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Honda Passport loss of power problems

30 of the 1,700 owner complaints about the Honda Passport describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2019 model year.

owner complaints
30
worst model year
2019
typical mileage
40,600
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2026
    3
  • 2025
    1
  • 2023
    2
  • 2022
    1
  • 2021
    6
  • 2020
    1
  • 2019
    8
  • 2001
    3
  • 2000
    2
  • 1998
    2
  • 1997
    1

What owners say

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 10, 2026 · Engine · WI

The contact owns a 2019 HONDA Passport. The contact stated while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, he noticed that the vehicle had reduced power and could not accelerate very well, accompanied by an odd noise coming from the engine bay. The contact stated that he had an independent mechanic confirm that the noise was a possible engine issue leading to the destruction of the camshaft and other components. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they confirmed a main bearing connecting rod failure and a code stating a lack of oil in the engine, although the vehicle has shown a good history of maintenance. The contact stated he had gotten an emissions warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated the issue he noticed was the odd sound, which first sounded like a ticking noise and became louder over time. The contact also noted the dealer had discovered metal shavings in the oil pan. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer confirmed the failure. The vehicle was not repaired.

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Electrical · NV

Driving from [XXX] to [XXX], just over 1hr into trip @ 100 miles out of town and on one of the many steep inclines on the route, the engine power seemed to pulse, as if increase and decrease of gas/acceleration, then has every single alert possible illuminated on dash with the bell sound: Electric power steering system problem, steering assist reduced. Electric parking brake system problem, parking brake not available. Brake system problem, brake performance may be reduced. Brake hold system problem, apply brake when stopped. Vehicle stability assist system problem, reduced traction and handling. Trailer stability assist system problem. Hill descent control system problem, apply brake when descending. Hill start assist problem, vehicle may roll upon brake release. Adaptive cruise control system problem. Collision mitigation braking system problem. Road departure mitigation system problem. Low speed braking control problem. Emission system problem, avoid heavy acceleration and high speed. All wheel drive system problem, only front wheels may be powered. All alerts ending with 'See your dealer' The car then had reduced power which was a significant safety concern and driving risk when navigating hills and traffic flowing at 75mph uphill while this vehicle going slower and slower regardless of gas pedal pressure: 65mph, than 60mph, than 55mph, than 50mhp eating gas like crazy. Coasted into gas station to asses. At low speed there was a rattle upon pressing gas pedal coming from under the hood. The vehicle is 3 months old and has 4,197 miles. It is not simply that the alerts illuminated, those systems were all affected: braking, steering, acceleration, lane departure, cruise control etc. all were not working. Heavy acceleration and high speed were not even an option. Somehow made it back to [XXX] in limp/aux mode. Dealer has had vehicle for 6 hours and no update other than, 'it's not the battery' INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 Aug 6, 2026 · Engine · FL

Description: The vehicle suffers from an intermittent and dangerous "no-restart" defect involving the Auto-Idle Stop (AIS) system. When the vehicle comes to a complete stop and the automated stop-start system shuts off the engine to conserve fuel, the engine frequently fails to automatically restart upon release of the brake pedal. This results in a sudden, unexpected loss of engine power and complete immobilization in live traffic or intersections. ​This exact failure mode is the subject of an active federal Engineering Analysis by the federal safety agency (the federal safety agency EA25004, covering ~2.2 million Honda and Acura vehicles). Prior manufacturer service bulletins and part-replacement attempts have proven ineffective at permanently resolving the hazard, creating an ongoing and unacceptable collision risk.

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 22, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · TX

My 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite has twice applied its brakes on its own, with no obstacle, vehicle, or hazard in front of me to justify braking. On July 13, 2026, at approximately 5:36 p.m., I was driving in evening traffic when the vehicle suddenly braked hard on its own. Nothing was in front of me. The car behind me nearly rear-ended me and had to brake sharply to avoid a collision, and the driver reacted with road rage. On July 16, 2026, at approximately 6:03 p.m., my young son was in the vehicle with me. While I was driving in traffic, the vehicle again braked on its own with no obstacle ahead. A sedan behind me nearly rear-ended me. This sudden, uncommanded braking happens without warning while I am driving in traffic and has nearly caused a rear-end collision on both occasions. It is terrifying and I no longer feel safe driving this vehicle, especially with my child. The same vehicle also has ongoing electrical and drive-power failures (loss of power while driving, repeated stalling in reverse, and complete no-start events) that I have reported separately. Three dealerships have been unable to identify or correct the problems. No crash has occurred yet, but only because the drivers behind me reacted in time. The vehicle is available for inspection.

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

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported July 19, 1994 · 122,297 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Constant expansion and contraction of the cylinder head causes the camshaft seal end plug can become dislodged from the cylinder head. This allows oil to leak from the camshaft.
Risk
This can cause engine damage and possible engine fire from oil leaking onto the hot exhaust system.
Remedy
Dealers will install camshaft end seal plug retainer plates.

Recall number 94V132000 · Recall details

Questions about the Honda Passport loss of power

Which Honda Passport years have sudden loss of power problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2019 (8 complaints), 2021 (6 complaints) and 2001 (3 complaints).

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