NHTSA Complaint #11479652 — 2019 HONDA PASSPORT

When the automatic idle start/stop feature is enabled, the engine would properly shut off when stopped at a traffic light. However, the engine would not re-start when the brake was released leaving the car stranded at the intersection. After pressing the auto idle start/stop enable/disable button several times and the engine start stop button several times, the engine would eventually start again. This has happened numerous times. Upon taking the car to the Honda dealership for evaluation, we were told the battery was bad and needed replacing. Since a new battery is $400, we decided to have the battery tested independently and the battery, which is rated at 650 CCA, tested to have 651 CCA. Additionally, the battery was tested for holding a charge and passed that test too. Upon returning to the Honda dealership with this information, the service advisor then stated the starter was bad and needed to be replaced for near $900. As we have had no problems with the battery or the starter up to this point, other than when the auto idle stop engages at a traffic light, we did not replace the starter. Since leaving the dealership, approximately 2 months ago, the car has continued to start as expected when manually starting. However, the auto idle start/stop feature contiues to fail intermittently. We urge you to hold Honda accountable for recalling and repairing this defect that creates a serious safety hazard for Honda owners as well as other drivers on the road. Honda's current public response that the auto idle start/stop feature can be disabled by pressing the off button is not acceptable as the feature is automatically enabled each time we start the car. Forgetting to disable this feature is a safety hazard. Thank you!