Used Honda Passport 2nd Gen (2019-2023): Buyer's Guide

The 2019 Honda Passport has 265 NHTSA complaints on file. The 2022 has 51. Same 3.5L V6, same nine-speed automatic, same Alabama factory. The gap tells the real story of this generation. Two documented problems shadow every Passport in this range: a 9-speed transmission prone to shudder severe enough to trigger a class action lawsuit and an 8-year warranty extension from Honda, and a collision mitigation system under active NHTSA Engineering Analysis for phantom braking that upgraded from preliminary investigation in January 2025. Neither disqualifies the Passport. But both require knowing which years Honda addressed them and which ones they didn't.

This Generation at a Glance

The second-generation Honda Passport launched in February 2019 as a two-row midsize SUV built on the same YF6 platform as the third-generation Pilot. It's assembled in Lincoln, Alabama, and shares its powertrain, suspension geometry, and most electronic architecture with the Pilot and Ridgeline.

The generation runs from 2019 through 2023, when a next-generation platform brought a new 10-speed transmission. It divides clearly into two phases. The 2019-2021 models are the launch era: Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite trims; FWD standard on all but the Elite; a 5-inch display standard on Sport in 2019-2020, upgraded to 8-inch across the lineup for 2021. The 2022 refresh brought a redesigned front end, the TrailSport trim, dropped the Sport and Touring, and standardized more equipment. For 2023, AWD became standard across every trim.

The transmission was unchanged throughout: the ZF 9HP 9-speed automatic. That continuity matters when evaluating complaints.

For market data on specific years, see 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Powertrain and Trim Breakdown

3.5L i-VTEC V6 + ZF 9HP 9-Speed Automatic

The J35Y6 engine is not the problem. It's the same block used across the Pilot, Ridgeline, and Odyssey with a long track record at 200,000-plus miles when maintained. Owners on PassportForums.com consistently report it running strong well past 100,000 miles with normal oil change intervals. Towing capacity is 5,000 lbs when properly equipped.

Two subsystems carry real risk: the ZF 9-speed automatic and the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system. They require separate attention at purchase.

9AT shudder: the generation's defining issue

The ZF 9HP 9-speed automatic causes rhythmic shudder between 40 and 60 mph, felt through the floor and steering wheel. Symptoms include harsh or jerky low-speed upshifts, delayed engagement from a stop, and sudden harsh acceleration or deceleration during light throttle cruising. The problem affects not just the Passport but the same transmission installed in the 2016-2022 Pilot, 2018-2019 Odyssey, and 2020-present Ridgeline.

A class action lawsuit (Moore et al. v. American Honda Motor Co.) filed against American Honda alleges the defect stems from improper software calibration of the ZF 9HP's Transmission Control Module and Powertrain Control Module. Honda issued TSB 19-124 on December 23, 2019, for "9-Speed A/T Hard Upshift with Steady Acceleration or MIL On with DTC P0716," covering 2018-2019 Odyssey and 2019 Passport vehicles. The fix involves a software update plus a triple drain-and-fill of the transmission fluid with Honda DW-1 ATF.

Honda extended the warranty on this specific issue to 8 years or 80,000 miles. If you're looking at a 2019-2021 Passport, confirm TSB 19-124 has been applied and get documentation of the ATF service. The triple fluid flush costs $50-100 DIY or $150-250 at a dealer. The software update requires Honda dealer tooling.

NHTSA power train complaints for the Passport drop from 18 in 2019 to 3 in 2022. The shudder is not eliminated in 2022-2023, but the factory calibration is meaningfully better. Owners on the PassportForums 9-speed class action thread note the fluid flush is a temporary fix, not a permanent solution: ATF degrades again under use, and a second flush typically resolves the shudder when it returns. Budget for ATF service every 30,000-40,000 miles rather than treating it as one-time maintenance.

VCM: Variable Cylinder Management and engine mounts

The J35Y6 deactivates three cylinders between 30 and 50 mph and two cylinders between 50 and 70 mph under light load. Honda uses an Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) system to absorb the vibration from cylinder deactivation. When those mounts wear, the cabin vibration during ECO mode becomes noticeable, typically at 35-55 mph.

Multiple PassportForums threads document owners installing VCMTuner or similar devices to disable VCM permanently. The stated reasons are reducing engine mount wear and curbing oil consumption, which some owners report worsening above 80,000 miles on examples where VCM was never disabled. Engine mount replacement runs $400-900 depending on which mount fails and labor rates in your area.

The VCM issue does not rise to the level of the 9AT shudder but it's worth checking during a test drive. With the engine at full operating temperature, drive at 40 mph with light throttle and see if you feel cabin vibration in ECO mode. On a healthy car with good mounts, the transition is barely perceptible.

CMBS phantom braking

The Honda Sensing suite on 2019-2023 Passports has a documented problem with unintended activation of the Collision Mitigation Braking System. Owners report the car braking hard with no obstacle in the path. False triggers include overpasses, birds, and adverse weather conditions interfering with the radar sensor mounted behind the front grille.

NHTSA opened a Preliminary Evaluation in March 2024 covering approximately 250,712 Honda Passport and Insight vehicles. In January 2025, that investigation was upgraded to Engineering Analysis, an intermediate step before a formal recall investigation. NHTSA data shows 106 complaints and 475 field reports, with three crashes and two injuries attributed to the issue.

No recall has been issued as of this writing. This is an open safety investigation. Before purchasing any Passport in this generation, verify the VIN at the recall lookup tool to check for any pending service updates to the CMBS system.

MOST Bus infotainment failures (2019-2020 especially)

The 2019 Honda Passport has 29 complaints categorized under Electrical System, plus another 13 listed as Electrical System with Engine. A significant contributor is the MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) coaxial cable connector that connects the infotainment module to speakers, camera, and display. When it fails, symptoms include the rearview camera not appearing in reverse, speakers crackling or popping, the infotainment screen going black, and the dashboard rebooting without warning.

Honda issued a recall for the rearview camera failure (NHTSA campaign covering 2019-2023 Passport, 2019-2022 Pilot, and 2018-2023 Odyssey). The recall addresses the MOST cable connector directly. This is a mandatory check: a non-functional rearview camera is both a federal safety standard violation and a daily frustration on a car that may cost $20,000-$30,000.

Fuel pump recall (2019-2022)

Certain 2019-2022 Passports were recalled under NHTSA campaign 23V858000 because the fuel pump may fail, causing the engine to stall. Run the VIN before purchase to verify this recall was completed.

Hood latch striker (2019 only)

Some 2019 Passports were recalled because the hood latch striker can separate from the hood, allowing the hood to open while driving. Another 2019-specific first-year issue worth confirming as resolved on any 2019 you consider.

Trim-Specific Notes

2019-2021 lineup

The Sport trim (2019-2021) shipped with a 5-inch infotainment display in 2019 and 2020. No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto on Sport in those years. Skip the Sport unless price makes it truly compelling. The display alone degrades the experience relative to what phones can deliver in 2026.

The EX-L is the practical target for 2019-2021 examples. Starting with 2021, the EX-L gains the 8-inch screen and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the lineup. A 2021 EX-L AWD represents the minimum specification worth targeting for anyone who wants the pre-refresh look with lower pricing. The 2019-2020 EX-L with FWD still makes sense at the right price, but verify the infotainment recall and TSB 19-124 before committing.

The Touring (2019-2021) adds factory navigation and premium audio over the EX-L. Navigation is not worth a premium in 2026 given smartphone integration, but the 9-speaker system is a noticeable step up. If you find a Touring at EX-L prices, take it.

The Elite standardizes AWD and adds ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless charging. Worthwhile in cold climates or for buyers who would otherwise spend $2,000 to add AWD to a lower trim.

2022-2023 lineup

The 2022 refresh dropped to three trims. The EX-L base keeps FWD standard (AWD optional at roughly $2,000). The TrailSport standardizes AWD and adds all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, a TrailMode drive setting, and 18-inch wheels. For buyers who want AWD without paying Elite prices, the TrailSport is the value trim of the refresh era.

The Elite adds ventilated seats, a 540-watt Bose 10-speaker audio system, a hands-free power liftgate, and heated rear outboard seats. AWD is standard.

For 2023, AWD became standard across all trims. A 2023 EX-L includes AWD in its base price, which shifts the value calculation relative to 2022 EX-L significantly. If you're comparing a 2022 EX-L FWD to a 2023 EX-L, the 2023 is typically worth the price difference.

Which Model Years to Target

Avoid the 2019. Eight NHTSA recalls, 265 complaints, the most severe 9AT calibration in the generation before TSB 19-124 was issued, MOST Bus connector failures concentrated in this year, fuel pump risk, and hood latch concerns. Current used prices of $12,000-$28,000 are not enough of a discount to justify the exposure.

The 2021 is the sweet spot for value-focused buyers. It has the 8-inch screen standard, 5 recalls versus 8 for 2019 and 2020, and Honda had been issuing TSB 19-124 updates for two years. A 2021 EX-L AWD with documented 9AT fluid service in the $20,000-$26,000 range is a solid purchase.

The 2022 is the sweet spot for buyers who want the redesigned exterior and TrailSport availability. Complaints dropped to 51 from 127 in 2021. It's the first year this generation feels refined rather than patched.

The 2023 is the best Passport of this generation with AWD standard and 31 complaints, but with 1,177 listings CarScout shows active inventory and prices that are still near-new territory. Expect $25,000-$40,000 depending on trim and mileage.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Cold start Start the car cold. Let it idle for 30 seconds. With your hand on the steering wheel, feel for vibration that persists after the first few seconds. Worn ACM engine mounts from VCM stress will produce a low-frequency shake that doesn't fully fade.

Transmission test (mandatory for 2019-2021) Drive at highway speed, 45-60 mph, on a gentle grade with light throttle. Any rhythmic vibration through the floor, pedals, or steering wheel is 9AT shudder. It feels similar to driving over closely spaced rumble strips at low intensity. If you detect it, ask for documentation of the ATF drain-and-fill service. A car with the shudder but no service record is a negotiating point, not a deal-breaker: the fix is $150-250 at a dealer.

CMBS behavior Drive under at least one overpass during the test drive. Take note of any sudden, unexpected deceleration. A single unintended braking event in a 20-minute drive is a significant warning. Two or more suggests the radar sensor needs calibration or the CMBS recall investigation is active on that VIN.

Infotainment and camera check (critical for 2019-2020) Shift into reverse and time how long it takes for the rearview camera to appear. More than 3 seconds, or a blank screen, indicates the MOST cable connector recall was not completed. Test all speakers with a bass-heavy track at moderate volume. Crackling or popping from any speaker is a MOST Bus symptom.

AWD rear differential (AWD models only) Drive slow circles in a parking lot. Listen for whine or grinding from the rear. Honda's VTM-4 rear differential fluid degrades faster than the maintenance schedule indicates; the recommended first fluid change is at 12,000 miles, and neglected fluid causes early clutch wear and audible complaints when turning.

VIN recall check Run the VIN at usecarscout.com/tools/recall-lookup. Confirm the fuel pump recall (23V858000), the rearview camera recall, and verify whether any Honda service bulletin or CMBS investigation update is pending for that specific vehicle.

Running Costs

The J35Y6 uses a timing chain. No timing service is scheduled. Oil changes every 5,000-7,500 miles using 0W-20 full synthetic (5.7 quarts with filter). Spark plugs at 90,000 miles (iridium). Coolant flush at 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The 9AT fluid service is the single most important budget item. Honda's maintenance minder does not flag it early enough for owners experiencing shudder; forum consensus recommends a proactive drain-and-fill at 15,000 miles to front-run the issue rather than waiting for symptoms. Subsequent intervals of 30,000-40,000 miles are sufficient on vehicles not showing shudder.

Rear differential fluid on AWD models: $50-100 DIY or $150-200 at a dealer. The first change at 12,000 miles is critical; from there, 30,000-mile intervals are standard. Skipping this service is how rear differential whine develops.

FAQ

Is the Honda Passport 9-speed transmission reliable? Honda extended the warranty on the 9AT shudder issue to 8 years or 80,000 miles across 2019-2022 Passports, which is Honda acknowledging the problem in writing. The transmission is not a write-off. Software updates and proactive ATF service resolve most cases. A 2021 or newer Passport with documented ATF service and no detectable shudder on a test drive is generally reliable. Treating the fluid change as a 30,000-mile routine item, rather than a wait-for-symptoms item, keeps the system healthy.

What year Honda Passport should I avoid? The 2019 model has 265 NHTSA complaints, 8 recalls, and a reliability score of 59 out of 100. First-year MOST Bus connector failures, a hood latch recall, a fuel pump recall, and the worst 9AT calibration in the generation before Honda issued TSB 19-124 all concentrate in 2019. The 2020 improves substantially but still carries MOST Bus risk and the pre-TSB transmission calibration on cars where the software update was never applied. Starting at 2021 is the safest floor.

How long does a Honda Passport last? The J35Y6 V6 regularly reaches 200,000-250,000 miles with proper maintenance. The transmission is the more limiting factor on neglected examples. Proactive ATF service extends 9AT life considerably. Owners on PassportForums report high-mileage examples (150,000+ miles) running without major powertrain failures when the fluid history is documented.

Does the Honda Passport have phantom braking problems? The 2019-2023 Passport CMBS system has 106 NHTSA complaints and 475 field reports for unintended emergency braking with no obstacle present. NHTSA upgraded its investigation to Engineering Analysis in January 2025, covering roughly 250,000 vehicles. No recall has been issued yet. Test drive on a route with overpasses and verify no open service updates are pending for the CMBS system on the specific VIN before purchasing.

Is the TrailSport worth it over the base EX-L? On 2022-2023 models, yes. The TrailSport includes AWD standard, all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and a lower price point than the Elite. For buyers who want AWD and genuine utility without the Elite's luxury premium, the TrailSport is the most sensible trim in the post-refresh lineup. On pre-2022 models, there is no TrailSport; opt for an Elite if AWD standard is a priority.

Bottom Line

The 2021 EX-L AWD is the best used value in this generation. The 2022 TrailSport is the best all-around trim once the refresh arrives. Avoid 2019. Always confirm the 9AT fluid service has been done and documented; verify the MOST Bus rearview recall is complete; and run the VIN through a recall check before finalizing a purchase.

CarScout members can track price drops on specific Passport trim years at usecarscout.com and get notified when a target vehicle hits the right price.

Data sourced from NHTSA complaints database, NHTSA recall campaigns 23V858000, EPA fuel economy data, class action documentation from ClassAction.org (Moore et al. v. American Honda Motor Co.), Honda TSB 19-124, and real owner experiences from PassportForums.com, CarComplaints.com, and the Honda-Tech forums. See the full Honda Passport market data for current pricing and inventory.