1997 Honda Passport Problems

What owners report

Frame rust and corrosion is the dominant theme in these complaints, with owners describing frames rusted through or with holes, often found during routine service. Other reports cover power windows, the defroster and wipers, a check engine light that stays on, valve noise, and transmission slipping or failing. Where mileage is listed for the rust reports, it ranges from 60,000 to 180,000 miles.

1. 1
   Body and structure

   Frame rust and corrosion, sometimes with holes

   • 14 complaints (25%)
   • median 123,500 mi at 14.6 yrs old (10 state mileage)
   • filed 2004–2016

   Owners describe the steel frame rusting through, with holes or rotted sections near the rear leaf spring area, the transmission crossmember and a fuel line. Some say the rust was found during routine work such as exhaust, brake or water pump service, and in some reports a mechanic or dealer advised against driving the vehicle. Some complaints say a frame recall covers 1998 and later models but not this one, and that the manufacturer asked for documented repair costs or a diagnostic fee first. Where mileage is listed, these reports run from 60,000 to 180,000 miles, and the rust was often found during routine service or repairs.

   What to check: Inspect the frame underneath, especially the rear leaf spring area, the transmission crossmember and the fuel lines, and ask the dealer whether any frame recall applies to this model year.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “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.”

   NHTSA complaint #10262212, filed 2009-03, 99,800 miles

   “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?”

   NHTSA complaint #10644620, filed 2014-10, 122,000 miles
2. 2
   Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)

   Power window, defroster, and wiper problems

   • 5 complaints (9%)
   • typically at 3.0 yrs old
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1998–2002

   Owners describe power windows that will not roll up, even though the motor can be heard running. A complaint describes a child's finger being injured when a power window closed after a gap formed between the glass and its rubber frame. Other reports describe a defroster that does not work, a passenger windshield that stays foggy in rain or cold, and a driver-side wiper that stopped working in the rain while the dealer lacked the needed part. No mileage is listed in these reports, and the windshield fogging is described as happening in rain or cold weather.

   What to check: Operate every power window, the defroster and both wipers on a test drive, and check that the windshield clears in damp or cold conditions.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Passenger side power window was rolled down which created a 1 1/2 inch separation between rubber frame and window, allowing a 18- month child to place a finger on bottom of separation. Therefore, cutting off left index finger when power window was rolled up by driver.consumer is involved in lawsuit and is aware of other complaints.”

   NHTSA complaint #848192, filed 1999-09

   “When it rains or during cold conditions the passenger's side of the front windshield will remain foggy . Owner has contacted the manufacturer. Manufacturer said that it is a manufacturing defect, and that they could not help consumer.”

   NHTSA complaint #821769, filed 1998-03
3. 3
   Engine cooling

   Check engine light that stays on or returns

   Mentioned in 4 of 44 sampled complaints

   Owners describe the check engine light coming on and staying on while driving, or returning after dealer visits. A report includes a misfire code for cylinder four, and the technician checked coils, plugs and fuel pressure, reviewed a service bulletin on engine computer codes, and suggested a computer replacement if the light returned. According to a complaint, dealers repeatedly cleared the light, and the emissions canister and vent valve were later found clogged with raw fuel. Where mileage is listed, these reports run from 73,501 to 108,000 miles, and some describe the light returning after repairs.

   What to check: Scan for stored codes, including misfire and evaporative system codes, and ask whether the canister, vent valve or engine computer has been replaced or updated.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “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.”

   NHTSA complaint #10197740, filed 2007-07, 108,000 miles

   “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.”

   NHTSA complaint #10052691, filed 2004-01, 73,501 miles
4. 4
   Engine cooling

   Valve ticking, knocking, or rattling noise

   • 6 complaints (11%)
   • median 73,501 mi at 7.1 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
   • filed 1998–2005

   Owners describe valve knocking, rattling or ticking that continues after repairs. A complaint says a few miles at higher engine speed on the interstate quiets the rattling, and that dealers could not identify the problem. Other reports describe a rebuilt engine that still knocks, a loss of compression in a cylinder, and a dealer suggesting the engine block may need replacing at the owner's expense. Where mileage is given, it is 73,501 miles, and the noise is described as continuing over time.

   What to check: Listen for valve ticking on a cold start and at idle, and ask for records of any valve, lifter or engine rebuild work.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “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.”

   NHTSA complaint #10138769, filed 2005-10

   “Engine has routinely emitted engine ticking sound degrading performance and resulting in 50% loss of compression in #2 cylinder. Dealer suggesting that engine short block may require replacement at owner's expense. Repair may exceed $5k. Do not understand why this is considered above board when technical service bulletins have been issued to dealers indicating that the engine hla's are starving the cylinders. Loss of an engine at speed can result in severe maneuverability and braking loss. …”

   NHTSA complaint #720989, filed 2000-04
5. 5
   Transmission and drivetrain

   Transmission slipping, not shifting, or failing

   • 5 complaints (9%)
   • typically at 4.3 yrs old
   • filed 1999–2004

   Owners describe transmissions that slip, fail to shift at speeds of 30 mph and above, or lose power suddenly. A complaint describes sudden power loss at 65 mph attributed to transmission failure, and the owner wants reimbursement for the replacement. Other reports describe a loud noise traced to transmission seals with no fluid, and a dealer who could not find a fault after the car would not shift gears. None of these reports lists mileage, and the problems are described at speeds of 30 mph and above, including 65 mph.

   What to check: Ask whether the transmission fluid has been checked or serviced, since a complaint says this model has no dipstick for checking the level.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Transmission is slipping and there is no way to check due to they did not put in a dip-stick to check the level of fluid which even if you go to a gas station or have the oil changed they cannot check to see the level of fluid. I wanted to know before I buy this whether or not it is covered under warranty and if this is a problem withthis model year? Thank you.”

   NHTSA complaint #739750, filed 2001-01

   “Complete and sudden power loss occured while the consumer was driving vehicle at 65 MPH due to transmission failure. The consumer states that this vehicle had an isuzu engine which is known for its transmission problems. Thus, the consumer wants reimbursement for replacing the transmission and related expenses.”

   NHTSA complaint #562341, filed 2001-08

Buying note. Before buying, have the frame inspected underneath, since rust is the most frequent theme here and some reports describe holes or rotted sections. Ask for records of any check engine, valve, or transmission repairs, and test the power windows, defroster, and wipers on a test drive.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 44 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.