1997 Honda Passport Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 21%of 56 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,894miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Honda Passport, 21% of the 56 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,894 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10424671, filed 2011-09, 166,340 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10093455, filed 2004-10, 80,894 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“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 check light comes on and stays on while driving . Dealer contacted three times and remedied the problem, but the problem still exists. Also a rattle noise occurs while driving at any speed. Also, replaced emission control system.”
NHTSA complaint #827944, filed 1998-10Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2002 | 3 | 13% |
| 2001 | 5 | 4% |
| 2000 | 13 | 13% |
| 1999 | 27 | 12% |
| 1998 | 24 | 10% |
| 1997 | 12 | 21% |
| 1996 | 7 | 17% |
| 1995 | 15 | 25% |
| 1994 | 9 | 25% |
Other parts of the 1997 Honda Passport
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Honda Passport
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology