2026 Honda Passport: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 63 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (15% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 14 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Jul 2026
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2026
“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.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Aug 2026
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2026
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“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.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2026
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2026
“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.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Jul 2026
“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.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Jul 2026
“Auto stop / start system. When engaged and engine turns off like at a stop sign, once I press on accelator engine will ratttle, sputter and sometimes steering wheel will briefly lock or turn all before it comes back on completely and is ready to drive. This has happened several times to me. Has almost caused a crash after I attempted to pull onto a cross road in traffic. The system cannot be permantely deactivated.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2026
“On July 11, 2026, while driving, the vehicle suddenly experienced multiple system failures. The dashboard illuminated with numerous warning lights, including a flashing check engine light, indicating multiple system malfunctions. The vehicle was towed to the dealer due to the severity of the issue. It is currently at the dealership for inspection and diagnosis. I have not yet received a diagnosis or confirmation of the failed component(s) from the dealer. No warning lights, messages, or symptoms appeared prior to the sudden failure. The abrupt illumination of multiple warning lights while driving created a significant safety concern regarding the reliability of critical vehicle systems.”Owner report · Electrical System,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2026
“The vehicles trouble screen on the dash summoned us to engine problems. Do not drive over 40 and notify your dealer immediately. We did so, Honda America sent a tow truck picked up the vehicle and sent it to the dealer. The next day the dealer contacted us and said they found excessive carbon on all the engine valves and all 6 cylinders were miss firing. The dealer gave us a loaner, after several phone conversations with the dealer and honda America they gave us the vehicle back. They walnut blasted the valves to clean the carbon and Honda America is investigating the issue. This vehicle is a 2026 passport with 24000 miles.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2026
Recalls - 1 campaign
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2026 Pilot and Passport vehicles. The rear subframe bolts may have been tightened improperly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rear subframe bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is OOY. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 10, 2026.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2026 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Passport years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Passport by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2026 Honda Passport reliable?
NHTSA has 63 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2026 Honda Passport. The most complained-about area is electrical system (15% of complaints).
Does the 2026 Honda Passport have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning suspension. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.