Makes›Honda›Passport›2021

2021 Honda Passport

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Honda Passport
Pictured: 2026 Honda Passport RTL, front right, 06-07-2025. Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Horsepower
280 hp
Transmission
9-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
22 combined · 20 city / 25 hwy
Length
190.6 in
Curb weight
4,167 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
7 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Watch out for

  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 22 MPG combined, 17% below the 2021 small SUV average of 26.4 MPG.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 32 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 Honda Passport is a small SUV offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 191 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,167 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (20 city / 25 highway), 17% worse than the 2021 small SUV average of 26.4 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 145 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the forward collision avoidance.

What changed for 2021

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Passport — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Passport →

Trims, performance & features

Engine280 hp3.5L 6-cyl
Transmission9-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

EXLELITESPORTTOURING

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Lane centeringStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Lincoln, Alabama

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Passport configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV190.6 in78.7 in71.7 in111 in66.5 / 66.5 in4,167 lb58/42

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Passport FWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S9)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 25 / 22-17%$3,050407
Passport AWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S9)All-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21-12%$3,200427
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.4 MPG2021 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2021 Honda PASSPORT SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.4%
2021 Honda PASSPORT SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.9%
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning

Similar 2021 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Honda Passport (this car)22 MPG★★★★★7
2021 Toyota RAV440 MPG★★★★★1
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime38 MPGNot rated4
2021 Honda CR-V38 MPG★★★★★5
2021 Toyota 4Runner17 MPG★★★★★1
2021 Ford Explorer27 MPG★★★★★27
2021 Subaru Forester29 MPG★★★★★0

Recalls (7)

Structure › Frame And Members · Jun 4, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V365000 · 965,561 vehicles

Problem
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
Risk
Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · May 21, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V332000 · 98,892 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Risk
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Feb 1, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V064000 · 750,114 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
Risk
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Dec 18, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V858000 · 2,490,460 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder · Jun 29, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V458000 · 124,077 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.
Risk
Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Jun 15, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V431000 · 1,209,673 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Pilot, and 2019-2023 Passport vehicles. Due to a faulty Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) communication coaxial cable connector, the rearview camera image may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the MOST cable harness and install a straightening cover over the vehicle cable connector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EEL, ZEM, and SFC.
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior · Mar 16, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V174000 · 339,404 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2020-2022 Passport and Odyssey vehicles. The heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, allowing the mirror glass to detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace both left and right side-view mirrors, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FE5.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Honda Passport is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

145Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
10Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
7,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking35
Engine29
Electrical System26
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings24
Power Train22
Service Brakes21
Unknown Or Other12
Lane Departure › Assist7
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/07: 424/08: 124/09: 624/10: 124/11: 125/01: 125/03: 425/04: 425/05: 225/06: 125/07: 325/09: 525/10: 325/11: 325/12: 126/01: 426/02: 426/03: 226/04: 226/05: 226/07: 426/08: 726/09: 426/10: 324/0724/1025/0325/0625/1026/0126/0426/08max 7

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Honda Passport buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 35 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
  3. Engine — 29 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Electrical System — 26 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 7,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Honda Passport. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Passport years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Passport21191.3 inNot rated169
2025 Passport21189.8 in★★★★★048
2024 Passport21189.8 in★★★★★120
2023 Passport21189.8 in★★★★★540
2022 Passport22189.8 in★★★★★464
2020 Passport22190.6 in★★★★★10104
2019 Passport22190.6 in★★★★★10282

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Honda. How we calculate this →