2023 Honda Passport Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2023 Honda Passport, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Driver assistance1632.7%
- Brakes1020.4%
- Powertrain (other)510.2%
- Electrical48.2%
- Engine36.1%
- Suspension24.1%
- Steering12.0%
- Tires & wheels12.0%
- Airbags12.0%
- Visibility12.0%
- Body & structure12.0%
- Fuel system12.0%
- Interior & seats12.0%
- Exterior lighting12.0%
- Seat belts12.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
these cars require a seat calibration after a deer collision. they say your seat sensors are shot and want $900 to fix your seat and recalibrate the system. they also say your passenger airbags will not work without fixing the seat. pure safety for ransome. two seat belts also exploded and the deer walked away. zero body damage to car. this stuff is a joke.
Auto braking same location regardless of traffic
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Auto braking same location regardless of traffic
I already took my car to honda dealer to fix the brake from shaking when it was around 10k miles. It is now happening again.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Problem started at 11,000 miles as very minor and has become progressively worse up to the now 32,000. Vehicle has been to dealerships 5 times with no repair performed. THE MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE: Hesitation and gear searching on acceleration. Intermittent acuity. 3 times I needed to accelerate quickly in order to merge with 40 mph traffic from a stop sign. I stepped on the throttle and the vehicle lurched into traffic then lost power and gear searched for 3 seconds creating a potentially very serious incident. Once the gear engaged, the vehicle took off at a high rate of acceleration and speed causing yet another unsafe condition and making me look like a maniac. THE OTHER SYMPTOMS: 1) Hard Starting, sometimes vehicle seems to sputter, sometimes it revs hard on startup 2) Vehicle sometimes enters some kind of error state similar to the vehicle not being in park when the engine is shut down. An audible alarm sounds, like when the lights are left on or a key is left in the car, and the vehicle refuses to lock the doors on its own as usual. Visual inspection by the driver reveals nothing appears to be wrong. Lights are off, no key left, vehicle is in park. Powering back on, checking park indicator and turning back off seems to reset this condition. 3) Inconsistent accelerator pedal input. Sometimes the vehicle goes much harder or seems to be held back by something at other times. 4) Erratic torque distribution for AWD. Viewed from dash torque distribution readout. AWD engages 100% at all wheels at times of very light throttle on dry pavement. 5) Engine just sounds terrible at idle and at times of hard acceleration. 6) Rough acceleration. Choppy gear shifts. 7) Vehicle continues to push forward under power when throttle is lifted and brakes are applied causing harder than usual brake pedal pressure to be necessary and inconsistent vehicle slowing. 8) No CEL is on. 9) Constant minor weaving due to inconsistent AWD torque delivery. PROBLEM IS ONGOING
my 2023 Honda passport is having shifting problems (high revs, slow nd unpredictable power to wheels) harsh acceleration (not easy to safely /smoothly gauge power and speed from acceleration to wheel) high revs "stuck" --not shifting down smoothly/safely These issues are on going. I also researched and saw this has been reported b y other Honda Passport( 2023) owners. I contacted dealer 10/16/25 to document the complaint and asked dealer to call me back if any service advisories or recalls, they said no, but a service advisor wuld contat me if they felt a follow up was needed. Also, the vehicle had 'catastrophic' computer failure with power lost and warning lights within first 2 years --transmission lost power/engine still ran and forced into the breakdown lane and have vehicle towed. . Dealer did some type of reset. VIN # 5FNYF8H59PB027063
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
On 11 Apr 2025, I was driving my 2023 Honda Passport at night on a toll road in clear weather when my infant son began screaming in distress. I pulled over onto the shoulder, partially onto a dirt area with bushes for more space. I pressed the “Park” button, unbuckled my seatbelt, and opened the driver door to step out. As I did, the vehicle suddenly began rolling forward despite being in Park with the door open and the seatbelt off. I fell trying to exit and had to roll away from the vehicle as it continued moving. A passenger jumped into the front seat and stopped it. This wasn’t a lurch or slight movement the car rolled enough to put me in danger. It behaved as if it were in Neutral, not Park. I later tested the same conditions (engine running, door open, seatbelt off), and the vehicle auto-shifted to Park as designed. This confirms the safety feature failed in that moment. No warning lights, alerts, or error messages appeared before or during the incident. I reported the issue to Honda and asked the dealer to inspect the transmission and interlock systems. No faults or diagnostic codes were found. The service advisor said Park can take a second to engage, but the movement I experienced was excessive and unsafe. This is a serious safety concern, especially with children in the car. I’ve also seen other reports of similar issues in Passport and Pilot forums. I have manageable scrapes and a joint effusion in my knee
My Auto-Electronic braking was randomly engaging while I was driving. It was unnecessary, & scary. It would just engage, then stop. Then, My Emissions Systems Light came on, & would NOT go off. I had to get to a safe place. The dealership told me to bring it to them, it NEVER WENT OFF THE WARNING WAS ON CONSISTENTLY. It Never Blinked or went off @ all. I was on the highway, & they kept it overnight. They told me they cleared it & THE EMISSIONS CODE NEVER CAME ON. YES, It DID. They still have it tonight bc I refused to take it back, when I was CLEARLY BEING TOLD I DID NOT SEE WHAT I SAW (EVEN PARKED) WHERE WOULD I GET THAT FROM IF THE LIGHT DIDN’T GO COME ON? They refused to acknowledge what happened, & as of right now I’m in a rental even though they wanted their rental back. It’s a 2023, bought brand new. Full Warranty, & They are putting People @ RISK. I DROVE AS SLOW AS I COULD, & FOLLOWED THE DIRECTIONS FROM THE OWNERS MANUAL. I Could have been re-ended, due to erratic braking, & my entire vehicle could be destroyed if HONDA REFUSES TO OWN UP TO THE MALFUNCTION. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS W/THIS SUV SINCE THE 1st Week I bought it. I believe it should be taken back UNDER THE LEMON LAW! IT’S NOT SAFE! NOT even 7,000 miles on it yet. I bought it w/7 miles. IT started by saying I was departing my lane when I wasn’t for about a week, then the brakes would just slam on randomly. THEY SAID THEY RESET IT, they REFUSED TO CHANGE THE OIL @ 70%, had a new guy, who stated the EMISSIONS LIGHT DID NOT COME ON! It Did! I drove as slow as possible on the highway to get it to service bc I had NO CHOICE. They said the the camera was dirty, then the braking was fine, via the code went off, BUT DID NOT DRIVE IT. THEY LITERALLY CALLED ME A LIAR THAT THE EMISSIONS LIGHT DIDN’T COME ON. It was on when I drove it in, & left it. They DID NOT INSPECT EMISSIONS. Emissions has nothing to do with THEIR EXPLANATIONS. I don’t have an invoice yet, I refused taking it back. THEY HAVEN’T EVEN DRIVEN IT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
my 2023 Honda passport is having shifting problems (high revs, slow nd unpredictable power to wheels) harsh acceleration (not easy to safely /smoothly gauge power and speed from acceleration to wheel) high revs "stuck" --not shifting down smoothly/safely These issues are on going. I also researched and saw this has been reported b y other Honda Passport( 2023) owners. I contacted dealer 10/16/25 to document the complaint and asked dealer to call me back if any service advisories or recalls, they said no, but a service advisor wuld contat me if they felt a follow up was needed. Also, the vehicle had 'catastrophic' computer failure with power lost and warning lights within first 2 years --transmission lost power/engine still ran and forced into the breakdown lane and have vehicle towed. . Dealer did some type of reset. VIN # 5FNYF8H59PB027063
Car feels sluggish and delays accelerating when driven. Occasionally will make a strange sounds when trying to accelerate. The automatic brake will engage when there no obstacle in front of me while I’m driving- has happened a few times since I bought the car. At times, the car will not turn on when the ignition button is selected for no apparent reason.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
When I'm driving my 2023 honda passport my steering wheel vibrates/shakes feels almost like the wheel is gonna come off. When I turn my steering wheel left or right driving or parked I hear a loud knock noise coming from under the front of my car. I have had multiple things checked and looked at and brand new tires and no matter what. When I get an alignment my car still pulls one way or another. I thinks its the steering gearbox
*Left-Driver Side and Right-Passenger side under hood a loud clunk when backing out of driveway or parking space when turning the steering wheel to a very sharp turn. Yes, available for inspection. *It feels like something is coming loose when backing up and turning sharply. *Yes, the dealer heard the noise and replaced the Driver Side Axle. *No Inspection by other entities. *No warnings
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
When I'm driving my 2023 honda passport my steering wheel vibrates/shakes feels almost like the wheel is gonna come off. When I turn my steering wheel left or right driving or parked I hear a loud knock noise coming from under the front of my car. I have had multiple things checked and looked at and brand new tires and no matter what. When I get an alignment my car still pulls one way or another. I thinks its the steering gearbox
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
Tread separation on one of the tires at approximately 34K miles of driving and premature tread wear. 2023 Honda Passport, bought new from Classic Honda in Orlando Florida. Dealer wouldn't report it to Continental Tires and quoted me to install 2 new tires from the same brand (Continental) and after charging me alignment (that didn't solve the problem on my first visit).
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
these cars require a seat calibration after a deer collision. they say your seat sensors are shot and want $900 to fix your seat and recalibrate the system. they also say your passenger airbags will not work without fixing the seat. pure safety for ransome. two seat belts also exploded and the deer walked away. zero body damage to car. this stuff is a joke.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have a honda passport 2023 that I bought 6 months ago. I was parking into my driveway when suddenly heard a strong noise coming from the back. I looked through my rear mirror and saw all my back windshield shattered without any object hitting it, I'm glad I wasn't driving on the fwy or my son wasn't in the back seat. I reported to honda dealer and even do they agree to do a one time no cost replacement due to low mileage. They said they haven heard any cases of this safety manufacture defect.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Electrical Malfunction along w/Braking Systems. Electrical Malfunction, caused braking failure. Collision avoided by driver. Call not switched over due to being connected w/electrical circuit in braking system. This occurred within 30 days of buying vehicle. Emergency Brake, & Braking, not working causing vehicle to role backwards while parked in flat garage. Tailgate not closing properly. Causing loud noises and banging sound while driving. Driver has read manual & confirmed that it is not closing correctly. It would not let me close through any method in car manual. All of these things are connected electronically & or through the electrical system. The computer system that controls the electrical panel of braking, navigation, calls, radio, etc, & recall says braking system assembled incorrectly, causing electronics failure throughout vehicle & communications systems. Less than 30 days after purchase, want Lemon Law in effect. RECALL WAS NOT DISCLOSED TO ME PRIOR TO PURCHASE! EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! I PURCHASED THIS 6/6/23, WITH APPROXIMATELY 1-10 MILES ON IT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
My Auto-Electronic braking was randomly engaging while I was driving. It was unnecessary, & scary. It would just engage, then stop. Then, My Emissions Systems Light came on, & would NOT go off. I had to get to a safe place. The dealership told me to bring it to them, it NEVER WENT OFF THE WARNING WAS ON CONSISTENTLY. It Never Blinked or went off @ all. I was on the highway, & they kept it overnight. They told me they cleared it & THE EMISSIONS CODE NEVER CAME ON. YES, It DID. They still have it tonight bc I refused to take it back, when I was CLEARLY BEING TOLD I DID NOT SEE WHAT I SAW (EVEN PARKED) WHERE WOULD I GET THAT FROM IF THE LIGHT DIDN’T GO COME ON? They refused to acknowledge what happened, & as of right now I’m in a rental even though they wanted their rental back. It’s a 2023, bought brand new. Full Warranty, & They are putting People @ RISK. I DROVE AS SLOW AS I COULD, & FOLLOWED THE DIRECTIONS FROM THE OWNERS MANUAL. I Could have been re-ended, due to erratic braking, & my entire vehicle could be destroyed if HONDA REFUSES TO OWN UP TO THE MALFUNCTION. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS W/THIS SUV SINCE THE 1st Week I bought it. I believe it should be taken back UNDER THE LEMON LAW! IT’S NOT SAFE! NOT even 7,000 miles on it yet. I bought it w/7 miles. IT started by saying I was departing my lane when I wasn’t for about a week, then the brakes would just slam on randomly. THEY SAID THEY RESET IT, they REFUSED TO CHANGE THE OIL @ 70%, had a new guy, who stated the EMISSIONS LIGHT DID NOT COME ON! It Did! I drove as slow as possible on the highway to get it to service bc I had NO CHOICE. They said the the camera was dirty, then the braking was fine, via the code went off, BUT DID NOT DRIVE IT. THEY LITERALLY CALLED ME A LIAR THAT THE EMISSIONS LIGHT DIDN’T COME ON. It was on when I drove it in, & left it. They DID NOT INSPECT EMISSIONS. Emissions has nothing to do with THEIR EXPLANATIONS. I don’t have an invoice yet, I refused taking it back. THEY HAVEN’T EVEN DRIVEN IT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
these cars require a seat calibration after a deer collision. they say your seat sensors are shot and want $900 to fix your seat and recalibrate the system. they also say your passenger airbags will not work without fixing the seat. pure safety for ransome. two seat belts also exploded and the deer walked away. zero body damage to car. this stuff is a joke.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Purchased this 2023 Honda Passport on January 31, 2026 as a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle from Venice Honda, Venice Florida. On July 15, 2026, I noticed condensation inside the entire lens of my left headlight. The attached pictures will show no damage at all to the headlight. Venice Honda examined the vehicle and headlight on July 27, 2026 and upon completion the service tech stated that the CPO warrantee will not cover this headlight replacement. I advised the tech that on March 3, 2023, Honda released Technical Service Bulletin 23-024 regarding moisture in the headlights on 2019-2023 Passports. I am deeply concerned that enough moisture inside the headlight would cause corrosion leading to shorting out the headlight. Attached is Technical Service Bulletin 23-024.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
When both the left and right rear passenger seatbelts are in use independently from each other, the seatbelt warning signal is initiated when a passenger is seated in the respected positional location. The warning signal is both visible and audible when a passenger is buckled in and seated.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .