1996 Honda Passport: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 41 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (26% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
41
owner complaints
0
fire reports
138,441
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Among the quietest Passport years (#15 of 17 by complaints, age-adjusted)No fire reportsNo recall campaignsProblems tend to appear late (median 138,441 mi)Weak spot: structure (26%)
Common problems
Computed from 41 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)26% · 10 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)15% · 6 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)13% · 5 complaints
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)8% · 3 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)8% · 3 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)8% · 3 complaints
“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. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2013
“Bearings fail, seals fail, lash adjusters fail, excessive oil consumption, poorly designed oil circulation system. *js”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2012
“This vehicle is experiencing extreme frame corrosion of both the forward and rear frame member. There are large perforations in multiple areas along the entire length of the frame, and I don't see any way to repair other than a complete frame replacement. Why is the dividing line for the recall 10v436000 set at the 1998 model year? This is the same basic vehicle with the same rotted frame as those involved in the recall. I firmly believe that the doors should rot of a vehicle long before the frame becomes an issue. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2011
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 honda passport. The contact stated after having his vehicle serviced for routine maintenance he was advised that the frame was severely covered with rust. The manufacturer was notified and offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was approximately 161,000.”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 honda passport. The contact stated during routine maintenance by an independent mechanic he was informed that the frame was severely covered with rust. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The contact expressed concern regarding the failure because a later year of the same model was recalled for a similar failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2011
“This vehicle has serious rust issues for its age. The frame is completely rusted through in many spots which makes it a hazard to drive. In april of 2011 the shock tower broke free of the frame and now wobbles free in the wheel well. We first noticed a rust problem some years back when my brother purchased the vehicle. He was the second owner of it at approx. 50k miles. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2011
“Severe frame rust near the rear of the vehicle. Areas of the box frame around the right rear shock mount are completely missing and falling off due to rust. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2010
“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. There were injuries sustained and a police report was taken. The seat belts were in use however they did work properly. There were no air bag lights illuminated prior to the incident. The dealership has not been notified.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2006
“Check engine keeps coming on & off.. When making a left hand turn and/or engaging the left hand turn signal; this causes the horn to sound. After taking the vehicle in numerous times costing $130.00 to run the test I am told they are not able to find anything wrong. This is very troubling as I have a toddler and this is certainly a safety concern not to mention a budget breaker as this has cost me approximately $1000.00. I finally decided to stop taking it in as the only outcome was a little less money in my money and the failures still occurring. This as been on going since 2003 when I purchased the vehicle. *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2006
“Have been experiencing knock in the valves. Have taken the truck to multiple repair facilities and it is stated as being "normal" for the passport/rodeo vehicles. Statements have been made by other owners of that same vehicle. Isuzu/honda say it has to do with type of gas/oil used. I have only ever used the recommended 5w30 with 87 octane. I have no where else to go. Everyone I talk to knows that it is a problem, but there is no fix or bulletin posted.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 10 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1996 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Drive type4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 · 4x2
How other years compare
Check your exact Passport by VIN
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Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Honda Passport reliable?
NHTSA has 41 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Honda Passport. The most complained-about area is structure (26% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Honda Passport problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 138,441 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.