2026 Honda Passport Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
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What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2026 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 assistance1016.4%
- Electrical914.8%
- Steering813.1%
- Interior & seats711.5%
- Visibility711.5%
- Engine58.2%
- Brakes46.6%
- Powertrain (other)46.6%
- Fuel system34.9%
- Exterior lighting11.6%
- Airbags11.6%
- Tires & wheels11.6%
- Body & structure11.6%
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
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
My 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite (purchased new May 2025) has repeated, intermittent failures of the electrical system and drive-power (propulsion) function, beginning at ~16,700 miles. Severe symptoms first appeared in May 2026: multiple dashboard warning lights and error messages illuminating at once, and the instrument panel cutting in and out while driving. Sometimes a cascade of warnings precedes a failure; at other times the vehicle loses power or stalls with no warning at all. On July 4, 2026, the vehicle lost all drive power and shut down while I was driving ~75 mph on the highway, creating a substantial risk of a collision and of being struck by surrounding traffic. On four occasions (5/15/26, 5/22/26, 5/31/26, 7/9/26) it stalled immediately after being shifted into reverse. On multiple occasions it failed to start or had no electrical power, stranding me while traveling with my children. Additional failures: the driver's door intermittently will not lock or unlock, the exterior mirrors fail to fold and must be moved by hand, and the seat memory resets without input. Because the failures are intermittent, neither dealer could reproduce the condition on demand. The Waco, TX dealer (6/1/26) could not duplicate the concern and performed no repair. The Lufkin, TX dealer (6/8/26) said it could find nothing wrong, replaced the battery, and the failures continued unchanged. No specific failed component has been identified. The vehicle has been inspected only by Honda's authorized dealers. It has not been inspected by police, insurance, or an independent service center, as no crash has occurred. No crash or injury has occurred, but a vehicle that loses power at highway speed and stalls in reverse creates a substantial crash risk. The vehicle is in my possession and available for inspection upon request, along with video of several failures and dealership repair records.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased a Honda Passport Trailsport Elite on 6/29/26. I had a 3 hr drive ahead of me. After driving approximate 8-10 miles, the seats became extremely uncomfortable to the point that I had to turn around and go back to the dealership. There was excessive pressure on my tailbone/coccyx and caused so much discomfort that I could no longer sit in the seat. It was impossible to get the seat to a comfortable and safe position while driving. The passenger seat was similar, but not as severe as the driver. Both driver and passenger are unable to sit in the seats for any length of time. When returning to the dealership they agreed that the seats felt very uncomfortable and understood why a person could not safely and comfortably drive any distance. Apparently the fan box for ventilated seats, are the cause of the excessive pressure on the tailbone/coccyx. The dealer fully agrees that the car could not be driven for any length of time with that defect. It would eventually cause a person to develop back issues from the pressure on the spine area. It is now 7/3/26 and my newly purchased car is still at the dealers lot. I tested 2 prior Passport Elites at 2 other dealers and neither had this issue. Apparently this is a huge issue with the new Passport Elite vehicles.
I am writing to formally complain about the front seats in my 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite. Specifically, the seat cooling/ventilation system appears to create significant discomfort and has caused persistent tailbone pain during normal driving. The issue seems related to the design and operation of the ventilated seats. When the seat cooling system is on, the seat surface becomes unusually firm and uncomfortable, especially in the tailbone and lower back area. Even during relatively short drives, I experience soreness and pressure that I have not experienced in previous vehicles, and I’ve owned a Honda Passport previously. This has become a serious comfort and usability concern. A premium vehicle should provide supportive seating, particularly on longer drives, and instead these seats are causing physical discomfort and pain. I purchased this vehicle expecting a high standard of comfort and ergonomics, especially given the trim level and price point. I would appreciate if Honda would: - Investigate whether this is a known issue with the ventilated seat system or seat cushioning design. - Provide guidance on possible repairs, adjustments, or replacement options. - Consider escalating this concern to engineering and product quality teams. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
On July 11, 2026, while driving, the vehicle suddenly experienced multiple system failures. The dashboard illuminated with numerous warning lights, including a flashing check engine light, indicating multiple system malfunctions. The vehicle was towed to the dealer due to the severity of the issue. It is currently at the dealership for inspection and diagnosis. I have not yet received a diagnosis or confirmation of the failed component(s) from the dealer. No warning lights, messages, or symptoms appeared prior to the sudden failure. The abrupt illumination of multiple warning lights while driving created a significant safety concern regarding the reliability of critical vehicle systems.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
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
On July 11, 2026, while driving, the vehicle suddenly experienced multiple system failures. The dashboard illuminated with numerous warning lights, including a flashing check engine light, indicating multiple system malfunctions. The vehicle was towed to the dealer due to the severity of the issue. It is currently at the dealership for inspection and diagnosis. I have not yet received a diagnosis or confirmation of the failed component(s) from the dealer. No warning lights, messages, or symptoms appeared prior to the sudden failure. The abrupt illumination of multiple warning lights while driving created a significant safety concern regarding the reliability of critical vehicle systems.
My 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite (purchased new May 2025) has repeated, intermittent failures of the electrical system and drive-power (propulsion) function, beginning at ~16,700 miles. Severe symptoms first appeared in May 2026: multiple dashboard warning lights and error messages illuminating at once, and the instrument panel cutting in and out while driving. Sometimes a cascade of warnings precedes a failure; at other times the vehicle loses power or stalls with no warning at all. On July 4, 2026, the vehicle lost all drive power and shut down while I was driving ~75 mph on the highway, creating a substantial risk of a collision and of being struck by surrounding traffic. On four occasions (5/15/26, 5/22/26, 5/31/26, 7/9/26) it stalled immediately after being shifted into reverse. On multiple occasions it failed to start or had no electrical power, stranding me while traveling with my children. Additional failures: the driver's door intermittently will not lock or unlock, the exterior mirrors fail to fold and must be moved by hand, and the seat memory resets without input. Because the failures are intermittent, neither dealer could reproduce the condition on demand. The Waco, TX dealer (6/1/26) could not duplicate the concern and performed no repair. The Lufkin, TX dealer (6/8/26) said it could find nothing wrong, replaced the battery, and the failures continued unchanged. No specific failed component has been identified. The vehicle has been inspected only by Honda's authorized dealers. It has not been inspected by police, insurance, or an independent service center, as no crash has occurred. No crash or injury has occurred, but a vehicle that loses power at highway speed and stalls in reverse creates a substantial crash risk. The vehicle is in my possession and available for inspection upon request, along with video of several failures and dealership repair records.
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
The LED headlights are so dim that when other cars with normal LED headlights pass you on the left or on the right it appears as though the headlights on the 2026 Passport are not even turned on. This constitutes a safety hazard. This is a well known issue with Honda as I discovered when researching the matter online after the vehicle purchase.
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
I am on my second 2026 Honda Passport. The first one was taken to dealership 6 times (once at red rock Honda in Colorado and 5 times at Cleo bay in Texas) for a failed part in the steering wheel. The airbag and other parts were replaced and would fail again afterward. I had to replace it with another of the same vehicle because of so many problems and no suitable repair. My new 2026 Honda Passport started having same issue. I took it in and they replaced the whole steering wheel and then after about a month it failed again. There have been clicking and loose spring noises in steering wheel and now the brake. The dealership is requiring that I drive the car from my home to there (92 miles one way) and is refusing to tell me that this seemingly unknown issue is not a safety concern. My case numbers with Honda Corporate are 15880428 for the first car and 16204405 for the second car.
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
General Grabbers AT Driving center lane on clear highway. Tire had a complete sidewall blow out total separation of sidewall and tread. Almost lost control of vehicle. Brand new vehicle with only 400 miles on it. Location on the outside of the sidewall. We saved the tire if you would like us to send it in for inspection.
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
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.
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 .