1997 Honda Passport
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Honda › Passport › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Honda Passport. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
56 complaints3 involved a crash1 involved a fire5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
In 2015 I bought a 1997 honda passport from somebody and noticed the frame has extreme rot and its so bad it rotted a fuel line causing a leak now, I owned a 1995.5 isuzu rodeo with excesive frame rot as well to where the frame broke in half while driving. These frames used in all of the isuzu…
In 2015 I bought a 1997 honda passport from somebody and noticed the frame has extreme rot and its so bad it rotted a fuel line causing a leak now, I owned a 1995.5 isuzu rodeo with excesive frame rot as well to where the frame broke in half while driving. These frames used in all of the isuzu rodeos and honda passports aren't treated properly before they were released to the public, there are holes in the frame as long as a foot, these need to be addressed asap before someone gets killed or injured becaused of it, I havent been able to drive the vehicle yet due to this fact or the breif moments I do drive it I feel as if its going to break in half. It wont let me put the mileage it has 176009.
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension
Frame has rusted through in left rear area near leaf spring hanger. Should the frame fail in this area, the axle will no longer be secured to the vehicle. This appears to be a common problem with this vehicle. A recall has been made for years starting 1998 of the same vehicle with the same problem. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
1997 honda passport with 122,000 miles. The interior and exterior looks like new. But the frame IS so rusted through I am afraid to drive it. From all of the stories I have seen why was their not a recall on the honda passport and isuzu rodeo? Are they waiting for people to die? *tr
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension
The frame has rusted through in the rear of the vehicle causing the leaf spring in the back to fall down. my rear end IS no longer held in place and can fall out from the rear of the vehicle. my car IS no longer drivable. it's a 97 honda passport. other wise my vehicle IS in excellent condition inside and out which makes me sick to know that the frame IS gone. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
When changing the brakes I noticed a lot of surface rust when I inspected further I found two holes in frame one on the front passenger side behind the wheel and the second in the rear on the drivers side infront of the backside of the leaf spring shackle the hole in the back IS as tall of the…
When changing the brakes I noticed a lot of surface rust when I inspected further I found two holes in frame one on the front passenger side behind the wheel and the second in the rear on the drivers side infront of the backside of the leaf spring shackle the hole in the back IS as tall of the frame rail and about 10 inches long only on the outside of the frame the hole in the front IS only a few inches tall and 6 inches long on the outside of frame and starting on the bottom of frame rail the vehicle IS unsafe but my only means of transportation I inspect it daily to check for any disforming of the frame. *tr
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1997 honda passport. The contact stated that the vehicle was being examined by an independent mechanic when he was informed that there was severe rust and corrosion on the frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 honda passport. The contact stated that the vehicle was being examined by an independent mechanic when he was informed that there was severe rust and corrosion on the frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign ID number 10v436000 (suspension:rear). The failure and current mileages were 180,000.
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline
Left house and proceeded downhill on gravel driveway and then turned left onto main road which IS a hill rising approximately 200 feet over .5 miles. at top of hill let off accelerator but the speed was still increasing. tapped accelerator, pulled floor mat away from gas/break peddle area, tapped…
Left house and proceeded downhill on gravel driveway and then turned left onto main road which IS a hill rising approximately 200 feet over .5 miles. at top of hill let off accelerator but the speed was still increasing. tapped accelerator, pulled floor mat away from gas/break peddle area, tapped accelerator, whole time depressing break with both feet. finally cut off ignition at approximately 55 miles per hour. I coasted the car backwards with engine off and turned it around. when I restarted car the engine was at idle and I drove it home without depressing accelerator. when I checked car at home I observed that the rubber thimble covering throttle cable at throttle was deteriorated. I pulled the rubber thimble off and observed that the rubber had entered the throttle cable housing and was the cause, jamming the cable at the accelerated speed. I cleared the cable and housing of the embedded rubber and car accelerated/decelerated normally. a precursor to this was that my gas mileage had decreased dramatically on the last fill up, saturday, from 19mpg to less than 12mpg. I was looking for a leak and had intentions of bringing it into the repair shop on monday (tomorrow). *tr
- Structure › Frame and members
Excessive rusting on steel chassis of 1997 honda passport to the point where it IS unsafe to drive vehicle. honda has recall on '98 and above for frame rust issues but not on 95-97 models. if this vehicle IS in an accident where it IS hit broadside from passenger side, the frame IS so rusted (can…
Excessive rusting on steel chassis of 1997 honda passport to the point where it IS unsafe to drive vehicle. honda has recall on '98 and above for frame rust issues but not on 95-97 models. if this vehicle IS in an accident where it IS hit broadside from passenger side, the frame IS so rusted (can put whole fist into it) that it will most likely split the car in half. honda wants to charge me a diagnostic fee to determine if they are willing to do anything with the vehicle. obviously, others have experienced the same issue (nhtsa's internal reference number : 10262212 ). where this gentleman seemed to be original owner referencing no offroading history, I cannot vouge since I just bought the vehicle for my daughter to drive to college. at this time, I have parked the vehicle and prohibited her from driving it. *tr
- Suspension
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 honda passport. The contact stated while driving 40 mph he contact heard a cracking sound underneath the vehicle. the contact pulled over to examine the vehicle and noticed a cracked suspension link in the rear of the vehicle. The suspension crack was due to rust build…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 honda passport. The contact stated while driving 40 mph he contact heard a cracking sound underneath the vehicle. the contact pulled over to examine the vehicle and noticed a cracked suspension link in the rear of the vehicle. The suspension crack was due to rust build up on the frame. the contact called the manufacturer advised him to take vehicle to the dealer. the contact stated the vehicle was very unstable and unsafe to drive. the contact did not take the vehicle to the dealer. the failure mileage was 170,000.
- Structure › Frame and members
TL* the contact owns a 1997 honda passport. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle in for routine service, the mechanic advised him that the frame was severely rusted to perform any repairs. They also advised that he should not drive the vehicle because of the severity of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
- Structure › Frame and members
1997 honda passport - body in excellent shape. interior - very nice. Frame IS in horrific condition. The complete frame IS extremely rusted from front to rear and in a very weakened state. Transmission cross-member support at frame IS also rusted very bad. Front cab supports rusted very bad. the…
1997 honda passport - body in excellent shape. interior - very nice. Frame IS in horrific condition. The complete frame IS extremely rusted from front to rear and in a very weakened state. Transmission cross-member support at frame IS also rusted very bad. Front cab supports rusted very bad. the rear spring attachment, left side, rusted and collapsed. It came unattached from the badly rusted frame. right side, rear, appears in very bad shape also. This frame has been patched and welded many times. It will continually need to be patched and repaired. afraid if I hit a pothole, the suspension will rip away from the frame due to the severe rusted condition of the frame. notice many passports in auto salvage yards with rusted frames. Sample frame pieces from passports need to be cut out and the metal analyzed for quality of materials that were used. I believe manufacturer IS well aware of this situation and should stand behind this poor product and recall by sending notice to all owners of passports. ford had frame issues and rusted body issues in the late 60'S and early 70'S and I believe it was from imported steel that was being used. Ford took care of their customers by making the necessary repairs for them. I witnessed this rust issue that ford had as I was a technician for ford at the time. please do not disregard this complaint from me and the many other honda passport owners who are afraid to sell or trade in their suvs. Something must be done quickly!! *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
The entire frame IS rusted through and basically deteriorating. I can look underneath my vehicle and see holes where the metal should be and see it flaking off. I could easily poke a hole right through it on just about any point on both the front and the rear. It has been like this for a few years…
The entire frame IS rusted through and basically deteriorating. I can look underneath my vehicle and see holes where the metal should be and see it flaking off. I could easily poke a hole right through it on just about any point on both the front and the rear. It has been like this for a few years now but it has gotten worse, to the point where I don't think it IS really safe to drive. I saw on the news recently where people have been having problem with these vehicles literally falling apart and breaking in two. The news story stated the years 1998-2008 but my 1997 IS exactly the same underneath. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
I took my "97 honda passport to the mechanic to have my water pump looked at. While the car was on his lift, he noticed a considerable amount of rust on the frame. There were places where the frame was rusted out completely. I have never used this SUV off road and have maintained it well. a friend of mine also had a passport like mine that did the same thing. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Check engine off and on, norm reeves honda check and advise pulled code:p0304 cylinder 4 misfire. Tech check the coils the spark plugs and the fuel pressure. Everything IS good.performed compression test. Pulled up service bulletin to up date the pcm broad cast codes. Pcm has to be replace if lights back on again. *tr
- Structure › Body › Bumpers · Tires
While traveling at 65 mph the back left tire tread separated from the tire. It tore the skirt around the back wheel from the holding screws ,causing major damage to the left bumper. Also, it tore the black border panels from door and bumper. The amazing part was that the tire never went flat. Have photos. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
ABS engages on dry roads increasing required stopping distance. Problem occurs most often when turning into parking space,but has also happened while straight line braking. Very dangerous situation. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Always oil changes on time and maintenance. since I had it, there was always a valve knocking. spark plug melted from extreme heat then exploded into cylinder the pulverize. so I rebuilt the entire motor including new oil pump, timing belt, cam intakes, ect. And had valves professionally…
Always oil changes on time and maintenance. since I had it, there was always a valve knocking. spark plug melted from extreme heat then exploded into cylinder the pulverize. so I rebuilt the entire motor including new oil pump, timing belt, cam intakes, ect. And had valves professionally rebuilt. I have been a mechanic for years and can not figure why they still knock after $2,300.00 in engine components and such. I took it too a shop and they are baffled also. *Jb
- Structure › Frame and members
While having exhaust work done the mechanic noticed the frame on my 1997 honda passport was rusted. the dealer described it as 100% rusted on the passenger side (about 1 foot long behind the front tire) and 50% on the driver side. the dealer said the car IS not safe to drive and could cause a…
While having exhaust work done the mechanic noticed the frame on my 1997 honda passport was rusted. the dealer described it as 100% rusted on the passenger side (about 1 foot long behind the front tire) and 50% on the driver side. the dealer said the car IS not safe to drive and could cause a fatal accident. I reported the problem to honda america and received a call from the local dealer stating that honda was going to do something, but needed to have all the repair costs documented. they said it was unlikely that anything attached to the frame, like brake and fuel lines could be reused. I then received the following phone message from honda america: ''this IS micki calling from american honda customer service.... the body shop did perform a very through inspection and, based on their findings american honda would not be offering assistance on this repair. our main concern was to determine whether or not the rust that has rusted the frame was caused by an abnormality in the way the car was designed or the materials that were used. and when they looked underneath they realized that the entire underbody of the car has been corroded by road salt '' ah, brake lines, tran.. Cooler lines, everything has been affected by these very corrosive '' highly corrosive materials used. they certainly do not recommend that you drive the car they don't feel that it IS safe to drive, but this IS not an issue that american honda would assist you in the repair given that it was something that has occurred in the environment. I didn't find any other instances of rusting frames for the this passport and honda would certainly have been aware of those if that had been the issue that it was like a design defect and I do know that you live in an area that IS the rust belt of the united states... in effect, honda says this car IS not safe after 7 years on michigan roads, even though the body has no rust and it runs well. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Structure › Frame and members
I bought the car at 74,671 miles, it was burning 1/2 quart every 500 miles. At 80,044 mi the engine was rebuilt with new rings, valve seals and the whole works. The engine IS still burning the same amount of oil, and have troubles with other things. Such as belts,crank pulley,instruments,4x4 valves and frame corrosion.*ak
- Electrical system · Power train › Automatic transmission
Consumer complained about electrical system and power transmission problems. when applying brakes, dash lights, headlights and brake lights went dim. When pressing on brake pedal radio cut off, and sometimes the vehicle shut off. Also, when driving at 30 mph or above there was a transmission problem, vehicle did not shift gears. consumer took vehicle to dealer, and couldn't find anything wrong. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Camshaft bolt split in half causing my engine to seize up when the bolt feel down into the pulley. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling
Excessive gasoline usage (10-13 mpg) and chronic "check engine light" despite repeated trips to garage. Problem still occurring; can't wait to trade this beast in. Very disappointed by honda for cloaking their label on an isuzu/mitsubishi built vehicle. Others on the net are just as fed up with…
Excessive gasoline usage (10-13 mpg) and chronic "check engine light" despite repeated trips to garage. Problem still occurring; can't wait to trade this beast in. Very disappointed by honda for cloaking their label on an isuzu/mitsubishi built vehicle. Others on the net are just as fed up with this scrap of iron. May never buy from honda and certainly not local dealer again. Engine ticks due to valve/lifter damage. *la
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Vehicle consumes excessive oil that can cause a potential engine failure, per manufacturer/dealership. there IS a tsb for this issue. *ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Bridgestone tire tread separation. *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The valves rattle in the engine. when they rattle I check the oil level and it's fine. I found out... By no other choice....that if I get on the interstate (causing the rpm's to go up) for a few miles, and then exit the interstate the valves stop rattling. Everyone I talk to says that they don't…
The valves rattle in the engine. when they rattle I check the oil level and it's fine. I found out... By no other choice....that if I get on the interstate (causing the rpm's to go up) for a few miles, and then exit the interstate the valves stop rattling. Everyone I talk to says that they don't know what the problem IS. I have looked for honda support everywhere! Dealers can't even help! Now I think I am just going to join a group that's planning a class-action lawsuit! Maybe mr. Honda can fix the problem then! If not I will use the money from the lawsuit to buy a chevy...or dodge!anything but another honda!. *jb ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis***768317
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10009278Heater blower motor gets hot or blows a fuse. Honda. Servicenews.
- 10009274Identifying automatic transmission shift solenoids. Honda. Servicenews.
- 10005943Trailer hitch ball shank sizes and part numbers. Honda october tech line information.
- 10005929Clearing anti-lock brake system (ABS) diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs). Honda october tech line information.
- 10005921Harsh 2ND to 3RD upshift. Honda servicenews.
- 10004956Heater blower motor overheats or blows fuse. Various models including the 2004 insight and s2000.
- 10004954Descriptions for the automatic transmission shift solenoids.
- 10002575Straining the automatic transmission fluid (atf) to diagnose automatic transmissions.
- 10002574A sticking idle air control (iac) valve can use diagnostic trouble code p0101. If the fuel and emissions manual diagnostic trouble code p0101 troubleshooting IS inconclusive, replace the iac valve.
- 10002573Engine control module/powertrain control module (ecm/pcm) connector doesn't match etm.
- 10001790Check (atf) automatic transmission fluid condition to diagnose (a/t) automatic transmissions.
- 6092372Information on rear wheel ABS quick checks.
- 637953Subject regarding replacement top piston ring marking.
- 635781A condition may exist where the check transmission light blinks and automatic transmission diagnostic trouble code p1870 IS set.
- 630870On some vehicles, the main case oil pan appears to leak automatic transmission fluid at the drain plug and / or the fill plug.
- 626633Automatic transmission main oil pan plug leaks.
- 625124Subject regarding bulb check logic.
- 625077Subject regarding vibration after crankshaft or short block replacement.
- 624293Subject on regarding: bulb check logic.
- 623970Subject on regarding: vibration after crankshaft or short block replacement.
- 623952Subject on regarding: engine oil consumption.
- 610295Some vehicles may exhibit a malfunction indicator light on, and one or more engine misfire diagnostic trouble codes are stored.
- 610294After starting a cold engine in a warm garage, and then driving out into freezing weather, dtc p1441 (evap system flow during non-purge) IS stored, and the malfunction indicator light comes on.
- 610284Experiencing the engine detonating (pinging) when accelerating lightly below 3,000 rpm.
- 606771Subject regarding remomal and installation procedures for rear ABS speed sensor exciter ring on 1996-97 honda passport, 4 wheel drive, EX models.
- 602145Information on ABS diagnosis with pgm tester.
- 600556Key cannot be removed from ignition switch.
- 54048Symptoms with the fuel gauge reads about three-fourths when the tank IS actually full.
- 54045Condition with ticking noise from the engine during normal operation.
- 54043Experiencing low power or intermittent engine hesitation.
- 52057One of the power door locks cycles.
- 51133Bellcrank pivot for the door lock linkage 1994-97 passport.
- 51125Left rear door does not lock.
- 51090Grease leak from the front hubs.
Every Honda Passport model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.