2026 Honda Passport Owner Complaints

Vehicle: 2026 Honda Passport VIN: [XXX] Mileage at time of most recent incident: ~16,795 miles Dealer(s): Garcia Honda, Albuquerque, NM (selling dealer); Honda of Santa Fe (servicing dealer) Complaint narrative: I am experiencing recurring electrical system failures and brake-related warning malfunctions in my 2026 Honda Passport that have required three separate repair attempts: [XXX] (RO [XXX]): Auto Stop/Start system shut down unexpectedly. Dealer installed a software update. Vehicle died while driving, [XXX] (RO [XXX]): Vehicle died while driving, with hazard lights inoperative. Diagnostic code U1291 was found, but the dealer could not confirm the underlying fault. [XXX] (RO [XXX], ongoing): Vehicle displayed multiple warning lights and a brake system malfunction message. As of 9/22/2026, the vehicle remains at the dealership and has been disassembled for diagnosis. These are not isolated incidents — the 2026 Passport has multiple other owner-reported complaints to NHTSA describing unexpected shutdowns, brake system warnings activating without cause, and safety features engaging unexpectedly, suggesting a pattern consistent with an underlying electrical/braking system defect rather than a vehicle-specific issue. The unpredictable nature of these failures — sudden shutdown while driving, loss of hazard lights, and unexplained brake warnings — poses an ongoing safety risk to myself and other drivers. I am also currently pursuing lemon law arbitration against Honda (NCDS case HON260745) regarding this vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11766031

Incident

Apr 8, 2026

The car in question is a 2026 Honda Passport Trailsport Elite that I purchased in August of 2026 -- and that I'm now thinking of selling! Occasionally when accelerating from a stopped position the acceleration will hesitate for a full second, followed by a slight herky jerky motion. This presents a dangerous situation --- particularly when turning left with oncoming traffic barrelling down. This does not happen all the time but its scary and I end up just waiting to turn rather than risking getting t-boned. I notice on Reddit and the Honda forum that this is a known issue! Nobody has offered a reason. I feel like selling the car it's so bad.

NHTSA ID

11765901

Incident

Aug 7, 2026

Cracks appeared on my headlight lens, some all the way through. Its a condition called crazing. Honda refuses to replace saying that I damaged them, which I haven't. If it rains hard, water can enter causing a short , headlights going out or a short causing a fire.

NHTSA ID

11765331

Incident

Aug 31, 2026

I just bought the brand new vehicle about a month and a half ago. Went on a vacation in [XXX] National [XXX]. I was cruising along XXX in [XXX], smooth highway, no one near me, great weather, and all of a sudden, there was a huge boom sound so loud, and glass fell down on me, I looked up and my sunroof had exploded and shattered, while the shade was open. I never saw any vehicle near me or bad weather or problem. Just cruising speed on an open highway. I read online and have been told this is a known occurrence with sunroofs in Honda Passports, and have researched online seeing it happen to others. I pulled over and called my Honda dealership. The recommended a crash wrap and to close the shade. I couldn't get it wrapped until I got home to [XXX], and my dealer did that. The shattering occurred on XXX about noon. It was scary, and I had glass in my hair, lap, and all around me in the car. No issues prior that I was aware of. I was looking straight ahead on the open highway when this occurred. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11764738

Incident

Sep 11, 2026

The driver’s front seat has an internal manufacturing defect causing severe physical pain and numbness, creating a hazardous distraction and impacting my ability to safely operate the vehicle. While operating my 2026 Honda Passport, the driver's front seat induces intense pressure and localized pain against my tailbone and lower back within 20 to 30 minutes of driving. Investigation reveals a known community design flaw where a rigid internal component or improperly fitted seat ventilation hardware creates a hard, localized ridge right at the cushion junction. The sudden onset of severe tailbone pain and lower extremity numbness forces me to constantly shift body weight and alter my seating posture while the vehicle is in motion. This causes an extreme, continuous driver distraction, delays my reaction time to brake or steer, and makes maintaining proper vehicle control difficult during extended highway travel. I have had to resort to using aftermarket padding that alters my driving height and position, potentially compromising the engineered effectiveness of the vehicle's airbag and seatbelt safety systems. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Honda dealership for inspection. The service department turned me away, despite several others concurring that they can feel the presence of the intrusion. I’ve sat in several other Honda Passport Trailsports where the same seat defect is not present. I was informed by Honda that the seat is built "within factory specifications," meaning the design flaw cannot be corrected by swapping standard components.

NHTSA ID

11763851

Incident

Sep 3, 2026

Driving from [XXX] to [XXX], just over 1hr into trip @ 100 miles out of town and on one of the many steep inclines on the route, the engine power seemed to pulse, as if increase and decrease of gas/acceleration, then has every single alert possible illuminated on dash with the bell sound: Electric power steering system problem, steering assist reduced. Electric parking brake system problem, parking brake not available. Brake system problem, brake performance may be reduced. Brake hold system problem, apply brake when stopped. Vehicle stability assist system problem, reduced traction and handling. Trailer stability assist system problem. Hill descent control system problem, apply brake when descending. Hill start assist problem, vehicle may roll upon brake release. Adaptive cruise control system problem. Collision mitigation braking system problem. Road departure mitigation system problem. Low speed braking control problem. Emission system problem, avoid heavy acceleration and high speed. All wheel drive system problem, only front wheels may be powered. All alerts ending with 'See your dealer' The car then had reduced power which was a significant safety concern and driving risk when navigating hills and traffic flowing at 75mph uphill while this vehicle going slower and slower regardless of gas pedal pressure: 65mph, than 60mph, than 55mph, than 50mhp eating gas like crazy. Coasted into gas station to asses. At low speed there was a rattle upon pressing gas pedal coming from under the hood. The vehicle is 3 months old and has 4,197 miles. It is not simply that the alerts illuminated, those systems were all affected: braking, steering, acceleration, lane departure, cruise control etc. all were not working. Heavy acceleration and high speed were not even an option. Somehow made it back to [XXX] in limp/aux mode. Dealer has had vehicle for 6 hours and no update other than, 'it's not the battery' INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11762827

Incident

Sep 6, 2026

Re: Case #[XXX] – Outstanding Concerns Case #[XXX] 2026 Honda PASSPORT, VIN: [XXX]. As we discussed, I am requesting that American Honda Motor Co. voluntarily repurchase my 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite. March 9, 2026: During a scheduled oil change, I reported the phone echo and infotainment concerns. The dealership was unable to duplicate the issue at that time. May 27, 2026: Vehicle evaluated for recurring infotainment concerns. The issues were not resolved. June 1, 2026: Vehicle returned for continued infotainment concerns. The issues remained unresolved. June 19, 2026: The dealership replaced the entire infotainment/head unit. Unfortunately, the original defects persisted immediately following the repair. In addition, Honda released an over-the-air (OTA) software update in March 2026. That update also did not resolve the infotainment defects. Since purchasing the vehicle in late October 2025, I have experienced persistent infotainment defects, including a phone echo affecting the receiving party on every outgoing phone call. Since I began formally documenting the issues in March 2026, I have documented 21 infotainment freezes and screen blackout incidents. These issues began shortly after I purchased the vehicle in November 2025 but were not individually documented until March. The multiple issues with my infotainment system screen blacking out while driving is a significant safety concern and prohibits my ability To safely use my car for maps and GPS road conditions in the daily mountain areas I drive safely. Despite my attempt to bring this to Honda corporate on two separate occasions, they are dismissing the case. Honda engineers have admitted as of July 2, 2026 in writing that this is a known issue and they are admitted in writing, there is no fix. My Honda dealer has worked relentlessly to try to help me and Honda corporate customer service has dismissed me. I need help for my significant safety issue! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(

NHTSA ID

11762461

Incident

Nov 1, 2025

10 speed transmission at times down shifts harshly at low speed coming to a stop. you have to feather the brake pedal to come to a smooth stop without the head jerking. At times can hear and feel the gears downshift coming to a stop and occasional jolt right before the car comes to a complete stop. I've never had to think about braking to a smooth stop ever before this 10 speed transmission. This is coming from a similar Honda SUV with 6 speed transmission (2012 pilot). Resetting the transmission's adaptive learning values did not resolve the issue. I request that Honda investigate this defect, provide a software reprogram, or issue a recall to fix the shift quality.

NHTSA ID

11762423

Incident

Sep 6, 2026

On 8/23/26 with 700 miles the panoramic shade would not close all the way. When used the button to retract, there was some loud clicking. I was able to guide the shade to close, but the shade has a sag on the front right.

NHTSA ID

11760780

Incident

Aug 23, 2026

The vehicle's infotainment system displays an OTA software update error message on every startup. Honda dealerships are unable to correct this issue without further intervention and software updates from Honda corporate. Dealer has stated that this issue may interfere with reliable over-the-air software updates, including any potential safety-related updates delivered through this OTA system.

NHTSA ID

11759730

Incident

Jul 31, 2026

I would like to register a formal complaint regarding the front seats in my 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite. The seat ventilation system creates significant discomfort around the tailbone, making it extremely difficult to tolerate drives of any meaningful length. I did not raise this concern sooner because my wife typically drives the vehicle and had accepted the discomfort as “normal.” It is not normal. I recently drove the vehicle to a store only 1.5 miles away, and by the time I arrived, the pressure and discomfort on my tailbone were already difficult to tolerate. This issue is not merely uncomfortable; it is a significant distraction for the driver and, in my opinion, a safety concern. A premium trim vehicle should not create this kind of problem. If anything, it should provide a high level of comfort. I have contacted the dealer where I purchased the vehicle, but their only proposed solution has been for me to trade it in for another new vehicle, which would leave me at a financial disadvantage. I believe Honda should recognize this as a design flaw and offer affected customers an appropriate remedy, such as replacement seats that resolve the issue or compensation that would allow customers to purchase aftermarket seats that do not have this problem.

NHTSA ID

11759065

Incident

Aug 23, 2026

The steering wheel clicks when turning. Purchase dealership did nothing. 2nd Honda dealer ship replaced the clock spring and steering column. Helped for a day then the noise returned. Additionally, there’s a dead spot when turning. It feels like a pause and the the vehicle takes a minute to catch up. Very unnerving.

NHTSA ID

11756372

Incident

May 11, 2026

PASSPORT 10 SPEED HARSH SHIFTING AT LOW SPEEDS. DOES NOT SHIFT FROM LOWER GEARS SMOOTHLY. ENGINE REVS BETWEEN GEARS. IT'S A HYDRAULYIC SHIFT FLARE. IN ADDITION, HARSH DOWNSHIFTING AND ABRUPT DECELERATION WHEN LIFTING OFF THE GAS PEDAL.

NHTSA ID

11755655

Incident

Jan 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Honda Passport. The contact stated that the wheel alignment was required due to an off-center steering wheel. The contact stated that on the second day of ownership, the vehicle shuddered, jerked, lurched, and hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated during the transmission failure. Additionally, the multi-view camera system malfunctioned while driving, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that the transmission and the camera system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the transmission failure recurred within five minutes of retrieving the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. A district manager informed the contact that the transmission function was related to the adaptive learning and might be resolved with continued driving. The contact stated that the manufacturer failed to accept responsibility for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190.

NHTSA ID

11755279

Incident

Apr 7, 2026

Mileage

190 mi

The vehicle’s software can’t be updated due to a well known long standing error. This could effect safety systems, I was told that my car has four updates (dealer)which can’t download/install due to this OTA problems. Whats worse is that Hondas engineers looked at my vehicle’s systems and reported no pending updates. Short story, this has been years of errors that Honda can’t fix. Dealer said that repairs could potentially “brick” my vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11754870

Incident

Apr 15, 2026

I was driving approximately 70 MPH, on a freeway in rain; I moved to the passing lane to go around a semi-truck. Spray from the semi was heavy but I could still see the road. Suddenly, the car brakes engaged very strongly. We were jolted forward in our seats. Had a car been following me, that driver may not have had time to brake himself. I believe the dash flashed a large braking sign. It only happened once. I'm reporting it to the dealer tomorrow for the first time.

NHTSA ID

11754813

Incident

Dec 28, 2025

On July 31, 2026, we we're driving north on interstate 81 in northeastern Pennsylvania when a small rock flew up from another vehicle striking the windshield and creating a small star-shaped crack in the windshield.

NHTSA ID

11754206

Incident

Jul 31, 2026

On June 29, 2026, we were driving on interstate 87 near the Albany airport when a small rock struck my car windshield which caused a small, star-shaped crack on the driver's side of my windshield. I took the car immediately to a Safelite location near the Albany airport to try and have the star repaired at their facility however the effort failed and turned the small star shape into a one foot crack going across the windshield. It was eventually replaced at another Safelite the following week.

NHTSA ID

11754204

Incident

Jun 29, 2026

My 2026 Honda Passport has experienced two separate “phantom breaking” events while I was driving on clear roadways without any other traffic. Both events occurred while driving with cruise control set at 35 mph.

NHTSA ID

11753670

Incident

Jul 29, 2026

I took my card to Honda Of Staten Island. An advisor took a ride in my car and heard the knocking noise from under the Honda Passport. He asked to have the car be put on a lift to make sure there was nothing dangerous with the passport, after it was checked by a mechanic, they said it was safe to drive, the noise has become louder. I checked on Honda's website with my Vin, and nothing comes up on recall, however when I look with my model, year it says Rr Subframe bolt. I am hoping that Honda does not say they can't find anything wrong when I clearly hear the noise Honda's website is describing. I thought I inform NHTSA about this. I don't want to get into an accident or for that matter anyone else because of this issue.

NHTSA ID

11752729

Incident

Jun 16, 2026

The sunroof shattered without any impact issue, while we were driving down the road at approximately 65 MPH. If the sunshade had not been closed the driver and two passengers would have been showered in glass risking serious injury. The driver would have been challenged to maintain control risking serious injury to those in his vehicle and others on a busy highway. High Risk incident. I'm from Iowa and purchased the vehicle in Des Moines. The sunroof failed in just north of Greeley Colorado, and I had to have the repairs completed in Greeley, at the Honda dealer. The dealer claims that "glass is not a warranty item" unless I can prove a defect existed. Well, the sunroof essentially exploded and there's not much left to be able to prove the defect. My dealer in Des Moines would have supported a warranty claim. No one other than the Honda dealership in Greeley Colorado has inspected the damaged parts. There was absolutely no warning that the sunroof was about to fail catastrophically. We were driving at ~65 MPH in hot weather ~95 degrees, when a sudden heavy rain shower occurred, along with a corresponding sudden drop in temperature; 15-20 degrees, and we heard a very loud bang on the sunroof, like a baseball bat hitting the roof, and then we could hear glass shards on top of the sunshade. I pulled off the road and examined to sunroof to see that it was completely shattered or exploded. Fortunately, the rain stopped as suddenly as it started, and we located a Honda dealer in Greely and had them make repairs as the vehicle was not drivable with the sunroof shattered. Initial price quoted was $1,218 and the final price a week and a half later was $4,101. Honda denied my warranty claim, and insurance denied claim since there was no hail.

NHTSA ID

11752332

Incident

May 29, 2026

The seat memory of the vehicle will reset itself every few days. This is while using the same key fob and driver profile. Android auto does not stay connected wired or wireless. This is after the vehicle has been factory reset, new cables used and phone reset. Buzzing/ grinding noise while breaking Blind spot sensors do not beep while the setting is activated to beep

NHTSA ID

11752246

Incident

May 12, 2026

My 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite has twice applied its brakes on its own, with no obstacle, vehicle, or hazard in front of me to justify braking. On July 13, 2026, at approximately 5:36 p.m., I was driving in evening traffic when the vehicle suddenly braked hard on its own. Nothing was in front of me. The car behind me nearly rear-ended me and had to brake sharply to avoid a collision, and the driver reacted with road rage. On July 16, 2026, at approximately 6:03 p.m., my young son was in the vehicle with me. While I was driving in traffic, the vehicle again braked on its own with no obstacle ahead. A sedan behind me nearly rear-ended me. This sudden, uncommanded braking happens without warning while I am driving in traffic and has nearly caused a rear-end collision on both occasions. It is terrifying and I no longer feel safe driving this vehicle, especially with my child. The same vehicle also has ongoing electrical and drive-power failures (loss of power while driving, repeated stalling in reverse, and complete no-start events) that I have reported separately. Three dealerships have been unable to identify or correct the problems. No crash has occurred yet, but only because the drivers behind me reacted in time. The vehicle is available for inspection.

NHTSA ID

11752177

Incident

Jul 13, 2026

Auto stop / start system. When engaged and engine turns off like at a stop sign, once I press on accelator engine will ratttle, sputter and sometimes steering wheel will briefly lock or turn all before it comes back on completely and is ready to drive. This has happened several times to me. Has almost caused a crash after I attempted to pull onto a cross road in traffic. The system cannot be permantely deactivated.

NHTSA ID

11751975

Incident

Jul 14, 2026

The vehicles trouble screen on the dash summoned us to engine problems. Do not drive over 40 and notify your dealer immediately. We did so, Honda America sent a tow truck picked up the vehicle and sent it to the dealer. The next day the dealer contacted us and said they found excessive carbon on all the engine valves and all 6 cylinders were miss firing. The dealer gave us a loaner, after several phone conversations with the dealer and honda America they gave us the vehicle back. They walnut blasted the valves to clean the carbon and Honda America is investigating the issue. This vehicle is a 2026 passport with 24000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11751522

Incident

Jul 3, 2026