1997 Honda Passport problems
The Honda Passport is a line of sport utility vehicles (SUV) from the Japanese automaker Honda. Originally, it was a badge engineered version of the Isuzu Rodeo, a mid-size SUV sold between 1993 and 2002. It was introduced in 1993 for the 1994 model year as Honda's first entry into the growing SUV market of the 1990s in the United States. The first and second generation Passport was manufactured by Subaru Isuzu Automotive in Lafayette, Indiana. Like various other Honda models, it re-used a name from their motorcycle division, the Honda C75 Passport. The other two name candidates were Elsinore and Odyssey, the latter would be re-used a year later on a minivan.
The Passport was a part of a partnership between Isuzu and Honda in the 1990s, which saw an exchange of passenger vehicles from Honda to Isuzu, such as the Isuzu Oasis, and trucks from Isuzu to Honda, such as the Passport and Acura SLX. This arrangement was convenient for both companies, as Isuzu discontinued passenger car production in 1993 after a corporate restructuring, and Honda was in desperate need of an SUV, a segment that was growing in popularity in North America as well as Japan during the 1990s. The partnership ended in 2002 with the discontinuation of the Passport in favor of the Honda-engineered Pilot.
In November 2018, Honda announced that the Passport nameplate would return as a two-row mid-size crossover SUV slotted between the CR-V and Pilot. The third-generation Passport was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 27, 2018. It is built at Honda's factory in Lincoln, Alabama, and available for the 2019 model year.
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Common 1997 Honda Passport problems
The Honda Passport, produced from 1994 to 2002, has been known to have several issues, particularly in the second generation, which includes the 1997 model.
Another major concern with the 1999 Honda Passport is the rusting of the frame, which has been reported by multiple users. The rusting is so severe that it cannot be repaired or welded, making the SUV unsafe to drive. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has received over 80 complaints regarding service brakes alone for the 1999 Passport, indicating a significant problem with the vehicle's braking system.
The 1997 Honda Passport has also been reported to have engine problems, with some owners experiencing blown engines due to overheating. One owner reported having over 250,000 miles on their Passport and needed to replace the engine, but had difficulty finding a remanufactured engine for sale.
Additionally, excessive frame rust has been reported as a problem with the 1997 Honda Passport, as well as other models in the Passport's production run. This issue is particularly concerning as it can lead to significant safety hazards, such as the frame breaking or collapsing during an accident.
In summary, the 1997 Honda Passport has been reported to have several issues, including faulty brake equipment, frame rust, and engine problems. These issues can be costly to repair and may pose significant safety hazards. Therefore, potential buyers should exercise caution when considering purchasing a 1997 Honda Passport or any other model in the Passport's production run.
What is the most common problem with Honda Passport?
Brake-related problems are amongst the most commonly reported 2022 Honda Passport problems. These issues can include squeaking or grinding noises, premature wear of brake pads, or brake pedal pulsation. Problems can arise due to worn brake components, contaminated brake fluid, or improper brake system maintenance.
Is Honda Passport a reliable car?
The 2024 Honda Passport has a predicted reliability score of 85 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
Does Honda Passport have transmission problems?
The 55-page complaint says that the apparent defect plaguing the ZF 9HP transmission in 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2018-2019 Honda Odyssey, 2019-present Honda Passport and 2020-present Honda Ridgeline vehicles can produce rough and delayed shifting; loud noises during shifting; sudden, harsh accelerations and decelerations ...
What is the oldest Honda Passport?
First released for the 1994 model year, the original Honda Passport was actually a rebadged version of the Isuzu Rodeo delivered as part of a partnership between the two car companies.
1997 Honda Passport car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Honda Passport problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Suspension problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Honda Passport vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1997 Honda Passport
The NHTSA has received 64 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Honda Passport. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1997 Honda Passport vehicles.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-06
- VIN: 4S6CM58V9V4
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: IN 2015 I BOUGHT A 1997 HONDA PASSPORT FROM SOMEBODY AND NOTICED THE FRAME HAS EXTREME ROT AND ITS SO BAD IT ROTTED A FUEL LINE CAUSING A LEAK NOW, I OWNED A 1995.5 ISUZU RODEO WITH EXCESIVE FRAME ROT AS WELL TO WHERE THE FRAME BROKE IN HALF WHILE DRIVING. THESE FRAMES USED IN ALL OF THE ISUZU RODEOS AND HONDA PASSPORTS AREN'T TREATED PROPERLY BEFORE THEY WERE RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC, THERE ARE HOLES IN THE FRAME AS LONG AS A FOOT, THESE NEED TO BE ADDRESSED ASAP BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED OR INJURED BECAUSED OF IT, I HAVENT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE YET DUE TO THIS FACT OR THE BREIF MOMENTS I DO DRIVE IT I FEEL AS IF ITS GOING TO BREAK IN HALF. IT WONT LET ME PUT THE MILEAGE IT HAS 176009.
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-04-01
- VIN: 4S6CM58V1V4
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH IN LEFT REAR AREA NEAR LEAF SPRING HANGER. SHOULD THE FRAME FAIL IN THIS AREA, THE AXLE WILL NO LONGER BE SECURED TO THE VEHICLE. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. A RECALL HAS BEEN MADE FOR YEARS STARTING 1998 OF THE SAME VEHICLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-14
- VIN: 4S6CM58V8V4
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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? *TR
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-01-04
- VIN: 4S6CM58V4V4
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE LEAF SPRING IN THE BACK TO FALL DOWN. MY REAR END IS NO LONGER HELD IN PLACE AND CAN FALL OUT FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. MY CAR IS NO LONGER DRIVABLE. IT'S A 97 HONDA PASSPORT. OTHER WISE MY VEHICLE IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION INSIDE AND OUT WHICH MAKES ME SICK TO KNOW THAT THE FRAME IS GONE. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-10-03
- VIN: 4S6CM58V5V4
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN CHANGING THE BRAKES I NOTICED A LOT OF SURFACE RUST WHEN I INSPECTED FURTHER I FOUND TWO HOLES IN FRAME ONE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BEHIND THE WHEEL AND THE SECOND IN THE REAR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE INFRONT OF THE BACKSIDE OF THE LEAF SPRING SHACKLE THE HOLE IN THE BACK IS AS TALL OF THE FRAME RAIL AND ABOUT 10 INCHES LONG ONLY ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE FRAME THE HOLE IN THE FRONT IS ONLY A FEW INCHES TALL AND 6 INCHES LONG ON THE OUTSIDE OF FRAME AND STARTING ON THE BOTTOM OF FRAME RAIL THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE BUT MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION I INSPECT IT DAILY TO CHECK FOR ANY DISFORMING OF THE FRAME. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-12-02
- VIN: 4S6CM58V1V4
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HONDA PASSPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHEN HE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS SEVERE RUST AND CORROSION ON THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V436000 (SUSPENSION:REAR). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 180,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-09-11
- VIN: 4S6CM58V1V4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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. WHEN I CHECKED CAR AT HOME I OBSERVED THAT THE RUBBER THIMBLE COVERING THROTTLE CABLE AT THROTTLE WAS DETERIORATED. I PULLED THE RUBBER THIMBLE OFF AND OBSERVED THAT THE RUBBER HAD ENTERED THE THROTTLE CABLE HOUSING AND WAS THE CAUSE, JAMMING THE CABLE AT THE ACCELERATED SPEED. I CLEARED THE CABLE AND HOUSING OF THE EMBEDDED RUBBER AND CAR ACCELERATED/DECELERATED NORMALLY. A PRECURSOR TO THIS WAS THAT MY GAS MILEAGE HAD DECREASED DRAMATICALLY ON THE LAST FILL UP, SATURDAY, FROM 19MPG TO LESS THAN 12MPG. I WAS LOOKING FOR A LEAK AND HAD INTENTIONS OF BRINGING IT INTO THE REPAIR SHOP ON MONDAY (TOMORROW). *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-06-15
- VIN: 4S6CM58V1V4
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: EXCESSIVE RUSTING ON STEEL CHASSIS OF 1997 HONDA PASSPORT TO THE POINT WHERE IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE VEHICLE. HONDA HAS RECALL ON '98 AND ABOVE FOR FRAME RUST ISSUES BUT NOT ON 95-97 MODELS. IF THIS VEHICLE IS IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE IT IS HIT BROADSIDE FROM PASSENGER SIDE, THE FRAME IS SO RUSTED (CAN PUT WHOLE FIST INTO IT) THAT IT WILL MOST LIKELY SPLIT THE CAR IN HALF. HONDA WANTS TO CHARGE ME A DIAGNOSTIC FEE TO DETERMINE IF THEY ARE WILLING TO DO ANYTHING WITH THE VEHICLE. OBVIOUSLY, OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE (NHTSA'S INTERNAL REFERENCE NUMBER : 10262212 ). WHERE THIS GENTLEMAN SEEMED TO BE ORIGINAL OWNER REFERENCING NO OFFROADING HISTORY, I CANNOT VOUGE SINCE I JUST BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FOR MY DAUGHTER TO DRIVE TO COLLEGE. AT THIS TIME, I HAVE PARKED THE VEHICLE AND PROHIBITED HER FROM DRIVING IT. *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-04-20
- VIN: 4S6CM58V1V4
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HONDA PASSPORT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH HE CONTACT HEARD A CRACKING SOUND UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED A CRACKED SUSPENSION LINK IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE SUSPENSION CRACK WAS DUE TO RUST BUILD UP ON THE FRAME. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HIM TO TAKE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS VERY UNSTABLE AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-05
- VIN: 4S6CM58V5V4
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HONDA PASSPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE IN FOR ROUTINE SERVICE, THE MECHANIC ADVISED HIM THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED TO PERFORM ANY REPAIRS. THEY ALSO ADVISED THAT HE SHOULD NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE SEVERITY OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-01
- VIN: 4S6CM58VXV4
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 1997 HONDA PASSPORT - BODY IN EXCELLENT SHAPE. INTERIOR - VERY NICE. FRAME IS IN HORRIFIC CONDITION. THE COMPLETE FRAME IS EXTREMELY RUSTED FROM FRONT TO REAR AND IN A VERY WEAKENED STATE. TRANSMISSION CROSS-MEMBER SUPPORT AT FRAME IS ALSO RUSTED VERY BAD. FRONT CAB SUPPORTS RUSTED VERY BAD. THE REAR SPRING ATTACHMENT, LEFT SIDE, RUSTED AND COLLAPSED. IT CAME UNATTACHED FROM THE BADLY RUSTED FRAME. RIGHT SIDE, REAR, APPEARS IN VERY BAD SHAPE ALSO. THIS FRAME HAS BEEN PATCHED AND WELDED MANY TIMES. IT WILL CONTINUALLY NEED TO BE PATCHED AND REPAIRED. AFRAID IF I HIT A POTHOLE, THE SUSPENSION WILL RIP AWAY FROM THE FRAME DUE TO THE SEVERE RUSTED CONDITION OF THE FRAME. NOTICE MANY PASSPORTS IN AUTO SALVAGE YARDS WITH RUSTED FRAMES. SAMPLE FRAME PIECES FROM PASSPORTS NEED TO BE CUT OUT AND THE METAL ANALYZED FOR QUALITY OF MATERIALS THAT WERE USED. I BELIEVE MANUFACTURER IS WELL AWARE OF THIS SITUATION AND SHOULD STAND BEHIND THIS POOR PRODUCT AND RECALL BY SENDING NOTICE TO ALL OWNERS OF PASSPORTS. FORD HAD FRAME ISSUES AND RUSTED BODY ISSUES IN THE LATE 60'S AND EARLY 70'S AND I BELIEVE IT WAS FROM IMPORTED STEEL THAT WAS BEING USED. FORD TOOK CARE OF THEIR CUSTOMERS BY MAKING THE NECESSARY REPAIRS FOR THEM. I WITNESSED THIS RUST ISSUE THAT FORD HAD AS I WAS A TECHNICIAN FOR FORD AT THE TIME. PLEASE DO NOT DISREGARD THIS COMPLAINT FROM ME AND THE MANY OTHER HONDA PASSPORT OWNERS WHO ARE AFRAID TO SELL OR TRADE IN THEIR SUVS. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE QUICKLY!! *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-01
- VIN: 4S6CM58V6V4
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE ENTIRE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH AND BASICALLY DETERIORATING. I CAN LOOK UNDERNEATH MY VEHICLE AND SEE HOLES WHERE THE METAL SHOULD BE AND SEE IT FLAKING OFF. I COULD EASILY POKE A HOLE RIGHT THROUGH IT ON JUST ABOUT ANY POINT ON BOTH THE FRONT AND THE REAR. IT HAS BEEN LIKE THIS FOR A FEW YEARS NOW BUT IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE, TO THE POINT WHERE I DON'T THINK IT IS REALLY SAFE TO DRIVE. I SAW ON THE NEWS RECENTLY WHERE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES LITERALLY FALLING APART AND BREAKING IN TWO. THE NEWS STORY STATED THE YEARS 1998-2008 BUT MY 1997 IS EXACTLY THE SAME UNDERNEATH. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-03-01
- VIN: 4S6CM58V2V4
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-25
- VIN: 4S6CK58V7V4
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-26
- VIN: JHLRD1841VC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS OVER 2-3 MONTHS IN 2007. IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED IN 03/07 PER RECALL ON 1997 HONDA CRV. IN 06/07, VEHICLE STALLED TWICE WHILE DRIVING ALONG WITH ERRATIC TACHOMETER MOVEMENT AND VEHICLE SPUTTERED AND STARTED. CURRENTLY AT DEALER, DIAGNOSED WITH FAILURE OF IGNITION COIL . NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL. *AK
STRUCTURE,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-08
- VIN: 4S6CM58V5V4
- Components: STRUCTURE,TIRES
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH THE BACK LEFT TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. IT TORE THE SKIRT AROUND THE BACK WHEEL FROM THE HOLDING SCREWS ,CAUSING MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE LEFT BUMPER. ALSO, IT TORE THE BLACK BORDER PANELS FROM DOOR AND BUMPER. THE AMAZING PART WAS THAT THE TIRE NEVER WENT FLAT. HAVE PHOTOS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-02-13
- VIN: 4S6CM58V2V4
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS ENGAGES ON DRY ROADS INCREASING REQUIRED STOPPING DISTANCE. PROBLEM OCCURS MOST OFTEN WHEN TURNING INTO PARKING SPACE,BUT HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHILE STRAIGHT LINE BRAKING. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. *JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-07
- VIN: 4S6CM58V9V4
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: NO FALIURE HAS OCCURED YET, THE FRAME IS RUSTED AT THE A ARM BY THE STEERING KNUCKLE. WHICH IS POTENTIALY DANGEROUS. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-08
- VIN: 4S6CM58V5V4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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. *JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-07-27
- VIN: 4S6CM58V2V4
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE HAVING EXHAUST WORK DONE THE MECHANIC NOTICED THE FRAME ON MY 1997 HONDA PASSPORT WAS RUSTED. THE DEALER DESCRIBED IT AS 100% RUSTED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE (ABOUT 1 FOOT LONG BEHIND THE FRONT TIRE) AND 50% ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE DEALER SAID THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND COULD CAUSE A FATAL ACCIDENT. I REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO HONDA AMERICA AND RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE LOCAL DEALER STATING THAT HONDA WAS GOING TO DO SOMETHING, BUT NEEDED TO HAVE ALL THE REPAIR COSTS DOCUMENTED. THEY SAID IT WAS UNLIKELY THAT ANYTHING ATTACHED TO THE FRAME, LIKE BRAKE AND FUEL LINES COULD BE REUSED. I THEN RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING PHONE MESSAGE FROM HONDA AMERICA: ''THIS IS MICKI CALLING FROM AMERICAN HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE.... THE BODY SHOP DID PERFORM A VERY THROUGH INSPECTION AND, BASED ON THEIR FINDINGS AMERICAN HONDA WOULD NOT BE OFFERING ASSISTANCE ON THIS REPAIR. OUR MAIN CONCERN WAS TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT THE RUST THAT HAS RUSTED THE FRAME WAS CAUSED BY AN ABNORMALITY IN THE WAY THE CAR WAS DESIGNED OR THE MATERIALS THAT WERE USED. AND WHEN THEY LOOKED UNDERNEATH THEY REALIZED THAT THE ENTIRE UNDERBODY OF THE CAR HAS BEEN CORRODED BY ROAD SALT '' AH, BRAKE LINES, TRAN.. COOLER LINES, EVERYTHING HAS BEEN AFFECTED BY THESE VERY CORROSIVE '' HIGHLY CORROSIVE MATERIALS USED. THEY CERTAINLY DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT YOU DRIVE THE CAR THEY DON'T FEEL THAT IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE, BUT THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE THAT AMERICAN HONDA WOULD ASSIST YOU IN THE REPAIR GIVEN THAT IT WAS SOMETHING THAT HAS OCCURRED IN THE ENVIRONMENT. I DIDN'T FIND ANY OTHER INSTANCES OF RUSTING FRAMES FOR THE THIS PASSPORT AND HONDA WOULD CERTAINLY HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THOSE IF THAT HAD BEEN THE ISSUE THAT IT WAS LIKE A DESIGN DEFECT AND I DO KNOW THAT YOU LIVE IN AN AREA THAT IS THE RUST BELT OF THE UNITED STATES... IN EFFECT, HONDA SAYS THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE AFTER 7 YEARS ON MICHIGAN ROADS, EVEN THOUGH THE BODY HAS NO RUST AND IT RUNS WELL. *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-08
- VIN: 1HGCE6670VA
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY SRS LIGHT IS ON MY 1997 HONDA ACCORD, AND THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIX IT. ALSO, I'VE READ ABOUT A TON OF OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM IN ACCORDS, CIVICS, AND CRVS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-14
- VIN: 4S6CM58V9V4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.*AK
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-05
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND POWER TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, DASH LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS WENT DIM. WHEN PRESSING ON BRAKE PEDAL RADIO CUT OFF, AND SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. ALSO, WHEN DRIVING AT 30 MPH OR ABOVE THERE WAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, VEHICLE DID NOT SHIFT GEARS. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-07
- VIN: 4S6CM58V6V4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CAMSHAFT BOLT SPLIT IN HALF CAUSING MY ENGINE TO SEIZE UP WHEN THE BOLT FEEL DOWN INTO THE PULLEY. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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. *LA
Negative 1997 Honda Passport car reviews
Positive 1997 Honda Passport car reviews
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I bought this car as a temporary replacement for my old SUV until I can afford a brand new one. It has been a great experience so far, with no major mechanical issues. The only minor problems I have encountered are that the door locks tend to stay down when unlocked and I am not a fan of the automatic locking doors as soon as the ignition key is turned. (I had to get many duplicate keys made after getting locked out with the motor running three times!) The car consumes 1 quart of oil every 2-3k, and the lifters make a bit more noise than I think they should. Overall, it has been a pleasant experience, and I am now preparing to look for that brand new car soon!
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Performance is good. The interior is roomy, especially the passenger seating. The gas mileage is poor, averaging 15-20 mpg's. There are some minor issues, such as a broken passenger window mechanism and a broken driver windshield wiper mechanism.
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The Honda Passport has been incredibly reliable and has performed exceptionally well in the snow, even better than some of the more car-like SUVs of recent years. It has exceeded all my expectations of a vehicle with the Honda name. I have owned it for 6 years without any major issues.
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Well, what a great SUV! I don't care if it is a Rodeo underneath the Honda Emblem, it's such a fun truck to drive. I haven't had any major warranty claims to date. I haven't been off-road yet, but I'll write about it when I do.
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Hey there! I've been driving this SUV for the past two years and I haven't had a single issue with it so far.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Honda Passport problems:
1997 Honda Passport Problems and Complaints - 9 Issues
Top 1997 Honda Passport Problems · Rear Hatch Won't Open Due to Broken Hatch Button · Varnish buildup in engine may cause ticking noise · Limited slip ...
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Oct 12, 2010 ... 1997 Honda Passport that i stopped driving ... i have a 1997 Honda Passport ... Valvecover gaskets are a fairly common problem on older higher ...
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Jun 25, 2009 ... Dan, How sure are you that the problem is fuel sending unit. I have rad on internet that this was a common problem for this year Honda Passport ...
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Sep 30, 2006 ... ... common problem on these truck? I read that people got valve and head gasket problem. Thank you. 97 Honda Passport 4x4 V6 90 Isuzu Pickup LS ...
Other years of Honda Passport
Are you having problems with your 1997 Honda Passport?
Moriah Witting 2024-11-17
Our Honda Passport has been a reliable and safe vehicle for my husband and me. Although we had some initial issues after purchasing the car with 30000 miles in Jan99, we were grateful to have bought the extended warranty. Since then, we have had to replace the alternator, starter, battery, transmission, and catalytic converter. Despite these challenges, we remain confident in the safety and dependability of our vehicle. Prior to the Passport, I owned a Honda Civic which I loved and had no problems with. We also own a used Grand Prix (94) with 97,000 miles, which has only required the replacement of 3 fuel injectors. Overall, we are satisfied with our decision to purchase the Honda Passport and feel confident in its reliability and safety.
Keshawn Baumbach 2024-11-08
I encountered several issues with the vehicle, including power window regulator failures and noisy lifters during colder seasons. Although I researched and found that the noisy lifters were a common issue with these vehicles, there was no recall in place. Due to sporadic engine noises that no shop could diagnose, I decided to sell the vehicle out of concern for its reliability and longevity. Despite the build quality issues, I still appreciate the vehicle's styling.
Zechariah Cartwright 2024-06-12
This car was okay at first, but the more I've driven it, the more I've grown to dislike it. Unfortunately, it has a poor ride, wind noise becomes a cacophony, every bump is pronounced, the engine is quite loud and not smooth at all, steering needs improvement, the rear seats become uncomfortable on long trips (especially for taller people), it lacks adjustable seatbelt anchorages, and it lacks power rearview mirrors, adjusting them becomes tedious. However, I'm glad Honda got rid of this Isuzu SUV and replaced it with its own.
Lucas Barton 2024-04-12
It seems like the car could benefit from a more streamlined design and improved fuel efficiency.
Maxime Nikolaus 2024-04-07
This car was great for the first year, but unfortunately, the engine started clicking afterwards. The noise only stops after getting the oil changed, and the noise elimination only lasted a month. Additionally, it sometimes felt like it was trying to pull itself. I was informed that this was the worst used car to buy after the fact. The driver leg space is not great because the seat doesn't adjust back that far. As someone who is 5'3, I had trouble when I wore stilettos. If you hit the slightest bump, it knocks it out of alignment. It seemed like the longer I drove it, the gas mileage got worse. Overall, I would not recommend buying this car. It's a waste of money, and it's no wonder you see so many used ones on car lots.