2019 Honda Passport

The 2019 Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV offering a blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability. The Passport stands out for its spacious interior, especially in the rear, and its robust V6 engine. Positives often cited by owners include the ample cargo space, comfortable ride, and the Passport’s ability to handle light off-road trails. Common complaints revolve around the infotainment system’s complexity, the lack of a hybrid option, and some concerns about fuel economy. The 2019 Passport is only offered with the 3.5L V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Variable Timing Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine can experience a loss of power and misfires, which can activate the check engine light. Owners have reported the VTC actuator failing, particularly during cold starts, resulting in a rattling noise.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty variable timing solenoid. Replacement of the VTC actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the parts replaced and if the work is completed by a dealership or a local mechanic.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, decreased fuel efficiency, and difficulty starting are common symptoms. The check engine light may illuminate.
  • Solution: Diagnose and replace the faulty fuel injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per injector, depending on labor and parts costs.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: The 9-speed automatic transmission (ZF9HP series) may exhibit rough shifting, hesitation when accelerating, and occasional clunking noises when shifting between gears. Some owners report issues with the transmission shifting into the wrong gear.
  • Solution: A software update from the dealership may address some of these issues. In more severe cases, replacement of valve body components or even the entire transmission may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ for software updates; $500 - $2000+ for valve body repair/replacement; $4000 - $7000+ for transmission replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature failure of the rear shock absorbers. Symptoms include a bouncy or unstable ride, excessive body roll during cornering, and clunking noises coming from the rear suspension.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ for both rear shocks, including labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can experience glitches, freezing, slow response times, and Bluetooth connectivity problems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration may be unreliable.
  • Solution: Software updates from the dealership can address some of these issues. In some cases, replacement of the infotainment unit may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $200+ for software updates; $500 - $1500+ for infotainment unit replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery drain, resulting in difficulty starting the vehicle, especially after it has been sitting for an extended period.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of parasitic drain by the dealership, replacement of a faulty battery, or software update to the ECU to address battery management.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ for battery replacement; $100 - $500+ for diagnosis of parasitic draw, plus the cost of any additional faulty parts.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic Tailgate Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The automatic tailgate may fail to open or close properly, becoming stuck in either position or only operating intermittently.
  • Solution: Replacement of the tailgate struts, motor, or sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ depending on the specific component that needs replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat heaters may fail to work properly, either not heating at all or overheating.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and replacement of the seat heater element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+, depending on the component and labor costs.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2019 Honda Passport presents a generally reliable vehicle with a few recurring issues. The most prevalent complaints involve the infotainment system, the 9-speed transmission, and electrical problems. While some of these issues can be addressed with software updates, others may require more costly repairs. The severity of these problems ranges from minor inconveniences to potentially significant mechanical failures. As such, prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and consider a thorough inspection before purchase.