2021 Honda Passport transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 22, 2026NYElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   There is a known issue with auto idle feature. If you do not manually turn off every time it stays on and occasionally will cause car issue when stopping. I have had it happen in vehicle about a dozen times. When you fully depress brake engine is suppose to i gel to save gas however on occasion the vehicle will completely stall out. I have had this issue happen when approaching stop signs or in traffic situations. The biggest problem is trying to reengage car. Sometimes you…

   NHTSA complaint #11758706 · source
2. Filed Jul 30, 2026COEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The vehicle experienced a catastrophic internal engine failure caused by connecting rod bearing failure. Prior to the failure, the engine developed abnormal internal knocking/noise, indicating bearing deterioration. The engine is currently available for inspection. While traveling approximately 55 mph on [XXX], the check engine warning light illuminated. Within about one mile, the engine rapidly lost power and developed a severe knocking noise. The sudden loss of power at…

   NHTSA complaint #11753735 · source
3. Filed Jan 29, 2026FLTransmission & Drivetrain

   When attempting to merge onto a secondary road after exiting the interstate engine power wasnt there and the car felt as it was going to eventually just die. This happened when the car had been driven over 50 miles, so it was at operating temp.. Removing foot off the throttle and realpplying several times had the car return to full power. Luckily, for this incident, traffic was light and the merge lane was long. So far this has occured twice in the montyh of january 2026.

   NHTSA complaint #11714354 · source
4. Filed Jan 26, 2026MATransmission & Drivetrain

   During a winter storm in approximately 10°F weather, my vehicle became immobilized due to a no-start condition. The starter initially engaged and cranked the engine several times, then failed and would only free-spin without turning the engine. After this occurred, the vehicle could not be shifted into neutral because it is equipped with an electronic shift-by-wire transmission. The only method to move the vehicle requires a proprietary Honda mechanical neutral-release tool…

   NHTSA complaint #11713500 · source
5. Filed Sep 29, 2025ILTransmission & Drivetrain

   I own the 2021 Honda Passport (Touring). On numerous occasions while making left or right turns. The truck will decelerate by itself, and the engine will rev up and the RPM increase but the truck fails to respond when the accelerator pedal is depressed. I continue to press the accelerator pedal, and the truck eventually appears to catch up with its speed. Very dangerous when trying to enter from expressway lane. There also are occasions on straight lane take offs that truck…

   NHTSA complaint #11690407 · source
6. Filed Jul 28, 2025OHTransmission & Drivetrain

   I was driving along at 65 miles an hour when the car randomly threw itself into neutral. I turned the car off restarted it drive a little bit. It continued to happen over and over and it usually does not matter on the speed. After the transmission replacement, the transmission still continues to hit hard on third and fourth gear..

   NHTSA complaint #11676726 · source
7. Filed Jul 24, 2025WITransmission & Drivetrain

   The rod bearings failed requiring a new motor. The vehicle is available for inspection. My safety is at risk as well as the risk of others because the vehicle is not able to be driven. The problem has been confirmed by Ziegler Honda of Racine. They formed a diagnostic test and quoted me $6K+ repair. There were no warning lamps and this issues started about 1 week ago.

   NHTSA complaint #11675980 · source
8. Filed Apr 23, 2025NJTransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmission slow to engage from reverse to drive when backing out of driveway. So slow that oncomming vehicle had to stop quickly. Riding at about 30mph on a downhill grade the transmission is confused and it feels like it can't find a gear to stay in thus causing much distress to driver it feels like car is breaking and surging foward with driver having little controll over situation. Reported to honda in complaint and was told that is the way transmission is

   NHTSA complaint #11656451 · source
9. Filed Mar 10, 2025TXElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Vehicle engine keeps stopping while in drive and puts itself in neutral and turn offs, metal flying around the engine, vehicle jumps and makes loud rattling noise, vehicle electrical issue all components turned themselves off, Catalyst converter and several other vehicle issues alarm safety , vehicle gets stuck on hill

   NHTSA complaint #11647468 · source
10. Filed Sep 28, 2024MDCrashDriver Assistance & Safety TechTransmission & Drivetrain

    - Automatic braking system flashes warnings for no reason, with no cars around me - Parking break hasn’t taken a handful of times - No collision warning when parking brake didn’t take, front end is now damaged ** I have dash cam proof I hit the parking brake before I collided with the vehicle in front of me in the school line. Husband glued the grill pieces together to keep them from overlapping.

    NHTSA complaint #11617018 · source
11. Filed Sep 15, 2024WATransmission & Drivetrain

    Hard inadequate shifting on ZF9 transmission between 4th and 5th gear with audible loud metal chunk from the transmission with jerk (break and sudden acceleration) of whole car. It could cause serious incident on icy surface to loose control on the car. America Honda case # 14390220

    NHTSA complaint #11614724 · source
12. Filed Jul 28, 2024CATransmission & Drivetrain

    I have experienced multiple instances where the vehicle's transmission abruptly downshifts into lower gears, significantly reducing speed and creating a hazardous situation. This unexpected behavior has occurred on the Interstate, both while merging onto the highway and during regular driving conditions. On two separate occasions, my daughter was driving the vehicle when the transmission malfunctioned while driving on the Interstate. She was terrified as she believed she was…

    NHTSA complaint #11604992 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology