2020 Honda Passport Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 23, 2026

Honda's own two-row SUV, built in Alabama. Not the same car as the 2000–2002 Passport.

Caution

Ranks 5th of the 6 years of the 2019–2026 Passport we score.

Owner complaints: 103; 4 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 35.7; 27,694 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 1.7×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 39; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 10
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2019 Passport 2021 Passport →

Should You Buy the 2020 Honda Passport?

Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2020 Honda Passport is 63 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 1.7 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 5th of the 6 years of the 2019–2026 Passport we score.

The most reported problem is automatic emergency braking, mostly hard braking with nothing ahead (20 of 103 complaints). Owners also complain about the screen and audio and cars not starting. 39 of the 103 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 10 recalls. Honda also offers two warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the audio system and engine. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2019 scores 59 and the 2021 scores 66.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 21-012 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
5-star NHTSA overall crash rating
2 Honda warranty extensions may cover repairs

Cons

About 1.7 times the problems of the average car its age
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead20 complaints
Screen and audio: works on and off18 complaints
Car not starting (cause not stated)14 complaints

How the 2020 Passport Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems39 complaints · average car: about 23	1.6×	−13
Everyday problems60 complaints · average car: about 32	1.9×	−6
Problems in the last two years21 complaints · average car: about 14	1.4×	−10
Recalls10 recalls · average car: about 4.4	1.9×	−8
Score		63

Each part shows two counts: this year's so far, and what an average car would have at the same age. For complaints, that average car was made in the same number as this one. “Vs average” compares the two counts, but in our scoring system we first add a little to both, so a few complaints cannot swing the result. That is why it is not simply one count divided by the other. The last two years count only complaints about five systems: the engine and fuel system, transmission, brakes, steering, and airbags and seat belts.

What Owners Report

We read all 103 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Honda Passport, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 103.

Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
20 complaints (19%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, the system acting on its own and the system not working when needed. 11 of these 20 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 13,000 miles.
Screen and audio: works on and off
18 complaints (17%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and unusual noises. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 5,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
14 complaints (14%)
The car not starting and hard starting. 13 of these 14 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem.
Driver-assist camera and radar failure
12 complaints (12%)
A failure, problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 94,000 miles.
Engine failure
7 complaints (7%)
A failure and parts breaking or coming apart. All 7 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Forward collision warning: the system acting on its own
5 complaints (5%)
The system acting on its own.
Transmission: failure or loss of drive
5 complaints (5%)
Failure or loss of drive and harsh or delayed shifts. 3 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem.
Stall (cause not stated)
4 complaints (4%)
Stalling. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Adaptive cruise control: hard braking with nothing ahead
3 complaints (3%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, the system not working when needed and the system acting on its own. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden braking.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (3%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a leak.
12V battery failure
2 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.
Battery drain: draining the battery
2 complaints (2%)
Draining the battery.
Fuel pump: stalling
2 complaints (2%)
Stalling. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Fuel leak
2 complaints (2%)
A leak.
Instrument cluster: stopped working
2 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working and wrong readings.

Show 3 more problems

Rearview camera: stopped working
2 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working.
Starter failure
2 complaints (2%)
A failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
2 complaints (2%)
A failure.

Reported Once (14)

Show the 14 problems reported once

Brakes: the car rolling away
Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell
Control arm bushings: parts breaking or coming apart
Headlights: water leaking in
Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
Key fob: stopped working
Lane keeping assist: the system acting on its own
Mirrors: parts breaking or coming apart
Noise (cause not stated)
Auto idle stop system: stopped working
Paint and rust: damage
Steering: loss of steering control
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)

How the 2020 Honda Passport Compares With Other Years

The other Passport years of the 3rd generation, 2019 to 2025, and the year just after it.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2026	Too new	–	–	9.7	1	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2025	Provisional 49	–	–	22.9	0	Auto idle stop system: the car not starting
2024	Good	71	1.0×	7.5	1	Brakes failure
2023	Good	72	0.77×	8.8	5	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2022	Caution	68	1.1×	14.9	4	Starter: the car not starting
2021	Caution	66	1.4×	22.4	7	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2020 This year	Caution	63	1.7×	35.7	10	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2019	Avoid	59	2.8×	61.0	10	Auto idle stop system: the car not starting

See every Passport year

2020 Honda Passport Recalls

Ten recalls cover the 2020 Honda Passport. The most recent was issued in June 2026: “Rear Suspension Components May Fail.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

Rear Suspension Components May Fail
Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
NHTSA 26V365000 Recall report (PDF)Issued Jun 4, 2026.
Air Bags May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
NHTSA 26V332000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 21, 2026.
Air Bag May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
NHTSA 24V064000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 1, 2024. By the second quarter of 2026, 52% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel Pump May Fail
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V858000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 18, 2023. By the second quarter of 2026, 73% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Rearview Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
NHTSA 23V431000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 15, 2023. By the first quarter of 2026, 87% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Side-View Mirrors May Detach/FMVSS 111
Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V174000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 16, 2023. By the fourth quarter of 2025, 87% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 4 more recalls

Tire Failure May Cause Sudden Air Loss
Overcured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation, which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
NHTSA 21V165000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 11, 2021. By the first quarter of 2023, 80% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Instrument Panel Software Incorrect/FMVSS 101/111
Operating a vehicle without a functioning instrument panel or rearview camera display increases the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 20V439000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jul 28, 2020. By the second quarter of 2022, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Delayed or Inoperative Rearview Camera/FMVSS 111
A delayed or inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 20V440000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jul 28, 2020. By the second quarter of 2022, 96% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Certification Label Ink Can Be Wiped Away
If the operator is unable to refer to the label information, the vehicle may be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 20V067000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 6, 2020. By the second quarter of 2021, 96% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

2020 Honda Passport Warranty Extensions and Programs

Honda has two warranty extensions and one service campaign for the 2020 Honda Passport, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the engine and audio system. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which a Honda dealer can check.

Warranty extensionHonda 21-012
Audio and display network connectors (speaker popping, no audio)
The problem:
A loose connection in the audio and display network can cause speaker popping or crackling, no audio, a Network Loss message or display problems.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the network connectors for free.
Who qualifies:
The car must show the symptoms, and the Honda dealer must find they come from the network connectors. The VIN must show as eligible.
Coverage:
5 years or 60,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 23-009
Engine not restarting after auto idle stop (valves and starter)
The problem:
After the car stops with auto idle stop on, the engine may not restart by itself. The cause is too much cylinder pressure or low cranking torque.
The fix:
A Honda dealer adjusts the valves and replaces the starter and starter relays for free.
Who qualifies:
The earlier software update 23-008 must be done first if it applies. Repairs must relate to this no restart problem. Coverage passes to later owners. The VIN must show as eligible.
Coverage:
10 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit for these repairs.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Service campaignHonda 23-008
Auto idle stop software update
The problem:
After the car stops with auto idle stop on, the engine may not restart by itself. The driver must select Park and push the engine start/stop button.
The fix:
A Honda dealer installs an engine control software update.
Who qualifies:
The car's VIN must show the update as open. Honda dealers must update affected new or used cars before selling them.
Coverage:
No time or mileage limit is given. Ask a Honda dealer whether this applies to the car's VIN.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

2020 Honda Passport NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened three investigations that cover the 2020 Honda Passport. Two are still open and one other has closed.

Automatic emergency braking activating by mistake in Insights and Passports
Closed
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation, opened in March 2024, looked at automatic emergency braking activating with nothing ahead in 2019-2022 Insights and Passports. Honda said some owners may not understand the system's limits. NHTSA reviewed 475 reports, with 3 alleging a crash and 2 an injury. In January 2025 it upgraded the case to engineering analysis EA25-002, adding 2023 Passports.
NHTSA PE24008 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Mar 7, 2024 to Jan 17, 2025
Unwanted automatic emergency braking in Insights and Passports
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in January 2025, covers automatic emergency braking that activates with nothing in the way. It applies to 2019-2022 Insights and 2019-2023 Passports. NHTSA reviewed 475 reports, with 3 alleging a crash and 2 an injury. Many complaints say dealers could not reproduce the problem or called it normal. The case is still open.
NHTSA EA25002 Opening report (PDF)Open since Jan 17, 2025
Engines failing to restart after automatic idle stop
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in March 2025, looks at engines that fail to restart after automatic idle stop shuts them off at a light. It lists 2016-2025 Pilots and 2018-2025 Odysseys, plus Passports and Ridgelines. Honda issued service bulletins and a 10-year warranty on some parts. Owners still report failures after the fixes. The case is still open.
NHTSA EA25004 Opening report (PDF)Open since Mar 26, 2025

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2020 Passport ratings on NHTSA.gov.

SUV AWD and SUV FWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2020 Passport, from its ten recalls, two Honda warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Rear Suspension Components May Fail NHTSA 26V365000
Air Bags May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash NHTSA 26V332000
Air Bag May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash NHTSA 24V064000
Fuel Pump May Fail NHTSA 23V858000
Rearview Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA 23V431000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 10 recalls and which are still open.

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

21-012: audio and display network connectors (speaker popping, no audio)
23-009: engine not restarting after auto idle stop (valves and starter)

On the Test Drive

Watch for sudden braking or steering with nothing ahead, and ask whether the driver-assist software updates were done.
Test the screen, audio and phone connection for freezing or rebooting.
Ask about battery and starter replacements. A slow start after the car sits is a warning sign.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Automatic emergency braking
Screen and audio
Cars not starting
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All Passport Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.