2021 Honda Passport: engine knocking or ticking

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 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 Oct 15, 2025 · Engine · 73,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Passport. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the connecting rod bearing in cylinder #3, resulting in damage to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 73,000.

Filed Jul 24, 2025 · Transmission · WI

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.

Filed Mar 1, 2025 · Engine · MD

I purchased a 2021 Passport this week with 22k miles. Test drive was great, but the next day I noticed a knocking sound coming from the engine at low rpm on a warm engine. I took back to the dealer twice and they told me it was normal… I took it to another Honda and they diagnosed crank bearing knock. I just purchased this car with low miles and it has engine problems which is very scary. Maintenance records are great. I’ve been reading forums and this problem is very common with these engines. A lot of people have been told it was normal, but it is not. It’s very scary and dangerous to find out I bought a defective engine. I have a video of the knocking sound.

Filed Sep 15, 2024 · Engine · WA

Engine knocking noise that related to recent Honda crankshaft recalls of certain V6 engines. with 22k miles Honda did replace on main crankshaft bearing to to premature wear on my multiple complains on engine knocking noise that clearly audible between 11 to 17 k RPM. After main bearing replacement the noise is audible so the parts that cause it are still working in this engine. It is super unsafe to have catastrophic failure of an engine on highway or in the mountains with no cellular connection.