MYRModel Year Report

1997 Honda Passport

▲ Better than typical
1997 Honda Passport
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:56:40.871Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Honda Passport Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1981: 1 complaints 1981 1994: 36 complaints 1995: 60 complaints 1996: 41 complaints 1996 1997: 56 complaints 1997 1998: 229 complaints 1999: 228 complaints 1999 2000: 102 complaints 2001: 134 complaints 2002: 23 complaints 2002 2019: 268 complaints 2020: 90 complaints 2021: 127 complaints 2021 2022: 55 complaints 2023: 33 complaints 2024: 15 complaints 2024 2025: 24 complaints 2026: 36 complaints 2026
1997: 56 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19811
199436
199560
199641
199756
1998229
1999228
2000102
2001134
200223
2019268
202090
2021127
202255
202333
202415
202524
202636

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

STRUCTURE 13%

13% of complaints: structure — 7 distinct reports on file.

SUSPENSION 9%

9% of complaints: suspension — 5 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150419

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 9%

9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE CONSUMES EXCESSIVE OIL THAT CAN CAUSE A POTENTIAL ENGINE FAILURE, PER MANUFACTURER/DEALERSHIP. THERE IS A TSB FOR THIS ISSUE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20030915

THE VALVES RATTLE IN THE ENGINE. WHEN THEY RATTLE I CHECK THE OIL LEVEL AND IT'S FINE. I FOUND OUT...

NHTSA ODI report, 20030501

POWER TRAIN 7%

7% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.

STRUCTURE 5%

5% of complaints: structure — 3 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150419

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?

NHTSA ODI report, 20141014

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Honda Passport — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for structure issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2023 ▲ 2026 ▲ 1994

WORST YEARS

■ 2019 ■ 1999 ■ 1998

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1997 Honda Passport reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Honda Passport is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Honda Passport?

The most-reported component is structure:frame and members, accounting for 13% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Honda Passport have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.