1997 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
- 56
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Structure
None on file
None on file
23% of complaints
Complaints per year
1997: 56 complaints
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 | 279 |
| 2020 | 104 |
| 2021 | 145 |
| 2022 | 64 |
| 2023 | 40 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 45 |
| 2026 | 68 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Structure
23% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing frame and members and underbody shields.
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, 2015-04-19
Also filed under Suspension
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, 2014-10-14
Engine and engine cooling
23% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle consumes excessive oil that can cause a potential engine failure, per manufacturer/dealership. There is a TSB for this issue.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-15
The valves rattle in the engine. When they rattle I check the oil level and it's fine. I found out...
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-01
Power train
14% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Suspension
9% · 5 reportsVisibility
9% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing power window devices and controls and windshield wiper/washer.
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
1997 Honda Passport — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Structure: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 8 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
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, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Honda Passport have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.