2026 Honda Passport

63 complaints on file, page 1 of 4.

1. Filed Sep 22, 2026Failure Apr 8, 2026Santa Fe, NMElectrical system, Automatic emergency braking, Service brakes

   Vehicle: 2026 Honda Passport VIN: [XXX] Mileage at time of most recent incident: ~16,795 miles Dealer(s): Garcia Honda, Albuquerque, NM (selling dealer); Honda of Santa Fe (servicing dealer) Complaint narrative: I am experiencing recurring electrical system failures and brake-related warning malfunctions in my 2026 Honda Passport that have required three separate repair attempts: [XXX] (RO [XXX]): Auto Stop/Start system shut down unexpectedly. Dealer installed a software update. Vehicle died while driving, [XXX] (RO [XXX]): Vehicle died while driving, with hazard lights inoperative. Diagnostic code U1291 was found, but the dealer could not confirm the underlying fault. [XXX] (RO [XXX], ongoing): Vehicle displayed multiple warning lights and a brake system malfunction message. As of 9/22/2026, the vehicle remains at the dealership and has been disassembled for diagnosis. These are not isolated incidents — the 2026 Passport has multiple other owner-reported complaints to NHTSA describing unexpected shutdowns, brake system warnings activating without cause, and safety features engaging unexpectedly, suggesting a pattern consistent with an underlying electrical/braking system defect rather than a vehicle-specific issue. The unpredictable nature of these failures — sudden shutdown while driving, loss of hazard lights, and unexplained brake warnings — poses an ongoing safety risk to myself and other drivers. I am also currently pursuing lemon law arbitration against Honda (NCDS case HON260745) regarding this vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11766031
2. Filed Sep 21, 2026Failure Aug 7, 2026Wilmette, ILEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

   The car in question is a 2026 Honda Passport Trailsport Elite that I purchased in August of 2026 -- and that I'm now thinking of selling! Occasionally when accelerating from a stopped position the acceleration will hesitate for a full second, followed by a slight herky jerky motion. This presents a dangerous situation --- particularly when turning left with oncoming traffic barrelling down. This does not happen all the time but its scary and I end up just waiting to turn rather than risking getting t-boned. I notice on Reddit and the Honda forum that this is a known issue! Nobody has offered a reason. I feel like selling the car it's so bad.

   NHTSA complaint 11765901
3. Filed Sep 18, 2026Failure Aug 31, 2026Natchitoches, LAExterior lighting

   Cracks appeared on my headlight lens, some all the way through. Its a condition called crazing. Honda refuses to replace saying that I damaged them, which I haven't. If it rains hard, water can enter causing a short , headlights going out or a short causing a fire.

   NHTSA complaint 11765331
4. Filed Sep 16, 2026Failure Sep 11, 2026Idaho Falls, IDUnknown or other

   I just bought the brand new vehicle about a month and a half ago. Went on a vacation in [XXX] National [XXX]. I was cruising along XXX in [XXX], smooth highway, no one near me, great weather, and all of a sudden, there was a huge boom sound so loud, and glass fell down on me, I looked up and my sunroof had exploded and shattered, while the shade was open. I never saw any vehicle near me or bad weather or problem. Just cruising speed on an open highway. I read online and have been told this is a known occurrence with sunroofs in Honda Passports, and have researched online seeing it happen to others. I pulled over and called my Honda dealership. The recommended a crash wrap and to close the shade. I couldn't get it wrapped until I got home to [XXX], and my dealer did that. The shattering occurred on XXX about noon. It was scary, and I had glass in my hair, lap, and all around me in the car. No issues prior that I was aware of. I was looking straight ahead on the open highway when this occurred. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11764738
5. Filed Sep 12, 2026Failure Sep 3, 2026Fredericksburg, VASeats

   The driver’s front seat has an internal manufacturing defect causing severe physical pain and numbness, creating a hazardous distraction and impacting my ability to safely operate the vehicle. While operating my 2026 Honda Passport, the driver's front seat induces intense pressure and localized pain against my tailbone and lower back within 20 to 30 minutes of driving. Investigation reveals a known community design flaw where a rigid internal component or improperly fitted seat ventilation hardware creates a hard, localized ridge right at the cushion junction. The sudden onset of severe tailbone pain and lower extremity numbness forces me to constantly shift body weight and alter my seating posture while the vehicle is in motion. This causes an extreme, continuous driver distraction, delays my reaction time to brake or steer, and makes maintaining proper vehicle control difficult during extended highway travel. I have had to resort to using aftermarket padding that alters my driving height and position, potentially compromising the engineered effectiveness of the vehicle's airbag and seatbelt safety systems. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Honda dealership for inspection. The service department turned me away, despite several others concurring that they can feel the presence of the intrusion. I’ve sat in several other Honda Passport Trailsports where the same seat defect is not present. I was informed by Honda that the seat is built "within factory specifications," meaning the design flaw cannot be corrected by swapping standard components.

   NHTSA complaint 11763851
6. Filed Sep 8, 2026Failure Sep 6, 2026Henderson, NVElectrical system, Unknown or other

   Driving from [XXX] to [XXX], just over 1hr into trip @ 100 miles out of town and on one of the many steep inclines on the route, the engine power seemed to pulse, as if increase and decrease of gas/acceleration, then has every single alert possible illuminated on dash with the bell sound: Electric power steering system problem, steering assist reduced. Electric parking brake system problem, parking brake not available. Brake system problem, brake performance may be reduced. Brake hold system problem, apply brake when stopped. Vehicle stability assist system problem, reduced traction and handling. Trailer stability assist system problem. Hill descent control system problem, apply brake when descending. Hill start assist problem, vehicle may roll upon brake release. Adaptive cruise control system problem. Collision mitigation braking system problem. Road departure mitigation system problem. Low speed braking control problem. Emission system problem, avoid heavy acceleration and high speed. All wheel drive system problem, only front wheels may be powered. All alerts ending with 'See your dealer' The car then had reduced power which was a significant safety concern and driving risk when navigating hills and traffic flowing at 75mph uphill while this vehicle going slower and slower regardless of gas pedal pressure: 65mph, than 60mph, than 55mph, than 50mhp eating gas like crazy. Coasted into gas station to asses. At low speed there was a rattle upon pressing gas pedal coming from under the hood. The vehicle is 3 months old and has 4,197 miles. It is not simply that the alerts illuminated, those systems were all affected: braking, steering, acceleration, lane departure, cruise control etc. all were not working. Heavy acceleration and high speed were not even an option. Somehow made it back to [XXX] in limp/aux mode. Dealer has had vehicle for 6 hours and no update other than, 'it's not the battery' INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11762827
7. Filed Sep 6, 2026Failure Nov 1, 2025Breckenridge, COElectrical system, Exterior lighting, Unknown or other

   Re: Case #[XXX] – Outstanding Concerns Case #[XXX] 2026 Honda PASSPORT, VIN: [XXX]. As we discussed, I am requesting that American Honda Motor Co. voluntarily repurchase my 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite. March 9, 2026: During a scheduled oil change, I reported the phone echo and infotainment concerns. The dealership was unable to duplicate the issue at that time. May 27, 2026: Vehicle evaluated for recurring infotainment concerns. The issues were not resolved. June 1, 2026: Vehicle returned for continued infotainment concerns. The issues remained unresolved. June 19, 2026: The dealership replaced the entire infotainment/head unit. Unfortunately, the original defects persisted immediately following the repair. In addition, Honda released an over-the-air (OTA) software update in March 2026. That update also did not resolve the infotainment defects. Since purchasing the vehicle in late October 2025, I have experienced persistent infotainment defects, including a phone echo affecting the receiving party on every outgoing phone call. Since I began formally documenting the issues in March 2026, I have documented 21 infotainment freezes and screen blackout incidents. These issues began shortly after I purchased the vehicle in November 2025 but were not individually documented until March. The multiple issues with my infotainment system screen blacking out while driving is a significant safety concern and prohibits my ability To safely use my car for maps and GPS road conditions in the daily mountain areas I drive safely. Despite my attempt to bring this to Honda corporate on two separate occasions, they are dismissing the case. Honda engineers have admitted as of July 2, 2026 in writing that this is a known issue and they are admitted in writing, there is no fix. My Honda dealer has worked relentlessly to try to help me and Honda corporate customer service has dismissed me. I need help for my significant safety issue! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(

   NHTSA complaint 11762461
8. Filed Sep 6, 2026Failure Sep 6, 2026South Riding, VAPower train

   10 speed transmission at times down shifts harshly at low speed coming to a stop. you have to feather the brake pedal to come to a smooth stop without the head jerking. At times can hear and feel the gears downshift coming to a stop and occasional jolt right before the car comes to a complete stop. I've never had to think about braking to a smooth stop ever before this 10 speed transmission. This is coming from a similar Honda SUV with 6 speed transmission (2012 pilot). Resetting the transmission's adaptive learning values did not resolve the issue. I request that Honda investigate this defect, provide a software reprogram, or issue a recall to fix the shift quality.

   NHTSA complaint 11762423
9. Filed Aug 30, 2026Failure Aug 23, 2026Clarkdale, AZUnknown or other

   On 8/23/26 with 700 miles the panoramic shade would not close all the way. When used the button to retract, there was some loud clicking. I was able to guide the shade to close, but the shade has a sag on the front right.

   NHTSA complaint 11760780
10. Filed Aug 26, 2026Failure Jul 31, 2026Arnold, MOUnknown or other

    The vehicle's infotainment system displays an OTA software update error message on every startup. Honda dealerships are unable to correct this issue without further intervention and software updates from Honda corporate. Dealer has stated that this issue may interfere with reliable over-the-air software updates, including any potential safety-related updates delivered through this OTA system.

    NHTSA complaint 11759730
11. Filed Aug 24, 2026Failure Aug 23, 2026Quincy, ILSeats

    I would like to register a formal complaint regarding the front seats in my 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite. The seat ventilation system creates significant discomfort around the tailbone, making it extremely difficult to tolerate drives of any meaningful length. I did not raise this concern sooner because my wife typically drives the vehicle and had accepted the discomfort as “normal.” It is not normal. I recently drove the vehicle to a store only 1.5 miles away, and by the time I arrived, the pressure and discomfort on my tailbone were already difficult to tolerate. This issue is not merely uncomfortable; it is a significant distraction for the driver and, in my opinion, a safety concern. A premium trim vehicle should not create this kind of problem. If anything, it should provide a high level of comfort. I have contacted the dealer where I purchased the vehicle, but their only proposed solution has been for me to trade it in for another new vehicle, which would leave me at a financial disadvantage. I believe Honda should recognize this as a design flaw and offer affected customers an appropriate remedy, such as replacement seats that resolve the issue or compensation that would allow customers to purchase aftermarket seats that do not have this problem.

    NHTSA complaint 11759065
12. Filed Aug 11, 2026Failure May 11, 2026Camby, INSteering

    The steering wheel clicks when turning. Purchase dealership did nothing. 2nd Honda dealer ship replaced the clock spring and steering column. Helped for a day then the noise returned. Additionally, there’s a dead spot when turning. It feels like a pause and the the vehicle takes a minute to catch up. Very unnerving.

    NHTSA complaint 11756372
13. Filed Aug 8, 2026Failure Jan 27, 2026Centerville, OHPower train

    PASSPORT 10 SPEED HARSH SHIFTING AT LOW SPEEDS. DOES NOT SHIFT FROM LOWER GEARS SMOOTHLY. ENGINE REVS BETWEEN GEARS. IT'S A HYDRAULYIC SHIFT FLARE. IN ADDITION, HARSH DOWNSHIFTING AND ABRUPT DECELERATION WHEN LIFTING OFF THE GAS PEDAL.

    NHTSA complaint 11755655
14. Filed Aug 6, 2026Failure Apr 7, 2026190 milesSmithsburg, MDPower train

    The contact owns a 2026 Honda Passport. The contact stated that the wheel alignment was required due to an off-center steering wheel. The contact stated that on the second day of ownership, the vehicle shuddered, jerked, lurched, and hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated during the transmission failure. Additionally, the multi-view camera system malfunctioned while driving, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that the transmission and the camera system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the transmission failure recurred within five minutes of retrieving the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. A district manager informed the contact that the transmission function was related to the adaptive learning and might be resolved with continued driving. The contact stated that the manufacturer failed to accept responsibility for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190.

    NHTSA complaint 11755279
15. Filed Aug 4, 2026Failure Apr 15, 2026Akron, OHWarnings, Warning, Assist

    The vehicle’s software can’t be updated due to a well known long standing error. This could effect safety systems, I was told that my car has four updates (dealer)which can’t download/install due to this OTA problems. Whats worse is that Hondas engineers looked at my vehicle’s systems and reported no pending updates. Short story, this has been years of errors that Honda can’t fix. Dealer said that repairs could potentially “brick” my vehicle.

    NHTSA complaint 11754870
16. Filed Aug 4, 2026Failure Dec 28, 2025Parma, OHAutomatic emergency braking, Warnings, Service brakes

    I was driving approximately 70 MPH, on a freeway in rain; I moved to the passing lane to go around a semi-truck. Spray from the semi was heavy but I could still see the road. Suddenly, the car brakes engaged very strongly. We were jolted forward in our seats. Had a car been following me, that driver may not have had time to brake himself. I believe the dash flashed a large braking sign. It only happened once. I'm reporting it to the dealer tomorrow for the first time.

    NHTSA complaint 11754813
17. Filed Aug 1, 2026Failure Jul 31, 2026Keezletown, VAVisibility/wiper

    On July 31, 2026, we we're driving north on interstate 81 in northeastern Pennsylvania when a small rock flew up from another vehicle striking the windshield and creating a small star-shaped crack in the windshield.

    NHTSA complaint 11754206
18. Filed Aug 1, 2026Failure Jun 29, 2026Keezletown, VAVisibility/wiper

    On June 29, 2026, we were driving on interstate 87 near the Albany airport when a small rock struck my car windshield which caused a small, star-shaped crack on the driver's side of my windshield. I took the car immediately to a Safelite location near the Albany airport to try and have the star repaired at their facility however the effort failed and turned the small star shape into a one foot crack going across the windshield. It was eventually replaced at another Safelite the following week.

    NHTSA complaint 11754204
19. Filed Jul 30, 2026Failure Jul 29, 2026Biddeford, MEAutomatic emergency braking

    My 2026 Honda Passport has experienced two separate “phantom breaking” events while I was driving on clear roadways without any other traffic. Both events occurred while driving with cruise control set at 35 mph.

    NHTSA complaint 11753670
20. Filed Jul 24, 2026Failure Jun 16, 2026Staten Island, NYBody

    I took my card to Honda Of Staten Island. An advisor took a ride in my car and heard the knocking noise from under the Honda Passport. He asked to have the car be put on a lift to make sure there was nothing dangerous with the passport, after it was checked by a mechanic, they said it was safe to drive, the noise has become louder. I checked on Honda's website with my Vin, and nothing comes up on recall, however when I look with my model, year it says Rr Subframe bolt. I am hoping that Honda does not say they can't find anything wrong when I clearly hear the noise Honda's website is describing. I thought I inform NHTSA about this. I don't want to get into an accident or for that matter anyone else because of this issue.

    NHTSA complaint 11752729