1996 Honda Passport

▲ Better than typical
1996 Honda Passport
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:48:56.514Z

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
41
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Structure

32% of complaints

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1981 1994: 37 complaints 1995: 60 complaints 1996: 41 complaints 1996 41 1997: 56 complaints 1998: 229 complaints 1999: 228 complaints 1999 2000: 102 complaints 2001: 134 complaints 2002: 23 complaints 2002 2019: 279 complaints 2020: 104 complaints 2021: 145 complaints 2021 2022: 64 complaints 2023: 40 complaints 2024: 21 complaints 2024 2025: 45 complaints 2026: 68 complaints
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1994: 37 complaints 1995: 60 complaints 1996: 41 complaints 1996 41 1997: 56 complaints 1998: 229 complaints 1999: 228 complaints 1999 2000: 102 complaints 2001: 134 complaints 2001 2002: 23 complaints 2019: 279 complaints 2019 2020: 104 complaints 2021: 145 complaints 2021 2022: 64 complaints 2023: 40 complaints 2023 2024: 21 complaints 2025: 45 complaints 2025 2026: 68 complaints
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1994: 37 complaints 1994 1995: 60 complaints 1995 1996: 41 complaints 1996 41 1997: 56 complaints 1997 1998: 229 complaints 1998 1999: 228 complaints 1999 2000: 102 complaints 2000 2001: 134 complaints 2001 2002: 23 complaints 2002 2019: 279 complaints 2019 2020: 104 complaints 2020 2021: 145 complaints 2021 2022: 64 complaints 2022 2023: 40 complaints 2023 2024: 21 complaints 2024 2025: 45 complaints 2025 2026: 68 complaints 2026

1996: 41 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19811
199437
199560
199641
199756
1998229
1999228
2000102
2001134
200223
2019279
2020104
2021145
202264
202340
202421
202545
202668

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Structure

32% · 13 reports

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-01-22

Engine and engine cooling

17% · 7 reports

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-21

The vehicle leaked oil from underneath the vehicle from the oil pan. *nlm.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-27

Suspension

17% · 7 reports

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-07-26

Air bags

12% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURY
Show 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, 2006-08-23

No deployment of airbag during collision, causing injuries.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-12-18

Upon impact, during frontal crash at approx, 40MPH, 12:00 on front bumper, dual airbags failed to deploy, driver sustained back injury.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-03-20

Electrical system

10% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing module and horn.

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

Buy-smart checklist

1996 Honda Passport — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Structure: 13 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 7 reports on file for this year.

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.