2021 Honda Passport Problems

Honda has a recall on certain vin numbers for the starter. My starter i was told to replace at a $2500 fee from reggie jackson honda in raleigh nc. I had to visit the dealership 3 times, they said its the battery, replaced the battery at my cost, now they said its the starter. They said there is a recall but my vin number was not included in the recall. The starter is worn out from the auto start and stop feature at stop lights. My issue is it will stop at a stop light and it wont start again then a warning comes on the screen about collision detection issue, then the warning goes away quickly and eventually i will get it to start but it is a safety issue that honda is aware of. I am asking honda to do partial credit on repair costs, but i dont understand why my vin number was excluded. The managers name was ruben lopez who informed me that the starter is causing issues, and sometimes its the battery, but that my vin wasnt covered. I just want my vehicle to not get stuck at after stopping in traffic when honda knows of the issue it should be covered for a lifetime warranty or recall. The stopping issue where it wont start again happens approximately 1 time per month, and seems to be in warmer weather but i cannot confirm this nor do i keep an exact log of when it happens. Thank you.

The multipurpose front camera on my 2021 Honda Passport failed without warning, causing mutliple Honda sensing safety systems to become inoperative. Warning messages appeared indicating failures of the collision mitigation braking system, adaptaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist system, road departure mitigation system, and other driver assistance features. The vehicle has not been involved in a front end collision and the camera failure was diagnosed by a Honda dealership as requiring replacement of the multipurpose camera assembly. This is a significant safety concern because the failure of a single component disables numerous advanced driver assistance systems that are designed to help prevent crashes. I have learned that similar front camera failures have been reported by owners of other Honda models using comparable Honda sensing technology. Because this failure affects critical safety systems and appears to be more than an isolated incident, I am submitting this complaint so it can be documented and investigated.

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.

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)

Honda has a recall on certain vin numbers for the starter. My starter i was told to replace at a $2500 fee from reggie jackson honda in raleigh nc. I had to visit the dealership 3 times, they said its the battery, replaced the battery at my cost, now they said its the starter. They said there is a recall but my vin number was not included in the recall. The starter is worn out from the auto start and stop feature at stop lights. My issue is it will stop at a stop light and it wont start again then a warning comes on the screen about collision detection issue, then the warning goes away quickly and eventually i will get it to start but it is a safety issue that honda is aware of. I am asking honda to do partial credit on repair costs, but i dont understand why my vin number was excluded. The managers name was ruben lopez who informed me that the starter is causing issues, and sometimes its the battery, but that my vin wasnt covered. I just want my vehicle to not get stuck at after stopping in traffic when honda knows of the issue it should be covered for a lifetime warranty or recall. The stopping issue where it wont start again happens approximately 1 time per month, and seems to be in warmer weather but i cannot confirm this nor do i keep an exact log of when it happens. Thank you.

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.

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)

WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MERGE ONTO A SECONDARY ROAD AFTER EXITING THE INTERSTATE ENGINE POWER WASNT THERE AND THE CAR FELT AS IT WAS GOING TO EVENTUALLY JUST DIE. THIS HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN OVER 50 MILES, SO IT WAS AT OPERATING TEMP.. REMOVING FOOT OFF THE THROTTLE AND REALPPLYING SEVERAL TIMES HAD THE CAR RETURN TO FULL POWER. LUCKILY, FOR THIS INCIDENT, TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT AND THE MERGE LANE WAS LONG. SO FAR THIS HAS OCCURED TWICE IN THE MONTYH OF JANUARY 2026.

I purchased a used 2021 Passport the end of May 2025. While driving, the 'collision mitigation braking system' or CMBS would activate the braking system and would intermittently just brake, causing panic for not only myself, but I'm sure drivers behind me for suddenly braking with no imminent threat in from of me. This happened multiple times without receiving any warning or notifications, just suddenly. It would happen without warning, or sometimes nearing a bridge or a cover plate on the road, which almost caused accidents multiple times to get rear ended. I have driven for decades and never felt anxiety until I drove this vehicle for a few months. I felt scared driving this vehicle, feeling uncertain when it would suddenly just brake. Eventually after a few months of driving, I got a reading that said CMBS problem on the screen. I scheduled an appointment with the dealer. The dealer suggested a near $3000 replacement for a camera (on a 2021 vehicle). At the appointment, I ultimately returned this vehicle to the dealer where I bought it and unfortunately lost out on thousands of dollars after having the vehicle about 6 months. I have always liked Honda, and have had 2 prior Hondas, but with this vehicle purchase, I felt the most unsafe I have ever felt in a vehicle, and moving forward will not feel comfortable purchasing Honda.

Was driving 47 mph at 12:35 EST on a clear sunny day and car braked automatically. No car in front of me.

Fuel Injectors/ Misfires

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.

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Passport. The contact stated that while after parking the vehicle in a garage and attempting to depress the button to collapse the side view mirrors, the function failed to operate. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to have the wires replaced. The contact stated that shortly after the repair, the failure recurred. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer and was informed by the dealer that the vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V174000 (Visibility) however, the VIN search found that the recall was not associated with the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

See attached document from complainant

No incident has occurred. However, my concern is that a recall was issued on February 1, 2024 (NHTSA Recall Number 24V-064), and as of October 31, 2025, Honda is still stating that parts are not available to complete the repair. I first contacted Honda in March 2025—over a year after the recall was issued—and was informed that the necessary parts were still unavailable. I called again in October 2025, and received the same response. We are now approaching two years since this recall was announced, and it is unacceptable and inexcusable that Honda has yet to provide the parts needed to correct this safety issue.

There were no warning light, malfunction errors or anything prior to 1/4/2025. My passenger seat weight sensor was supposedly finally replaced on 4/9/2025 (I kept being turned away due to the part not being available), but it is still not working, as it is not illuminating/communicating with the dashboard appropriately. I told the dealer this the same day and they said it was late in the day so I had to bring it back. I went back to the shop twice and the second time they kept my car for 5 hours and said they couldn’t figure out why it’s not working so I would have to go back to the collision shop from 1/9/2024 to see if it is a wire or air bag issue. I got in my car and noticed that now the passer seat belt alarm is on so I took it back. They told me they can’t keep examining my car and I would have to pay for a full diagnostic test to see why the seat belt alarm and weight sensor is not working. I kept going back and forth with them that this is a safety issue and it needs to be fixed and I should not have to pay for this because at least the seat belt alarm was working before I went to them on 4/29/25. I also asked for a supervisor and was told no one was available and I would have to come back a 4th time. I left and instead of going back for who knows how long, I called the collision shop on 4/30/25 and have gone back and forth with them about finding out why my car is still not fixed. It is now 5/7/2025 and neither my passenger air bag sensor or seat belt sensor is working properly and the alarm is still beeping unless I lock the passenger seat belt. I do not trust the dealership and I am pissed off at the collision shop because no one seems to care that there are safety defects that are still not working correctly. I should also not have to pay for something that was out of my control and should have been done correctly the first time. I need some help now as this is an urgent matter and I do not feel safe or that my passenger will be safe in my vehicle.

SRS warning light came on. Diagnostic found Code U3000-49 Internal Failure of the SRS unit-Seat weight sensors on front passenger seat Front seat lower frame/rail required replacement and was completed by the dealer at my out of pocket cost. This vehicle was not included in the Honda 750,000 vehicle recall for this same defect. Reference Notice 24-050

There were no warning light, malfunction errors or anything prior to 1/4/2025. My passenger seat weight sensor was supposedly finally replaced on 4/9/2025 (I kept being turned away due to the part not being available), but it is still not working, as it is not illuminating/communicating with the dashboard appropriately. I told the dealer this the same day and they said it was late in the day so I had to bring it back. I went back to the shop twice and the second time they kept my car for 5 hours and said they couldn’t figure out why it’s not working so I would have to go back to the collision shop from 1/9/2024 to see if it is a wire or air bag issue. I got in my car and noticed that now the passer seat belt alarm is on so I took it back. They told me they can’t keep examining my car and I would have to pay for a full diagnostic test to see why the seat belt alarm and weight sensor is not working. I kept going back and forth with them that this is a safety issue and it needs to be fixed and I should not have to pay for this because at least the seat belt alarm was working before I went to them on 4/29/25. I also asked for a supervisor and was told no one was available and I would have to come back a 4th time. I left and instead of going back for who knows how long, I called the collision shop on 4/30/25 and have gone back and forth with them about finding out why my car is still not fixed. It is now 5/7/2025 and neither my passenger air bag sensor or seat belt sensor is working properly and the alarm is still beeping unless I lock the passenger seat belt. I do not trust the dealership and I am pissed off at the collision shop because no one seems to care that there are safety defects that are still not working correctly. I should also not have to pay for something that was out of my control and should have been done correctly the first time. I need some help now as this is an urgent matter and I do not feel safe or that my passenger will be safe in my vehicle.

Tire sidewall separation. Tire manufacturer has recalled other tires with different mold numbers for this exact same issue but this tire isn't included in recall but has now shown the same issue. This could have caused a catastrophic blowout failure had I not caught.

Tire Blowout on pothole with appox diameter less than 4" 265 45 R 20

Automatic high beam headlights turn on and off sporadically causing flashing lights for oncoming traffic.

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.

On my way to work I was on the highway and five warning lights came on out of no where. All five warnings were the safety assist systems had problems. I drove to the Honda dealership and found out it was my microchip for my honda,the main microchip for all of the safety and system controls were dead/bad and that it would need to be replace. I was told by the service manager that without the micro chip the vehicle would no longer be drivable as it controls power steering system, brakes system, lane departures, etc. If I would have ignored those warning lights, all of those systems all systems would have failed putting my life at risk and others in their vehicles as well . My vehicle was bought with 3 miles on the speedometer and was only 2 years old at the time of this occurrence.

Forward Collision Warning (FCW): At random intervals, the FCW will give a false positive warning of an imminent collision with a car approaching from the opposite direction. This has occurred at various times over the past 2+ years. Comments to this effect to the Honda service representatives have indicated that this anomaly has been reported previously. They have not provided a fix or software update to correct this issue. The event is a safety issue because of the distraction from focusing on the road ahead. Although the automatic braking system has not been employed, the driver may in response to the false warning apply the brakes and cause an accident inadvertently.

Emission System Problem All Wheel Drive Problem Warning light on and off on Dashboard.

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.

There were no warning light, malfunction errors or anything prior to 1/4/2025. My passenger seat weight sensor was supposedly finally replaced on 4/9/2025 (I kept being turned away due to the part not being available), but it is still not working, as it is not illuminating/communicating with the dashboard appropriately. I told the dealer this the same day and they said it was late in the day so I had to bring it back. I went back to the shop twice and the second time they kept my car for 5 hours and said they couldn’t figure out why it’s not working so I would have to go back to the collision shop from 1/9/2024 to see if it is a wire or air bag issue. I got in my car and noticed that now the passer seat belt alarm is on so I took it back. They told me they can’t keep examining my car and I would have to pay for a full diagnostic test to see why the seat belt alarm and weight sensor is not working. I kept going back and forth with them that this is a safety issue and it needs to be fixed and I should not have to pay for this because at least the seat belt alarm was working before I went to them on 4/29/25. I also asked for a supervisor and was told no one was available and I would have to come back a 4th time. I left and instead of going back for who knows how long, I called the collision shop on 4/30/25 and have gone back and forth with them about finding out why my car is still not fixed. It is now 5/7/2025 and neither my passenger air bag sensor or seat belt sensor is working properly and the alarm is still beeping unless I lock the passenger seat belt. I do not trust the dealership and I am pissed off at the collision shop because no one seems to care that there are safety defects that are still not working correctly. I should also not have to pay for something that was out of my control and should have been done correctly the first time. I need some help now as this is an urgent matter and I do not feel safe or that my passenger will be safe in my vehicle.

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.

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.

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.