2021 Honda Passport Common Problems & Defect Telemetry
Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 136 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 7 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.
The 2021 Honda Passport receives a 4.1/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 136 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 7 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports with a median failure point at 36,000 miles (IQR: 36,000 – 36,000 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $350 – $1,100 .
30.2 complaints / 10k sold
Verified US federal records
Crash, fire & stall audit
7 Active / Free Remedies
2021 Passport Failure Distribution by Vehicle Subsystem
Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)
Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports
- Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
- ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
- Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
“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 trave...”
“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 w...”
“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 ...”
Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports
- Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
- Abnormal oil burning / consumption
- Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
- Engine overheating / coolant loss
“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 o...”
“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 trave...”
“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 ca...”
Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports
- Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
- Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
- Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
“Shortly after purchasing my 2021 Honda Passport Elite, I experienced issues with the Auto Start/Stop feature. Once engaged, my vehicle was very sluggish when restarting after a complete stop. Had the issue checked every time I went in for service at my dealership with no probl...”
“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....”
“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 ca...”
Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports
- Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
- Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
- Transmission slipping between gears
“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 trave...”
“WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MERGE ONTO A SECONDARY ROAD AFTER EXITING THE INTERSTATE ENGINE POWER WASNT THERE AND THE CAR FELT AS IT WAS GOING TO EVENTUALLY JUST DIE. THIS HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN OVER 50 MILES, SO IT WAS AT OPERATING TEMP.. REMOVING FOOT OFF THE THROTTLE ...”
“During a winter storm in approximately 10°F weather, my vehicle became immobilized due to a no-start condition. The starter initially engaged and cranked the engine several times, then failed and would only free-spin without turning the engine. After this occurred, the vehicle...”
Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports
- Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
- Steering wheel pull or highway wander
- Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
“Shortly after purchasing my 2021 Honda Passport Elite, I experienced issues with the Auto Start/Stop feature. Once engaged, my vehicle was very sluggish when restarting after a complete stop. Had the issue checked every time I went in for service at my dealership with no probl...”
“To preface: All of these issues only occur when the engine idle feature is on. I have not experienced any of these problems when the feature is off. Question #1: When I release the brake with the engine idle on, the vehicle will sometimes completely shut off. When this happens...”
“Owned the 2021 Honda Passport for 4 years and have had multiple issues over that time. 1st. Electrical issues. Randomly while driving the center/head unit will continuously restart on a loop until vehicle is turned off and turned back on. 2nd. The speakers make crackling noise...”
Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports
- SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
- Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
- Seat belt retractor lockup
“During a winter storm in approximately 10°F weather, my vehicle became immobilized due to a no-start condition. The starter initially engaged and cranked the engine several times, then failed and would only free-spin without turning the engine. After this occurred, the vehicle...”
“No incident has occurred. However, my concern is that a recall was issued on February 1, 2024 (NHTSA Recall Number 24V-064), and as of October 31, 2025, Honda is still stating that parts are not available to complete the repair. I first contacted Honda in March 2025—over a yea...”
“There were no warning light, malfunction errors or anything prior to 1/4/2025. My passenger seat weight sensor was supposedly finally replaced on 4/9/2025 (I kept being turned away due to the part not being available), but it is still not working, as it is not illuminating/com...”
Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports
- Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
- Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
- Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
“The contact owns a 2021 Honda Passport. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle vibrated abnormally and drove roughly. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken ...”
“Confirmed high pressure fuel pump makes a high pitched “chirp” when engine is warm and at idle.”
Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (7)
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2020-2022 Passport and Odyssey vehicles. The heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, allowing the mirror glass to detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Pilot, and 2019-2023 Passport vehicles. Due to a faulty Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) communication coaxial cable connector, the rearview camera image may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary: American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
Tools for Diagnosing the 2021 Honda Passport
Reads & clears all DTC codes including ABS, SRS, TPMS. Live sensor data with freeze frames. Works on all 1996+ vehicles.
Tests 0.1V–5.0V sensor reference signals, ground continuity (<0.20Ω), and harness resistance.
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Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2021 Honda Passport
Before purchasing a used 2021 Honda Passport, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:
Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).
Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.
Verify that all 7 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.
Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.
Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2021 Honda Passport
Is the 2021 Honda Passport a reliable used car?
The 2021 Honda Passport earns a 4.1/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 136 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.
What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2021 Honda Passport?
The leading complaint category is Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports, with a median failure point around 36,000 miles (IQR: 36,000 – 36,000 mi).
Are there free recall repairs available for the 2021 Honda Passport?
Yes, the NHTSA records 7 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.