Owners have filed 49 complaints
about the 2025 Honda Passport with NHTSA between 2025 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 17 of 17 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 18
Against the median year of the Honda Passport. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2025peak 7Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2025 Honda Passport
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
EA25004Opened 26 Mar 2025Still openENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
No Restart After Auto Start/Stop Engages
On June 3, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the AIS function engaged. The subject vehicles are equipped with a 3.5L engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On January 6, 2023, Honda released service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009. These service bulletins address the failure to r...
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Bethel Park, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The car has failed to start on numerous occasions. The car has stalled due to the auto start/stop and the dealership told me that the battery needs to fail testing in order to replace under warranty. This is a major safety risk and the dealership said it’s a known issue but they can’t fix it. A recall needs to be put out immediately.
NHTSA complaint #11757484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethel Park, PA
ENGINE
The car has failed to start on numerous occasions. The car has stalled due to the auto start/stop and the dealership told me that the battery needs to fail testing in order to replace under warranty. This is a major safety risk and the dealership said it’s a known issue but they can’t fix it. A recall needs to be put out immediately.
NHTSA complaint #11757484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Homestead, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car has 22,000 miles in it, and maybe around 19,000 miles my starter was already weak. I barely use my car, and one time I used it and my car won't start at all. I almost got stranded. Luckily it turned on, and I was near my house. This could've happen in the middle of nowhere and get me stranded. I don't feel safe driving this now if im not sure. I thought this was supposed to be a reliable car!
NHTSA complaint #11756761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,000 milesRaleigh, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Passport. The contact stated that while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle stalled. The message to start the vehicle was displayed. The vehicle was shifted into park(P), the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle was restarted. The contact stated that the failure had occurred ten times in the month of July. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a faulty battery, and the battery was replaced; however, the failure recurred approximately one week later. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.
NHTSA complaint #11756798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Villages, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Over the past two weeks we have been experiencing issues with the Auto Idle Stop device on my 2025 Honda Passport. This has resulted in being temporarily stalled at several busy intersections. I have reported this issue to a Honda dealership where the issue was verified and it is scheduled for a Starter replacement when the part is received from back order.
NHTSA complaint #11756352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Villages, FL
ENGINE
Over the past two weeks we have been experiencing issues with the Auto Idle Stop device on my 2025 Honda Passport. This has resulted in being temporarily stalled at several busy intersections. I have reported this issue to a Honda dealership where the issue was verified and it is scheduled for a Starter replacement when the part is received from back order.
NHTSA complaint #11756352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Myers, FL
ENGINE
Description: The vehicle suffers from an intermittent and dangerous "no-restart" defect involving the Auto-Idle Stop (AIS) system. When the vehicle comes to a complete stop and the automated stop-start system shuts off the engine to conserve fuel, the engine frequently fails to automatically restart upon release of the brake pedal. This results in a sudden, unexpected loss of engine power and complete immobilization in live traffic or intersections. This exact failure mode is the subject of an active federal Engineering Analysis by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA EA25004, covering ~2.2 million Honda and Acura vehicles). Prior manufacturer service bulletins and part-replacement attempts have proven ineffective at permanently resolving the hazard, creating an ongoing and unacceptable collision risk.
NHTSA complaint #11755360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tallahassee, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
For several months before the failure, the Auto Idle Stop (engine stop-start) system became progressively slower to restart the engine after stopping. Each restart sounded sluggish, as though the starter was dragging, and the vehicle would remain stopped for several extra seconds before moving. This occurred repeatedly at traffic lights and other stops creating a safety concern as drivers behind me expected my vehicle to begin moving when traffic started. The unexpected delay increased the risk of being rear-ended or causing confusion in traffic. The failure eventually became complete. While stopped on a two-lane road waiting for another vehicle to turn left into a driveway, the engine shut off as expected with the Auto Idle Stop system engaged but did not restart when I released the brake. Instead, the vehicle entered what appeared to be a neutral state and could not be driven. I was unable to restart the vehicle for several minutes, leaving it disabled in the travel lane while other vehicles had to drive around it. This created a safety hazard because the vehicle was stranded in an active roadway. The vehicle had not previously displayed any warning messages related to this condition. Looking back, the progressively slower and dragging engine restarts appear to have been warning signs before the complete failure to restart. The vehicle is scheduled for inspection the Honda dealership this week. The failed components should be available for inspection if requested.
NHTSA complaint #11753210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tallahassee, FL
ENGINE
For several months before the failure, the Auto Idle Stop (engine stop-start) system became progressively slower to restart the engine after stopping. Each restart sounded sluggish, as though the starter was dragging, and the vehicle would remain stopped for several extra seconds before moving. This occurred repeatedly at traffic lights and other stops creating a safety concern as drivers behind me expected my vehicle to begin moving when traffic started. The unexpected delay increased the risk of being rear-ended or causing confusion in traffic. The failure eventually became complete. While stopped on a two-lane road waiting for another vehicle to turn left into a driveway, the engine shut off as expected with the Auto Idle Stop system engaged but did not restart when I released the brake. Instead, the vehicle entered what appeared to be a neutral state and could not be driven. I was unable to restart the vehicle for several minutes, leaving it disabled in the travel lane while other vehicles had to drive around it. This created a safety hazard because the vehicle was stranded in an active roadway. The vehicle had not previously displayed any warning messages related to this condition. Looking back, the progressively slower and dragging engine restarts appear to have been warning signs before the complete failure to restart. The vehicle is scheduled for inspection the Honda dealership this week. The failed components should be available for inspection if requested.
NHTSA complaint #11753210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,800 milesTemple Hills, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Passport. The contact stated that on several occasions, the Auto START/STOP intermittently failed to operate and the vehicle shut off while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that a battery warning light was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact was forced to manually turn off the feature each time after starting the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact's husband discovered NHTSA Action Number: EA25004; and associated the failure with the Action Number. The husband also associated the failure with the fuel injector or a possible software update. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,800.
NHTSA complaint #11750811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oxford, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Got to red light, auto stop idled down car, when going to move car shut off and stalled out. Also happened two times in a drive thru. All times messages popped up auto stop interruption and vehicle in accessory mode
NHTSA complaint #11750353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oxford, CT
ENGINE
Got to red light, auto stop idled down car, when going to move car shut off and stalled out. Also happened two times in a drive thru. All times messages popped up auto stop interruption and vehicle in accessory mode
NHTSA complaint #11750353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While waiting at a stoplight, the car was in Auto Idle Stop System mode. When the light turned green, I stepped on gas pedal and the vehicle shut off. The brake was hard and I could not turn off the vehicle for a minute. I opened the drivers side and passenger front door and closed, then was able to turn off vehicle. After a few seconds, I was able to start vehicle with push start button. The vehicle has sounded sluggish when starting up lately but battery tested good.
NHTSA complaint #11745789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, CO
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Collision Mitigation Braking System ( CMBS) on occasion orange dash brake light illuminates doesn't stop vehicle , has occurred since purchase on 02/25/2025 at least 150 times , current mileage to 06/16/2026 6877 miles, ref Honda Case # 1641332 , now every time on short drives this occurs 1-2 times, contacted Holman Honda Centennial Co several times , again last week " told there is no fix, you can turn off CMBS each tine vehicle is started " this is a safety feature , there are numerous complaints on line also with NTSB , am concerned that at some point the brakes could be slammed on without warning and cause another vehicle to rear end me
NHTSA complaint #11744542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Erie, CO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Idle stop has not engaged motor at intersection. This has happened three times in the last 2 months. Honda Passport has 29024 miles on it. All three incidents required shutting down the Passport and restarting the SUV. Each time there was a backup of cars behind me and I put on warning flashers.
NHTSA complaint #11744324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lexingtonlexington, KY
POWER TRAIN
With only 7688 miles, have been having transmission issues like hard shifting, not shifting when needing to speedup especially when trying to pass or on highway. In city hard shifting occurs constantly now. I had tried contacting Honda and the dealership to get the gaps issue resolved for past 2 years and nothing. This has been a poor experience for a Honda, which we have been very loyal for over 40 years. This transmission issue will only get worse and needing a resolution or fix as I have tried both dealership and Honda for help without being told my case has been transferred over and over.
NHTSA complaint #11743922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greensboro, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Idle Stop has failed to restart on more than once occasion. Battery tested low @ 25,000 miles
NHTSA complaint #11743183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Lago, TX
ENGINE
The Idle-Stop feature is malfunctioning, the vehicle is equipped with an "Auto Idle Stop" feature that has a dangerous defect. The engine frequently fail to restart after shutting off at stops, unexpectedly leaving the driver stranded or immobile, with the risk of being hit from behind by incoming traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11740940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Lago, TX
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The Idle-Stop feature is malfunctioning, the vehicle is equipped with an "Auto Idle Stop" feature that has a dangerous defect. The engine frequently fail to restart after shutting off at stops, unexpectedly leaving the driver stranded or immobile, with the risk of being hit from behind by incoming traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11740940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jefferson, LA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
At red light, foot on break, car in drive. Light turns green, I go to drive off. Car puts itself in neutral, dash says “shift to park”, I try to press to put it in drive, it won’t shift to “D”. I put it in park. Turned the vehicle off, car wouldn’t restart. Kept trying, wouldn’t start. Held my finger on the push to start for ~1 minute, it did not want to start at all. It was spitting trying to start, very very hesitant *car was in accident on 2/26/26 L front (driver side) was damaged Since accident, I have had issues even though car was repaired
NHTSA complaint #11735943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jefferson, LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
At red light, foot on break, car in drive. Light turns green, I go to drive off. Car puts itself in neutral, dash says “shift to park”, I try to press to put it in drive, it won’t shift to “D”. I put it in park. Turned the vehicle off, car wouldn’t restart. Kept trying, wouldn’t start. Held my finger on the push to start for ~1 minute, it did not want to start at all. It was spitting trying to start, very very hesitant *car was in accident on 2/26/26 L front (driver side) was damaged Since accident, I have had issues even though car was repaired
NHTSA complaint #11735943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crittenden, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
25 Passport Black edition only 27k miles at a stop my vehicle won’t start back up kicks it from D to N will start flashing to put in P. Vehicle will not start back up until I turn off and back on. The second time it did this it wouldn’t even start back up battery light flashing. I try to remember to turn that stop/start button off. Very dangerous. Went to dealership. Says they can’t do nothing unless warning are on at the time of check. 4/24 was the second time this has happened. When I start the passport it’s like it has troubles and not wanting to start. Lights will start flashing braking system and blind spot all the safety feature lights. Something is wrong with these passports.
NHTSA complaint #11733550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crittenden, KY
ENGINE
25 Passport Black edition only 27k miles at a stop my vehicle won’t start back up kicks it from D to N will start flashing to put in P. Vehicle will not start back up until I turn off and back on. The second time it did this it wouldn’t even start back up battery light flashing. I try to remember to turn that stop/start button off. Very dangerous. Went to dealership. Says they can’t do nothing unless warning are on at the time of check. 4/24 was the second time this has happened. When I start the passport it’s like it has troubles and not wanting to start. Lights will start flashing braking system and blind spot all the safety feature lights. Something is wrong with these passports.
NHTSA complaint #11733550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crittenden, KY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
25 Passport Black edition only 27k miles at a stop my vehicle won’t start back up kicks it from D to N will start flashing to put in P. Vehicle will not start back up until I turn off and back on. The second time it did this it wouldn’t even start back up battery light flashing. I try to remember to turn that stop/start button off. Very dangerous. Went to dealership. Says they can’t do nothing unless warning are on at the time of check. 4/24 was the second time this has happened. When I start the passport it’s like it has troubles and not wanting to start. Lights will start flashing braking system and blind spot all the safety feature lights. Something is wrong with these passports.
NHTSA complaint #11733550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethlehem, PA
POWER TRAIN
car transmission issue not getting enough power while putting foot on gas pedal rpm goes upto 5k for getting speed not shifting gear properly
NHTSA complaint #11727303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.