1996 Honda Passport Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1996 Honda Passport, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Body & structure1225.0%
- Engine714.6%
- Airbags510.4%
- Suspension510.4%
- Electrical48.3%
- Brakes36.3%
- Steering36.3%
- Driver assistance24.2%
- Visibility12.1%
- Interior & seats12.1%
- Other / unspecified12.1%
- Powertrain (other)12.1%
- Seat belts12.1%
- Tires & wheels12.1%
- Transmission12.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
FRAME ROTTING AWAY AND MAKING PASSPORT UNSAFE TO DRIVE RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. *TR
THIS VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING EXTREME FRAME CORROSION OF BOTH THE FORWARD AND REAR FRAME MEMBER. THERE ARE LARGE PERFORATIONS IN MULTIPLE AREAS ALONG THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE FRAME, AND I DON'T SEE ANY WAY TO REPAIR OTHER THAN A COMPLETE FRAME REPLACEMENT. WHY IS THE DIVIDING LINE FOR THE RECALL 10V436000 SET AT THE 1998 MODEL YEAR? THIS IS THE SAME BASIC VEHICLE WITH THE SAME ROTTED FRAME AS THOSE INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT THE DOORS SHOULD ROT OF A VEHICLE LONG BEFORE THE FRAME BECOMES AN ISSUE. *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
BEARINGS FAIL, SEALS FAIL, LASH ADJUSTERS FAIL, EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, POORLY DESIGNED OIL CIRCULATION SYSTEM. *JS
CHECK ENGINE KEEPS COMING ON & OFF.. WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AND/OR ENGAGING THE LEFT HAND TURN SIGNAL; THIS CAUSES THE HORN TO SOUND. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE IN NUMEROUS TIMES COSTING $130.00 TO RUN THE TEST I AM TOLD THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THIS IS VERY TROUBLING AS I HAVE A TODDLER AND THIS IS CERTAINLY A SAFETY CONCERN NOT TO MENTION A BUDGET BREAKER AS THIS HAS COST ME APPROXIMATELY $1000.00. I FINALLY DECIDED TO STOP TAKING IT IN AS THE ONLY OUTCOME WAS A LITTLE LESS MONEY IN MY MONEY AND THE FAILURES STILL OCCURRING. THIS AS BEEN ON GOING SINCE 2003 WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ON A DRY COUNTRY ROAD AT 30 MPH; THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO REAR END ANOTHER VEHICLE AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE DONE TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE INJURIES SUSTAINED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE SEAT BELTS WERE IN USE HOWEVER THEY DID WORK PROPERLY. THERE WERE NO AIR BAG LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED.
WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH ON BLACK ICE AND AS A RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT ANY TIME. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMTION. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE FRAME ON MY PASSPORT BROKE. COME TO FIND OUT MY FRAME IS ROTTED. I'M HAPPY I WASN'T ON THE INTERSTATE AND GOING A REASONABLE SPEED OR WHO KNOWS WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED TO ME AND MY FAMILY. I SEE NOW THAT THIS IS A COMMON THING WITH THESE PASSPORTS. I FIND IT CRAZY THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE 1998 BUT NOT THE YEARS BEFORE EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE THE SAME ISSUES. HONDA OUTSOURCED THE WORK TO ISUZU TO BE CHEAP AND ENDED UP WITH A DEFECTED PRODUCT. SO HONDA WICH IS A MAJOR CORPORATION GETS REWARDED FOR BEING CHEAP WHILE US NORMAL PEOPLE TRYING TO MAKE ENDS MEET END UP WITH A JUNK CAR THAT'S WORTHLESS. I SEE THESE ON THE ROAD STILL AND I KEEP MY FINGERS CROSSED FOR THE PEOPLE DRIVING THEM. PLEASE MAKE HONDA FIX THIS PROBLEM.
SAME AS NHTSA: 10V436000 CAMPAIGN. DEFECT CONSEQUENCE: EXCESSIVE CORROSION MAY RESULT IN THE LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK BRACKET BECOMING DETACHED FROM THE FRAME, WHICH CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE A CRASH. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
CHECK ENGINE KEEPS COMING ON & OFF.. WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AND/OR ENGAGING THE LEFT HAND TURN SIGNAL; THIS CAUSES THE HORN TO SOUND. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE IN NUMEROUS TIMES COSTING $130.00 TO RUN THE TEST I AM TOLD THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THIS IS VERY TROUBLING AS I HAVE A TODDLER AND THIS IS CERTAINLY A SAFETY CONCERN NOT TO MENTION A BUDGET BREAKER AS THIS HAS COST ME APPROXIMATELY $1000.00. I FINALLY DECIDED TO STOP TAKING IT IN AS THE ONLY OUTCOME WAS A LITTLE LESS MONEY IN MY MONEY AND THE FAILURES STILL OCCURRING. THIS AS BEEN ON GOING SINCE 2003 WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. *NM
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON/OFF. ALSO, RADIATOR LEAKAGE/REPLACED HORN. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UP TO 90 MPH, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL.BRAKING SYSTEM COULD NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD TO BE APPLIED, AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO PUT INTO NEUTRAL AND SHUT OFF, TO STOP. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
WHILE DRIVING BRAKING SYSTEM IS FAILING, CAUSING COMPUTER TO SHUT DOWN THE VEHICLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
POWER STEERING LEAKS AND IS HARD TO TURN.
POWER STEERING IS STIFF AND LEAKS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
INTERMITTENTLY VEHICLE IDLES AT 2400-2600 RPMS AND WILL ACCELERATE SUDDENLY. DEALER HAS INSPECTED AND REPAIRED VEHICLE THREE TIMES. *AK
WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UP TO 90 MPH, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL.BRAKING SYSTEM COULD NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD TO BE APPLIED, AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO PUT INTO NEUTRAL AND SHUT OFF, TO STOP. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
OUT SIDE MIRRORS VIBRATE. QCAW
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
HONDA PASSPORT 1995.5, DRIVER DOOR WON'T OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE, DEALER TOOK 4 DAYS TO BE ABLE TO OPEN IT AND CHARGE ME $313.00 FOR SOMETHING I DIDN'T BREAK. THEY REPLACED THE LATCH AND IT'S WORKING NOW. THE DEALER MENTIONED THAT THERE IS SAME PROBLEM ON HONDA ACCORD, SO I THINK THERE SHOULD'VE BEEN SOME TYPE OF RECALL.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
LUGS: NUTS: BOLTS HAVE STRIPPED DURING NORMAL OPERATION ELEVEN TIMES SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. IF I HAVE A FLAT, I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO CHANGE THE TIRE AS THE LUG COULD NOT BE REMOVED. THE DEALER IN LAKE CHARLES ADVISES IT IS A DEFINITE SAFETY HAZARD, DESCRIBING THE LUGS AS "CHEAP." HOWEVER, HONDA DOES NOT HAVE REPLACEMENT LUGS. FURTHER, I DO NOT KNOW WHEN THE LUGS STRIP OR HOW MANY STRIP ON A WHEEL. AS MANY AS THREE HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT ONE TIME. WHILE UNLIKELY, IT SEEMS POSSIBLE THAT SEVERAL LUGS COULD STRIP ON ONE WHEEL, WEAKENING THE WHEEL CONNECTION TO THE HUB. HONDA REFUSES TO PAY FOR THE COST TO REPLACE THE LUGS NOW THAT THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THIS SUV IS MAINLY USED BY MY WIFE TO RUN ERRANDS. IT IS A TWO WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE THAT IS NOT TAKEN OFF ROAD. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A SAFETY HAZARD AND AM CONCERNED TAKING THE VEHICLE ON ROAD TRIPS WITH MY FAMILY INSIDE. PLEASE RESPOND TO MY COMPLAINT. THANK YOU. HALL JONES, LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
ADJUSTMENT TO DRIVE SHAFT, WHICH SHOULD SOLVE THE VIBRATING PROBLEM AT SPEED OF 45MPH TO 65MPH.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS DURING VEHICLE COLLISION CAUSING INJURIES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING ON 91 EAST FREEWAY ON JUNE 22, 03 AT 11:15 A.M. WHEN THE REAR RIGHT TIRE RUBBER CAME OUT. I LOST CONTROL AND HIT A CAR.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRANSMISSION FAILED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .