How do you turn on the heated steering wheel on a Honda Passport?

To turn on the heated steering wheel, press the dedicated steering-wheel heater button on the left side of the steering wheel until the indicator light comes on. The feature is available on higher trims and may not be present on base models.

On the Honda Passport, the heated wheel warms the rim for comfort in cold weather and is typically controlled by a physical button on the steering wheel or dash, with availability varying by model year and trim. If you don’t see a dedicated button, check the climate control area or the owner’s manual for your specific version.

Where to find the heated steering wheel control

The control is usually a small button marked with a steering-wheel icon and heat waves. It is commonly located on the left side of the steering wheel hub or on the dash near the steering column. In some trims, the feature is accessed through the center touchscreen under Climate or Vehicle Settings.

Common locations you might check include:

• On the left spoke of the steering wheel (near the horn).


• On the lower dash panel to the left of the wheel.


• Within the center touchscreen under Climate or Vehicle Settings (if your model uses a digital control).

Note: Heated steering wheels are not guaranteed on every Passport trim or year; verify with your vehicle’s documentation or window sticker.

Steps to activate

Use these steps to turn on the heated steering wheel when your Passport has the feature:

1. Locate the heated steering wheel button: a small button with a steering wheel icon and heat waves, typically on the left side of the steering wheel or near the dash.


2. Press the button once to turn the heater on; an indicator light should illuminate on the button itself.


3. Drive as normal; the wheel should begin to feel warmer within a few minutes.


4. Press the button again to turn the heater off; the indicator light will go out.

In some model years, you may need to enable the feature via the climate control settings on the touchscreen (Settings > Climate > Steering Wheel Heater). If you don’t see a dedicated button, consult your manual to confirm whether your trim supports this control in software or hardware form.

Availability by trim

Heated steering wheel availability varies by trim and year. In many Honda Passport configurations, the feature is more common on higher trims such as EX-L, Touring, TrailSport, or any packages that include upgraded interior comfort. It is less common on base LX or potentially standard on EX depending on the year and market.

• LX: Typically not included or available only via an optional package.


• EX: Availability varies by year; may be included with a climate package or not offered.


• EX-L, Touring, TrailSport: More likely to include the heated steering wheel as standard or as part of an interior comfort package.

Check the window sticker, owner's manual, or Honda's official spec for your model year to confirm whether your Passport has a heated steering wheel and how to enable it.

Troubleshooting and tips

If the heated steering wheel does not heat up or the indicator light does not illuminate, try these steps:

• Ensure the ignition is ON or the vehicle is in RUN/ACC as required for your model year.


• Press the button firmly; some models require a definitive press to engage.


• Check for a blown fuse or electrical fault per the owner's manual; the heater shares circuits with the climate system.


• Restart the vehicle or reset the infotainment system if the feature is unresponsive; software updates may affect controls.

If issues persist, contact your Honda dealer for a diagnostic, especially if the indicator light remains off or the wheel fails to heat at all.

Summary

The heated steering wheel on a Honda Passport is a convenience feature designed for cold weather. It is typically controlled by a dedicated button located on the steering wheel or dash, and it may be integrated into the climate control system on some models. Availability depends on trim and year, so verify with your specific vehicle documentation. If you can locate the control and activate it, warmth should be noticeable within minutes. For persistent issues, consult the dealer.

Does the Honda Passport have a heated steering wheel?

Yes, the Honda Passport has a heated steering wheel, but it is standard on the top-tier TrailSport Elite trim and available as an accessory or standard on other higher trims depending on the model year. For example, it was a standard feature on the Elite trim for the 2026 model, and available as an option on other models. 

• Standard on Elite trim: The top-of-the-line TrailSport Elite trim includes a standard heated steering wheel. 
• Available on other models: It is also available as an accessory for other models, including the 2026 model. Some sources suggest it may be standard on certain 2024 or 2025 trims as well. 
• Convenient placement: The button to activate the heated steering wheel is typically located on the bottom center spoke of the steering wheel. 
• Remote start integration: The heating element can be activated automatically when the remote engine-start feature is used on days when the ambient temperature is below a certain threshold. 

What is the most common problem with the Honda Passport?

The most common problems with the Honda Passport include infotainment system malfunctions, such as the display going blank and speakers crackling, and issues with the 9-speed automatic transmission, which can include delayed or harsh acceleration. Other frequent complaints involve body hardware issues like a rear hatch that won't open and occasional electrical problems with features like the fuel filler pipe or air bags.
 
Infotainment and electrical issues 

• Display screen and audio: The infotainment screen may go blank, and speakers can crackle or pop. 
• Fuel system: Some models have had issues with a faulty fuel filler pipe, leading to fuel leaks. 
• Body and interior: Common problems include a rear hatch button that breaks, a gas smell inside the vehicle, and fading or peeling paint. 

Transmission problems 

• 9-speed transmission: Some owners report delayed, harsh, or erratic shifting with the 9-speed transmission, particularly in models from 2019-2022. 
• Engine and related systems:
  • Varnish buildup: This can cause a ticking noise from the engine. 
  • Oil in spark plug tubes: This can lead to misfires. 
  • Timing belt: Newer models have a timing belt that requires replacement, which is an expensive but necessary maintenance item to prevent engine failure. 

Other potential problems

• Steering: Some 2023 models have been recalled for a risk of steering loss due to a loose ball joint. 
• Brakes: Some reports mention premature brake wear and issues with the ABS light coming on. 
• Vibration: Some owners have experienced vibration, particularly at highway speeds. 

Does the heated steering wheel come on automatically?

Whether a heated steering wheel comes on automatically depends on the vehicle's settings, as many modern cars offer an "auto" feature that can be enabled or disabled. When activated, it will turn on automatically when the vehicle is started and the outside temperature is below a preset threshold, typically around 10∘C10 raised to the composed with power cap C10∘𝐶 (50∘F50 raised to the composed with power cap F50∘𝐹). If you don't want it to turn on automatically, you can disable the feature in your car's climate or vehicle settings menu.
 
This video explains how to enable or disable automatic heated steering wheel functionality: 52sTrent Mazerolle at Boyer GM in AjaxYouTube · Jan 9, 2020
How to enable or disable the automatic feature

• Locate the settings: Go to your car's main menu, then find "Settings" and navigate to "Vehicle" or "Climate Control". 
• Find the "auto" setting: Look for options like "Auto Heated Seats" or "Auto Climate Rules". 
• Activate or deactivate: You can then choose to turn on or off the "Auto Steering Wheel Heat" or set the individual conditions for when you want it to activate. 

What happens if it's turned on

• Temperature threshold: The heating will turn on automatically when the car is started and the outside temperature is at or below the temperature you've set (or a default, like 10∘C10 raised to the composed with power cap C10∘𝐶 or 50∘F50 raised to the composed with power cap F50∘𝐹). 
• Remote start: The automatic feature may also be linked to the remote start function, turning on the steering wheel and heated seats when the car is started remotely. 

This video demonstrates how to use the automatic heated seats and steering wheel on a BMW: 57sBMWofBridgewaterYouTube · Oct 21, 2021
Manual operation

• Buttons: In most vehicles, the heated steering wheel can always be turned on or off manually using a button on the dashboard, steering wheel, or center console, regardless of the automatic setting. 

How to turn on heated steering wheel Honda Passport?

The control for turning it on and off is located at the bottom of the steering wheel. In addition, the heating elements will be activated when the remote engine-start feature is used on days when the ambient temperature is below 40º F.