released the brake to accelerate, I heard a clicking sound and the vehicle seemed as though it was about to stall. It then resumed operation normally as the idle system re-engaged. Since this happens intermittently, it has been difficult to recreate during a diagnostic inspection.

NHTSA ID

11691991

Incident

Sep 27, 2025

Owned the 2021 Honda Passport for 4 years and have had multiple issues over that time. 1st. Electrical issues. Randomly while driving the center/head unit will continuously restart on a loop until vehicle is turned off and turned back on. 2nd. The speakers make crackling noises randomly while driving. Even when the audio/speakers are turned off the crackling continues. (Very loud and annoying) 3rd. The Passport sometimes shuts off completely when stopped at red lights and has difficultly turning back on / restarting. This showed an error that there was a battery issue, which the battery had just been replaced a month or two earlier. It said something about being in accessory mode. 4th. The sensor that tracks oncoming traffic goes off sporadically. There are times on single lane roads that the car forces the breaks on because it senses cars on the other side. 5th. There has been issues while accelerating that feel like the car is having trouble shifting. It continues to rev but not go, when letting off the gas it almost feels like its doing an engine break to get back down to a certain rpm or something. Had the whole car bouncing, had to pull over and turn off the car to get it to start working properly. *** All of that said, this car has been and continues to feel unsafe to drive for multiple reasons listed above. I'd be more than happy to go into more detail for them if needed. ***

NHTSA ID

11672023

Incident

Jun 23, 2025

Engine Restart failure. Vehicle approached intersection, came to complete start and engine stopped. Vehicle would not restart when I lifted foot off of brake pedal. I had to shut vehicle off, waited a few minutes and restarted it again. Vehicle's Auto Idle Stop system was activate at time. on 12/11/2024 reported incident to NuCar Honda, Norwood, MA. They were unable to duplicate issue.

NHTSA ID

11653020

Incident

Dec 7, 2024

While at a stop light, there was an engine start failure that caused the vehicle not to restart. It took me approximately 5 minutes to get it to start again.

NHTSA ID

11651961

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

Vehicle engine keeps stopping while in drive and puts itself in neutral and turn offs, metal flying around the engine, vehicle jumps and makes loud rattling noise, vehicle electrical issue all components turned themselves off, Catalyst converter and several other vehicle issues alarm safety , vehicle gets stuck on hill

NHTSA ID

11647468

Incident

Feb 22, 2023

I purchased a 2021 Passport this week with 22k miles. Test drive was great, but the next day I noticed a knocking sound coming from the engine at low rpm on a warm engine. I took back to the dealer twice and they told me it was normal… I took it to another Honda and they diagnosed crank bearing knock. I just purchased this car with low miles and it has engine problems which is very scary. Maintenance records are great. I’ve been reading forums and this problem is very common with these engines. A lot of people have been told it was normal, but it is not. It’s very scary and dangerous to find out I bought a defective engine. I have a video of the knocking sound.

NHTSA ID

11645702

Incident

Feb 25, 2025

Engine knocking noise that related to recent Honda crankshaft recalls of certain V6 engines. with 22k miles Honda did replace on main crankshaft bearing to to premature wear on my multiple complains on engine knocking noise that clearly audible between 11 to 17 k RPM. After main bearing replacement the noise is audible so the parts that cause it are still working in this engine. It is super unsafe to have catastrophic failure of an engine on highway or in the mountains with no cellular connection.

NHTSA ID

11614723

Incident

Dec 22, 2022

My car is equipped to cut off when you come to a stop. It has failed to restart after taking your foot off the brake a couple of times, and it has been slow to restart many times.

NHTSA ID

11533062

Incident

Jun 18, 2023

The auto engine idle is failing to properly restart the vehicle. After coming to a complete stop the vehicle will not restart on its own. I have to put the vehicle in park, wait a few minutes and then push the start button to restart the vehicle. The vehicle will be available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others has been put at risk numerous times. The vehicle has failed to restart mid-intersection in heavy traffic., on the highway during stop and go traffic, and at stop lights. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance company. No prior warning signs, messages or lamps have appeared before the problem.

NHTSA ID

11528172

Incident

Jun 12, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11498892

Incident

Dec 26, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11498755

Incident

Oct 12, 2022

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 $200+ 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.

NHTSA ID

11474731

Incident

Jul 17, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11458210

Incident

Mar 21, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11406823

Incident

Apr 2, 2021

Mileage

14 mi

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!

NHTSA ID

11394358

Incident

Jan 22, 2021

Mileage

700 mi