2000-2023 Honda Passport Problems: 18 Known Issues
2000-2023 model years · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2000-2023 Honda Passport has 18 documented known issues, with 8 rated critical. The most serious are Timing Belt and Water Pump Neglect Leading to 3.2L V6 Engine Damage ($700-$3,000 repair), AC Compressor Premature Failure ($500-$2,800 repair), Passenger Airbag Inflator Recalls (Explosion or Under-Inflation Risk) ($0-$300 repair), Fuel Pump Failure (Multiple Recalls - NHTSA 21V-215, 23V-858) ($0-$0 repair), 9-Speed Transmission Rough Shifting and Hesitation ($0-$7,000 repair), Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Clutch Shudder and 2nd-Gear Failure ($1,800-$3,800 repair), Frame Rust and Rear Suspension Mount Corrosion ($500-$4,000 repair) and Engine Does Not Restart After Auto Idle Stop Shuts It Off ($40-$300 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $40 to $7,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 18 Known Issues
When Issues Typically Appear
NHTSA Recalls16 recalls
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
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
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
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.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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.
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Passport and Ridgeline vehicles. The inner ball joint housing in the steering gearbox assembly may loosen and detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Honda Passport problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2000-2023 Honda Passport has 18 documented issues. Documented issues include: Timing Belt and Water Pump Neglect Leading to 3.2L V6 Engine Damage, AC Compressor Premature Failure, Passenger Airbag Inflator Recalls (Explosion or Under-Inflation Risk). Of these, 8 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Honda Passport reliable?
The 2000-2023 Honda Passport has 18 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 8 issues are rated critical: Timing Belt and Water Pump Neglect Leading to 3.2L V6 Engine Damage and AC Compressor Premature Failure and Passenger Airbag Inflator Recalls (Explosion or Under-Inflation Risk) and Fuel Pump Failure (Multiple Recalls - NHTSA 21V-215, 23V-858) and 9-Speed Transmission Rough Shifting and Hesitation and Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Clutch Shudder and 2nd-Gear Failure and Frame Rust and Rear Suspension Mount Corrosion and Engine Does Not Restart After Auto Idle Stop Shuts It Off. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Honda Passport problems?
Repair costs for known Honda Passport issues range from $0 to $7,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Timing Belt and Water Pump Neglect Leading to 3.2L V6 Engine Damage, typically costs $700-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Honda Passport is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Honda Passport. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2000-2023 Honda Passport with 18 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
What is the 2000-2002 Honda Passport Timing Belt and Water Pump Neglect Leading to 3.2L V6 Engine Damage?
The 3.2L V6 used in the first-generation Passport relies on a timing belt service interval that many used examples miss. When the belt, tensioner, or water pump fails, owners report sudden no-starts, stalling, or catastrophic internal engine damage because the engine is interfere… Repairs typically run $700-$3,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2019-2023 Honda Passport AC Compressor Premature Failure?
Honda Passport AC compressors fail prematurely, often between 40,000-80,000 miles. Symptoms include no cold air, loud grinding/squealing noises from the compressor, intermittent cooling, and clicking sounds. The compressor clutch bearing fails first, then the entire compressor se… Repairs typically run $500-$2,800. Severity: high.
What is the 2001 Honda Passport Passenger Airbag Inflator Recalls (Explosion or Under-Inflation Risk)?
Certain 2001 Honda Passport models were covered by two passenger-side airbag inflator recalls (NHTSA 01V055000, filed by Isuzu, and 02V213001, filed by American Honda); they were not part of the Takata inflator campaign. Under 01V055000, inflators built with the wrong amount of g… Repairs typically run $0-$300. Severity: high.
What is the 2019-2021 Honda Passport Fuel Pump Failure (Multiple Recalls - NHTSA 21V-215, 23V-858)?
Certain 2019-2021 Honda Passports have been recalled for fuel pump failure. The fuel pump impeller was improperly molded (low density), causing it to deform over time and interfere with the fuel pump body, rendering it inoperative. Symptoms include engine stalling while driving,… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2019-2023 Honda Passport 9-Speed Transmission Rough Shifting and Hesitation?
The Honda Passport (2019-2023) with the ZF 9-speed automatic transmission experiences rough shifting, delayed shifting, harsh acceleration/deceleration, sudden loss of power, and transmission slipping into neutral unexpectedly. A class action lawsuit alleges the transmission cont… Repairs typically run $0-$7,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2000-2002 Honda Passport Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Clutch Shudder and 2nd-Gear Failure?
The first-generation Passport's 4-speed automatic is widely documented for torque-converter clutch shudder, slipping, harsh shifts, and eventual hard-part failure, especially loss of 2nd gear. Honda issued service information tied to Isuzu-sourced driveline components, and owner… Repairs typically run $1,800-$3,800. Severity: high.
What is the 2000-2002 Honda Passport Frame Rust and Rear Suspension Mount Corrosion?
In rust-belt states, first-generation Passports are known for severe frame corrosion, especially around rear suspension attachment points, body mounts, and underbody crossmembers. Owners report failed inspections, unstable rear-end behavior, and cases where rust perforation makes… Repairs typically run $500-$4,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2019-2023 Honda Passport Engine Does Not Restart After Auto Idle Stop Shuts It Off?
On some Honda Passports, the engine shuts off as designed when Auto Idle Stop engages at a light or in traffic, but then does not restart by itself when the driver lifts off the brake. The vehicle is left stopped in the lane, and some owners say it needed a jump start before they… Repairs typically run $40-$300. Severity: high.
What is the 2019-2023 Honda Passport Infotainment System Failures (FAKRA Connector Defect)?
The 2019-2023 Honda Passport experiences widespread infotainment system failures caused by a defective MOST communication coaxial (FAKRA-type) cable connector behind the audio display unit. Symptoms include blank/black screen on startup, backup camera not working, audio system cr… Repairs typically run $0-$2,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2000-2002 Honda Passport ABS Hydraulic Unit / Wheel Speed Sensor Faults Causing ABS Warning Lights and Loss of Anti-Lock Function?
Multiple Passport owners report persistent ABS warning lights, often traced to failed wheel speed sensors, damaged sensor wiring, or faults in the ABS hydraulic control unit. On older rust-belt vehicles, corrosion at connectors and tone ring damage are common contributors. When t… Repairs typically run $150-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2019-2023 Honda Passport Parasitic Battery Drain and Premature Battery Failure?
Honda Passport owners report batteries dying after 24-48 hours of sitting, premature battery failure (under 3 years), and electrical issues caused by weak batteries. Common causes include: infotainment system staying awake (FAKRA connector issue), door lock actuators causing cons… Repairs typically run $150-$500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2000-2002 Honda Passport Exhaust Manifold Stud Breakage and Exhaust Leak Tick on 3.2L V6?
The 3.2L V6 used in the first-generation Passport is known to develop exhaust leaks from broken manifold studs or warped manifold sealing surfaces as the vehicle ages. Owners commonly describe a ticking noise on cold start, exhaust smell, and occasional failed emissions testing. Repairs typically run $300-$1,400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2019-2023 Honda Passport Front Suspension Clunking and Noise Over Bumps?
Honda Passport owners report clunking, knocking, or rattling noises from the front suspension when going over bumps, potholes, or rough roads. Common causes include: worn front lower control arm bushings, worn sway bar end links, loose/worn strut mounts, and worn ball joints. The… Repairs typically run $150-$800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2019-2023 Honda Passport Highway Vibration and Wobble (45-65 MPH)?
Honda Passport owners report annoying vibration and wobble at highway speeds (45-65 mph). The vibration is cyclical, often felt through the steering wheel, floor, and seats. Common causes include: wheel balance issues (OEM wheels are finicky), tire cupping/uneven wear, driveshaft… Repairs typically run $80-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2019-2023 Honda Passport Front Wheel Bearing Premature Failure?
Honda Passport front wheel bearings fail prematurely, often between 40,000-80,000 miles. Symptoms include humming/growling noise that increases with speed, steering wheel vibration, and ABS/VSA warning lights. The noise is usually louder when turning (load shifts to one bearing). Repairs typically run $300-$500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2000-2002 Honda Passport Valve Cover Gasket and Spark Plug Tube Seal Oil Leaks Causing Misfires?
Aging 3.2L V6 Passports commonly develop oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube seals. Owners report burnt-oil smell, oil on the cylinder head, and in some cases oil filling the plug wells and causing ignition misfires. This is a typical age-related failure on… Repairs typically run $120-$600. Severity: low.
What is the 2000-2002 Honda Passport Power Window Regulator and Door Lock Actuator Failures?
Owners of first-generation Passports frequently report slow or failed power windows and intermittent power door locks, especially on high-mileage vehicles. Regulators wear out, plastic guides break, and lock actuators weaken with age, sometimes leaving the window stuck down or a… Repairs typically run $100-$450. Severity: low.
What is the 2019-2022 Honda Passport Paint and Clearcoat Peeling (Hood and Roof)?
Some 2019-2022 Honda Passport owners report paint peeling, bubbling, or clearcoat failures, especially on the hood and roof. Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,000. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.