1996 Honda Passport
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1994 | 37 |
| 1995 | 60 |
| 1996 | 41 |
| 1997 | 56 |
| 1998 | 229 |
| 1999 | 228 |
| 2000 | 102 |
| 2001 | 134 |
| 2002 | 23 |
| 2019 | 275 |
| 2020 | 100 |
| 2021 | 140 |
| 2022 | 61 |
| 2023 | 38 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2025 | 37 |
| 2026 | 59 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
32% of complaints: structure — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing underbody shields and frame and members.
Show complaint excerpts
FRAME ROTTING AWAY AND MAKING PASSPORT UNSAFE TO DRIVE RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20130122
17% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and radiator assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
BEARINGS FAIL, SEALS FAIL, LASH ADJUSTERS FAIL, EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, POORLY DESIGNED OIL CIRCULATION SYSTEM. *JS
NHTSA ODI report, 20120421
THE VEHICLE LEAKED OIL FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE FROM THE OIL PAN. *NLM. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030527
17% of complaints: suspension — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear.
Show complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20130726
12% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060823
NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAG DURING COLLISION, CAUSING INJURIES.
NHTSA ODI report, 19971218
UPON IMPACT, DURING FRONTAL CRASH AT APPROX, 40MPH, 12:00 ON FRONT BUMPER, DUAL AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, DRIVER SUSTAINED BACK INJURY. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970320
10% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing module and horn.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Honda Passport — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (7 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Honda Passport reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Honda Passport is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Honda Passport?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Honda Passport have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.