MYRModel Year Report

1997 Honda Passport

● Typical for this model
1997 Honda Passport
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:34:54.058Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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: 37 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: 275 complaints 2020: 100 complaints 2021: 140 complaints 2021 2022: 61 complaints 2023: 38 complaints 2024: 16 complaints 2024 2025: 37 complaints 2026: 59 complaints 2026
1997: 56 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19811
199437
199560
199641
199756
1998229
1999228
2000102
2001134
200223
2019275
2020100
2021140
202261
202338
202416
202537
202659

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

STRUCTURE 23%

23% of complaints: structure — 13 distinct reports on file, most 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, 20150419

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, 20141014

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 23%

23% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 13 distinct reports on file, most 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. *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 14%

14% of complaints: power train — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

SUSPENSION 9%

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

VISIBILITY 9%

9% of complaints: visibility — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and windshield wiper/washer.

INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 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 (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (8 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2025 ▲ 1994 ▲ 2023

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 "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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.