2021 Honda Passport engine problems

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Engine · NE

Auto start/stop will sometimes not re-start the engine after letting off the brake.

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX

I was at a traffic light, when the light turned green I gave the car gas it hesitated, then went into neutral, the battery sign showed on the dash, the car would not go. I was 1 line under half a tank of gas, so I wasn’t empty. Also, just before this happened the radio became full of static on an FM channel. It wouldn’t allow me to switch to park to try and restart it. Scary and Frustrating!!!

Filed Sep 18, 2026 · Engine · CA

The vehicle experienced a sudden internal mechanical failure while driving, resulting in loss of propulsion and complete engine failure. The vehicle was towed to an authorized franchised dealership service center (Gardena Honda) for inspection. No check engine lights, warning lights or any pile pressure warning! Oil change was 2,500 miles until next service. Upon complete teardown and diagnostic inspection, factory-certified technicians confirmed internal engine damage, specifically connecting rod bearing failure leading to a seized engine requiring a complete engine replacement ($9,375.00 total repair cost). This internal failure presents a severe safety hazard: an unexpected engine stall or lockup at highway speeds risks loss of power steering, loss of power brakes, and an immediate crash. Symptoms align directly with the federal safety agency Recall 23V‑751 and ongoing federal investigations regarding Honda 3.5L V6 engine connecting rod bearing failures, where out-of-spec manufacturing leads to premature bearing wear and sudden engine seizure. The vehicle is maintained according to manufacturer specifications and has 55,649 miles. The failed components remain preserved at the dealership service department for federal or manufacturer inspection upon request.

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Engine · TX

Failed engine rod bearing, And a full engine replacement is needed. As I was driving it completely lost acceleration power and became difficult to manage. The dealer verified the issue. All the warning lights including engine flashed on and off as the vehicle lost acceleration power.

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Engine · NC

This is related to service bulletin, 23–010 Honda will not fix my vehicle under the extended warranty unless the problem is replicated while they are doing a performance test

Filed Aug 22, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NY

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 can feel it starting to do this and if you quickly apply gas you can avoid it however sometimes the car will lock up with display lights and you have to keep pushing the Engine stop button to turn off the vehicle and turn vehicle back on. It is sometimes difficult to even turn off engine vehicle when this happens but seems to be only way to get vehicle to respond. I have had vehicles behind me almost hit me while I try to get vehicle out of this mode. I know it’s an issue as it’s all over the forums when you search for fix.

Filed Aug 6, 2026 · Engine · MN

The engine experienced a catastrophic lower-end bearing failure at approximately 63,000 miles. The vehicle had been maintained according to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule at the dealership service department. There were no missed oil changes. The failure occurred without any prior indication that a major internal engine problem was developing. The vehicle was taken to a Honda dealership, where the engine was disassembled. The dealer confirmed a lower-end bearing failure and reported significant metal debris inside the engine. The engine was determined to require complete replacement. A sudden internal engine failure creates the risk of an unexpected loss of power while driving, which can increase the risk of a crash, especially in traffic or at highway speeds. The failed engine is available for inspection through the servicing dealership if requested. The failure has been confirmed by the Honda dealership. No warning lamps or messages provided sufficient advance notice to prevent the failure beyond symptoms associated with the engine failure itself. I am submitting this report because I believe this may represent a manufacturing or design defect rather than normal wear and tear. I request that the federal safety agency investigate whether similar connecting rod bearing failures are occurring in other Honda Passport vehicles with this engine.

Filed Jul 30, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CO

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 highway speed created a serious safety hazard by reducing my ability to maintain traffic speed and safely maneuver the vehicle. I had my child in the vehicle, and both we and surrounding motorists were placed at risk of a collision while I attempted to move to exit traffic. The failure has been confirmed by an independent repair facility, Absolute Automotive LLC in Parker, Colorado. Their inspection determined the engine suffered internal damage due to connecting rod bearing failure. I have the engine replacement invoice, technician's diagnostic notes, and photographs documenting the engine damage. The vehicle has not been inspected by Honda. I contacted Honda to report the failure and request assistance, but I was informed there was no recall for the 2021 Honda Passport equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine and that Honda would not provide assistance unless a recall existed. Before the engine failed completely, the engine developed abnormal internal knocking/noise. While driving on [XXX], the check engine warning light illuminated, and within approximately one mile the engine lost power and produced a heavy knocking noise, rendering the vehicle unsafe to operate. I am submitting this complaint because a sudden internal engine failure resulting in loss of power at highway speeds presents a significant safety hazard and should be investigated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 13, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CA

4th occurrence. Car fails to start. The instrument display reads: AUTO ENGINE IDLE STOP SYSTEM PROBLEM. Electrical system including radio, A/C etc were working. (Including the car alarm which begins honking the horn as soon as I open the door) Repeated attempts to start the car failed to do anything except to annoy anyone within earshot as the horn kept honking! Roadside assistance was not able to get the car started either so it was towed to the dealer. I've had the car into the Honda dealer for recalls but this problem has not been solved.

Filed May 6, 2026 · Engine · 90,212 miles · OH

My 2021 Honda Passport Elite suffered cataphoric engine failure at 90,000 miles. The 6th cylinder bearing was missing when my vehicle was towed into Honda for diagnosis after my engine shut off while I was traveling 55 mph. I had no warnings for this failure including no engine noises and no check engine lights. I had to have a new engine put in my vehicle and Honda refused to cover the cost at 100% because they stated there were no open recalls at this time. I feel this is a manufacturer engine defect that is the same as the open recall defect Honda has on the 2017, 2018, and 2019 Pilots with the same 3.5-liter V6. The engine failure descriptions are exactly the same.