Last updated: 2026-03-04

2021 Honda Passport Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2021 Honda Passport scores 68/100 ("Good"). With 5 recalls and 119 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2021 is year 3 of the Third generation (YF7/8).
Recalls
5
Complaints
119
Complaint Rate
22.4
per 10k sold
Above 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
5 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is year 3 of the Third generation (YF7/8).
- Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2022.
- 3rd generation Passport (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
Third generation (YF7/8)
Should You Buy the 2021 Honda Passport?
The 2021 Honda Passport scores 68/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2021 is year 3 of the Third generation (YF7/8).
Its complaint rate (22.4 per 10k sold) is above the SUV segment average of 17. The most common reports involve power train (21).
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to power train (21). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2022 Honda Passport, which scored 6 points higher. See also the 2020 Honda Passport for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- 5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- Moderate recall count
- Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- POWER TRAIN: Transmission unexpectedly shifting into neutral or failing to engage properly (21 complaints)
Compare 2021 Honda Passport With
2021 Ford Explorer
Score: 62/100
2021 Toyota 4RUNNER
Score: 82/100
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Score: 63/100
2021 Kia Telluride
Score: 63/100
2021 Toyota Highlander
Score: 70/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 5 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- POWER TRAIN (21)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (20)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (19)
- SERVICE BRAKES (16)
- ENGINE (8)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5)
- AIR BAGS (3)
- STEERING (3)
- VISIBILITY (3)
- TIRES (3)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (3)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3)
- SEATS (2)
- LANE DEPARTURE (2)
- SUSPENSION (2)
- FUEL SYSTEM (1)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)
- SEAT BELTS (1)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1)
Recall Overview
5
recalls on record
The 2021 Honda Passport has 5 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
22.4
per 10k soldSegment avg: 17
Safety Incidents
Crashes
10
Fires
0
Injuries
3
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Honda Passport Recall Details
5 recalls have been issued for the 2021 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
Consequence
Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.
2021 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 2021 Honda Passport
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test Auto Idle Stop system for stalling and restart issues
- Check forward collision avoidance system for false activations
- Inspect brake rotors for warping and steering wheel shaking
- Verify transmission shifts smoothly, especially between 4th and 5th gear
- Ensure engine does not exhibit knocking sounds at low RPMs
- Confirm all safety systems are operational, including airbags and seat belt sensors
- Check for any outstanding recalls and verify completion
Check Any 2021 Honda Passport's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2021 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.
2021 Honda Passport Common Problems by Component
119 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
21 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Honda Passport often report issues with the power train, particularly involving the transmission unexpectedly shifting into neutral or failing to engage properly. Common symptoms include the vehicle decelerating or the engine revving without corresponding acceleration, especially during turns or when merging onto highways. These issues frequently occur at various mileages, with some owners experiencing problems as early as 12,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of sudden loss of power and one crash incident linked to a transmission-related failure. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission issues and the potential for unexpected vehicle behavior.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
20 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report that the 2021 Honda Passport's forward collision avoidance system frequently misfires, with symptoms including abrupt, unprovoked braking and false brake warnings. These issues often occur when vehicles are on highways, navigating curves, or encountering oncoming traffic, suggesting the system may misinterpret road conditions. Complaints span a range of mileages, with some reports starting as early as 4,300 miles. Safety implications are noted, including one crash and one injury linked to these malfunctions, highlighting potential risks of rear-end collisions or loss of vehicle control. Buyers should be aware of these documented issues, especially if considering a vehicle that has not been serviced for this specific problem.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
19 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Honda Passport frequently report issues with the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) system, which can cause the vehicle to stall and fail to restart after coming to a stop, particularly when releasing the brake. Symptoms include the vehicle shutting down unexpectedly, entering neutral, and requiring a complete restart, with some incidents occurring in traffic and posing safety risks. Additionally, complaints mention problems with the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) activating unnecessarily, leading to sudden braking, and issues with the infotainment system, such as freezing and crackling audio. These problems often occur at varying mileages, with some reports indicating issues as early as 3,000 miles. Two crashes are linked to these electrical failures, highlighting potential safety concerns for prospective buyers.
SERVICE BRAKES (16 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
16 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Honda Passport frequently report issues with the automatic emergency braking system activating unexpectedly, often without any obstruction present, leading to sudden braking. Complaints also describe problems with brake pressure loss, with some instances involving brake fluid leaks, and steering wheel shaking due to warped rotors. These issues are noted at various mileages, often as early as 10,000 to 20,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of near-misses and one confirmed crash. Buyers should be aware of these potential braking system malfunctions when considering this vehicle.
ENGINE (8 complaints)
ENGINE
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several engine-related issues with the 2021 Honda Passport, with the most common being the malfunction of the Auto Idle Stop system. Multiple complaints describe the engine failing to restart after stopping at traffic lights, often taking several minutes to restart. These incidents typically occur around 17,000 to 46,000 miles. Additionally, some owners experience engine knocking sounds at low RPMs, which is sometimes diagnosed as a crank bearing issue. One report involves a crash where the engine unexpectedly accelerated, resulting in a collision and airbag deployment. Safety implications include potential stalling in traffic and unintended acceleration, which may concern prospective buyers.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Honda Passport report issues with the vehicle unexpectedly shutting off or failing to restart, particularly related to the auto-idle stop feature, with some describing a struggle to restart and dimming dashlights. Additionally, multiple complaints highlight problems with the vehicle's collision avoidance and cruise control systems, which activate unexpectedly or cause abrupt braking. Some owners also experience transmission issues where the vehicle shifts to neutral without input, accompanied by a warning message about a transmission problem. These issues typically occur at various mileage ranges and can pose safety risks, including potential crashes or loss of control.
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)
AIR BAGS
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Honda Passport commonly report issues related to the airbag system, particularly involving the passenger seat weight sensor and seat belt alarm. Complaints frequently mention that the sensor fails to communicate with the dashboard, resulting in malfunctioning seat belt alarms. One owner describes an unresolved issue even after multiple dealership visits, which led to a crash, highlighting potential safety implications. Additionally, two owners report delays in obtaining parts for recall repairs, indicating a parts distribution disconnect. These issues are noted over extended periods, with one complaint extending into 2025, suggesting a prolonged problem for some owners.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with the 2021 Honda Passport's steering, primarily involving electronic system failures and steering lock. Complaints frequently mention warning lights indicating problems with safety assist systems, which are linked to a faulty microchip affecting power steering and other systems. One incident describes a crash following a steering lock after turning, highlighting a severe safety implication. These issues are noted in vehicles as young as two years old, suggesting potential reliability concerns for used car buyers.
VISIBILITY (3 complaints)
VISIBILITY
3 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Honda Passport report issues with the functionality of the side view mirrors, specifically the failure of the button used to collapse them. This problem is noted around 28,000 miles and persists even after attempted repairs by dealerships. Another complaint involves delays in receiving parts for a recall related to visibility, though no failures have been experienced by that owner. There are no reports of crashes, fires, or loss of control associated with these issues, but potential buyers should be aware of these recurring problems and the availability of recall parts.
SUSPENSION (2 complaints)
SUSPENSION
2 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Honda Passport report issues related to vibration in the suspension system. Complaints frequently mention a persistent vibration felt through the driver's seat and steering wheel, occurring on various road types, including newly asphalted and highways. One owner describes the problem as present immediately after purchase and persisting despite multiple dealership visits and repair attempts, including wheel balancing and tire changes. The vibration is also noted to occur during braking, suggesting a potential expansion of the issue. No specific mileage range is mentioned, but the problem's persistence raises concerns about ride comfort and safety, as one owner reports feeling unsafe due to these vibrations.
When Do 2021 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 2021 Honda Passport reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Honda Passport?
How many recalls does the 2021 Honda Passport have?
Is the 2021 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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