Honda Passport brake failure problems

Filed Feb 4, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MA

My vehicle has experienced multiple dangerous incidents where it shuts down or shifts into neutral while driving. This has happened on highways, tunnels, busy on-ramps and main streets. The car loses power and requires restarting, which takes about 30 seconds. On a busy highway or street, this is enough time for a serious accident to occur if other vehicles cannot switch lanes on time. This has happened multiple times with my child in the car, and me being currently pregnant. The vehicle has never given me a warning prior. The issue appears to be related to the Auto start/stop system and/or electrical drivetrain controls. the vehicle is unsafe to operate because the driver can forget to disable auto start/stop and the car can suddenly lose power in traffic. There was also a separate incident (in between the multiple incidents above) where I was on the highway, my car accelerated, brakes wouldn't work, and my foot wasn't on the gas. the car then shifted to neutral and the only way I could stop was by shutting it off and moving to the breakdown lane. There have been two repair attempts. The first repair was done in 2024 after the initial loss-of-power incident related to the auto start/stop feature. In this repair, the battery was replaced and I was told a full diagnostic was run and the car was safe to drive. On 11/11/25 the serious incident with acceleration/ loss of brake function on the highway occurred. A full diagnostic was run and the transmission was replaced under warranty. However, a month after the transmission replacement, the loss of power issue returned. It has now been at least 4 incidents since the transmission was changed. I reported this to Honda corporate and received a case number, but despite multiple attempts to receive an update over the past 2 months, I have not been contacted by Honda, and no resolution has been provided. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle and no longer trust further repairs.

Filed Jan 7, 2026 · Brakes · CA

While driving at highway speeds, I experienced multiple loud, intermittent double-knocking noises within a short period of time, followed by an additional grinding/rotational noise at low speeds. These noises were abnormal and raised immediate safety concerns, prompting me to bring the vehicle to a dealer that day. During inspection and test driving, the noise condition was confirmed. Further inspection revealed that a front brake caliper (flange) bolt was missing, and the brake caliper had shifted out of position. This bolt is a critical fastener that secures the brake caliper to the brake assembly and is available for inspection through service records. This condition posed a serious safety risk, as a shifted or unsecured brake caliper could result in reduced braking performance, brake failure, or wheel lock-up, potentially endangering vehicle occupants and other road users. The issue was confirmed by an authorized Honda service center, and the vehicle was inspected by manufacturer-authorized personnel. The vehicle was repaired at no charge by reinstalling the correct hardware and restoring the brake caliper to its proper position. One week later, I have come to find out this is a known issue, and Honda has issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for 2023–2024 Honda Passport vehicles addressing loose or missing front brake caliper/flange bolts. I never received a recall notice or voluntary letter from Honda notifying me this might be an issue or to have it inspected. No warning lights or messages appeared prior to the incident; the only symptoms were the knocking noises at highway speeds and grinding noise at low speed.

Filed Sep 19, 2024 · Brakes · NY

I purchased this vehicle from a dealership 1 week ago. Prior to receiving the vehicle it had been serviced by the dealership and had passed inspection. The vehicle is a 2021 with low miles and appeared to be in very good condition with no appreciable rust, corrosion or wear. Since purchase, I have driven the vehicle about 160 miles on my daily commute. I did have issues with one of the automatic systems, but will submit that as a separate report as I do not believe it is related to this issue. Tonight I was driving home from work on a hilly, curved two-lane road and came upon a vehicle parked across the opposite lane and slightly into my lane. I was traveling at about 45 mph and pressed on the brakes suddenly but with reasonable force in order to slow to pass with caution. I immediately felt loss of brake pressure and did not stop as expected. I continued on at the same speed and passed very close to the rear of the stopped vehicle. Fortunately, I was able to swerve to avoid a collision. Once the brake pedal was pressed completely to the floor, the vehicle began to decelerate gradually as I continued down the hill. No warning lights or alerts came on at that point. At the bottom of the hill, I turned onto a flat quiet road to drive slowly and assess the situation. I determined that the brakes were compromised and that most pressure had been lost. I parked the vehicle and about 15 minutes later turned it off and back on and numerous warning systems came on saying that the brake fluid was low and other steering and traction control systems were compromised. I got out of the vehicle and brake fluid was pooled on the ground by the rear tire on the driver's side. When the roadside assistance person arrived we confirmed the leak by putting more brake fluid in, which gushed out onto the ground when the brakes were applied. The vehicle was transported by flatbed to a repair shop. There was no warning prior to this incident and no emergency system alert until well after.

Filed Jul 18, 2023 · Brakes · 8,500 miles · TX

The contact owned a 2023 Honda Passport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was a loud booming sound coming from the passenger’s side front of the vehicle nearby the wheel. The contact lost control of the vehicle, and the brakes failed to stop the vehicle immediately. The contact coasted to the side of the road where the vehicle eventually came to a stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the caliper bolt had detached causing the caliber to fall onto the wheel from the caliper mount. The dealer stated that the bolt was not initially installed correctly during the manufacturing of the vehicle. The vehicle was grounded. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage 8,500.

Filed Apr 19, 2005 · Brakes · DC

1999 honda passport experiencing problems with brake equipment and engine revving at idle.*mr the ABS light stays on even though vehicle was in for recall. The brakes goes out when vehicle hit a bump at 10 MPH. The brake pedal goes all the way to the floor when coming to a stop causing extended stopping distance. *bf

Filed Jan 21, 2005 · Brakes · 33,000 miles · CO

About a month after purchasing vehicle, brakes failed or shuddered a couple of times when braking at low speeds. Finally ABS light went on and according to the manual this means the ABS brake system is no longer working - have had no braking problems since. Dealer says it's a rear switch that's out, and wants over $200 to replace, but I haven't fixed it since research leads me to believe the ABS system is faulty anyway. Have a daughter I don't want injured in a crash due to faulty brakes.

Filed Nov 24, 2004 · Brakes · 35,000 miles · WV · crash

After a major service maintenance schedule performed by moses honda, 6018 u.s. 60 rt. East of barboursville, I noticed a severe depletion of brake pedal on my 1999 honda passport while stopped at a traffic light. I immediately took the vehicle to moses auto service and explained what was happening. The service manager had a technician to inspect the vehicle and subsequently added brake fluid. The service manager explained more attention would be available on my next service date. After my next service date no mention of the brake problem was addressed. On november 23, 2004 I was traveling west on rt. 60 and passed through a traffic light at exit 15 I-64 and was confronted by a gray van suddenly stopped. I immediately thrust my foot on my brakes, to no avail. I subsequently collided with the vehicle in front of me. It was a horrifying experience with the operation of the airbags, smoke and noise. There was a cabell county deputy sheriff near the scene who did the reporting and investigation. Later that same day I once again passed through the accident scene and discovered no tire skid marks. This has aroused my suspicion about the brakes. The vehicle is stored at paul's garage. 6141 childers rd. Barboursville, wv ph.304‑736‑4531. I would like for your office to investigate this vehicle for brake failure before repairs begin. Thank you, james h. Parsons

Filed Dec 16, 2003 · Brakes · 20,000 miles · NC · crash · 1 injury

The consumers vehicle was broadsided by another motorist after making a left turn . In an attempt to stop the vehicle, the consumer depressed the brake pedal. The pedal went to the floor and failed to stop the vehicle. As a result the vehicle went down a hill and impacted a stone wall. The driver sustained back injuries. Prior to the accident, the vehicle had several brake failures. The ABS warning light illuminated once. These brake failures occurred after the recall for the ABS 02i002001 was performed.

Filed Nov 24, 2003 · Brakes · DC · crash

Problems with brake equipment on 1998 honda passport.*mr prior to recall notification, when the consumer attempted to brake, the vehicle did not respond and therefore the consumer was unable to stop the vehicle in time to avoid a collision with another vehicle. The brakes failed to respond on a second occasion while driving on a rough bumpy pavement, again the consumer collided with another vehicle. *jb

Filed Oct 8, 2003 · Brakes · 40,000 miles · TX

While driving 30 MPH and applying the brakes while on a bumpy service brakes failed. Taken vehicle to dealership, and the cause of problem was not resolved by the mechanic.