275 of the
2,290 complaints filed about the Honda Passport
are about the braking system —
12% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 1999.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2026 Honda Passport. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel, there was a clicking sound like a loosened spring in the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to diagnosed and the contact was informed that the steering wheel needed to be replaced. The steering wheel was replaced but the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact became aware that the brake pedal was making a clicking sound while depressed. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Weatherford Honda (851 Interstate 20 Frontage Rd Exit 406, Weatherford, TX 76087) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the clock spring had failed and needed to be replaced. The clock spring and brake light switch were replaced, but the failures persisted. The vehicle was taken to a third dealer, Red Rock Honda (748 N 1st St, Grand Junction, CO 81501); and it was diagnosed and determined that the clock spring and brake light switch needed to be replaced another time. The clock spring and the brake light switch were scheduled to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the issues, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 1,200.
NHTSA complaint #11744744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased this vehicle at the end of February 2026. Since the purchase this vehicle has on numerous occasions for no reason applied the brakes and made the steering wheel shake. This has almost caused an accident on several occasions, with today another instance on 5-23-2026. I would turn the system off but from what I understand it re-engages itself after every drive. I like the vehicle but im afraid that its going to cause an accident or someones death. Had I known that I couldn't permanently turn off this dangerous system i would have never bought it and bought a Lexus SUV instead. Honda should give their customers who want to turn this system off a way to do so.
NHTSA complaint #11739733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Honda Passport. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the Collision Mitigation System, Power Steering System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Hill Start Assist messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V458000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic, but declined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was given the same information as the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 39,300.
NHTSA complaint #11732506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I bought the car brand new in the spring of 2024 and noticed shaking when braking after a few months. In January 2025 I had the rotors resurfaced at the dealer because they where warped. The brake shaking started again around March 2026. After searching several forums, turns out that this seems to be a common issue where the rotors warp constantly, requiring resurfacing several time or changing rotors every couple of years. The warping cause vibrations in the steering which affects handling. The vehicle shakes when braking at various speeds.
NHTSA complaint #11732150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have had my rotors turned 3 times and replaced once in the span of 2 years. They are warped each time, causing pulsing in the front end when braking. My brake pads have never needed to be replaced. I was told by the mechanic that taking a road trip puts a lot of strain on the rotors and overheats them. I am finding this is a common issue for many other owners of this vehicle. Mine has 27k miles on it. The first 3 times the car was in for having the rotors turned was within the first 6 months of ownership, under 10k miles, and I am the only owner.
NHTSA complaint #11728006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased a used 2021 Passport the end of May 2025. While driving, the 'collision mitigation braking system' or CMBS would activate the braking system and would intermittently just brake, causing panic for not only myself, but I'm sure drivers behind me for suddenly braking with no imminent threat in from of me. This happened multiple times without receiving any warning or notifications, just suddenly. It would happen without warning, or sometimes nearing a bridge or a cover plate on the road, which almost caused accidents multiple times to get rear ended. I have driven for decades and never felt anxiety until I drove this vehicle for a few months. I felt scared driving this vehicle, feeling uncertain when it would suddenly just brake. Eventually after a few months of driving, I got a reading that said CMBS problem on the screen. I scheduled an appointment with the dealer. The dealer suggested a near $3000 replacement for a camera (on a 2021 vehicle). At the appointment, I ultimately returned this vehicle to the dealer where I bought it and unfortunately lost out on thousands of dollars after having the vehicle about 6 months. I have always liked Honda, and have had 2 prior Hondas, but with this vehicle purchase, I felt the most unsafe I have ever felt in a vehicle, and moving forward will not feel comfortable purchasing Honda.
NHTSA complaint #11725679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On numerous occasions while driving on the highway with no other vehicles in the vicinity of my vehicle the forward collision active braking activates aggressively and brakes for no reason this is concerning at 70 mph with a vehicle behind that may be following to close on a slippery road surface. vehicle is available for inspection any time upon request. vehicle has not been inspected by any one yet. no warning lamps other than the one associated with forward collision braking.
NHTSA complaint #11723497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Purchased car new. Problems with brake system started at 6k mls. Problems got progressively worse to 29k mls where now rotors are being replaced due to “extreme warping” with pads, calibers, and everything else deemed fine. On brief internet search it was apparent that this rotor warping at low milage is a common problem. Warped rotors are a safety hazard to the driver, their passengers, and everyone else on the road with them. Please investigate.
NHTSA complaint #11719380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have a 2024 Passport Black Edition that has had front brake rotor issues since about 4k miles. It has has struts, wheel hubs, bearings, brake pads rotors either replaced or resurfaces 4 times and i am afraid to drive the vehicle at this point. Its been parked since Oct 2025 after the last repair while i fight with Honda to take the vehicle back .
NHTSA complaint #11717089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving at highway speeds, I experienced multiple loud, intermittent double-knocking noises within a short period of time, followed by an additional grinding/rotational noise at low speeds. These noises were abnormal and raised immediate safety concerns, prompting me to bring the vehicle to a dealer that day. During inspection and test driving, the noise condition was confirmed. Further inspection revealed that a front brake caliper (flange) bolt was missing, and the brake caliper had shifted out of position. This bolt is a critical fastener that secures the brake caliper to the brake assembly and is available for inspection through service records. This condition posed a serious safety risk, as a shifted or unsecured brake caliper could result in reduced braking performance, brake failure, or wheel lock-up, potentially endangering vehicle occupants and other road users. The issue was confirmed by an authorized Honda service center, and the vehicle was inspected by manufacturer-authorized personnel. The vehicle was repaired at no charge by reinstalling the correct hardware and restoring the brake caliper to its proper position. One week later, I have come to find out this is a known issue, and Honda has issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for 2023–2024 Honda Passport vehicles addressing loose or missing front brake caliper/flange bolts. I never received a recall notice or voluntary letter from Honda notifying me this might be an issue or to have it inspected. No warning lights or messages appeared prior to the incident; the only symptoms were the knocking noises at highway speeds and grinding noise at low speed.
NHTSA complaint #11709507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Having problems with sudden braking and not accelerating after stopping at lights or stop signs. No warning lights came on. I dropped it off at dealership. They are keeping the vehicle due to safety concerns while driving the vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11703777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The brake system is not working properly when stopped on a hill. The vehicle will roll backwards after pushing the brake. If you are stopped on a hill you have to keep the brake engaged while also accelerating to keep from rolling backwards and hitting the car behind you.
NHTSA complaint #11702848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Incident # 1. June 2025 Vehicle has approximately 3400 miles on it. I was driving southbound on I 35 freeway in the Lakeville Minnesota area. I was in the center lane of the freeway traveling at about 65 mph. Traffic was light. There was no one in front of me. Suddenly, the car broke hard. I was thrust forward against the seatbelt with my hands, pushing against the steering wheel as the car slowed rapidly and came to an abrupt stop from 65 miles an hour. I had no ability to get the car to go. The gas pedal had no effect as this car came to a rapid stop. I found myself stopped in the center lane of the freeway frantically looking around to see what cars were coming, can I find the four way flashers. A car passed me in the right lane and a car passed me in the left lane. Then I was able to limp over to the shoulder out of the traffic lanes. I shut the car off immediately and tried to compose myself. After a moment or two, I turned the engine back on and the car operated normally. At the dealership they fixed some things but they said they didn’t find anything that was directly related to the unexpected rapid braking. Incident #2. July 2025 Vehicle has approximately 4300 miles I was driving northbound on 35E taking the entrance ramp to eastbound Highway 36. I was driving on the entrance ramp beginning to accelerate to highway speed. there were no vehicles in front of me, not on the ramp, or on the highway. As I neared the end of the ramp the vehicle suddenly broke hard thrusting me forward again. It came to a complete stop. Fortunately, for the second time, there was no one behind me. This was the second time the vehicle engaged the brakes in an emergency stop for no reason. The Dealership said they couldn’t find anything cause of the incident. The vehicle remains at the dealership. I have requested reimbursement of my purchase price from Honda. We have an arbitration hearing schedlued on Oct 27, 2025
NHTSA complaint #11692413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The CMBS alerts braking despite there being no obstacles in front or around the vehicle. Also, the at stop lights when the engine shuts off, on several occasions the car has completely turned off and will not let you do anything (place in park or drive) until you manually start it again.
NHTSA complaint #11688965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2026 Honda Passport. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brakes were independently activated briefly, with the message “Brake” displayed. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,637.
NHTSA complaint #11680165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.