Owners have filed 74 complaints
about the 2026 Honda Passport with NHTSA between 2025 and 2026.
The largest single group is the driver assist & collision avoidance.
Across this model's run it ranks 15 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 — 27
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 — 100
100% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
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.
Apr 2025peak 18Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2026 Honda Passport
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
26V424000
SUSPENSION:REAR
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2026 Pilot and Passport vehicles. The rear subframe bolts may have been tightened improperly.
Risk: Loose rear subframe bolts can lead to a loss of vehicle stability or rear subframe detachment, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2026325493 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear subframe bolt(s) may not have been tightened properly. As a result, the bolt(s) could loosen and the rear subframe could detach. This could lead to poor handling and a loss of vehicle control. Safety Risk: Poor handling and a loss of control can create the risk of a crash. A rear subframe that detaches from the vehicle could create a road hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Honda will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace and/or tighten the rear subframe bolt(s).
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Camby, IN
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.
Centerville, OH
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.
at 190 milesSmithsburg, MD
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.
Parma, OH
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.
Parma, OH
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.
Akron, OH
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.
Akron, OH
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.
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.
Akron, OH
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.
Keezletown, VA
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.
Keezletown, VA
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.
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.
Staten Island, NY
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.
Estherville, IA
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.
Huber Heights, OH
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.
Clover, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 complaint #11752246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nacogdoches, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 complaint #11752177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clover, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 complaint #11752246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nacogdoches, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
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 complaint #11752177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 complaint #11752177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clover, SC
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
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 complaint #11752246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Murrells Inlet, NY
ENGINE
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 complaint #11751522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thornton, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11750435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thornton, CO
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11750435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thornton, CO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11750435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.