Honda Passport hesitation problems

Filed Oct 16, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX

My 2020 Honda Passport (approximately 52,000 miles) has experienced recurring Auto Idle Stop/engine restart failures in May 2023, November 2024, and October 2026, despite multiple repairs by an authorized Honda dealership. The latest incident occurred in October 2026, immediately after a routine state inspection. While stopped with my foot on the brake, the dashboard unexpectedly displayed "N" (Neutral) and instructed me to remove my foot from the accelerator, although I was not accelerating. The electronic gear selector would not respond, requiring me to turn off the vehicle. Shortly afterward, while stopped at a traffic light, the brake pedal became extremely stiff, and the engine would not restart. The dashboard, radio, and other accessories remained operational. The battery warning light appeared only during restart attempts. I eventually restarted the vehicle and returned home. These failures pose a serious safety risk, potentially leaving the vehicle immobilized in active traffic and compromising normal brake assistance. In May 2023, Honda performed a PGM-FI software update under Service Bulletin 23-008. When the problem returned in November 2024, Honda replaced the starter assembly and starter relays and performed an engine valve adjustment under Service Bulletin 23-009. Despite these repairs, similar symptoms returned in October 2026. Another driver had also noticed hesitation and unusual cranking sounds during automatic restarts approximately one month earlier. I contacted American Honda, reported the recurring failure, and requested a manufacturer-level technical inspection. Although my case was escalated, I have received no substantive follow-up despite multiple calls and written inquiries. The vehicle has remained parked without a confirmed manufacturer inspection or repair plan. The vehicle remains available for inspection. I am concerned that Honda's prescribed repairs have not resolved this recurring safety-related malfunction.

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Electrical · 32,800 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2025 Honda Passport. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, while coming to a complete stop at a traffic light, the vehicle shut off and unexpectedly shifted into Neutral (N). The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated, requiring activation of the hazard lights to alert other motorists and avoid a potential collision. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the starter had failed and required replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure via telephone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 32,800.

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 21, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · IL

The car in question is a 2026 Honda Passport Trailsport Elite that I purchased in August of 2026 -- and that I'm now thinking of selling! Occasionally when accelerating from a stopped position the acceleration will hesitate for a full second, followed by a slight herky jerky motion. This presents a dangerous situation --- particularly when turning left with oncoming traffic barrelling down. This does not happen all the time but its scary and I end up just waiting to turn rather than risking getting t-boned. I notice on Reddit and the Honda forum that this is a known issue! Nobody has offered a reason. I feel like selling the car it's so bad.

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Electrical · CA

My 2022 Honda Passport EX-L began experiencing intermittent starting problems in July 2025, including hesitation and clicking sounds. The battery was replaced in July 2025, but the problem continued. The main safety concern involves the Idle Start Stop system. When the engine shuts off while stopped at a traffic light, releasing the brake pedal does not always cause the vehicle to restart normally. At times it struggles or fails to restart, requiring a manual restart. This can leave the vehicle unable to move in active traffic and create a collision hazard. On September 1, 2026, at 61,133 miles, an authorized Honda dealer inspected the vehicle and confirmed the concern. The technician documented that it would not start or would struggle to restart after Idle Start Stop activation, found the starter weak, and recommended replacement. I paid $200 for the diagnosis. Honda Corporate advised that another software/system update was applicable and had not yet been performed; an earlier update was reportedly performed in 2023. Honda also advised that replacement starters were backordered/out of stock. The starter was repaired by an independent shop on September 10, 2026. Honda advised that the starter was not covered because the warranty had expired. I asked whether it would have been covered if the warranty were still active, and Honda stated it would not because the condition is not a recall. No police or insurance inspection occurred. The vehicle was inspected by Honda and serviced by an independent repair facility. Repair documentation is available. No warning lamp or message was observed. I request that the federal safety agency investigate whether this is a safety-related defect involving the starter, Idle Start Stop system, software, electrical system, or related components. I have invoices of the cost associated with the battery replacement and stater repair.

Filed Aug 6, 2026 · Transmission · 190 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2026 Honda Passport. The contact stated that the wheel alignment was required due to an off-center steering wheel. The contact stated that on the second day of ownership, the vehicle shuddered, jerked, lurched, and hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated during the transmission failure. Additionally, the multi-view camera system malfunctioned while driving, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that the transmission and the camera system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the transmission failure recurred within five minutes of retrieving the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. A district manager informed the contact that the transmission function was related to the adaptive learning and might be resolved with continued driving. The contact stated that the manufacturer failed to accept responsibility for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190.

Filed Jun 11, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NM

Our 2026 Honda Passport TSE suddenly stalled twice in active traffic intersections in Albuquerque, NM under acceleration and during a left turn, causing a sudden loss of motive power and a severe safety hazard and a potentially life threatening situation. Telemetry logs from an aftermarket GPS device installed in my vehicle captured a catastrophic voltage drop down to 10.886V during the incident, which electrically blinded the ECU and prevented the vehicle from storing a diagnostic trouble code. The vehicle was taken to Garcia Honda in Albuquerque, NM who documented the symptoms ('loss of power on accel,' 'hesitates and jerks') but released the vehicle unfixed because no digital codes were present. The vehicle is currently grounded as unsafe to drive. American Honda Corporate Case Number: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 7, 2026 · VA

It is available for inspection upon request and I’m not sure as what is happening to it. My an others safety was put at risk when my vehicle suddenly lost power an would not accelerate no matter how much I pressed on gas pedal during driving on a highway there was significant hesitation an would go then act up again it has happened intermittently for over a year now . I have brought it to the attention of Honda dealership and the headquarters a nothing has been done. They claim no light no act up for them . Light came on once no codes and message of an emissions system problem as well then was cleared an no fix. I chance it every time I go out because they refuse to do a better job of testing it. I suggested it may be the fuel injectors because many vehicles have had same problems a were recalled but my my vin was not apart of it. Sadly. Seems it’s a uphill battle to be taken seriously in this matter.

Filed Mar 19, 2026 · Transmission · MD

Problem started at 11,000 miles as very minor and has become progressively worse up to the now 32,000. Vehicle has been to dealerships 5 times with no repair performed. THE MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE: Hesitation and gear searching on acceleration. Intermittent acuity. 3 times I needed to accelerate quickly in order to merge with 40 mph traffic from a stop sign. I stepped on the throttle and the vehicle lurched into traffic then lost power and gear searched for 3 seconds creating a potentially very serious incident. Once the gear engaged, the vehicle took off at a high rate of acceleration and speed causing yet another unsafe condition and making me look like a maniac. THE OTHER SYMPTOMS: 1) Hard Starting, sometimes vehicle seems to sputter, sometimes it revs hard on startup 2) Vehicle sometimes enters some kind of error state similar to the vehicle not being in park when the engine is shut down. An audible alarm sounds, like when the lights are left on or a key is left in the car, and the vehicle refuses to lock the doors on its own as usual. Visual inspection by the driver reveals nothing appears to be wrong. Lights are off, no key left, vehicle is in park. Powering back on, checking park indicator and turning back off seems to reset this condition. 3) Inconsistent accelerator pedal input. Sometimes the vehicle goes much harder or seems to be held back by something at other times. 4) Erratic torque distribution for AWD. Viewed from dash torque distribution readout. AWD engages 100% at all wheels at times of very light throttle on dry pavement. 5) Engine just sounds terrible at idle and at times of hard acceleration. 6) Rough acceleration. Choppy gear shifts. 7) Vehicle continues to push forward under power when throttle is lifted and brakes are applied causing harder than usual brake pedal pressure to be necessary and inconsistent vehicle slowing. 8) No CEL is on. 9) Constant minor weaving due to inconsistent AWD torque delivery. PROBLEM IS ONGOING

Filed Dec 18, 2025 · Electrical · NC

Was at a red light and the car just shut off. NOTHING! After about 5-10 seconds I pushed the start stop button and it hesitated for a few seconds and I let go and then tried it again. It hesitated and then came on. No problem the rest of the day. I have had the car for a year and zeo issues with the. My Mother had it for 3 years previously and she never had the issue. The battery is good (and only 1 year old) because I put it on my tester a few months ago. 70,000 miles. I looked up the symptoms and found that this has been an on going issue for a few years. NOT NEW. I reached out to Honda and they said I have to have it diagnosed and pay for it.