[Taramare1129]

Hey guys! So I’m here because my passport, with 1700 miles, died a few days ago. Flatlined right in my driveway. I don’t know if anyone else has had this kind of thing happen? It has been at the dealer for 2 FULL days and THEY don’t seem to know what’s wrong with my car. I’m devastated.
Kind of a lot of detail to this, sorry if it’s a jumbled mess. Drove it in the morning, ran a quick errand, it idled for awhile in line at the drive thru (like 20 minutes). Everything was running normally, went home. I had left windows and sunroof open and ran outside to close it all up quick just before a thunderstorm. 2-3 hours later the hubby needed to get supplies from the back, I clicked the unlock button from the kitchen, apparently it didn’t open. The alarm was not triggered.
after trying to unlock with key or open power tailgate, led was flashing on key fob, nothing flashing on car, tailgate not opening.
Finally used manual key to gain entry. Loud buzzing noise coming from front driver side dashboard area. No lights of any kind. After about 2 minutes (while I was calling roadside assistance) the buzzing stopped and the power button flickered then turned solid red. Brake pedal locked. Tried troubleshooting by holding key fob up to power button for 10 seconds and then pushing brake with both feet and trying to start. Nada. It took AAA an hour to drag it onto the flatbed using “skates.” Next morning dealer called me at 8am, car already inside being diagnosed.
They asked if anything weird happened. So then I’m told this is really a strange one, they have no idea what is going on, they have never had this happen before, etc. they touched base later that day, nothing new. I’m now driving this hrv which is cute, but base model. That was yesterday. So today I called 3 times and when the person who was supposed to be helping me with my “service issue” finally got on the phone, she acted annoyed at me & said as soon as they know what’s going on they will call me. Do they think I did something to my car!?
I’d love some feedback, or even better, an answer!

 

[ProdGirl]

Wow! That’s a terrible situation.
Have you gotten the GM of the dealership involved?
I would be furious and demanding a replacement of the exact vehicle immediately!

 

[stevenD]

My guess is: The Dealer should know what's wrong with it or give you a new one...!

 

[CHEFERMAN65]

Well, like you said, they have never seen this issue before. They may not be equipped to diagnose it as rapidly as you would like. You have a loaner, go about your business as "normally" as you would, stop kvetching and calling 3 times a day. Think about how many people call, then multiply it by 3-4-5, and then add covid issues (meaning, employee shortage, under staffed, etc.) Give them an opportunity to work.
Breathe. It's going to be ok. I know it's a PIA, you are w/out your baby, need to know...
You're not stranded.

 

[Louuuuu]

... it idled for awhile in line at the drive thru (like 20 minutes)...

So... Chik-fil-A, or Starbucks?

 

[Uncle Gloomy]

Hey guys! So I’m here because my passport, with 1700 miles, died a few days ago. Flatlined right in my driveway. I don’t know if anyone else has had this kind of thing happen? It has been at the dealer for 2 FULL days and THEY don’t seem to know what’s wrong with my car. I’m devastated.
Kind of a lot of detail to this, sorry if it’s a jumbled mess. Drove it in the morning, ran a quick errand, it idled for awhile in line at the drive thru (like 20 minutes). Everything was running normally, went home. I had left windows and sunroof open and ran outside to close it all up quick just before a thunderstorm. 2-3 hours later the hubby needed to get supplies from the back, I clicked the unlock button from the kitchen, apparently it didn’t open. The alarm was not triggered.
after trying to unlock with key or open power tailgate, led was flashing on key fob, nothing flashing on car, tailgate not opening.
Finally used manual key to gain entry. Loud buzzing noise coming from front driver side dashboard area. No lights of any kind. After about 2 minutes (while I was calling roadside assistance) the buzzing stopped and the power button flickered then turned solid red. Brake pedal locked. Tried troubleshooting by holding key fob up to power button for 10 seconds and then pushing brake with both feet and trying to start. Nada. It took AAA an hour to drag it onto the flatbed using “skates.” Next morning dealer called me at 8am, car already inside being diagnosed.
They asked if anything weird happened. So then I’m told this is really a strange one, they have no idea what is going on, they have never had this happen before, etc. they touched base later that day, nothing new. I’m now driving this hrv which is cute, but base model. That was yesterday. So today I called 3 times and when the person who was supposed to be helping me with my “service issue” finally got on the phone, she acted annoyed at me & said as soon as they know what’s going on they will call me. Do they think I did something to my car!?
I’d love some feedback, or even better, an answer!

My quickest reaction received was when I called American Honda corporate when my computer failed on my 2000 Accord

 

[Taramare1129]

My quickest reaction received was when I called American Honda corporate when my computer failed on my 2000 Accord

LOL, that will be Monday afternoon for sure!

 

[Taramare1129]

So... Chik-fil-A, or Starbucks?

Shockingly Dunkin’ Donuts LOL

 

[Taramare1129]

Well, like you said, they have never seen this issue before. They may not be equipped to diagnose it as rapidly as you would like. You have a loaner, go about your business as "normally" as you would, stop kvetching and calling 3 times a day. Think about how many people call, then multiply it by 3-4-5, and then add covid issues (meaning, employee shortage, under staffed, etc.) Give them an opportunity to work.
Breathe. It's going to be ok. I know it's a PIA, you are w/out your baby, need to know...
You're not stranded.

I guess I’m mostly looking for someone else who has had this happen to their car... and I’m overly detailed because I don’t want people asking if I’ve done all that other stuff. Since my dealership has no idea what they’re dealing with I thought I’d come here. And, yes, I am totally kvetching. I didn’t mention the part about the loaner being filthy - like there were wrappers and empty water bottles and the steering wheel was sticky - and not from being cleaned.

 

[billz]

Honestly this is not all that surprising considering how complex cars have become. Might be an ECU issue. They might have to call in the regional Honda technical person if they haven't already.
A few years back I bought a new VW GTI manual transmission that was making a noise the day I drove it off the lot. Dealer first said it was normal. Eventually they replaced the clutch assembly. Still had the issue. They finally had the regional technical person look at it and he diagnosed the problem right away - bad input shaft bearing on the transmission so they replaced the entire transmission.
All that just to say mechanics at car dealerships most often don't have the knowledge to diagnose things outside of the common and obvious things. I'm sure they'll call in for help to get it resolved.

 

[Taramare1129]

Honestly this is not all that surprising considering how complex cars have become. Might be an ECU issue. They might have to call in the regional Honda technical person if they haven't already.
A few years back I bought a new VW GTI manual transmission that was making a noise the day I drove it off the lot. Dealer first said it was normal. Eventually they replaced the clutch assembly. Still had the issue. They finally had the regional technical person look at it and he diagnosed the problem right away - bad input shaft bearing on the transmission so they replaced the entire transmission.
All that just to say mechanics at car dealerships most often don't have the knowledge to diagnose things outside of the common and obvious things. I'm sure they'll call in for help to get it resolved.

That’s crazy! And thanks for sharing, that makes me feel a lot better about all of this.

 

[ha-evolution]

Dead battery? Seems like a common issue on the Passport - it happened to me in my garage last summer. Had it towed to Honda they charged up the battery and its been fine ever since.

 

[Taramare1129]

Got her back today - they think it was the battery, since nothing else is coming up on the diagnostics, but bring it back in if you feel uncomfortable with it driving.
Hoping this is it!!

 

[ha-evolution]

Glad to hear it was nothing serious. Short trips with the auto stop seems to be a battery killer for this vehicle.

 

[fredmilo]

Hey guys! So I’m here because my passport, with 1700 miles, died a few days ago. Flatlined right in my driveway. I don’t know if anyone else has had this kind of thing happen? It has been at the dealer for 2 FULL days and THEY don’t seem to know what’s wrong with my car. I’m devastated.
Kind of a lot of detail to this, sorry if it’s a jumbled mess. Drove it in the morning, ran a quick errand, it idled for awhile in line at the drive thru (like 20 minutes). Everything was running normally, went home. I had left windows and sunroof open and ran outside to close it all up quick just before a thunderstorm. 2-3 hours later the hubby needed to get supplies from the back, I clicked the unlock button from the kitchen, apparently it didn’t open. The alarm was not triggered.
after trying to unlock with key or open power tailgate, led was flashing on key fob, nothing flashing on car, tailgate not opening.
Finally used manual key to gain entry. Loud buzzing noise coming from front driver side dashboard area. No lights of any kind. After about 2 minutes (while I was calling roadside assistance) the buzzing stopped and the power button flickered then turned solid red. Brake pedal locked. Tried troubleshooting by holding key fob up to power button for 10 seconds and then pushing brake with both feet and trying to start. Nada. It took AAA an hour to drag it onto the flatbed using “skates.” Next morning dealer called me at 8am, car already inside being diagnosed.
They asked if anything weird happened. So then I’m told this is really a strange one, they have no idea what is going on, they have never had this happen before, etc. they touched base later that day, nothing new. I’m now driving this hrv which is cute, but base model. That was yesterday. So today I called 3 times and when the person who was supposed to be helping me with my “service issue” finally got on the phone, she acted annoyed at me & said as soon as they know what’s going on they will call me. Do they think I did something to my car!?
I’d love some feedback, or even better, an answer!

Same thing happened to my wife and I while on vacation. I thought it was the battery so I called AAA; he tried to jump start the car but failed. He finally suggested that the Honda dealer try to fix it. Luckily, the Honda dealer (Honda of Fort Myers, FL) was across the street from our motel. Had the car towed over to the dealer, needed the wheeled dolly and frame lift, and they started working on it. It runs out that the battery was somehow defective so they replaced it. The service manager commented that those batteries are very "expensive". I need to explore what it is on the battery that could have failed such that it could not be jump started.

 

[louierg]

Wow! That’s a terrible situation.
Have you gotten the GM of the dealership involved?
I would be furious and demanding a replacement of the exact vehicle immediately!

Wow! Does it really work that way? I was not offered after dangerous drivability were known by Honda Corp. In fact the CS rep denied the dangers including providing a courtesy vehicle.

 

[ProdGirl]

Wow! Does it really work that way? I was not offered after dangerous drivability were known by Honda Corp. In fact the CS rep denied the dangers including providing a courtesy vehicle.

Does it help to get the dealership GM involved? If so, of course!
They are responsible for hitting sales all goals, customer satisfaction and service.

I had issues upon delivery and them getting the wrong accessories or no accessories I ordered put on, I went to the service manager, they denied the the upgraded mudflaps, moon roof visor, and all weather mats were NOT installed. Got the GM involved and it was immediately resolved. I also returned the moon roof visor because it was not what I was told it would be from the parts or sales person. Sadly, no one cares about my battery situation, but I’ll just end up costing them more in the long run when the battery finally fails and I need road side service.

 

[louierg]

Same thing happened to my wife and I while on vacation. I thought it was the battery so I called AAA; he tried to jump start the car but failed. He finally suggested that the Honda dealer try to fix it. Luckily, the Honda dealer (Honda of Fort Myers, FL) was across the street from our motel. Had the car towed over to the dealer, needed the wheeled dolly and frame lift, and they started working on it. It runs out that the battery was somehow defective so they replaced it. The service manager commented that those batteries are very "expensive". I need to explore what it is on the battery that could have failed such that it could not be jump started.

I believe I remember that some of the Honda installed batteries are with problem of dying.

Does it help to get the dealership GM involved? If so, of course!
They are responsible for hitting sales all goals, customer satisfaction and service.

I had issues upon delivery and them getting the wrong accessories or no accessories I ordered put on, I went to the service manager, they denied the the upgraded mudflaps, moon roof visor, and all weather mats were NOT installed. Got the GM involved and it was immediately resolved. I also returned the moon roof visor because it was not what I was told it would be from the parts or sales person. Sadly, no one cares about my battery situation, but I’ll just end up costing them more in the long run when the battery finally fails and I need road side service.

Sorry I was not more direct. Consumers and Honda Corp are bound by state lemon laws. I do suspect if this dangerious event repeats after diagnosis and repair then replacement should be a consideration.

 

[ProdGirl]

No apologies. But yes - I absolutely agree with you!
It’s almost sad it often even has to get to that point.

 

[Moab Junky]

Got her back today - they think it was the battery, since nothing else is coming up on the diagnostics, but bring it back in if you feel uncomfortable with it driving.
Hoping this is it!!

Good deal. I sure hope that was the root of the problem. Not sure how it could take trained ASE certified mechanics days and days to diagnose a bad battery. 🤔