1997 Honda Passport problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1997 Honda Passport sits mid-pack among Passport years: 69 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 77, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (13), body & structure (13), and transmission (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
69
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1997 compare to other Passport years?
What are the most common 1997 Honda Passport problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 13 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 13 | 19% | — flat |
| Transmission | 8 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 5 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 5 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 4 | 6% | — flat |
| Airbags | 3 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 3 | 4% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 3 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Other | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I TOOK MY "97 HONDA PASSPORT TO THE MECHANIC TO HAVE MY WATER PUMP LOOKED AT. WHILE THE CAR WAS ON HIS LIFT, HE NOTICED A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE FRAME. THERE WERE PLACES WHERE THE FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT COMPLETELY. I HAVE NEVER USED THIS SUV OFF ROAD AND HAVE MAINTAINED IT WELL. A FRIEND…”
“I BOUGHT THE CAR AT 74,671 MILES, IT WAS BURNING 1/2 QUART EVERY 500 MILES. AT 80,044 MI THE ENGINE WAS REBUILT WITH NEW RINGS, VALVE SEALS AND THE WHOLE WORKS. THE ENGINE IS STILL BURNING THE SAME AMOUNT OF OIL, AND HAVE TROUBLES WITH OTHER THINGS. SUCH AS BELTS,CRANK PULLEY,INSTRUMENTS,4X4 VALVES…”
“TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AND THERE IS NO WAY TO CHECK DUE TO THEY DID NOT PUT IN A DIP-STICK TO CHECK THE LEVEL OF FLUID WHICH EVEN IF YOU GO TO A GAS STATION OR HAVE THE OIL CHANGED THEY CANNOT CHECK TO SEE THE LEVEL OF FLUID. I WANTED TO KNOW BEFORE I BUY THIS WHETHER OR NOT IT IS COVERED UNDER…”
“THE FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE LEAF SPRING IN THE BACK TO FALL DOWN. MY REAR END IS NO LONGER HELD IN PLACE AND CAN FALL OUT FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. MY CAR IS NO LONGER DRIVABLE. IT'S A 97 HONDA PASSPORT. OTHER WISE MY VEHICLE IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION…”
“PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOW WAS ROLLED DOWN WHICH CREATED A 1 1/2 INCH SEPARATION BETWEEN RUBBER FRAME AND WINDOW, ALLOWING A 18- MONTH CHILD TO PLACE A FINGER ON BOTTOM OF SEPARATION. THEREFORE, CUTTING OFF LEFT INDEX FINGER WHEN POWER WINDOW WAS ROLLED UP BY DRIVER.CONSUMER IS INVOLVED IN LAWSUIT…”
1997 Honda Passport — common questions
Is the 1997 Honda Passport reliable?
It is close to typical for the Passport: 69 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 1997 Passport problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (13 complaints), body & structure (13 complaints), transmission (8 complaints).
Does the 1997 Honda Passport have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1997 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.