2021 HONDA PASSPORT Complaints

The engine experienced a catastrophic lower-end bearing failure at approximately 63,000 miles. The vehicle had been maintained according to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule at the dealership service department. There were no missed oil changes. The failure occurred without any prior indication that a major internal engine problem was developing. The vehicle was taken to a Honda dealership, where the engine was disassembled. The dealer confirmed a lower-end bearing failure and reported significant metal debris inside the engine. The engine was determined to require complete replacement. A sudden internal engine failure creates the risk of an unexpected loss of power while driving, which can increase the risk of a crash, especially in traffic or at highway speeds. The failed engine is available for inspection through the servicing dealership if requested. The failure has been confirmed by the Honda dealership. No warning lamps or messages provided sufficient advance notice to prevent the failure beyond symptoms associated with the engine failure itself. I am submitting this report because I believe this may represent a manufacturing or design defect rather than normal wear and tear. I request that NHTSA investigate whether similar connecting rod bearing failures are occurring in other Honda Passport vehicles with this engine.

The vehicle experienced a catastrophic internal engine failure caused by connecting rod bearing failure. Prior to the failure, the engine developed abnormal internal knocking/noise, indicating bearing deterioration. The engine is currently available for inspection. While traveling approximately 55 mph on [XXX], the check engine warning light illuminated. Within about one mile, the engine rapidly lost power and developed a severe knocking noise. The sudden loss of power at highway speed created a serious safety hazard by reducing my ability to maintain traffic speed and safely maneuver the vehicle. I had my child in the vehicle, and both we and surrounding motorists were placed at risk of a collision while I attempted to move to exit traffic. The failure has been confirmed by an independent repair facility, Absolute Automotive LLC in Parker, Colorado. Their inspection determined the engine suffered internal damage due to connecting rod bearing failure. I have the engine replacement invoice, technician's diagnostic notes, and photographs documenting the engine damage. The vehicle has not been inspected by Honda. I contacted Honda to report the failure and request assistance, but I was informed there was no recall for the 2021 Honda Passport equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine and that Honda would not provide assistance unless a recall existed. Before the engine failed completely, the engine developed abnormal internal knocking/noise. While driving on [XXX], the check engine warning light illuminated, and within approximately one mile the engine lost power and produced a heavy knocking noise, rendering the vehicle unsafe to operate. I am submitting this complaint because a sudden internal engine failure resulting in loss of power at highway speeds presents a significant safety hazard and should be investigated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Honda has a recall on certain vin numbers for the starter. My starter i was told to replace at a $2500 fee from reggie jackson honda in raleigh nc. I had to visit the dealership 3 times, they said its the battery, replaced the battery at my cost, now they said its the starter. They said there is a recall but my vin number was not included in the recall. The starter is worn out from the auto start and stop feature at stop lights. My issue is it will stop at a stop light and it wont start again then a warning comes on the screen about collision detection issue, then the warning goes away quickly and eventually i will get it to start but it is a safety issue that honda is aware of. I am asking honda to do partial credit on repair costs, but i dont understand why my vin number was excluded. The managers name was ruben lopez who informed me that the starter is causing issues, and sometimes its the battery, but that my vin wasnt covered. I just want my vehicle to not get stuck at after stopping in traffic when honda knows of the issue it should be covered for a lifetime warranty or recall. The stopping issue where it wont start again happens approximately 1 time per month, and seems to be in warmer weather but i cannot confirm this nor do i keep an exact log of when it happens. Thank you.

The multipurpose front camera on my 2021 Honda Passport failed without warning, causing mutliple Honda sensing safety systems to become inoperative. Warning messages appeared indicating failures of the collision mitigation braking system, adaptaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist system, road departure mitigation system, and other driver assistance features. The vehicle has not been involved in a front end collision and the camera failure was diagnosed by a Honda dealership as requiring replacement of the multipurpose camera assembly. This is a significant safety concern because the failure of a single component disables numerous advanced driver assistance systems that are designed to help prevent crashes. I have learned that similar front camera failures have been reported by owners of other Honda models using comparable Honda sensing technology. Because this failure affects critical safety systems and appears to be more than an isolated incident, I am submitting this complaint so it can be documented and investigated.

4th occurrence. Car fails to start. The instrument display reads: AUTO ENGINE IDLE STOP SYSTEM PROBLEM. Electrical system including radio, A/C etc were working. (Including the car alarm which begins honking the horn as soon as I open the door) Repeated attempts to start the car failed to do anything except to annoy anyone within earshot as the horn kept honking! Roadside assistance was not able to get the car started either so it was towed to the dealer. I've had the car into the Honda dealer for recalls but this problem has not been solved.

My 2021 Honda Passport Elite suffered cataphoric engine failure at 90,000 miles. The 6th cylinder bearing was missing when my vehicle was towed into Honda for diagnosis after my engine shut off while I was traveling 55 mph. I had no warnings for this failure including no engine noises and no check engine lights. I had to have a new engine put in my vehicle and Honda refused to cover the cost at 100% because they stated there were no open recalls at this time. I feel this is a manufacturer engine defect that is the same as the open recall defect Honda has on the 2017, 2018, and 2019 Pilots with the same 3.5-liter V6. The engine failure descriptions are exactly the same.

The CMBS malfunction lights come on every time I start my car. The only time it went off was when I drove straight for about 15 minutes without stopping at a light It started a few months ago out of nowhere. I thought it was my camera, I took it to a Honda dealer and they said I needed to buy another camera for 2500 dollars. I don't have 2500 dollars they told me I could drive it but I won't have that safety feature. I only had this car 6 months and already the camera is acting up. Another dealer said it could be the battery. I really don't know why at this point that everyone is having these issues with the Honda sensing camera. I think it is a safety issue because it should be working at all times

Driving to work in normal speeds and conditions. The emergency braking enabled and slammed on the brakes to my car - despite there being no threat or need. The brake was with such force that I jerked forward. This is the third time this has happened with this car in the past week. Car is available for inspection if needed. The car has not yet been inspected by Honda for this situation.

I bought my car in 2021. Two weeks ago 4-5 dashboard signs came up on my screen. I contacted local dealer and they said they need nearly $3000 to fix it. I told them it’s a safety issue and they refused to budge. I complained to Honda through X and they refused to help me. They are not taking it seriously

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.