Free used car buyer guide / Third generation late / facelift / 2021-2025
Honda Passport common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
6.9/10
5 serious faults, 3 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: most/fakra rear-camera and audio network failure. Score methodology.
The 2021-2025 Passport is the version to buy if you want the space and V6 without the worst launch-year feel, but it still has Honda's modern recall stack. The main traps are 2021-2023 MOST/FAKRA rear-camera failure, 2021 transmission warnings or harsh shifting, 2021 passenger seat-weight sensor recall, Denso fuel-pump exposure, 2023-2024 fuel-filler neck recall, injector/emissions faults, and i-VTM4 fluid neglect. The safest buy is a 2024-2025 TrailSport/EX-L with the fuel-filler campaign checked, clean camera operation, no transmission messages and documented rear-diff service. Current owners should close safety campaigns quickly because late-model Passport value depends heavily on clean Honda records.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
MOST/FAKRA rear-camera and
Best years
2024-2025
Best buys
- 2024-2025 AWD with closed fuel-filler/OCS/fuel-pump recalls and clean camera operation.
- 2022-2023 EX-L/TrailSport after MOST recall repair and smooth 9-speed road test.
- 2021 only if transmission warnings, fuel pump, OCS and camera work are fully documented.
Inspect hard
- 2021-2023 reverse camera and audio network after hot parking and rough-road driving.
- Any 9-speed Passport for unexpected neutral, clunking or hard low-speed engagement.
- 2023-2024 fuel filler neck, evaporative codes and fuel smell after fill-up.
Avoid
- Late Passport with unresolved fuel-filler neck recall or fuel smell.
- Transmission Problem warning, neutral events or dealer visits without a clear repair.
- Blank camera after the FAKRA repair has supposedly been completed.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Honda Passport viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Honda Passport should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
3.5L J35Y6 V6 with ZF 9-speed
2021-2025
BEST AFTER CLEAN SCAN
The late Passport's V6 is strong and simple by modern turbo standards, but the 9-speed and electronics must be checked. A clean scan and smooth road test matter more than the odometer alone.
i-VTM4 AWD system
2021-2025 most desirable specs
TARGET SPEC
AWD is the right Passport configuration. Rear-diff fluid, tyre matching and transfer-case condition decide whether it remains quiet and smooth.
TrailSport trim
2022-2025
BUY FOR SPEC, NOT HARD OFF-ROAD USE
TrailSport adds the look and tyres many buyers want, but it is still a unibody Honda. Inspect underbody, tyre wear and alignment harder because the trim encourages rough-road use.
J35 belt-service horizon
2021-2025 as mileage builds
FUTURE COST TO PRICE IN
Most late Passports have not yet reached belt mileage, but high-mile examples can. The correct future service is belt, pump, tensioner, coolant and plugs, not a cheap belt-only job.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2021
Late pre-facelift year with fuel-pump, OCS and continuing transmission/electronics complaint context.
Buyer: A 2021 needs the hardest scan for transmission messages and the longest recall check.
Owner: Keep records for OCS, fuel pump and any transmission warning diagnosis.
2022
Facelift and TrailSport arrive; MOST camera recall exposure continues for the platform.
Buyer: Good value if the camera network is repaired and the TrailSport has not been abused.
Owner: Protect TrailSport resale with tyre, alignment and underbody records.
2023
MOST recall still applies; fuel-filler neck recall affects certain 2023 production.
Buyer: Run the VIN for both camera and fuel-filler campaigns before paying facelift prices.
Owner: Close the fuel-system campaign even if the SUV feels perfect.
2024
Fuel-filler neck recall remains the key safety check; otherwise mature production.
Buyer: Best used-year target after filler recall, camera test and driveline service proof.
Owner: Keep the fuel-filler recall invoice visible for future resale.
2025
Carryover final-year context before the next Passport generation reaches market.
Buyer: Low risk if no open recalls and no off-road damage; still scan all modules.
Owner: Late examples should be kept stock and fully documented.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
MOST/FAKRA rear-camera and audio network failure
Affects
2021-2023 Passport under 23V431.
Symptoms
Intermittent or blank reverse camera, speaker crackle, no sound, display reboot.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 250-2,500 outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
MOST/network communication codes.
Root cause: Poor FAKRA coax connector communication in the media network.
Quick check
- Test reverse camera repeatedly.
- Drive rough road with audio on.
- Confirm 23V431 repair.
- Scan infotainment/network modules.
Buyer note
A late Passport with camera faults needs recall evidence before price discussion.
Owner note
Do not accept repeat black screens after campaign work; return with video evidence.
Fault 2
Fuel-filler neck separation recall
Affects
Certain 2023-2024 Passport units.
Symptoms
Recall notice, fuel smell, premature pump shutoff, possible EVAP codes; crash leak risk is the recall concern.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 250-900 outside campaign.
Codes / scan clues
EVAP leak codes may appear if sealing is affected.
Root cause: Fuel filler neck may not be fully connected to the filler pipe from assembly.
Quick check
- Run VIN for the 2024 fuel-filler recall.
- Inspect filler neck area.
- Smell check after refuelling.
- Check campaign invoice date.
Buyer note
A nearly new Passport with fuel-system recall open is not fully ready for handover.
Owner note
Close the recall before any sale advert goes live.
Fault 3
Denso fuel-pump recall exposure
Affects
2021 Passport by VIN and related Honda pump recall population.
Symptoms
Stall, no-start, long crank, hesitation, reduced power.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 500-1,100 pump module.
Codes / scan clues
P0087, fuel pressure and misfire codes possible.
Root cause: Low-density pump impeller can deform and stop the fuel pump.
Quick check
- Run VIN.
- Confirm pump replacement.
- Hot restart test.
- Scan pressure/fuel trim data.
Buyer note
Do not gamble on an open pump recall if the vehicle already hesitates.
Owner note
Schedule the repair before the pump fails away from home.
Fault 4
9-speed transmission warnings or unexpected neutral
Affects
2021-2025 Passport 9-speed, with owner reports concentrated around 2021.
Symptoms
Transmission Problem message, clunk, sudden neutral, hard downshift, delayed engagement.
Typical repair cost
EUR 200-600 software/fluid; EUR 3,000-8,000 major repair.
Codes / scan clues
P07xx pressure, shift and range codes.
Root cause: Software/adaptation, sensor or internal 9-speed clutch/actuator faults can interrupt normal engagement.
Quick check
- Cold start D/R shift.
- Low-speed traffic drive.
- Scan TCM history.
- Review any dealer transmission cases.
Buyer note
A late Passport should not have mystery transmission warnings.
Owner note
Log the warning, do not just cycle the ignition and forget it.
Fault 5
Passenger seat-weight sensor OCS recall
Affects
Certain 2020-2022 Honda/Acura vehicles including 2021 Passport.
Symptoms
Airbag warning, passenger airbag status wrong, SRS light, recall notice.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 600-1,400 seat sensor/module work.
Codes / scan clues
SRS/OCS sensor codes.
Root cause: Seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, affecting passenger airbag suppression.
Quick check
- Run VIN for OCS recall.
- Check SRS lamp bulb check.
- Scan SRS module.
- Confirm sensor replacement invoice.
Buyer note
Any SRS warning on a Passport is a safety fault, not a negotiation detail.
Owner note
Do not place child seats in front; repair the OCS recall promptly.
Fault 6
Injector/emissions faults and EVAP complaints
Affects
2021-2025 Passport J35 direct-injection fuel system.
Symptoms
MIL, fuel smell, poor fuel economy, misfires, EVAP codes, difficult fill-up.
Typical repair cost
EUR 200-900 EVAP diagnosis; EUR 700-1,800 injector set.
Codes / scan clues
P0440/P0455 EVAP, P0172/P0175 mixture, P0300-P0306.
Root cause: Fuel system sealing, injector flow imbalance or EVAP valve faults can overlap with recall-related fuel concerns.
Quick check
- Scan readiness and fuel trims.
- Refuel during inspection if practical.
- Check capless filler operation.
- Review injector/EVAP invoices.
Buyer note
Fuel smell or EVAP codes need diagnosis before you trust the SUV for long trips.
Owner note
Separate recall work from normal EVAP repairs in the service file.
Fault 7
i-VTM4 rear-differential fluid neglect
Affects
2021-2025 Passport AWD.
Symptoms
Rear groan, tight-turn chatter, AWD warning, vibration after tyre replacement.
Typical repair cost
EUR 150-350 fluid; EUR 1,500-3,000 rear unit repair.
Codes / scan clues
AWD clutch/pressure codes possible.
Root cause: Old fluid or tyre mismatch disturbs rear torque-vectoring clutch operation.
Quick check
- Figure-eight test.
- Check tyre match.
- Ask for rear-diff fluid record.
- Scan AWD module.
Buyer note
The AWD system is a selling point only when it has been serviced.
Owner note
Service rear fluid early if the Passport sees gravel, snow, hills or towing.
Fault 8
CMBS / driver-assist nuisance braking or warnings
Affects
2021-2025 Passport with Honda Sensing.
Symptoms
False brake alerts, sudden warning, disabled driver-assist messages, dirty radar/camera warnings.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 cleaning/calibration if simple; EUR 300-1,200 sensor calibration/repair.
Codes / scan clues
ADAS camera/radar calibration codes.
Root cause: Radar/camera calibration, windshield replacement, weather contamination or system sensitivity can trigger alerts.
Quick check
- Check windshield replacement history.
- Inspect radar cover.
- Scan ADAS modules.
- Road test with assists on.
Buyer note
False braking complaints deserve a scan, especially after collision or glass work.
Owner note
Keep calibration invoices after windshield or bumper work.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
Documents
- VIN recall printout for MOST/FAKRA, fuel pump, OCS and fuel-filler neck.
- Dealer invoices for campaign completion.
- ATF, rear-diff and transfer-case service records.
- Any windshield, bumper or ADAS calibration invoices.
Walk around
- Inspect fuel filler area and smell for fuel after fill-up.
- Check underbody, tyres and alignment wear on TrailSport models.
- Look for hitch wiring, aftermarket audio or bumper repairs.
- Check mirror glass, camera lens and radar cover.
In the car
- Test reverse camera repeatedly.
- Listen for speaker crackle and display reboots.
- Confirm no SRS, transmission, AWD or Honda Sensing warnings.
- Check passenger airbag indicator logic.
Test drive
- Cold and warm 9-speed engagement.
- Steady low-speed cruise and hill downshifts.
- Figure-eight turns for rear-diff chatter.
- Driver-assist road test where safe.
Scan tool
- Full-system scan with TCM, SRS, ADAS, AWD and infotainment modules.
- Fuel trims and misfire counters.
- EVAP readiness.
- Network/MOST fault history.
Bottom line
Buy: Buy a 2024-2025 AWD with fuel-filler status clear, no camera/MOST faults, no transmission warnings and documented rear-diff service. It is the cleanest late Passport formula.
Avoid: Avoid a 2021-2023 with repeat black camera, unexplained transmission messages, open fuel-pump or OCS recalls, or any fuel smell around the filler area.
Quick answers
Honda Passport buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Honda Passport 2021-2025 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: MOST/FAKRA rear-camera and audio network failure; Fuel-filler neck separation recall; Denso fuel-pump recall exposure. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Honda Passport years are the best to buy?
2024-2025 stand out in this generation. Buy a 2024-2025 AWD with fuel-filler status clear, no camera/MOST faults, no transmission warnings and documented rear-diff service. It is the cleanest late Passport formula.
Which Honda Passport should I avoid?
Avoid a 2021-2023 with repeat black camera, unexplained transmission messages, open fuel-pump or OCS recalls, or any fuel smell around the filler area.
Is the Honda Passport 2021-2025 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 6.9/10 (buy with checks). 5 serious faults, 3 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: most/fakra rear-camera and audio network failure.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Honda Passport guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCSB-23V431-8783.PDF
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCONL-23V431-9652.pdf
- honda.oemdtc.com
- apnews.com: 89c676c2c211c515bd2477ba4f57fbb3
- apnews.com: 023a5b51effebec1de86fbf3b944e7e3
- apnews.com: 80ab027fc7f0991ba509fc93e0176e99
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- passportforums.com: 2021-“transmission-problem-see-manual”-message.8811
- m.carcomplaints.com: power_train.shtml
- repairpal.com: passport
- owners.honda.com: minder
- NHTSA recall lookup
- NHTSA owner letter 23V858
- Passport fueling owner report
- PassportForums maintenance discussions
- Passport owner reliability discussion