2020 Honda Passport Safety Report

2020 Honda Passport: Strong Crash Ratings, but Plagued by Numerous Recalls and ADAS/Engine Complaints

84Complaints
8Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
1Crash Reports
Most reported components: Forward Collision Avoidance (15)Electrical System (13)Unknown Or Other (8)Engine (7)Electrical System,Engine (5)Fuel/Propulsion System (4)Air Bags (3)Lane Departure,Forward Collision Avoidance (2)Power Train (2)Forward Collision Avoidance,Lane Departure (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Honda Passport

The 2020 Honda Passport exhibits a mixed safety profile, achieving a strong 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating with 5 stars in side impact and 4 stars in frontal and rollover tests. However, it has accumulated 84 total complaints, including 1 reported crash, though no injuries, fires, or deaths have been reported. A significant concern is the high number of recalls, with 8 issued for this model year, addressing critical components such as airbags, fuel pump, rearview camera, and even tires. Complaint data reveals a pattern of issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system (15 complaints) and the Electrical System (13 complaints), often related to unintended braking or vehicle stalling. Engine-related complaints also stand out, with 7 specific to the engine and 5 combining electrical system and engine issues, including reports of engine failure and knocking. The recall history directly correlates with some complaint patterns, such as the fuel pump recall addressing potential engine stalls and multiple recalls for rearview camera display issues, which aligns with general electrical system complaints. The prevalence of issues with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like forward collision avoidance and lane departure warnings, alongside engine and electrical system problems, suggests potential reliability concerns despite strong crash test performance.

Reliability Score

The 2020 Honda Passport receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2020 Honda Passport

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Honda Passport:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunctions
System incorrectly alerts or applies brakes when no obstacle is present, or fails to operate correctly in cold weather, leading to sudden braking or system warnings.
High Common all miles
Engine Stalling/Failure
Engine stalls unexpectedly, often related to the auto idle stop feature, or experiences internal failures like piston rod knocking.
High Occasional 30000-90000 miles
Electrical System Malfunctions
Various electrical issues leading to multiple warning lights, system failures (e.g., auto high-beam, adaptive cruise control), and vehicle not starting.
Medium Common all miles
Rearview Camera Display Failure
Camera display may be delayed, inoperative, or fail to show an image, increasing crash risk, addressed by multiple recalls.
High Occasional all miles
Fuel Pump Failure
Fuel pump failure can cause engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash, subject to a widespread recall.
High Occasional all miles
Auto Idle Stop System Malfunction
Engine fails to restart after auto idle stop engages at traffic lights, leaving the vehicle stranded in traffic.
High Common all miles
Air Bag Sensor Issues
Occupant classification system sensor issues can lead to unintentional airbag deployment, increasing injury risk, subject to recall.
High Rare all miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2020 Honda Passport:

Forward Collision Avoidance 17% of complaints

Frequent complaints about the system falsely activating, applying brakes without cause, or malfunctioning in certain conditions.

Electrical System 15% of complaints

Numerous issues including multiple warning lights, system failures, and vehicle not starting, sometimes linked to the auto idle stop feature.

Engine 8% of complaints

Reports of engine stalling, knocking noises, and complete engine failure, with some complaints specifically mentioning the 3.5L V6 engine.

Fuel/Propulsion System 4% of complaints

Complaints related to fuel pump failure leading to engine stalls, aligning with a major recall.

Air Bags 3% of complaints

Concerns about airbag system functionality, including recall for occupant classification sensor issues.

Back Over Prevention 3% of complaints

Issues with rearview camera display, including delays or complete failure, addressed by multiple recalls.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Honda Passport

Is the 2020 Honda Passport safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 Honda Passport received a 5-star overall safety rating, indicating strong crash test performance. However, it has 84 complaints and 8 recalls, suggesting potential reliability and safety system issues, particularly with its Forward Collision Avoidance system and electrical components.

What are common problems with the 2020 Honda Passport?

The most reported issues are related to the Forward Collision Avoidance system (15 complaints) and the Electrical System (13 complaints), often involving unintended braking or vehicle stalling. Engine problems (7 complaints) and fuel pump failures (4 complaints) are also notable, with several recalls addressing these areas.

Are there any recalls for the 2020 Honda Passport?

Yes, the 2020 Honda Passport has 8 recalls. These include issues with airbags, fuel pump, rearview camera display, side-view mirror heating pads, tires, and central network software programming affecting various safety systems.

How does the 2020 Honda Passport perform in crash tests?

The 2020 Honda Passport performed well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.

Should I be concerned about the auto idle stop feature?

Yes, there are multiple complaints regarding the auto idle stop feature failing to restart the engine, leaving drivers stranded. This is a recurring theme in the electrical system and engine-related complaints.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2020 Honda Passport has excellent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the numerous recalls and common complaints regarding the Forward Collision Avoidance system, electrical issues, and engine stalling, and ensure all recalls have been addressed.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Honda Passport

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Honda Passport. The data includes 84 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 8 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2020 Honda Passport an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.