Most common 1996 Honda Passport problems
Share of the 41 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Honda Passport complaints by model year
Best Passport years: 2024. Years to avoid: 2019, 2021, 2020, 2025, 2022. Compare all years →
What 1996 Honda Passport owners say
Body & structure
After experiencing a slight vibration at highway speeds, I removed my right front tire to inspect brakes, bearings, etc. I immediately discovered a large rust hole in my frame right where it bends up to the height of the engine mount. Further inspection revealed that hole, as well as, holes on the top and bottom in the same vicinity. I replaced the tire, removed the Passport from service and replaced it with a reliable vehicle. Since then I have monitored the web to see if any others had experienced frame rusting on Honda passports or Isuzu rodeos. There were multitudes. Today I took the Passport to a body shop for a professional inspection of the frame. The results were that the total right side of the frame was full of rust holes and the left side to a lesser extent. I am truly fortunate that I noticed the problem before serious injury to myself and family or others occurred. …
I recently purchased a 1996 Honda Passport and was told "you can't go wrong with a Honda"--drove good, body good, interior immaculate, etc. A mechanic looked at it for recent repairs needed on the electrical system and I was shown the horrific rusted frame, he actually put his hand through it!!! And not just in one area, the whole frame!! Unbelievable! I am a service tech that drives a vehicle, on average, 500 to 700 miles a week. Fortunately, I was not driving on the interstate at 70mph when the frame could have cost me my life--or anyone else's that could have been in my path. This is totally unacceptable. I have read many forums since receiving this information about my Passport, and it's obvious Honda is aware of the faulty steel that was used on these frames. They should compensate anyone still driving one of these morbidly unsafe vehicles and get them off the road! …
Engine & cooling
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.
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.
Air bags
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.
While traveling 40 MPH on black ice and as a result of an accident air bags did not deploy at any time. Please provide further informtion.
1996 Honda Passport engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 20 / 18 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 17 / 16 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 17 / 16 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Honda Passport a good car?
Based on 41 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Passport rates better than average: 48% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Passport at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Honda Passport?
The body & structure — 12 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frame and members. Next are the engine & cooling (7) and air bags (5).
How many recalls does the 1996 Honda Passport have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1996 Honda Passport. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Honda Passport?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2024. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2019, 2021, 2020, 2025 and 2022. See the full Honda Passport years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Honda Passport problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 138,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.