2021 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 4th of the 6 years of the 2019–2026 Passport we score.

Owner complaints: 144; 9 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 22.4; 60,348 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 1.4×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 67; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 7
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2020 Passport 2022 Passport →

Should You Buy the 2021 Honda Passport?

Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2021 Honda Passport is 66 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 1.4 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 4th 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 (35 of 144 complaints). Owners also complain about the transmission and cars not starting. 67 of the 144 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 7 recalls. Honda also offers two warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the engine. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2020 scores 63 and the 2022 scores 68.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 23-009 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 1.4 times the problems of the average car its age
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead35 complaints
Transmission: failure or loss of drive18 complaints
Car not starting (cause not stated)12 complaints

How the 2021 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 problems67 complaints · average car: about 43	1.5×	−13
Everyday problems68 complaints · average car: about 57	1.2×	−5
Problems in the last two years35 complaints · average car: about 30	1.2×	−9
Recalls7 recalls · average car: about 3.8	1.5×	−7
Score		66

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 144 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 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 144.

Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
35 complaints (24%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, the system acting on its own and the system not working when needed. 16 of these 35 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 8 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 22,000 miles.
Transmission: failure or loss of drive
18 complaints (13%)
Failure or loss of drive, unusual noises and harsh or delayed shifts. 11 of these 18 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 7 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
12 complaints (8%)
The car not starting and hard starting. 11 of these 12 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.
Engine failure
9 complaints (6%)
A failure, early wear and unusual noises. 7 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 59,000 miles.
Driver-assist camera and radar failure
9 complaints (6%)
A failure, a feature that stopped working and wrong readings.
Brakes: sticking or stiffness
8 complaints (6%)
Sticking or stiffness, loss of braking and vibration or shudder. 4 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Forward collision warning: the system acting on its own
8 complaints (6%)
The system acting on its own and warning came too late. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Screen and audio: works on and off
8 complaints (6%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and unusual noises.
Engine: a loss of power
4 complaints (3%)
A loss of power, stalling and metal debris on the magnetic drain plug. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Instrument cluster: stopped working
4 complaints (3%)
A feature that stopped working.
12V battery failure
3 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Headlights: snow buildup blocks the light
3 complaints (2%)
Snow buildup blocks the light, iced over and problems that come and go. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
3 complaints (2%)
A loss of power. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Mirrors: vibration or shudder
3 complaints (2%)
Vibration or shudder, distorted mirror glass and a feature that stopped working.
Side blind zone alert: the system acting on its own
3 complaints (2%)
The system acting on its own and warning lights.

Show 11 more problems

Starter failure
3 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part and early wear. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
3 complaints (2%)
Sudden acceleration. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often a crash.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
3 complaints (2%)
A failure and a feature that stopped working.
Adaptive cruise control: hard braking with nothing ahead
2 complaints (1%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden braking.
Several warning lights at once
2 complaints (1%)
Warning lights.
High-pressure fuel pump: unusual noises
2 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises and a failure.
Passenger airbag sensor: stopped working
2 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure that needed a new part.
Seat belts: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and warning lights.
Stall (cause not stated)
2 complaints (1%)
Stalling. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Steering: locking up
2 complaints (1%)
Locking up. Both describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.

Reported Once (18)

Show the 18 problems reported once

Airbag warning light
Uneven tire wear: pulling or wandering
Brake power assist: mounting bolts not torqued enough
Control module (unspecified) failure
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
Fuel injector: rough running or misfires
Horn: stopped working
Lane keeping assist: the system acting on its own
Car alarm: the system acting on its own
Parking brake: the system not working when needed
Phone and navigation: stopped working
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
Power windows or regulator: stopped working
Remote start: jumps forward after remote start
Shifter or park: stopped working
Vibration (cause not stated)
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
Windshield: shattering or cracking

How the 2021 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 This year	Caution	66	1.4×	22.4	7	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2020	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

2021 Honda Passport Recalls

Seven recalls cover the 2021 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.
Loose Fastener on Brake Booster Assembly
Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V458000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 29, 2023. By the second quarter of 2025, 84% 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.

Show 1 more recalls

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.

2021 Honda Passport Warranty Extensions and Programs

Honda has two warranty extensions and one service campaign for the 2021 Honda Passport, separate from its recalls. All three are for problems with the engine. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which a Honda dealer can check.

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)
Warranty extensionHonda 23-010
Engine not restarting after auto idle stop (valve adjustment)
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 engine valves for free.
Who qualifies:
The earlier software update 23-008 must be done first if it applies. A technician must confirm the symptom before the repair. Coverage passes to later owners. The VIN must show as eligible.
Coverage:
10 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit for this repair.
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)

2021 Honda Passport NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened three investigations that cover the 2021 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 2021 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 2021 Passport, from its seven 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
Loose Fastener on Brake Booster Assembly NHTSA 23V458000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 7 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.

23-009: engine not restarting after auto idle stop (valves and starter)
23-010: engine not restarting after auto idle stop (valve adjustment)

On the Test Drive

Watch for sudden braking or steering with nothing ahead, and ask whether the driver-assist software updates were done.
Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.
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
Transmission
Cars not starting
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes and transmission fluid 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.