Honda Passport research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide
The Passport is a roomy five-seat SUV with standard V6 power, big cargo space and available or standard AWD. 2019-2025 models share the Pilot's 280-hp V6 and 9-speed automatic and tow up to 5,000 lb when equipped; 2022 added a rugged restyle and the TrailSport, and AWD became standard for 2023. The 2026 redesign is boxier and more off-road capable, with a 285-hp V6, a 10-speed and a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
Model years covered: 2019–2026. The 2026 Passport is an all-new current model; verify 2026 trims, equipment and EPA ratings against current Honda data.
Last updated 2026-10-15.
Strengths
- Roomy two row cabin and large cargo area
- Strong standard V6
- Available torque vectoring AWD
- Up to 5000 lb towing when equipped
- Honda sensing driver assistance
- Good ground clearance with AWD
Things to know before you buy
- No US passport 2011 2018
- FWD only offered 2019 2022
- 9 speed shift quality should be test driven
- Rear subframe corrosion recall 2019 2023 salt states
- Fuel economy trails smaller suvs
- Recall status should be checked by VIN
Generations
Generation 3 (2019–2025)
The third-generation Passport (2019-2025) is a shorter, two-row version of the third-generation Pilot with a 280-hp, 262 lb-ft 3.5L V6 and a ZF 9-speed automatic. 2021 made an 8-inch touchscreen with CarPlay and Android Auto standard; 2022 brought a restyle and the TrailSport; 2023 made AWD standard; 2024 retuned the TrailSport.
Buyer takeaway: For value, a 2021 EX-L is a sweet spot; for standard AWD and newer styling choose 2023-2025. Check the rear-subframe corrosion recall on salt-state 2019-2023 vehicles.
Generation 4 (2026–present)
The fourth-generation Passport (2026-) has a boxier design, a 285-hp DOHC 3.5L V6, a 10-speed automatic and standard i-VTM4 AWD with a stronger rear drive unit. Trims are RTL, TrailSport and TrailSport Elite, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and about 44 cu ft of cargo space behind the rear seat.
Buyer takeaway: The most capable and modern Passport, especially TrailSport trims for light off-road use; verify the 2026 rear-subframe bolt recall.
Honda Passport by model year
2026 Honda Passport
The 2026 Passport is all-new and boxier, sharing its 285-hp, 262 lb-ft 3.5L DOHC V6 and 10-speed automatic with the current Pilot. AWD is standard and trims are RTL, TrailSport and TrailSport Elite; TrailSports add all-terrain tires, steel skid plates and recovery hooks. It has a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in. Rated about 19/25 mpg (18/23 TrailSport); verify specs.
- Engines: 3.5 liter dohc V6 285 hp 262 lb ft
- Transmissions: 10 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: I vtm4 torque vectoring AWD standard
- Body style: 5 door two row midsize SUV
What changed:
- All new fourth generation boxier design
- 285 hp V6 and 10 speed automatic
- Trims rtl trailsport trailsport elite
- 12 3 inch touchscreen with google built in
- Largest cargo area yet about 44 cu ft
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; 10 speed automatic shift quality; Rear subframe bolt recall completion; Off road wear on trailsport; Infotainment and camera systems; Suspension tires and brakes; Maintenance minder and oil change records.
2025 Honda Passport
The 2025 Passport is the final third-generation model, carrying over the 280-hp 3.5L V6, 9-speed automatic and standard AWD (about 19/24 mpg). It is a roomy two-row SUV with up to 5,000 lb of towing when properly equipped. With the all-new 2026 on sale, a 2025 can be a value buy; confirm recall and maintenance history.
- Engines: 3.5 liter direct injected V6 280 hp 262 lb ft
- Transmissions: 9 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: I vtm4 torque vectoring AWD standard
- Body style: 5 door two row midsize SUV
What changed:
- Last year of the third generation
- Largely carryover from 2024
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; 9 speed automatic shift quality and software updates; I vtm4 AWD rear differential fluid service; Timing belt service records at high mileage; Infotainment and rearview camera display; Honda sensing camera and radar function; Suspension tires and brakes; Towing wear if used for towing; Maintenance minder and oil change records.
2024 Honda Passport
The 2024 Passport's TrailSport gained retuned suspension and all-terrain tires, every trim got a larger center console and armrest, and a Black Edition replaced the Elite at the top. The 280-hp V6, 9-speed automatic and standard AWD carry over (about 19/24 mpg). Check fuel filler pipe recall status by VIN.
- Engines: 3.5 liter direct injected V6 280 hp 262 lb ft
- Transmissions: 9 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: I vtm4 torque vectoring AWD standard
- Body style: 5 door two row midsize SUV
What changed:
- Trailsport gets retuned suspension and all terrain tires
- Larger center console and armrest
- Black edition replaces elite
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; Fuel filler pipe recall; 9 speed automatic shift quality and software updates; I vtm4 AWD rear differential fluid service; Timing belt service records at high mileage; Infotainment and rearview camera display; Honda sensing camera and radar function; Suspension tires and brakes; Towing wear if used for towing; Maintenance minder and oil change records.
2023 Honda Passport
For 2023 all-wheel drive became standard on every Passport, as the front-drive EX-L was dropped. It keeps the 280-hp V6 and 9-speed automatic (about 19/24 mpg) and EX-L, TrailSport and Elite trims. Certain 2023 Passports have recalls for a steering inner ball joint and fuel filler pipe, and 2019-2023 salt-state cars a rear-subframe corrosion recall.
- Engines: 3.5 liter direct injected V6 280 hp 262 lb ft
- Transmissions: 9 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: I vtm4 torque vectoring AWD standard
- Body style: 5 door two row midsize SUV
What changed:
- AWD standard on all trims FWD dropped
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; Steering inner ball joint recall 2023; Fuel filler pipe recall; Rear subframe corrosion salt states; 9 speed automatic shift quality and software updates; I vtm4 AWD rear differential fluid service; Timing belt service records at high mileage; Infotainment and rearview camera display; Honda sensing camera and radar function; Suspension tires and brakes; Towing wear if used for towing; Maintenance minder and oil change records.
2022 Honda Passport
The 2022 Passport got a tougher-looking front end and the first Honda TrailSport trim, which adds rugged styling, all-weather mats and more aggressive tires with AWD. The lineup was trimmed to EX-L, TrailSport and Elite, and FWD remained only on the EX-L. The 280-hp V6 and 9-speed carry over (about 19/24 mpg AWD).
- Engines: 3.5 liter direct injected V6 280 hp 262 lb ft
- Transmissions: 9 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive ex l only; I vtm4 torque vectoring AWD
- Body style: 5 door two row midsize SUV
What changed:
- Rugged new front end styling
- First honda trailsport trim
- Sport and touring trims dropped
- Lineup ex l trailsport elite
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; Rear subframe corrosion salt states; 9 speed automatic shift quality and software updates; I vtm4 AWD rear differential fluid service; Timing belt service records at high mileage; Infotainment and rearview camera display; Honda sensing camera and radar function; Suspension tires and brakes; Towing wear if used for towing; Maintenance minder and oil change records.
2021 Honda Passport
For 2021 every Passport got an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an upgrade for the base Sport. The 280-hp V6 and 9-speed automatic carry over (about 20/25 mpg FWD, 19/24 AWD). As a used buy, 2021 is a sweet spot before the 2022 restyle. Confirm the 2019-2023 rear-subframe corrosion recall status on salt-state vehicles.
- Engines: 3.5 liter direct injected V6 280 hp 262 lb ft
- Transmissions: 9 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; I vtm4 torque vectoring AWD optional
- Body style: 5 door two row midsize SUV
What changed:
- 8 inch touchscreen with apple carplay and android auto standard on all trims
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; Rear subframe corrosion salt states; 9 speed automatic shift quality and software updates; I vtm4 AWD rear differential fluid service; Timing belt service records at high mileage; Infotainment and rearview camera display; Honda sensing camera and radar function; Suspension tires and brakes; Towing wear if used for towing; Maintenance minder and oil change records.
2020 Honda Passport
The 2020 Passport carries over the 280-hp V6, 9-speed automatic and FWD or i-VTM4 AWD (about 20/25 mpg FWD, 19/24 AWD), with Sport, EX-L, Touring and Elite trims. Its roomy two-row cabin and large cargo area (about 41 cu ft behind the rear seat) make it a practical family SUV. Check software, camera-display and tire recalls by VIN.
- Engines: 3.5 liter direct injected V6 280 hp 262 lb ft
- Transmissions: 9 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; I vtm4 torque vectoring AWD optional
- Body style: 5 door two row midsize SUV
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2019
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; Instrument panel and central network software recalls; Rear subframe corrosion salt states; 9 speed automatic shift quality and software updates; I vtm4 AWD rear differential fluid service; Timing belt service records at high mileage; Infotainment and rearview camera display; Honda sensing camera and radar function; Suspension tires and brakes; Towing wear if used for towing; Maintenance minder and oil change records.
2019 Honda Passport
The 2019 Passport revived Honda's Passport name as a two-row, five-seat SUV based on the Pilot but shorter, with a 280-hp, 262 lb-ft 3.5L V6 and a 9-speed automatic. It is rated about 20/25 mpg (FWD) or 19/24 (AWD), and AWD models have 8.1 inches of ground clearance and can tow up to 5,000 lb. Several 2019-2020 recalls cover software, frame welds and hood latches.
- Engines: 3.5 liter direct injected V6 280 hp 262 lb ft
- Transmissions: 9 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; I vtm4 torque vectoring AWD optional
- Body style: 5 door two row midsize SUV
What changed:
- Passport name returns as two row pilot based SUV
- Trims sport ex l touring elite
- Up to 5000 lb towing with AWD and tow equipment
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; Hood latch and front frame weld recalls; Rear subframe corrosion salt states; 9 speed automatic shift quality and software updates; I vtm4 AWD rear differential fluid service; Timing belt service records at high mileage; Infotainment and rearview camera display; Honda sensing camera and radar function; Suspension tires and brakes; Towing wear if used for towing; Maintenance minder and oil change records.
Known issues and what to check
- Rear Subframe Corrosion Recall in Salt States (2019-2023) (2019–2023)
Recall 26V-365 (2026) covers certain 2019-2023 Passports, along with Pilot, Ridgeline and Acura MDX models, sold in road-salt states. The rear subframe can corrode at the suspension mounting points and lead to rear suspension failure. Dealers inspect and install a reinforcement kit or repair parts; remedy rollout began in 2026.
What to do: Inspect the rear subframe and check recall status on any salt-belt 2019-2023 Passport. - Early Third-Generation Recalls (2019-2021) (2019–2021)
Certain early Passports have recalls for incompletely welded front frame upper members (2019), a hood latch striker that can separate (2019), instrument-panel and central network software that can blank the gauges or rearview camera (2019-2020), over-cured Continental tires (2019-2020), and fuel pumps (2019-2021).
What to do: Run the VIN and confirm all early recalls are complete before purchase. - Steering Ball Joint and Fuel Filler Pipe Recalls (2023-2024) (2023–2024)
Recall 24V-184 covers certain 2023 Passports whose steering-gearbox inner ball joint housing may loosen, risking loss of steering. Recall 24V-900 covers certain 2023-2024 Passports whose fuel filler neck tube and pipe may separate and leak fuel.
What to do: Confirm both recalls are complete on applicable vehicles. - 9-Speed Automatic Shift Quality (2019-2025) (2019–2025)
The ZF-sourced 9-speed automatic used in 2019-2025 Passports (and related Pilots) has drawn owner complaints about hesitant or rough shifts at low speed. Updated software may improve drivability. The 2026 Passport switched to a Honda 10-speed.
What to do: Test drive in traffic and ask whether transmission software updates were applied. - AWD Fluid and V6 Timing Belt Maintenance (2019–2026)
The i-VTM4 AWD system's rear drive unit needs fluid changes when the Maintenance Minder calls for them, especially on vehicles that tow. The J-series 3.5L V6 uses a timing belt that is replaced on schedule (often around 100,000 miles), typically with the water pump.
What to do: Ask for rear-differential fluid and, at high mileage, timing-belt records. - Rear Subframe Bolt Recall (2026) (2026)
Recall 26V-424 covers certain 2026 Passports and Pilots whose rear subframe bolts may not have been tightened properly. Dealers will inspect and correct the bolts.
What to do: Confirm the recall is complete on any 2026 Passport. - Passport Name History and Configuration (2019–2026)
There were no U.S. Passports from 2003 through 2018; the 1994-2002 Passport was a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo and is a different vehicle. The 2019-2025 Passport is a two-row, Pilot-based SUV with a 280-hp V6 and 9-speed; the 2026 redesign uses a 285-hp V6 and 10-speed with standard AWD. FWD was offered 2019-2022 only.
What to do: Confirm the year, drivetrain and trim before comparing prices or specs.
Recalls
Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, state of registration and VIN. Check the VIN with NHTSA and Honda for open recalls, including the rear-subframe corrosion campaign for 2019-2023 salt-state vehicles.
Similar vehicles to consider
- Toyota 4Runner
- Ford Edge
- Chevrolet Blazer
- Nissan Murano
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Subaru Outback
- Honda Pilot
- Honda CR-V
Questions this guide answers
- What generation is this Honda Passport?
- Is this Passport FWD or AWD?
- How is the Passport different from the Pilot?
- What changed in the 2022, 2023 and 2026 Passport?
- How much can the Passport tow?
- Is the TrailSport worth it?
- What should I inspect on a used Passport?
- What recalls should I check by VIN?
- Why are there no 2011-2018 Passports?
- What similar SUVs should I consider?