Where is the Honda Passport assembled?
The Honda Passport is assembled in Lincoln, Alabama, at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) for the North American market. The current Passport shares its underlying platform with the Honda Pilot.
Where it's built
For buyers in the United States and Canada, the Passport is produced at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, located in Lincoln, Alabama. This plant handles the assembly of several North American Honda SUVs and trucks, including models closely related to the Passport.
Here's a brief look at the assembly site and its role in production.
- Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) in Lincoln, Alabama, United States — the production site for the Honda Passport destined for North American customers.
In practice, assembling the Passport at a U.S. plant helps Honda manage regional supply chains and meet market demand through local manufacturing. This arrangement reflects Honda's broader North American production strategy.
Plant overview
HMA is a key North American manufacturing hub for Honda, focusing on light-truck and SUV production. The Passport is produced at this facility to serve the regional market, leveraging shared engineering with related models such as the Pilot.
Summary
The Honda Passport is assembled at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in Lincoln, Alabama, United States. It is built on the same platform as the Pilot and forms part of Honda’s North American production footprint.
Where does Honda build passports?
The Honda Passport is made in the Honda Alabama Auto Plant in Lincoln, Alabama. This plant exclusively manufactures the Passport, as well as the Pilot SUV, Odyssey minivan, and Ridgeline pickup truck.
This video provides an inside look at the Honda factory where the 2026 Honda Passport is produced: 42sCar JunkiesYouTube · Mar 21, 2025
- Location: Lincoln, Alabama
- Other vehicles made there: Honda Pilot, Honda Odyssey, and Honda Ridgeline
- Capacity: The plant has an annual capacity of over 340,000 vehicles and V6 engines
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.
Is the Honda Passport made in Japan?
Unlike previous generations, it was designed in the United States and is manufactured in Lincoln, Alabama alongside the Honda Pilot.
Which is better, Honda Passport or Toyota RAV4?
The Honda Passport is a larger, more powerful SUV, while the Toyota RAV4 is a smaller, more fuel-efficient, and technologically advanced crossover. The Passport has a V6 engine and significantly more cargo and passenger space, making it better for towing and off-road use, whereas the RAV4 offers better gas mileage, a wider range of tech features (including hybrid options), and more advanced safety assists. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize performance and space (Passport) or fuel economy and tech (RAV4).
Honda Passport
- Performance: Equipped with a powerful standard V6 engine, the Passport is better for towing and has more robust off-road capability when paired with its available AWD system.
- Space: Offers considerably more cargo and passenger space, with larger cargo volume both behind the rear seats and with the seats folded down.
- Features: Comes with a standard cap-less fueling system.
Toyota RAV4
- Performance: Features a smaller, more fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, with hybrid options available that offer excellent gas mileage.
- Space: Has less cargo and passenger space compared to the Passport.
- Technology: Many trims feature a larger touchscreen with a more responsive infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and it offers advanced safety features like the Parking Support Brake and Downhill Assist Control.
- Fuel Economy: The RAV4 (especially hybrid models) gets significantly better gas mileage than the Passport.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose the Honda Passport if: You need more power for towing, greater off-road capability, and significantly more interior and cargo space for family, gear, or both.
- Choose the Toyota RAV4 if: You want better fuel economy, a more modern and feature-rich tech package, and advanced safety assists, and don't need to tow heavy loads or require the extra space of the Passport.
