Last updated: 2026-03-04

2020 Honda Passport Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2020 Honda Passport scores 68/100 ("Good"). With 8 recalls and 84 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2020 is year 2 of the Third generation (YF7/8).
Recalls
8
Complaints
84
Complaint Rate
21.2
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$521
Major Repair Risk
N/A
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
8 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is year 2 of the Third generation (YF7/8).
- Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
- A refresh arrives in 2022.
- 3rd generation Passport (US).
What this means for buyers
Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.
If you're comparing prices, check 2019 (redesign year) vs 2020+ pricing and recalls.
Third generation (YF7/8)
Should You Buy the 2020 Honda Passport?
The 2020 Honda Passport scores 68/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2020 is year 2 of the Third generation (YF7/8).
With 84 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to electrical system (23). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2021 Honda Passport, which scored the same. See also the 2019 Honda Passport for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- Above-average recall count
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (23 complaints)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: Unexpected activation of the automatic braking system (19 complaints)
Compare 2020 Honda Passport With
2020 Ford Explorer
Score: 54/100
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Score: 72/100
2020 Toyota 4RUNNER
Score: 82/100
2020 Kia Telluride
Score: 55/100
2020 Toyota Highlander
Score: 71/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 8 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (23)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (19)
- ENGINE (8)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (8)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4)
- SERVICE BRAKES (4)
- POWER TRAIN (4)
- AIR BAGS (3)
- LANE DEPARTURE (2)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)
- STEERING (1)
- FUEL SYSTEM (1)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)
- TIRES (1)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
- STRUCTURE (1)
Recall Overview
8
recalls on record
The 2020 Honda Passport has 8 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
21.2
per 10k soldSegment avg: 18.2
Safety Incidents
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Honda Passport Recall Details
8 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Honda Passport. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
AIR BAGS
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
Consequence
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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."
Consequence
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the MOST cable harness and install a straightening cover over the vehicle cable connector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EEL, ZEM, and SFC.
2020 Honda Passport NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.9%
Safety Technologies
Honda Passport Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$521
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2020 Honda Passport
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test auto idle stop feature for restart issues at traffic lights
- Inspect forward collision avoidance system for false braking alerts
- Check for engine knocking or rattling noises indicating rod bearing wear
- Verify fuel pump operation and check for any signs of fuel leakage
- Ensure infotainment system functions without screen malfunctions or audio issues
- Confirm airbag recall repairs have been completed
Check Any 2020 Honda Passport's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2020 Passport in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Honda Passport with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2020 Honda Passport Common Problems by Component
84 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
23 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the 2020 Honda Passport's auto stop/start system, where the engine fails to restart after being stopped at traffic lights or in traffic, often requiring multiple attempts or a complete power cycle to resume operation. Complaints frequently mention that this problem occurs even with fully charged batteries, and some incidents involve the vehicle shifting into neutral or park unexpectedly, leading to immobilization in active traffic. Additionally, another common issue involves the infotainment system, where owners describe crackling and popping noises from the speakers, along with screen malfunctions, which can occur randomly and may affect other vehicle functions. These issues are reported at various mileage points, with some starting as early as 31,000 miles, and have safety implications, particularly when vehicles become disabled in traffic. This information is crucial for potential buyers considering a used model, as these patterns suggest recurring electrical system malfunctions.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
19 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Honda Passport frequently report issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, particularly involving unexpected activation of the automatic braking system. Typical symptoms include the vehicle braking unnecessarily, often on two-lane roads or during turns, and the system issuing false collision warnings with accompanying dashboard alerts and steering wheel vibrations. These problems are commonly noted at various mileage points, with some reports as early as 6,000 miles. Safety implications arise as sudden braking can lead to near rear-end collisions or cause driver distraction. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and consider potential impacts on driving safety and comfort.
ENGINE
8 complaintsOwners report two primary issues with the 2020 Honda Passport's engine. The first involves premature engine failure due to connecting rod bearing wear, often occurring around 65,000 to 90,000 miles, with symptoms like engine knocking or rattling noises and, in some cases, engine stalling or failure to restart. The second issue concerns the Auto Idle Stop feature, where the engine fails to restart at stoplights, leaving drivers temporarily stranded until they manually restart the vehicle. This problem is reported across a range of mileages, including as early as 55,000 miles. Both issues have safety implications, such as potential accidents due to sudden engine shutdowns or failure to restart in traffic.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (8 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
8 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Honda Passport frequently report issues with the infotainment system, describing symptoms such as loud cracking or popping sounds from the speakers, loss of audio, and the center display going blank or rebooting. These problems often occur intermittently and can be particularly distracting while driving. Additionally, several owners mention persistent malfunctions with the Auto Idle Start-Stop feature, noting that the engine sometimes fails to restart at stops, which poses a safety concern. Some owners also report an unexplained burnt oil smell inside the cabin when the heater is on high, and one owner experienced a sunroof explosion while driving. These issues are reported to occur at various mileage points, often soon after purchase, and may require multiple dealership visits without a definitive resolution.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
4 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Honda Passport report two primary issues related to the fuel/propulsion system. The first involves sudden fuel pump failures, leading to the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly, often in traffic or on highways, with dashboard warning lights illuminating and the vehicle unable to restart. This issue has been reported at various mileages, including one instance at 570 miles. The second issue involves fuel tank vulnerabilities, where owners describe incidents of fuel leakage due to the tank being damaged by road debris, with one owner noting a gash in the tank and another reporting a hole without any noticeable impact. Both issues carry significant safety implications, such as potential vehicle fires or accidents due to sudden loss of propulsion. These patterns suggest potential risks for buyers considering this model.
SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Honda Passport report issues with the vehicle's braking systems, particularly when stopped on a hill and involving the collision mitigation braking system (CMBS). Some describe the vehicle rolling backwards when the brake is not continuously engaged on an incline. Complaints also frequently mention the CMBS activating unexpectedly without obstructions, or failing to engage when needed, instead displaying a warning on the dashboard. Additionally, adaptive cruise control inconsistencies are noted, with sensors occasionally misinterpreting traffic conditions, causing sudden braking and false warnings. These issues have been reported soon after purchase, with no specific mileage range consistently mentioned. Safety implications include potential rear-end collisions due to rollback and sudden braking in traffic, though no incidents of crashes or injuries are detailed in the complaints.
POWER TRAIN (4 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
4 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Honda Passport report issues primarily related to the auto idle stop feature and unexpected engine shutdowns. Complaints frequently mention the auto idle stop failing to restart at traffic lights, leaving vehicles stranded in intersections, which has occurred multiple times for some owners. Another reported issue involves the engine losing power and shutting down while driving, with one owner noting this happened on a highway with no prior warning signs. Additionally, some owners describe the transmission erroneously shifting to neutral, preventing acceleration despite the indicator showing the vehicle in drive. These issues have been reported at various mileages, with one instance occurring around 40,000 miles. Safety implications include vehicles becoming inoperable in traffic, posing risks of collisions or being stranded in hazardous conditions.
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)
AIR BAGS
3 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Honda Passport frequently report issues related to an air bag recall, specifically noting that parts required for the recall repair are not yet available. Complaints consistently mention that dealerships confirm the unavailability of parts and advise against using the front passenger seat due to associated risks. While none of the owners report actual air bag failures, they express frustration over the extended wait times for recall repairs. There are no reports of crashes, fires, or loss of control linked to this issue. Used car buyers should be aware of the potential inconvenience and safety advisories related to this unresolved recall.
LANE DEPARTURE (2 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
2 complaintsOwners report that the 2020 Honda Passport experiences issues with its lane departure and related systems. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle's braking system activating unexpectedly, even when no other vehicles are nearby, which can create a risk of rear-end collisions. The lane-keeping assist system is described as pulling the vehicle into incorrect lane lines during road construction and attempting to steer the car back toward the lane when avoiding pedestrians, potentially leading to unsafe situations. These issues occur without specific mileage mentioned, indicating they may not be tied to vehicle age or usage. Safety implications are notable as these malfunctions could lead to loss of control or accidents, which prospective buyers should consider.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Honda Passport report issues with the vehicle speed control, including sudden unintended acceleration and abrupt deceleration. One owner describes a crash occurring when the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated while parking, resulting in significant damage and a total loss, with a body shop noting a possible gas pedal lock. Another owner experiences the front radar and collision avoidance systems mistakenly sensing objects, causing the vehicle to slow down abruptly, and reports concerns about potential acceleration errors. These issues are noted at mileage as low as 7,600, with safety implications such as potential collisions or loss of control. Buyers should be aware of these reported malfunctions and the associated risks.
When Do 2020 Honda Passport Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Honda Passport Years
Best Honda Passport Years to Buy
The best Honda Passport year is 2025 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2024 (79/100) and 2023 (75/100).
Honda Passport Years to Avoid
The worst Honda Passport year is 2019 with a score of 59/100, primarily due to electrical system (69) issues.
See full Honda Passport years-to-avoid analysis →Honda Passport Reliability Score Trend
Honda Passport reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 78/100 compared to 65/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 59/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 82/100 | Excellent |
Honda Passport Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Honda Passport reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Honda Passport?
How many recalls does the 2020 Honda Passport have?
Is the 2020 Honda Passport expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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