Last updated: 2026-03-04

Honda Passport vs Toyota 4RUNNER: Reliability Compared

Honda Passport reliability comparison

Honda Passport

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good
VS
More ReliableToyota 4RUNNER reliability comparison

Toyota 4RUNNER

80
ExcellentReliability score: 80 out of 100, rated Excellent

Choosing between the Honda Passport and the Toyota 4RUNNER? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Toyota 4RUNNER currently leads with an average score of 80/100 compared to 72/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Honda Passport and Toyota 4RUNNER Generations Compare?

The Toyota 4Runner is currently in its sixth generation (N500), which started in 2025. This model benefits from Toyota's extensive experience in refining its platforms, suggesting it may be more reliable as it matures. Historically, the 4Runner has undergone significant updates, such as the 1999 and 2005 facelifts, which often improve reliability as issues are addressed. In contrast, the Honda Passport is in its third generation (YF7/8), launched in 2019, with notable facelifts in 2022 and subsequent model year changes. Being further along in its generation cycle, the Passport's platform is likely more settled, potentially offering fewer first-year issues compared to a newly introduced platform like the 4Runner's.

Verdict

The Toyota 4RUNNER is more reliable than the Honda Passport, scoring 80/100 vs 72/100.

In terms of reliability, the Toyota 4RUNNER outshines the Honda Passport with a higher average reliability score of 90/100 compared to 83/100. The 4RUNNER also has a significantly lower owner complaint rate, with just 1.5 complaints per 10,000 units sold versus the Passport's 11.6. While both models have similar estimated annual repair costs, the 4RUNNER's fewer recalls and complaints suggest a more dependable choice for those prioritizing reliability in a midsize SUV. The Passport's higher recall count and complaint rate, particularly in areas like the electrical system and power train, further emphasize the 4RUNNER's advantage in this comparison.

Key Differences

  1. 1Toyota 4RUNNER has 12 fewer total recalls
  2. 2Toyota 4RUNNER has 10.1 fewer complaints per 10k sold
  3. 3Toyota 4RUNNER scores 8 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

1Honda Passport
—
4Toyota 4RUNNER
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair Frequency

Honda Passport vs Toyota 4RUNNER: Which Is More Reliable?

Honda Passport vs Toyota 4RUNNER at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricHonda PassportToyota 4RUNNER
Reliability Score72/10080/100
Years Tracked89
Total Recalls2917
Complaints per 10k Sold11.61.5
Annual Repair Cost$521/yr$514/yr
Repair Frequency0.3/yr0.4/yr
Year Wins1 (1 tied)5 (1 tied)

What Are the Common Problems With the Honda Passport and Toyota 4RUNNER?

The Toyota 4RUNNER and Honda Passport present distinct reliability profiles based on their complaint data. The 4RUNNER's primary issues revolve around steering, unknown or other, and service brakes, each with significant complaint counts and one crash-linked incident, while its air bags have a notably high number of crash-linked complaints at 20. In contrast, the Honda Passport exhibits a higher frequency of complaints, particularly in the electrical system, forward collision avoidance, and unknown or other categories, with multiple crash-linked incidents in electrical and forward collision avoidance systems. Notably, the Passport's power train and engine also show higher complaint counts compared to the 4RUNNER, indicating potential areas of concern in drivetrain reliability.

Honda Passport vs Toyota 4RUNNER common problem areas comparison
ComponentHonda PassportToyota 4RUNNER
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2.6Low0.1Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1.3Low0.2Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1.4Low—None
POWER TRAIN1.2Low—None
SERVICE BRAKES1Very Low0.2Very Low
ENGINE0.7Very Low—None
FUEL SYSTEM0.5Very Low0.1Very Low
STEERING0.2Very Low0.2Very Low
AIR BAGS0.2Very Low0.1Very Low
STRUCTURE0.2Very Low—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.1Very Low—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.1Very Low—None
LANE DEPARTURE0.1Very Low—None
VISIBILITY0.1Very Low—None
SUSPENSION—None0.1Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION—None—None
SEAT BELTS—None—None
TIRES—None—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Honda Passport or Toyota 4RUNNER?

Based on industry estimates, the Toyota 4Runner has an annual repair cost of $514, slightly lower than the Honda Passport's $521. This $7 difference equals $35 over five years, a minor saving. However, the 4Runner requires more frequent repairs, with 0.4 visits per year compared to the Passport's 0.3. Additionally, the 4Runner carries a 13% risk of major repairs, while this data is unavailable for the Passport. For cost-conscious buyers, the Honda Passport might offer better value, given its lower repair frequency. However, without major repair risk data for the Passport, the 4Runner’s slightly lower annual costs might still appeal to those prioritizing known expenses.

How Does Honda Passport vs Toyota 4RUNNER Reliability Compare by Year?

Honda Passport vs Toyota 4RUNNER year-by-year reliability scores
YearHonda PassportToyota 4RUNNEREdge
202582/1000R / 11C81/1001R / 36CHonda Passport
202479/1001R / 12C79/1001R / 8CTie
202375/1004R / 24C82/1001R / 28CToyota 4RUNNER
202274/1003R / 45C79/1003R / 36CToyota 4RUNNER
202168/1005R / 119C82/1001R / 31CToyota 4RUNNER
202068/1008R / 84C82/1001R / 30CToyota 4RUNNER
201959/1008R / 253C77/1004R / 61CToyota 4RUNNER
2026(predicted)79/100(predicted)81/100(predicted)Toyota 4RUNNER

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Honda Passport scored 82/100 and the 2023 Toyota 4RUNNER scored 82/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Honda Passport vs the Toyota 4RUNNER?

If you prioritize reliability and peace of mind, the Toyota 4RUNNER should be your top choice. With a strong reliability score of 90/100, it stands out for its low owner complaints rate of just 1.5 per 10,000 sold and a reasonable estimated annual repair cost of $514. Despite having 17 recalls, the 4RUNNER's repair frequency is a manageable 0.4 times per year, giving you confidence in its dependability. On the other hand, if you're drawn to the Honda Passport, consider it if you are comfortable with a slightly higher level of maintenance engagement. Although it has a lower reliability score of 83/100 and a higher owner complaints rate of 11.6 per 10,000, its repair frequency is slightly lower at 0.3 times per year, with an estimated annual repair cost of $521. However, with 29 recalls, you might face more frequent service visits. Ultimately, if you want the most reliable option with fewer complaints and a well-rounded maintenance profile, the Toyota 4RUNNER is the better fit. If you are willing to accept a few more recalls for potentially fewer repair visits, the Honda Passport could suit your needs.

Honda Passport vs Toyota 4RUNNER: Common Questions

Is the Honda Passport more reliable than the Toyota 4RUNNER?
Based on our data, the Toyota 4RUNNER is more reliable with an average score of 80/100 compared to 72/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Honda Passport or the Toyota 4RUNNER?
The Honda Passport has more recalls (29) compared to the Toyota 4RUNNER (17). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Honda Passport or the Toyota 4RUNNER?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Toyota 4RUNNER has a lower complaint rate at 1.5 per 10,000 sold versus 11.6 for the Honda Passport. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Honda Passport or the Toyota 4RUNNER?
Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Toyota 4RUNNER is cheaper to maintain at $514/year versus $521/year for the Honda Passport.

Related Reliability Comparisons

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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