What problems have owners reported with the 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Honda Passport has generated complaints about transmission hesitation, infotainment system freezing, and panoramic sunroof leaks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has documented recalls for transmission software, seat belt pretensioners, and fuel tank issues. Most of these problems appear in the first two years of ownership, though severity varies widely — some owners experience minor annoyances while others face repeated dealer visits.

The transmission issue is the most frequently reported: owners describe a delay or shudder when accelerating from a stop or shifting gears, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. Honda addressed this through a transmission control software update, available free at any Honda dealership. The infotainment system freezes or becomes unresponsive, sometimes requiring a full system restart while driving. Sunroof leaks have caused water damage to headliners and interior panels, typically traced to clogged drainage tubes rather than a design defect.

Key Takeaways

  • Transmission hesitation and shuddering can usually be resolved with a free software update from Honda, which takes about an hour at a dealership.
  • The infotainment touchscreen freezing is a known issue affecting multiple model years; Honda has released software patches, though some owners report the problem persists.
  • Panoramic sunroof leaks stem from blocked drainage channels and can be prevented with regular cleaning or addressed by Honda service departments.
  • NHTSA recalls for seat belt pretensioners and fuel tank issues affect specific VIN ranges; you can check your vehicle's recall status on NHTSA.gov using your VIN.
  • Most reported problems occur within the first 24 months, and warranty coverage applies to all factory defects during the standard three-year period.

Transmission hesitation and the software update

The 2021 Passport's 9-speed automatic transmission occasionally hesitates or shudders during acceleration, especially when pulling away from a stop or merging onto highways. Owners report the vehicle feels like it is searching for the right gear or momentarily losing power before engaging. This is not a mechanical failure — it is a calibration issue in the transmission control module, the computer that manages shift timing.

Honda released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 21-053 to address this, which updates the transmission software at no cost. The update takes approximately one hour and requires a visit to a Honda dealership. You do not need to schedule a separate appointment; many dealerships can perform the update during routine maintenance. After the update, owners report smoother acceleration and more predictable gear changes. If you have experienced this hesitation, contact your local Honda service department and reference the TSB number to may support they perform the correct procedure.

Infotainment system freezing and touchscreen problems

The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the 2021 Passport occasionally becomes unresponsive, requiring the driver to restart the entire system by holding the power button for several seconds. The screen may freeze while navigating, playing audio, or displaying climate controls. This typically happens after extended use or during hot weather, though the exact trigger varies by vehicle. The problem does not affect the vehicle's ability to drive — only the display and controls.

Honda has released multiple software updates to address this issue, with varying success rates. Some owners report the problem disappears after an update; others experience it again weeks or months later. If your system freezes, the when ready fix is a restart: press and hold the power button on the infotainment unit for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes black, then wait for it to boot back up. For a permanent solution, visit a Honda dealership to have the latest infotainment software installed. If freezing continues after an update, document when it occurs and bring that information to the dealership — persistent issues may be covered under warranty for component replacement.

Panoramic sunroof leaks and water damage

Some 2021 Passport owners with the panoramic sunroof option have reported water leaking into the cabin, typically along the headliner or dripping onto the dashboard. The leak usually appears during heavy rain or car washes. This is not a seal failure in most cases — it is a drainage system problem. The panoramic sunroof has small tubes that channel water away from the cabin and out through the vehicle's undercarriage. When these tubes become clogged with debris, leaves, or mineral buildup, water backs up and finds its way inside.

Prevention is simpler than repair: keep the sunroof tracks and drainage channels clear of debris, especially after driving through areas with heavy pollen or fallen leaves. If a leak has already occurred, take the vehicle to a Honda dealership for inspection. Technicians can flush the drainage system, check the seals, and assess any interior water damage. If the leak is traced to a manufacturing defect in the seal or drainage design, Honda will cover the repair under warranty. If it is debris-related, the cleaning and flushing may be a paid service, though many dealerships perform this as part of routine maintenance at no charge.

Seat belt pretensioner recall

Honda issued a recall affecting certain 2021 Passport models for seat belt pretensioners that may not deploy correctly in a crash. The pretensioner is a small explosive charge that tightens the seat belt when ready when a collision is detected, keeping the occupant firmly in place. In the affected vehicles, a manufacturing defect could prevent the pretensioner from firing, reducing the seat belt's effectiveness during an accident.

This recall does not require you to stop driving the vehicle — it is a safety system that only activates during a crash. However, you should have it addressed as soon as possible. Contact a Honda dealership with your vehicle identification number (VIN) to confirm whether your Passport is affected. If it is, the dealership will replace the seat belt assembly at no cost. The repair typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. You can also check your vehicle's recall status directly on the NHTSA website by entering your VIN at safercar.gov.

Fuel tank vent valve issues

A recall affecting some 2021 Passport models involves the fuel tank vent valve, a component that allows air to enter the fuel tank as fuel is consumed, preventing a vacuum that could damage the tank. In affected vehicles, the vent valve may become stuck in the closed position, which can cause fuel to leak from the filler neck or create excessive pressure in the tank. This poses a fire risk and requires prompt attention.

Like the seat belt recall, this does not mean your vehicle is unsafe to drive to a dealership. Schedule an appointment at your Honda service center and bring your VIN. The technician will inspect the vent valve and replace it if necessary. The repair is covered under recall and costs nothing. If you notice fuel smell near the filler cap or see fuel leaking from under the vehicle, do not ignore it — contact a dealership when ready rather than waiting for a scheduled appointment.

How to check your 2021 Passport for open recalls

The easiest way to find out whether your specific Passport is affected by any recalls is to visit safercar.gov, the NHTSA's public database. Enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) — a 17-character code found on your registration, insurance card, or the driver's side door jamb — and the site will display all open recalls for your vehicle. You will see the recall number, a description of the issue, and the recommended action.

Alternatively, contact your local Honda dealership directly with your VIN. They can pull up your vehicle's complete recall history in seconds and tell you which repairs are pending. Many dealerships will contact you proactively if a recall is issued, but this does not always happen when ready, so checking yourself ensures you do not miss anything. If a recall has been issued, scheduling a service appointment is free — you pay nothing for recall repairs, and they are performed under Honda's recall warranty regardless of your vehicle's age or mileage.

Warranty coverage and what to do if problems persist

The 2021 Honda Passport comes with a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty, whichever comes first, covering all factory defects including the transmission, infotainment system, and sunroof. If you experience any of the problems described above within this period, Honda will repair or replace the faulty component at no cost. Keep all service records documenting the issue and any repairs performed.

If a problem persists after a dealership repair — for example, if the transmission still hesitates after the software update or the infotainment system freezes again after an update — return to the dealership and request a second inspection. Document the problem with photos, video, or written notes describing when it occurs. If the dealership cannot resolve the issue within a reasonable number of attempts, you may be may have access to to a replacement vehicle or refund under your state's lemon law, though this varies by location and requires meeting specific criteria. Contact your state's attorney general's office or consumer protection agency for guidance on lemon law procedures in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Passport safe to drive with these problems?

Yes, with one exception: if you notice fuel leaking from the filler neck or smell fuel near the tank, do not drive the vehicle — have it towed to a dealership. Transmission hesitation, infotainment freezing, and sunroof leaks are annoying but do not affect the vehicle's ability to operate safely. Seat belt pretensioners only matter in a crash, so the vehicle is safe to drive to a service appointment.

Will these problems get worse over time?

Transmission hesitation typically stays the same until the software update is applied. Infotainment freezing may occur more frequently as the system ages, but updates often reduce the frequency. Sunroof leaks worsen if drainage tubes remain clogged, so addressing them promptly prevents interior water damage. Recall issues do not worsen — they are static defects that require one repair.

Can I fix the infotainment freezing myself?

You can restart the system yourself by holding the power button, which temporarily resolves the freeze. However, a permanent fix requires a software update from Honda, which must be installed at a dealership using their diagnostic equipment. Attempting to update the system yourself may cause additional problems.

Do I have to go to a Honda dealership for recall repairs?

Yes, recall repairs must be performed at an authorized Honda dealership to may support they are done correctly and documented in your vehicle's service history. Independent shops cannot perform recall work, and doing so may void your warranty coverage.

What if my vehicle is out of warranty and I have one of these problems?

Recall repairs are always free regardless of warranty status or mileage — recalls are a manufacturer responsibility. For non-recall issues like transmission hesitation or infotainment freezing, you would pay for repairs out of warranty. However, if the problem is a known defect affecting multiple vehicles, Honda may offer a goodwill repair or extended coverage — contact your dealership and ask.