2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and capable V6 engine. It appeals to those seeking a blend of on-road comfort and light off-road ability. Owners often praise its reliability and practicality but sometimes criticize its fuel economy and somewhat bland styling. The 2021 Passport is offered with only one engine option: a 3.5-liter V6 producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It is paired exclusively with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

3.5L V6

• VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report excessive oil consumption, rough idling, and vibrations due to the VCM system, which deactivates cylinders to improve fuel economy. The system can sometimes cause uneven wear on the engine.
  • Solution: Some owners have reported success using aftermarket devices to disable the VCM system. Others have addressed oil consumption with more frequent oil changes or by using specific oil additives. A more involved solution could involve replacing the piston rings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (VCM Disabler) - $3000+ (Piston Ring Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced fuel injector failures that cause rough idling, misfires, and potentially a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty fuel injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500+ per injector
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report experiencing harsh or jerky shifting, particularly at lower speeds. There can also be hesitation when accelerating or shifting gears.
  • Solution: Some dealers may attempt to reprogram the transmission control module (TCM). In more severe cases, the transmission valve body may need to be replaced or the transmission itself may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (reprogram) - $500+ (valve body replacement), $3000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced torque converter shudder, especially at low speeds. This feels like a vibration or shaking sensation.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement, transmission flush with updated fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000-$2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported a clunking or rattling noise coming from the rear suspension, particularly when going over bumps. This can be caused by loose or worn suspension components.
  • Solution: Inspect and replace worn suspension components such as sway bar links, bushings, or shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Lagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can sometimes freeze, lag, or become unresponsive. This can affect navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions.
  • Solution: Software updates may resolve the issue. In some cases, replacing the infotainment unit is necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $500+ (infotainment unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced unexplained battery drain, leading to difficulty starting the vehicle.
  • Solution: Check for parasitic draws from aftermarket accessories or faulty electrical components. Replace the battery if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$300+ (Battery Replacement), varies for parasitic draw diagnosis
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Rattling Noise from Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported a rattling noise coming from the dashboard, especially when driving on rough roads.
  • Solution: Locating and securing the source of the rattle (e.g., loose wiring, trim pieces). This might require disassembling parts of the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ (depending on complexity)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2021 Honda Passport generally enjoys a good reputation for reliability, but some owners have reported issues, particularly with the VCM system in the engine and the 9-speed automatic transmission. Electrical gremlins with the infotainment system and battery drain have also surfaced. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to potentially costly repairs. Addressing these issues early can help prevent more significant problems down the road.