2026 Honda Passport problems

SEATS

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 complaint #11763851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 complaint #11762827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 complaint #11762827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 complaint #11762423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 complaint #11762461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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 complaint #11762461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 complaint #11762461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 complaint #11760780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 complaint #11759730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SEATS

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 complaint #11759065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

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 complaint #11756372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 complaint #11755655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 complaint #11755279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

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 complaint #11754813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

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 complaint #11754813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

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 complaint #11754870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

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 complaint #11754870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

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 complaint #11754813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

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 complaint #11754870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

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 complaint #11754204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

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 complaint #11754206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

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 complaint #11753670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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 complaint #11752729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 complaint #11752332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 complaint #11751975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.