The Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV that was introduced by Honda in 1994. It has been popular with consumers due to its spacious interior, fuel efficiency, and reliable performance.
However, like any vehicle, the Honda Passport may experience problems over time. Some common issues reported by Honda Passport owners include transmission problems, engine issues, and electrical issues.
It is important for Honda Passport owners to be aware of these potential problems and to address them as soon as possible to avoid further damage to their vehicle.
It is also important to regularly maintain the Honda Passport and to follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule to help prevent problems from occurring.
Honda Passport Problems and Issues
Here are the 22 verified problems and complaints listed, the list gathered from authentic sources.
1. Failed O-rings Can Cause Accumulator Cover to Leak on Automatic Transmissions
O-rings are small rubber seals that are used to prevent leaks in various parts of a vehicle, including the accumulator cover in the automatic transmission of a Honda Passport.
If the O-rings fail, it can cause the accumulator cover to leak, which can lead to a loss of transmission fluid and potentially cause damage to the transmission.
This problem has been reported by 33 people and is considered a common issue with the Honda Passport.
2. Check Engine Light and Erratic Fuel Gauge Operation
The check engine light (CEL) is a warning light that indicates a problem with the vehicle’s engine or emission control system. If the CEL comes on, it is important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
In addition to the CEL, some Honda Passport owners have reported erratic fuel gauge operation, where the fuel gauge may not accurately display the amount of fuel in the tank or may fluctuate erratically. This problem has been reported by 25 people.
3. Rear Hatch Won’t Open Due to Broken Hatch Button
The rear hatch of a Honda Passport is a convenient feature that allows you to easily access the trunk of the vehicle.
However, some Honda Passport owners have reported problems with the rear hatch not opening due to a broken hatch button.
This can be frustrating and inconvenient, as it can prevent you from accessing the trunk of your vehicle. This problem has been reported by 21 people.
4. Varnish buildup in engine may cause ticking noise
Varnish is a thin, hard film that can form on the internal components of an engine, such as the valves and pistons. Over time, this varnish can build up and cause problems with the engine’s performance.
One issue that has been reported by 19 people is a ticking noise that can be heard when the engine is running.
This noise may be caused by the varnish buildup interfering with the smooth operation of the engine’s internal parts.
5. Vibration at Highway Speed Due to Various Issues
Some Honda Passport owners have reported experiencing vibrations while driving at highway speeds. These vibrations can be caused by a variety of issues, including problems with the wheels, tires, suspension, or transmission.
It is important to diagnose and repair the cause of the vibrations as soon as possible to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride. This problem has been reported by 15 people.
6. Worn Speed Sensor Driven Gear May Cause Speedometer to Stop Working
The speed sensor driven gear is a small, toothed gear that is located in the transmission of a Honda Passport. It is responsible for transmitting speed information to the vehicle’s speedometer.
If the speed sensor driven gear becomes worn, it may cause the speedometer to stop working or to display inaccurate speed readings.
This problem has been reported by 13 people and can be frustrating for drivers who rely on the speedometer to monitor their speed and stay within the legal limits.
7. Limited slip differential fluid breakdown may cause chattering when cornering
The limited slip differential (LSD) is a type of differential that is designed to allow the wheels on a vehicle to rotate at different speeds when turning. It is typically found on vehicles with four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
If the LSD fluid breaks down or becomes contaminated, it can cause the LSD to function improperly, resulting in a chattering noise when the vehicle is cornering.
This problem has been reported by 11 people and can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, wear, and improper maintenance.
8. Software Update to Correct Idle Speed on Cold Start
Software updates can be released by automakers to address issues with a vehicle’s performance or to improve its functionality. Some Honda Passport owners have reported a problem with the idle speed on cold starts, which can be corrected through a software update.
This issue has been reported by 11 people and can be resolved by having the software update installed by a Honda dealership or authorized service center.
9. Rear axle leak due to plugged rear differential vent
The rear differential is a component of a vehicle’s drivetrain that allows the wheels on the rear axle to rotate at different speeds when turning.
It is located in the rear of the vehicle and is sealed to prevent contamination of the lubricant inside. However, if the rear differential vent becomes plugged, it can cause the differential to leak lubricant.
This problem has been reported by 9 people and can lead to damage to the differential if not addressed in a timely manner.
10. ABS light due to rear wire harness fatigue
The ABS (anti-lock brake system) is a safety feature that helps prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking. It does this by rapidly pulsing the brakes to allow the wheels to continue turning, which helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle.
If the ABS light comes on, it indicates a problem with the ABS system. Some Honda Passport owners have reported that the ABS light may come on due to fatigue in the rear wire harness.
This problem has been reported by 8 people and can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, wear, and exposure to the elements.
It is important to diagnose and repair the cause of the ABS light as soon as possible to ensure the proper operation of the ABS system.
11. Oil in Spark Plug Tubes May Cause Misfire
A misfire is a problem that can occur when an engine is running, causing it to run poorly or stall. One potential cause of a misfire in a Honda Passport is oil entering the spark plug tubes. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a faulty oil control valve or a worn oil seal.
This problem has been reported by 7 people and can lead to further engine damage if not addressed in a timely manner.
12. Dry suspension components may cause spring-type pop when it moves
The suspension system of a vehicle is responsible for absorbing the shock and vibrations from the road and providing a smooth ride. If the suspension components become dry or damaged, it can cause a spring-type pop when the suspension moves.
This problem has been reported by 7 people and can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, wear, and lack of maintenance. It is important to diagnose and repair any problems with the suspension to ensure the vehicle’s handling and stability.
13. Fuel injector “leakdown” may cause long crank time
Fuel injectors are responsible for spraying fuel into the engine’s combustion chamber. If a fuel injector experiences “leakdown,” it can cause a delay in the time it takes for the engine to start. This problem has been reported by 5 people and can be caused by a variety of factors,
including a faulty fuel injector, a clogged fuel filter, or a problem with the fuel pump. It is important to diagnose and repair the cause of the leakdown to ensure the engine starts properly.
14. Faulty vacuum solenoid may cause 4WD light to stay on
The 4WD (four-wheel drive) system of a Honda Passport is responsible for providing power to all four wheels of the vehicle.
If the 4WD light stays on, it indicates a problem with the 4WD system. One potential cause of this problem is a faulty vacuum solenoid, which is responsible for controlling the flow of vacuum to the 4WD system.
This problem has been reported by 5 people and can cause the 4WD system to function improperly if not addressed in a timely manner.
15. Broken return spring can cause rear glass hatch not to latch
The return spring is a small spring located in the rear glass hatch of a Honda Passport that helps keep the hatch closed. If the return spring becomes broken, it can cause the hatch not to latch properly.
This problem has been reported by 4 people and can be frustrating and inconvenient, as it can prevent the hatch from closing securely. It is important to diagnose and repair the cause of the problem to ensure the rear glass hatch functions properly.
Possible Solution
| Problem | Number of Reports | Possible Solution |
| Failed O-rings Can Cause Accumulator Cover to Leak on Automatic Transmissions | 33 | Replace the failed O-rings and seal the accumulator cover to prevent further leaks. |
| Check Engine Light and Erratic Fuel Gauge Operation | 25 | Diagnose and repair the problem that caused the CEL to come on. Check the fuel gauge system for problems and repair as necessary. |
| Rear Hatch Won’t Open Due to Broken Hatch Button | 21 | Replace the broken hatch button to restore proper function to the rear hatch. |
| Varnish buildup in engine may cause ticking noise | 19 | Remove the varnish buildup and clean the internal components of the engine to restore proper performance. |
| Vibration at Highway Speed Due to Various Issues | 15 | Diagnose and repair the cause of the vibrations, which may include problems with the wheels, tires, suspension, or transmission. |
| Worn Speed Sensor Driven Gear May Cause Speedometer to Stop Working | 13 | Replace the worn speed sensor driven gear to restore proper function to the speedometer. |
| Limited slip differential fluid break down may cause chattering when cornering | 11 | Replace the worn or contaminated LSD fluid and check for any other issues that may be causing the chattering noise. |
| Software Update to Correct Idle Speed on Cold Start | 11 | Have a Honda dealership or authorized service center install the software update to correct the idle speed on cold starts. |
| Rear axle leak due to plugged rear differential vent | 9 | Unplug the rear differential vent and replace any damaged seals to prevent further leaks. |
| ABS light due to rear wire harness fatigue | 8 | Replace the rear wire harness to restore proper function to the ABS system. |
| Oil in Spark Plug Tubes May Cause Misfire | 7 | Diagnose and repair the cause of the oil entering the spark plug tubes, which may include a faulty oil control valve or a worn oil seal. |
| Dry suspension components may cause spring-type pop when it moves | 7 | Lubricate the suspension components and replace any worn or damaged parts to restore proper function. |
| Fuel injector “leakdown” may cause long crank time | 5 | Diagnose and repair the cause of the fuel injector leakdown, which may include a faulty fuel injector, a clogged fuel filter, or a problem with the fuel pump. |
| Faulty vacuum solenoid may cause 4WD light to stay on | 5 | Replace the faulty vacuum solenoid to restore proper function to the 4WD system. |
| Broken return spring can cause rear glass hatch not to latch | 4 | Replace the broken return spring to restore proper function to the rear glass hatch. |
Honda passport Recalls
| Recall | Recall Description | Date | Number of Models Affected |
| 21V932000 | Hood Opens While Driving | Nov 30, 2021 | 3 models affected |
| 21V215000 | Low Pressure Fuel Pump In Fuel Tank Fails Causing Engine Stall | Mar 26, 2021 | 14 models affected |
| 21V165000 | Continental Tires Equipped With Vehicle May Fail | Mar 12, 2021 | 2 models affected |
| 20V439000 | Instrumentation Display And Rearview Camera Display Malfunctions | Jul 29, 2020 | 3 models affected |
| 20V440000 | Rearview Camera Image Does Not Display | Jul 29, 2020 | 3 models affected |
| 20V067000 | Certification Label Printing Can Be Wiped Away With Solvent | Feb 7, 2020 | 2 models affected |
| 19V784000 | Front Frame Left And Right Upper Members Were Not Properly Welded During Manufacturing | Nov 1, 2019 | 2 models affected |
Recall 21V932000:
Hood Opens While Driving
This recall affects certain Honda Passport models that may have a hood that can open while the vehicle is being driven. This can obstruct the driver’s view and increase the risk of a crash. Honda will notify affected owners and dealers will replace the hood latch assembly, free of charge.
Recall 21V215000:
Low Pressure Fuel Pump In Fuel Tank Fails Causing Engine Stall
This recall affects certain Honda Passport models that may have a fuel pump that can fail, causing the engine to stall while the vehicle is being driven. This can increase the risk of a crash. Honda will notify affected owners and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge.
Recall 21V165000:
Continental Tires Equipped With Vehicle May Fail
This recall affects certain Honda Passport models that may be equipped with Continental tires that may develop a break in the sidewall or experience belt edge separation. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Honda will notify affected owners and dealers will replace the affected tires, free of charge.
Recall 20V439000:
Instrumentation Display And Rearview Camera Display Malfunctions
This recall affects certain Honda Passport models that may have an instrument panel or rearview camera display that may malfunction. Operating a vehicle without a functioning instrument panel or rearview camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify affected owners and dealers will update the software, free of charge.
Recall 20V440000:
Rearview Camera Image Does Not Display
This recall affects certain Honda Passport models that may have a rearview camera display that may not display an image or may display an image with a delay.
A delayed or inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver’s view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify affected owners and dealers will update the software, free of charge.
Recall 20V067000:
Certification Label Printing Can Be Wiped Away With Solvent
This recall affects certain Honda Passport models that may have a certification label that can be wiped away with solvent. If the operator is unable to refer to the label information, the vehicle may be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify affected owners and dealers will replace the certification label, free of charge.
Recall 19V784000:
Front Frame Left And Right Upper Members Were Not Properly Welded During Manufacturing
This recall affects certain Honda Passport models that may have front frame left and right upper members that were not properly welded during manufacturing.
In the event of a crash, incomplete body welding may provide inadequate protection to occupants, increasing the risk of an injury. Honda will notify affected owners and dealers
Problems and Complaints Sources
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