1996 Honda Passport problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1996 Honda Passport sits mid-pack among Passport years: 55 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 76, with no recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 4 deaths and 10 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (13), engine (8), and suspension (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
55
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
10
Injuries
4
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1996 compare to other Passport years?
What are the most common 1996 Honda Passport problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body & Structure | 13 | 24% | — flat |
| Engine | 8 | 15% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 7 | 13% | — flat |
| Airbags | 5 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 4 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 4 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 3 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Other | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Transmission | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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…”
“CUSTOMER STATES THE VEHICLE IS CONSUMING A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF OIL, OIL DRIPPING FROM TAIL PIPE, AND ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE ENGINE WOULD RUN ROUGH AND MAKE A KNOCKING NOISE, ALSO THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WOULD COME ON, DEALER REMOVED ENGINE AND CONCLUDED THAT OIL WAS TRAVELING THROUGH THE…”
“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…”
“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…”
“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…”
1996 Honda Passport — common questions
Is the 1996 Honda Passport reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 55 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Passport year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 1996 Passport problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (13 complaints), engine (8 complaints), suspension (7 complaints).
Does the 1996 Honda Passport have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1996 Honda Passport.
Which Honda Passport years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Passport years to avoid are 2019, 1998, 1999, 2021, 2001, 2020, 2000, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2024. The cleanest record among Passport years belongs to 1981.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.