2001 Honda Passport Problems
- Complaints
- 134filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 100,500miles, 104 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 17 mpgcombined, 3.2L 6-cyl RWD · 15 city / 20 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 Honda Passport (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year report frame rust and corrosion more than anything else, often discovered during routine maintenance or state inspection and sometimes as a sudden loss of control when a rear suspension link separates from the frame. Most complaints in the sample arrive between roughly 70,000 and 150,000 miles. A smaller set describes unintended acceleration or high idle, erratic fuel gauge readings, hard transmission shifts and fuel tank shield rust.
- Body and structure
Frame rust and corrosion (rear frame, suspension mounts)
- 76 complaints (57%)
- median 104,000 mi at 10.0 yrs old (73 state mileage)
- filed 2008–2023
Complaints describe heavy rust on the frame, often found by a mechanic during an oil change, inspection or repair, with holes that can be pushed through by hand and sections that break away. In several accounts the rear trailing link or lower control arm bracket separates from the frame while driving, causing the rear to step out or the vehicle to lose control; owners report the vehicle was towed and then judged beyond repair. Owners also describe dealers inspecting the vehicle under the rear suspension recall, installing brackets or declining to repair, and in some cases telling them the frame was too corroded to attach anything to. Spread across roughly 64,000 to 182,000 miles, most often reported above 70,000 miles; several owners note the rust was found without any prior warning.
What to check: Have the frame and rear suspension mounting points inspected on a lift before buying, especially on vehicles from salt-belt states, and ask whether the rear suspension recall work was performed and what the inspection found.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Rear trailing arm fell off of the frame due to major corrosion. We had it towed to dealership for recall #10v-436. Service dept stated the entire frame was rusted through therefore they had nothing to attach the recall bracket to. This recall should be for the entire frame not just the bracket. It broke while backing out of our driveway. Thankfully we weren't doing 70 on the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #10441431, filed 2011-12, 129,000 miles“I have a 2001 Honda Passport with 91000 miles and has been recently recalled due to a rotted frame. Prior to the inspection, upon a personal inspection, chunks of my frame were able to be removed by hand. I was advised of 4 stages of severity and after the inspection my vehicle was a stage 4. After a month and a half I've been informed that actually there is 5 stages and mine has been repaired. I'm still awaiting final approval from Honda corp to release the vehicle back to me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10393605, filed 2011-03, 91,000 miles - Fuel system
Erratic fuel gauge and fuel tank shield rust
- 11 complaints (8%)
- median 111,500 mi at 10.8 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- filed 2005–2016
Owners describe a fuel gauge that swings between empty and full even after filling, making the fuel level hard to trust. Others report the metal shield that supports the fuel tank rusting through, with complaints that the tank was being held by little remaining metal; one owner notes the recall covered rear axle parts but not the tank shield. Fuel gauge reports appear as low as about 40,000 miles, while the tank shield corrosion is reported later, around 72,000 to 122,000 miles.
What to check: Fill the tank and confirm the gauge reads full and moves steadily as fuel is used, and have the fuel tank and its shield inspected from underneath for rust.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The fuel tank shield for my 2001 Honda Passport is completely rusted out. Upon researching the situation I have encountered quite a few people having this same problem. I am scared to even drive the vehicle as this shield is barely holding the tank up and could fail at any moment thus dropping the tank.”
NHTSA complaint #10550870, filed 2013-11, 105,000 miles“I am having problems with the fuel gauge. I feel like I should be betting in las vegas since I never have an idea about how much gas I have in the tank. Since it is extremely erratic - bouncing to empty to full - even after I have filled up. I haven't taken it in yet, as I having been researching the problem, which seems to be quite common in the Honda Passport and its identical twin the isuzu rodeo.”
NHTSA complaint #10113978, filed 2005-03, 40,000 miles
Buying note. The frame condition is the deciding factor on this model year: have it inspected by someone familiar with these vehicles before purchase, and confirm what the rear suspension recall inspection found. A vehicle with advanced frame corrosion may not be repairable, regardless of how it otherwise drives.
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.
NHTSA recorded 134 consumer complaints for the 2001 Honda Passport. 104 of the complaints include a mileage, and 5% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 100,500 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 7 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Body and structure70 52%
- Suspension34 25%
- Vehicle speed control12 9.0%
- Fuel system9 6.7%
- Brakes5 3.7%
- Engine cooling5 3.7%
- Other or unknown5 3.7%
- Air bags3 2.2%
- Seat belts3 2.2%
Also reported: Tires (2), Electrical system (1), Electronic stability control (1), Engine (1), Steering (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Body and structure: “My 2001 Honda Passport is included in the recall just released by isuzu and Honda. They've only recalled the lower link bracket but in reading other complaints it is the consensus that this is a frame issue, which should be recalled. I'm in the process of waiting to hear from Honda mitigation about the next step as they have deemed my vehicle not repairable.”
NHTSA complaint #10377995, filed 2011-01, 130,000 milesSuspension: “My husband and I bought this vehicle a few days ago. Today he took it in to get a tune up and oil change. When the mechanic had the car lifted he recognized a significant amount of cracks/rust frame. The plastic gas tank is about to fall out of the metal casing that surrounds it, it is almost completely ate away. There is also a frame crack due to rust on the passenger rear frame behind the rear tire. The mechanic advised that we not continue to drive this car until the issue has been resolved due to our safety. …”
NHTSA complaint #10824308, filed 2016-02, 122,000 milesVehicle speed control: “Got into vehicle and started it up. Put into reverse and the engine revved up and shot backwards very fast. While applying pressure to the brake it had no effect until slamming into the house that was across the street.”
NHTSA complaint #10933921, filed 2016-12, 250,000 milesFuel system: “A few years back my trailing linkage on both sides of vehicle rusted away from frame. The drivers side was first and I was traveling at 50 MPH. Hit pot hole and drivers side linkage broke off. Causing me to fish tail in traffic and almost crash. Now I have two cracks in my frame and the rear cross member is rusted through. I have also had the fuel tank support fixed and welded back onto my truck. This will cost me thousands to fix to hopefully make it a drivable vehicle again. Or. American Honda can buyout these vehicles from these owners.”
NHTSA complaint #10558538, filed 2014-01, 98,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
5% of the 104 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 80,000 and 124,700 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 Honda Passport. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passport · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | 3 |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2001 Honda Passport version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passport 2WD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Passport 2WD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 19 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Passport 4WD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 19 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Passport 4WD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 10V436000Sep 22, 2010Suspension › RearCovers: Honda Passport 1998–2002, Isuzu Rodeo 1998–2002, Axiom 2002
Isuzu is recalling certain model year 1998-2002 isuzu rodeo and model year 2002 isuzu axiom vehicles, and honda is recalling certain 1998-2002 honda passport vehicles, that were originally sold, or are currently registered, in the states of maine, new…
- 02V213001Aug 9, 2002Air bags › FrontalCovers: Honda Passport 2001
On certain sport utility vehicles, the passenger-side air bag inflator modules were manufactured and shipped without a necessary component known as a check valve pin.
- 01V055000Feb 22, 2001Air bags › FrontalCovers: Honda Passport 2001, Isuzu Rodeo 2000–2001
Vehicle description: certain sport utility vehicles were built with the inflators in the passenger side air bag modules having the wrong amount of generant.
Recall details for the 2001 Honda Passport → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA09018Rear Suspension Lower Link DetachmentClosed · Dec 7, 2009
- PE09030Rear suspension lower link failureClosed · Jun 16, 2009
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 7 on record; the latest 7 are shown.
- 10186009Jan 23, 2021Equipment. "Service Bulletin - There are several A/C leak detection tools available. -Refrigerant Gas Leak Detector -Ultrasonic Leak Detector -Leak Dye"
- 10128531Aug 6, 2014Air bags. Dealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, American Honda announced three recalls for various 2001-11 Honda models. As of August 4, 2014, affected VINs have been identified, and VIN status inquiry…
- 10128559Jul 23, 2014Air bags. Dealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, American Honda announced three recalls for various 2001-11 Honda models. As of July 23, 2014, affected VINs have been identified, and service bulletins…
- 10025523May 31, 2008Equipment. Load carrying capacity reduced label for all honda vehicles.
- 10018871Dec 16, 2005Brakes. C0282, 285, 274 4wd module in 2wd vehicle.
- 10018870Dec 16, 2005Brakes. C0285, c1999, 2wd module in 4wd vehicle.
- 10014207Dec 16, 2003Electrical system. Diagnostic trouble code c0265, open relay circuit.
Other model years of the Honda Passport
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 69 | 590 | 1 | 5 | 21 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 48 | 22,500 | 0 | 5 | 21 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 20 | 2,200 | 1 | 5 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 40 | 4,261 | 5 | 5 | 21 | 26 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 64 | 38,100 | 4 | 5 | 22 | 18 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 145 | 5,650 | 7 | 5 | 22 | 78 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 104 | 7,600 | 10 | 5 | 22 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 282 | 6,000 | 10 | 5 | 22 | 87 · More | Stable |
| 2002 | 23 | 116,500 | 2 | — | 17 | — | Falling |
| 2001 | 134 | 100,500 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 102 | 102,504 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 228 | 98,000 | 2 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 229 | 114,550 | 5 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 56 | 99,800 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 41 | 138,441 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 60 | 157,860 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 36 | 111,800 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Honda Passport model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Honda Passport?
Owners of this model year report frame rust and corrosion more than anything else, often discovered during routine maintenance or state inspection and sometimes as a sudden loss of control when a rear suspension link separates from the frame. The issues reported most often: Frame rust and corrosion (rear frame, suspension mounts); Erratic fuel gauge and fuel tank shield rust.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 Honda Passport have?
NHTSA recorded 134 consumer complaints for the 2001 Honda Passport as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2001 Honda Passport is reported most often?
Body and structure is named most often, in 70 complaints (52% of the total), followed by suspension with 34.
Has the 2001 Honda Passport been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Honda Passport get?
The EPA rates the 2001 Honda Passport (Passport 2WD, 3.2L 6-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 15 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,950 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2001 Honda Passport reported?
Among the 104 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 100,500 miles and the middle half falls between 80,000 and 124,700 miles; 5% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.