1998 Honda Passport Problems

What owners report

Owners of the 1998 Honda Passport most often report rust in the rear frame and suspension attachment points, which many describe as advanced by the time it was found during routine service or inspection. Fuel gauge reading problems were reported on low-mileage vehicles, and brake complaints cluster at moderate mileage. Many frame complaints reference recall 10V436000, with owners saying the repair could not be performed because the frame was too corroded.

1. 1
   Body and structure

   Rear frame and suspension mount rust-through

   • 36 complaints (16%)
   • median 132,000 mi at 12.8 yrs old (35 state mileage)
   • filed 2008–2017

   Complaints describe severe corrosion of the rear frame, coil spring and control arm mounting areas, and rust holes large enough to push a finger through. Several owners say the rear trailing arm or stabilizer bar bracket broke away from the frame, and the vehicle swayed or became hard to steer without warning. According to complaints, dealers said the frame was too corroded to repair, and that recall 10V436000 could not be carried out on a corroded frame or had already expired. Mostly reported between roughly 100,000 and 200,000 miles, and often in vehicles registered in or near northern states where road salt is used.

   Recall 10V436000Recall 00V058000

   What to check: Put the vehicle on a lift and inspect the rear frame rails, spring seats and control arm brackets for scale and holes; ask whether the rear axle recall work was done and whether the frame was found too corroded to repair.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I own a 1998 Honda Passport, I bought it in 2008, and was unaware of the rusting problem. I was told that it will not pass inspection at all because of the rust on the frame, and the axles. That the truck is not at all safe to drive because of the rust of the frame. I was also told that the gas tank is also rotting out, because there is so much rust underneath the truck on the frame. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10330330, filed 2010-05, 117,000 miles

   “1998 Honda Passport with badly rusted & rotted body frame. No one was/is injured as of this posting but this is my only means of transportation I have to work I have other obligations I can't afford to just go out and get another vehicle or have a car payment. I need Honda to stand behind their product and just fix this problem. I am not asking for the moon just want them to be fair & do the right thing.”

   NHTSA complaint #10267115, filed 2009-04, 146,292 miles
2. 2
   Engine cooling

   Engine oil consumption and valvetrain noise

   • 9 complaints (4%)
   • median 84,000 mi at 5.5 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2002–2010

   Owners report oil use as high as two quarts per 1,000 miles with no warning on the dash, and describe loud clicking from the upper engine on acceleration. Complaints say dealers called the valvetrain wear a common problem yet declined warranty coverage. Others describe the engine running hot, coolant loss, and internal corrosion that left the cooling system inoperative. Reported from about 47,000 to 116,000 miles, with oil consumption described as intermittent and independent of driving conditions.

   What to check: Check the oil level and condition before and after a test drive, listen for top-end clicking on acceleration, and ask about oil use between changes and any head gasket or cooling system work.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I am complaining about a problem with my Honda Passport. This engine also has an excessive amount of oil consumption. Oil consumption is sporadic, but can exceed more than two quarts per 1000 miles driven. Oil consumption occurs regardless of driving conditions or load on vehicle. In combination with no dash warning, the oil consumption can lead to engine failure within the regular oil change interval, which I had learned the hard way. Now having to replace the engine.”

   NHTSA complaint #10045398, filed 2003-11, 70,000 miles

   “I am complaining about another (as the dealer puts it) common defect with my Passport. In addition to the valve train premature wear, this engine also has an excessive amount of oil consumption. Oil consumption is sporadic, but can exceed more than two quarts per 1000 miles driven. Oil consumption occurs regardless of driving conditions or load on vehicle. In combination with no dash warning, the oil consumption can lead to engine failure within the regular oil change interval. Engine failure replacement at over 10,000 dollars per dealership. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10007429, filed 2002-10, 47,000 miles
3. 3
   Fuel system

   Fuel gauge reads wrong after filling

   • 17 complaints (7%)
   • median 8,515 mi at 5.8 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1998–2004

   Owners report the gauge failing to read full after a fill, dropping toward empty with fuel still in the tank, or moving erratically when braking or accelerating. Complaints describe dealers not resolving it, and some owners note a service bulletin was issued for the gauge problem but say the repair was not covered. One owner also describes the engine warning light coming on with a tank pressure sensor code when fuel sloshes in a full tank. Reported from very low mileage, from near-new to about 50,000 miles, and unrelated to weather in the complaints.

   2 related service bulletins

   What to check: Fill the tank and watch whether the gauge reaches full and stays steady while driving; ask whether the fuel sending unit or the PCM software described in the bulletins was ever replaced or updated.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “This letter is to complain about the lack of service I recently received when speaking to a customer service representative. I purchased my Passport in august of 1998. Since it was purchased, my rear beverage holder failed to stay closed. The dealer stated that, ?it is just the way it was designed. The strike plate seems to fail to make proper contact with the magnet. On numerous occasions, my three-year old daughter has tripped upon this beverage holder. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10070734, filed 2004-01, 30 miles

   “The consumer stated that fuel gauge did not work properly. The dealer was notified. The fuel gauge never registered a full tank of gas. When the fuel level went below a half a tank the gauge registered on empty and the fuel light illuminated. Technical service bulletin 99-004 was issued related the fuel gauge problem but the dealer refused to repair the vehicle free of charge because it was out of warranty.”

   NHTSA complaint #10031322, filed 2003-08, 50,000 miles
4. 4
   Brakes

   Brake pedal feel and delayed stopping

   • 44 complaints (19%)
   • median 49,000 mi at 6.2 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
   • 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1998–2010

   Complaints describe a soft or low brake pedal, the vehicle continuing to roll several feet after the brake is applied, and a brake warning light coming on. Some owners say the dealer could not reproduce the problem or told them it was normal for ABS, and that an independent shop later found the fault. Others report difficulty getting anti-lock brake recall parts or being told their vehicle was not covered. Reported from roughly 30,000 to 62,000 miles in the sampled complaints, regardless of weather.

   2 related service bulletins

   What to check: Test the brakes on a quiet road at low speed for pedal firmness and stopping distance, and ask whether any anti-lock brake system recall or module service was completed.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I found out that the anti-skid brake system on my car had problems, which comes with a recall by national highway traffic safety. I contacted my dealer(Honda) but I was told that my car is not covered. I read your recall history, which indicates that my car belongs to those having this problem lately. However, since the dealer is not willing to provide free service and parts as to my request, I have to report this issue to the appropriate dept. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10151177, filed 2006-02, 61,880 miles

   “Problem with brake system of Honda passports. There is a delay in stopping and car glides forward several feed even after brakes are applied. Had this problem ever since purchasing the car but not as bad. Always was told it is the nature of ABS brakes to do that! Took it to the dealership 3 times and they said they could not similiate the problem and that there was nothing wrong with the brakes. Took it to an independant and he was able to find out the same problem with brakes in 2 hours! …”

   NHTSA complaint #10082532, filed 2004-07, 30,000 miles

Buying note. The rear frame is the item to verify first: have the vehicle inspected on a lift by someone familiar with the recall, and confirm in writing whether recall 10V436000 was performed or the frame was rejected as too corroded. Beyond that, check the fuel gauge on a full tank, the brake pedal feel, and oil use between changes before deciding.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 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.