Vehicle Information: 2025 Honda Passport (Purchased in 2024, approximately 44,000 miles)Safety Defect Summary:The vehicle experienced a sudden and dangerous failure to restart during an Auto Idle-Stop event. While stopped at a traffic intersection, the Auto Idle-Stop system engaged and shut off the engine normally. However, when I lifted my foot off the brake pedal to accelerate, the vehicle failed to restart, completely stalled, and left me stranded in live traffic. The dashboard displayed error messages, and the vehicle required a mechanical inspection confirming a premature starter motor failure.Safety Risk & Hazard:This defect presents an immediate safety hazard. The engine stalling unexpectedly in the middle of active traffic intersections leaves the driver, passengers, and surrounding motorists vulnerable to rear-end collisions. Power steering and braking performance are compromised while trying to get the stalled vehicle safely off the road.Context for Investigation:This vehicle falls directly under the scope of the federal safety agency’s active Engineering Analysis (EA25004) regarding Honda Auto Idle-Stop restart failures. The premature failure of the starter motor at 44,000 miles is directly caused by the defective operational logic of the vehicle's automated stop-start system, matching the exact systemic defects documented in prior model years.
Honda Passport stalling problems
94 of the 1,691 owner complaints about the Honda Passport describe engine stalls while driving, most of them for the 2019 model year.
- owner complaints
- 94
- worst model year
- 2019
- typical repair cost reported
- $600
- typical mileage
- 59,000
By model year
Often reported together
Start-stop 14Loss of power 6Fuel pump 6Won't start 5Transmission failure 4Engine failure 4Check engine light 4Hesitation 3
Trouble codes mentioned
U1291 1
What owners say
Vehicle: 2026 Honda Passport VIN: [XXX] Mileage at time of most recent incident: ~16,795 miles Dealer(s): Garcia Honda, Albuquerque, NM (selling dealer); Honda of Santa Fe (servicing dealer) Complaint narrative: I am experiencing recurring electrical system failures and brake-related warning malfunctions in my 2026 Honda Passport that have required three separate repair attempts: [XXX] (RO [XXX]): Auto Stop/Start system shut down unexpectedly. Dealer installed a software update. Vehicle died while driving, [XXX] (RO [XXX]): Vehicle died while driving, with hazard lights inoperative. Diagnostic code U1291 was found, but the dealer could not confirm the underlying fault. [XXX] (RO [XXX], ongoing): Vehicle displayed multiple warning lights and a brake system malfunction message. As of 9/22/2026, the vehicle remains at the dealership and has been disassembled for diagnosis. These are not isolated incidents — the 2026 Passport has multiple other owner-reported complaints to the federal safety agency describing unexpected shutdowns, brake system warnings activating without cause, and safety features engaging unexpectedly, suggesting a pattern consistent with an underlying electrical/braking system defect rather than a vehicle-specific issue. The unpredictable nature of these failures — sudden shutdown while driving, loss of hazard lights, and unexplained brake warnings — poses an ongoing safety risk to myself and other drivers. I am also currently pursuing lemon law arbitration against Honda (NCDS case HON260745) regarding this vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
When we come to a stop position, the Fuel Savings Cut off does not start back up and the car stalls and shifts back to N. Takes for ever to re start if it can re start. This has happened to us more that 6 times. I took it this morning to Flow Honda of Charlottesville and talked to the service manager, Jackie. I felt like she thought I had three heads and didn't know what I was talking about, even though I enclosed a printed copy of the issues Honda was having with the Fuel Savings feature cut off.
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Passport. The contact stated that the infotainment system screen intermittently turned off while driving approximately 65-80 MPH. The messages "Network Communication Lost" and "Most Net Off" were displayed. The failure caused the rear-view camera to become inoperable and the speakers to make crackling sounds, which distracted the driver. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer and a second dealer, Honda of Princeton (987 State Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540), where the FAKRA connector was replaced several times, but the failure persisted. The dealers attempted to repair the vehicle nine times over four years. The contact related the failure to Warranty Extension: 21-012 (2019-20 Passport/Pilot MOST Bus Network Connectors) and the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V431000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Passport. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH at an intersection, the vehicle stalled and was unable to be restarted. The contact called Roadside Assistance, and the vehicle was restarted. The failure was a recurring failure. The screen was illuminated during the failure. The contact stated that while opening and closing the doors and pressing the Push-to-Start button to turn off the accessories, the vehicle operated as needed. The contact suffered emotional and mental distress from the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
On August 14th I brought the vehicle to Coconut Point Honda after having the vehicle stall with the auto stop feature. At that time, I also noticed that the car had trouble starting at times. After being there for four days, I was asked to come pick up the vehicle. Yesterday, on August 27th, the vehicle stalled again, this time at a busy intersection. This narrowly missed causing my wife to get hit at high speeds. The car shifted itself to neutral, the battery and warning light came on, and a message saying “shift into park” appeared on the dash. Despite several attempts, the car would not restart until it finally sat a moment and then powered back on. The car was brought back to Coconut Point Honda where I again voiced the complaint and safety concerns regarding the vehicle stalling out and shifting itself into park.
There is a known issue with auto idle feature. If you do not manually turn off every time it stays on and occasionally will cause car issue when stopping. I have had it happen in vehicle about a dozen times. When you fully depress brake engine is suppose to i gel to save gas however on occasion the vehicle will completely stall out. I have had this issue happen when approaching stop signs or in traffic situations. The biggest problem is trying to reengage car. Sometimes you can feel it starting to do this and if you quickly apply gas you can avoid it however sometimes the car will lock up with display lights and you have to keep pushing the Engine stop button to turn off the vehicle and turn vehicle back on. It is sometimes difficult to even turn off engine vehicle when this happens but seems to be only way to get vehicle to respond. I have had vehicles behind me almost hit me while I try to get vehicle out of this mode. I know it’s an issue as it’s all over the forums when you search for fix.
The car has failed to start on numerous occasions. The car has stalled due to the auto start/stop and the dealership told me that the battery needs to fail testing in order to replace under warranty. This is a major safety risk and the dealership said it’s a known issue but they can’t fix it. A recall needs to be put out immediately.
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Passport. The contact stated that while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle stalled. The message to start the vehicle was displayed. The vehicle was shifted into park(P), the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle was restarted. The contact stated that the failure had occurred ten times in the month of July. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a faulty battery, and the battery was replaced; however, the failure recurred approximately one week later. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- 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 stalling
Which Honda Passport years have engine stalls while driving problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2019 (30 complaints), 1999 (10 complaints) and 2020 (10 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine stalls while driving on the Honda Passport?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $600 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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