2021 Honda Passport: sudden loss of power

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 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 Dec 24, 2022 · Engine · MI

I am writing to make you aware of an alarming incident that happened with our 2021 Honda Passport this fall. My wife backed out of the garage and was in our driveway when the vehicle engine suddenly turned off and a message appeared on the entertainment display. It said that the antitheft system had lost power and that the power button needed to be pushed to restore it. She finally got the car to start by pushing the “volume” button, NOT the power (engine on/off) button. The message disappeared. If this would have happened while actually on the road, there could have been serious consequences. Can you image your vehicle suddenly shutting off on a highway? About a two months later, I also received the same message when driving through my subdivision, but the engine did not shut off. I immediately took the vehicle a local Honda dealer who tested the battery (the original battery – just about to turn two years old) and found that it needed to be replaced. There was no indication that it was going bad prior to these incidents. As I stated earlier, it is the first scenario that is a red flag. Why did the engine shut off? Have other Passport or Honda owners had a similar experience? I thought you should know what happened to us.

Filed Oct 14, 2021 · Electrical · 3,627 miles · PA · crash

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Passport. The contact stated that while driving the 49 mph they noticed their radio suddenly went off and the vehicle's instrument panel blacked out. The vehicle's horn no longer functions properly. The vehicle's windows failed to open and close and the vehicle turned completely off in the middle of the highway losing all power. The contact stated the failure caused an oncoming vehicle to end up rear-ending them. There were no injuries and no medical attention was needed. The vehicle was towed. A police report was filed. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was informed by the manufacturer that they were not to proceed forward with any diagnosing or repairs for the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case regarding the matter. The failure mileage was 3,627.

Filed Jun 25, 2021 · Transmission · MI

When I bought vehicle it came rated with 5000lbs towing. To achieve that towing rating I had to buy and get installed the Honda Transmission Cooler. I got the kit installed and right after install there is a noise when the vehicle shifts from 7-8 gear. It sounds like rumble strips. I did some research and there are others who have the same issue. See link to Honda passport forum. https://www.passportforums.com/threads/noise-when-shifting-from-7th-to-8th-gear.2923/ Took vehicle to dealership and they looked it over. They checked fluid level and spoke to Honda tech support. The dealership told me that Honda knows about this and if they fix it they will let me know. To me this means that this is a known engineering defect and they didn’t say if they have a fix or not. The reason I bought the vehicle was because of the towing capacity. To get the towing capacity I had to install the trans cooler. I paid and had it installed and now the vehicle does not run like it did when I bought it. As for safety risks there could be unforeseen issues. Because the transmission is now making a noise of unknown origins it could get damaged and cause a loss of power/malfunction. The noise (through fluid dynamics) could also cause damage to the cooler causing the transmission fluid to leak out and cause the vehicle to lose power.