1998 Honda Passport
This year had more than double the complaints 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.
- Complaints
- 229
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 5
- Top problem
- Service brakes
Campaigns on file for 1998
Opened by NHTSA
32% of complaints
Complaints per year
1998: 229 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 | 276 |
| 2020 | 102 |
| 2021 | 143 |
| 2022 | 62 |
| 2023 | 40 |
| 2024 | 18 |
| 2025 | 39 |
| 2026 | 64 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
32% · 73 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Suspension
21% · 49 reportsMost commonly citing rear and front.
Show complaint excerpts
The left rear suspension arm holder rusted through and broke away from frame which let the rear axle to move causing the vehicle to sway. Fortuniately it happened in a 30 MPH zone. The frame is completely rusted and not fixable.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-08
Also filed under Structure
Structure
16% · 36 reportsMost commonly citing frame and members and body.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Honda Passport. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance and the contact was informed that the frame was severely corroded.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-26
Engine and engine cooling
11% · 26 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Electrical system
9% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing cables and front underhood.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer complained about having problems with the electrical components which caused an accident. The vehicle the accelerator dropped to the floor and the brakes did not respond.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-04
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Safety timeline
6 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
▮
1998Complaint volume 229 complaints filed for this model year.
-
R
1998-08-20Electrical system98V170002 Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. A ground connection terminal was not properly crimped in the supplier's engine wiring harness manufacturing line. This improper crimping process can…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these vehicles.
-
R
1998-08-24Electrical system98V170000 Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. A ground connection terminal was not properly crimped in the supplier's engine wiring harness manufacturing line. This improper crimping process can…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these vehicles.
-
I
1998-09-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 1999-03-31 Braking system/ABS
-
I
1998-10-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 1999-02-18 Broken accelerator pedal
-
I
1999-03-31Engineering analysisClosed 2002-07-31 Braking system/ABS
-
R
2000-03-31Suspension00V058000 Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Paint was applied unevenly on the rear axles, resulting in insufficient paint hardness. Should this occur on the surface that contacts the rear axle…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear axle lower link joint nut and bolt.
-
I
2009-06-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-12-08 Rear suspension lower link failure
-
I
2009-12-07Engineering analysisClosed 2010-10-15 Rear Suspension Lower Link Detachment
-
R
2010-12-10Suspension10V436000 Isuzu is recalling certain model year 1998-2002 isuzu rodeo and model year 2002 isuzu axiom vehicles, and Honda is recalling certain 1998-2002 Honda Passport vehicles, that were originally sold, or…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear suspension lower link bracket area. For vehicles in which little or no corrosion is found, the area will be treated with an anti-corrosive compound. For vehicles in…
-
R
Date not on fileUnknown or other97V206002 Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with a driver's side optional equipment rubber floor mat. Repeated movement of the driver's feet and actuation of the accelerator pedal can result in a shifting of the mat's position.
Remedy: Honda is asking for the return of the floor mat set and will reimburse owners for the cost of the rubber floor mat set along with any return shipping costs.
-
R
Date not on fileService brakes, hydraulic02I002001 Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles that are equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). The vehicles can experience extended stopping distances in certain types of braking events.
Remedy: Dealers will provide a replacement computer algorithm for the ABS that is based on the algorithm used in Honda's my 2000 and 2001 vehicles, which have not had the problem.
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Honda Passport — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 73 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 49 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 36 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 97V206002 · Unknown or other
- Recall 02I002001 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 98V170002 · Electrical system
- Recall 98V170000 · Electrical system
- Recall 00V058000 · Suspension
- Recall 10V436000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1998 Honda Passport reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Honda Passport is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 1998 Honda Passport?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 Honda Passport have?
- 6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.