19 complaints reported

2021 Honda Passport FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
19
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
1

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Apr 2026

One day the lights just started flashing. Took to dealer and was told that someone must have backed into me and would be about $2500 to replace the camera (which is behind the windshield). Occasionally it will function but clearly seems to be a malfunction. In research online there appear to be many others that have experienced the same issue - can’t just be a coincidence. Shouldn’t happen on a reliable four/five year old car

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA PASSPORT, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2025
Nov 2025

Car slammed on brakes while on interstate, the system likes to say brake, brake, brake, when there is nothing to brake for but a few days ago it actually took action and slammed on brakes on the freeway.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA PASSPORT, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Nov 2025
Aug 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Passport. The contact stated while driving at 22 MPH, "The Collision Mitigation Braking System" warning message illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle applied the emergency brakes independently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 25,950.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA PASSPORT, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: May 2025
Mar 2025

My automati braking has repeatedly malfunctioned and deployed emergency braking when no other vehicle is in the front of mine

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA PASSPORT, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Mar 2025
Apr 2024

I’ve had several incidents where my vehicle has forced me to a screeching hault when not needed. Most recently it did, and I was almost rear ended by a large UHaul truck while my baby was in the backseat. This is extremely dangerous. This anti-collision system activates while on turns and when nothing else is happening around the vehicle. This is a safety feature that makes the vehicle more unsafe.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA PASSPORT, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Mar 2024
Apr 2024

I have had multiple instances where the car appears to engage the brakes to prevent a collision, although I don't see any obstruction. It also makes the alarm sound indicating that I should brake as well. This occurs only on highways at highway speeds. It lasts for a few seconds and the car slows down significantly.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA PASSPORT, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Apr 2024
Apr 2024

Since purchasing the vehicle in December 2023 with ~36,000 miles there have been two instances where the automatic brake warning has activated. Both events occurred while entering a corner between 30-50 mph with no other vehicle in the area or obstructions to be noted. The passport briefly activated the automatic brake warning, with the flashing indicator occuring on the main dash display for roughly 3-5 seconds. Following this brief period of indication the vehicle returned to it's normal operation. No accidents or injuries were sustain from these spurious events.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA PASSPORT, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Apr 2024
Apr 2024

The Forward Collition Mitigation System is constantly braking on its own for no apparent reason. It happens a lot when going around a slight right turn and it interprets cars coming the opposite direction in the other lane as a trigger to start braking. It is a very dangerous situation each time, so I turn off that feature every time I start driving now to avoid it.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA PASSPORT, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Feb 2024
Apr 2024

The automatic emergency braking system will turn on when there is no danger. It happens often. The system is fooled easily. Yes it’s available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? With normal driving conditions this is not a huge problem but if this were to happen with slick roads. I could see this causing an accident. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No - I’m not sure how this would be done. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA PASSPORT, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Apr 2024
Mar 2024

When driving my vehicle the emergency braking system alerts and initiates the brakes at inappropriate time. While driving on a straight road with a curve ahead if there is a car coming the opposite direction around the curve the braking system will engage. I am not at the point to go into the curve yet so my steering wheel is still straight. If I have starting to turn it will not engage. This happens daily as it is a road I take to work. This has been happening since I purchased the vehicle in January 2023

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA PASSPORT, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Dec 2024
Sep 2023

On October 29, 2022, the CMBS emergency braking system slammed the brakes on for no obvious reason. This happened at least four or five times while traveling eastbound on I-40 in AZ. There were no cars in front of or changing into my lane. After it happened a few times, I called the dealer RSM Honda in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, where i service the car to see if i could turn it off. They suggested reducing the sensitivity, which I did. After changing the sensitivity, I still experienced two or three more incidents of surprise emergency braking for no reason. After the fifth or sixth incident, I pulled over and searched a pdf copy of my owners manual and found a way to turn off the CMBS with a button on the dash. This worked to stop the braking incidents, but I had to do it over again every time I restarted the engine after stopping for gas, etc. This scared me and was dangerous as this would happen while i was going 70 mph. I think every instance occurred while I was passing a "big rig", but I was never in the same lane as the truck. Sometimes it was on a very gentle curve, but other times we (truck and I) were both going straight down a straightaway. I had done similar trips previously in February, June, and July without having this issue, but had it happen multiple times on my October trip as described above.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA PASSPORT, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Oct 2022
Jul 2023

Driving 65mph on 3 lane highway in l=far left lane in light snow with anti-collision on. Then instantly car auto braked, car slowed dramatically very fast and despite me stepping on gas pedal, car continued at a crawl on major highway. Fortunately no car was close behind or it would have hot me with such rapid decent. I moved to the right shoulder across 3 lanes and car continued to be unresponsive to gas pedal. Honda stated that front camera must have been covered and thus system operated correctly. They did say gas should have responded when I turned the wheel, but it did not. Honda said it won't respond to gas pedal, but this is very dangerous and takes control from driver. The system should be a help but never take control when driver directs otherwise. Had there been more and closer traffic, an accident would have been likely

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA PASSPORT, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Feb 2023
Jun 2023

We drove about 100 miles yesterday. It all happened. False Brake light flash and brake applied because of oncoming traffic. Heavy brake application because of car in the left lane making a turn. Can't tell you how many times I've almost been rear ended, and people blasting their horns at me because this foolish car slams on the brakes for no reason. People think I'm brake checking them. Had 2 Hyundai before this, never encountered this. Honda needs to be forced to fix these issues. There are hundreds of similar complaints in online forum about this problem. This has happened many times, especially on an extended trip, like yesterday, over 100 miles round trip. Dealers do not have a fix for this. Honda needs to be forced to address this and fix all problem vehicles.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA PASSPORT, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jun 2023
May 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Passport. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance system erroneously activated. The contact stated the brake warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer and the distance of the Forward Collision Avoidance system was extended. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact stated the vehicle had been taken to the local dealer three times, but the vehicle continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA PASSPORT, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2023
Oct 2022 Injury

i have had two incidents of the CMBS slamming on my brakes on my 2021 Honda Passport, EXL, with no threat to warrant the incident. It locked the brakes instantly and I was injured mildly the first time and the second time caused medical bills, a cervical neck epidural injection and injury to my shoulder with still does not have full movement. The first incident occurred on a busy through street and a small car about 1/2 block in front of me did a tight U turn and proceed along the medium on the other side of the street and I was also next to the concrete medium on my side of the street. My car went into full slamming on my brakes, with no warning light o and I had no control of the car. I was very fortunate that the car behind me was about two lengths back and also braked fast enough to avoid a collision. They did honk, yell, etc., as I was pretty stunned and finally realized I should turn off my car to be able to drive again. I had a very sore neck and shoulder but thought it would clear up. I was driving apx 30 mph. I try as a rule to remember to disable this CMBS every time I get in the car but a month later I forgot The second time it happened, I was actually on the same street, same speed and there was a jacket in the road. Looked like a man’s winter jacket. As I got right up to it, I only needed to correct a little to not run over the jacket with the driver side tire. Exactly when I did that the brakes slammed on and I came to an instant stop and the brakes again locked. This time my injury was compounded and I have since seen two doctors, had an MRI and cervical injection done and my shoulder is not fully functioning yet. I got the car to dealer after the first incident, but was told there was nothing they could do. Waiting until I got thru all the doctors appointments and testing after the second incident, which took about seven weeks, I went back to the dealer. They did thorough inspection, found nothing. Offered trade.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA PASSPORT, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Feb 2022
Jul 2022

Last year my wife and I purchased a 2021 Honda Passport. For the past year we have complained to Honda that the sensor for the Brake Assist was not working properly when the vehicle is in a curve. The sensor could not distinguish the vehicle's lane of travel and would sense oncoming traffic in the other lane as though it was in my lane, and would flash "Brake" with a high pitch alarm. Up until last month, this was only an annoying issue. We complained to the dealership, who said they know about the issue, but Honda does not have a fix. We were under the impression the problem was only a passive issue. Given the lack of vehicle inventories, we decided to keep the vehicle. Two weeks ago, the sensor caused the vehicle to abruptly brake, causing an extreme change of speed from 65 mph to 45-50 mph. My wife struggled to keep the vehicle in the lane of travel. We spoke to the Honda dealership, who advise this active response is also a known issue, especially at night, and there is nothing they can do about it. We asked about a recall notice or fix. The dealership said there is nothing from Honda Corporate. The dealership service department commented that the sensor has issues distinguishing the vehicle's lane of travel, especially at night, and can cause the active braking. Our frustration is with the obvious severe safety issue. My wife and son almost struck another vehicle on the freeway because of this. Had we known about this safety issue, we never would have purchased the vehicle. Honda never disclosed this safety problem to us at the time of sale, and has never made any attempt to communicate this issue to us.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA PASSPORT, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Sep 2022
Apr 2022

I purchased a 2021 Honda Passport Sport on April 30, 2021. Since purchasing the Passport, we have experienced a "Phantom Braking" problem, in which the automatic emergency braking system is deployed for a few seconds. This occurs several times a month. We have taken the Passport to a Honda dealer and they claimed that there maybe some type of obstruction on the emergency braking system camera that is causing the problem. We have not seen any obstruction on the camera and clean it regularly, but we still experience the braking issue. While no serious incident has occurred to date, we are extremely concerned that the braking issue could cause our Passport to brake and be rear ended by a car behind us.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA PASSPORT, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Apr 2022
Apr 2022 Crash

My son was driving on the highway with the adaptive cruise control on. The car in front of him stopped suddenly. The dashboard screen system flashed the word "brake" but not in enough time for him to react. He braked hard but he still rear-ended the car in front of him. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed because the car is no longer drivable. It is sitting at my house waiting for repair of $7,700 damage. I thought the "Honda Sensing System," the combination of the adaptive cruise control and emergency braking, was supposed to bring the car to a halt. My son and his 3 friends were put at risk. I'm very disappointed in the car.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA PASSPORT, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Mar 2022
Apr 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 HONDA PASSPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM INADVERTENTLY AND FORCEFULLY ACTIVATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE. THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. NORM REEVES HONDA SUPERSTORE VISTA (401 W VISTA WAY, VISTA, CA 92083) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM ACTIVATED IN ERROR, SENSING A POSSIBLE COLLISION. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED OCCASIONALLY WITH CURVES IN THE ROADWAY OR WHEN A METAL SIGN WAS DETECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FEATURE OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,300.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA PASSPORT, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Apr 2021

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2021 Honda Passport has 19 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE complaints on file. 1 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.