2023 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.

Good

Ranks 1st of the 6 years of the 2019–2026 Passport we score.

Owner complaints: 40; 1 is a recall notice
Per 10,000 cars: 8.8; 44,413 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.77×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 13; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 5
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2022 Passport 2024 Passport →

Should You Buy the 2023 Honda Passport?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2023 Honda Passport is 72 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported fewer problems than for the average car of the same age. It ranks 1st 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 (11 of 40 complaints). Owners also complain about the brakes and the transmission. 13 of the 40 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 5 recalls. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2022 scores 68 and the 2024 scores 71.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 72
Fewer problems than the average car its age
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
5-star NHTSA overall crash rating

Cons

Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead11 complaints
Brakes: vibration or shudder7 complaints
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts4 complaints

How the 2023 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 problems13 complaints · average car: about 20	0.66×	−8
Everyday problems26 complaints · average car: about 26	1.0×	−5
Problems in the last two years13 complaints · average car: about 17	0.77×	−8
Recalls5 recalls · average car: about 3.1	1.4×	−7
Score		72

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 40 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 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 40.

Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
11 complaints (28%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead and problems that come and go. 5 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem.
Brakes: vibration or shudder
7 complaints (18%)
Vibration or shudder, parts breaking or coming apart and loss of braking. 2 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
4 complaints (10%)
Harsh or delayed shifts. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
A/C: stopped working
2 complaints (5%)
A feature that stopped working.
Forward collision warning: stopped working
2 complaints (5%)
A feature that stopped working and the system acting on its own.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
2 complaints (5%)
The car not starting and hard starting. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
2 complaints (5%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (5%)
Surging.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
2 complaints (5%)
A failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.

Reported Once (32)

Show the 32 problems reported once

12V battery failure
A/C compressor: a leak
ABS failure
AWD or rear differential: works on and off
Uneven tire wear: pulling or wandering
Check engine light (cause not stated)
Control module (unspecified) failure
Door latches: not closing or latching
CV axles: unusual noises
Engine: unusual noises
Engine failure: unusual noises
Headlights: water leaking in
Screen and audio: works on and off
Instrument cluster: works on and off
Lane keeping assist: the system acting on its own
Noise (cause not stated)
Backup sensors: stopped working
Rear seat warning (false alert): warning lights
Parking brake: stopped working
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
Door lock actuators: works on and off
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
Rearview camera: stopped working
Road departure mitigation: warning lights
Seat belts: warning lights
Stall (cause not stated)
Steering: vibration or shudder
Timing belt failure
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)
Windshield: wavy distortion

How the 2023 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 This year	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	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

2023 Honda Passport Recalls

Five recalls cover the 2023 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.
Fuel Leak from Fuel Filler Pipe Separation
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 24V900000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 27, 2024. By the second quarter of 2026, 93% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Improperly Secured Ball Joint in Steering Gearbox
A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 24V184000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 7, 2024. By the first quarter of 2026, 96% 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.

2023 Honda Passport NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened two investigations that cover the 2023 Honda Passport. Two are still open.

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 2023 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 2023 Passport, from its five recalls 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
Fuel Leak from Fuel Filler Pipe Separation NHTSA 24V900000
Improperly Secured Ball Joint in Steering Gearbox NHTSA 24V184000
Loose Fastener on Brake Booster Assembly NHTSA 23V458000
Rearview Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA 23V431000

On the Test Drive

Watch for sudden braking or steering with nothing ahead, and ask whether the driver-assist software updates were done.
Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.
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 the Seller

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

Automatic emergency braking
Brakes
Transmission
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.