Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Honda Passport owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving my 1999 Honda Passport, the vehicle turned off and I pulled over to the side of the road. I had the vehicle towed to grand Honda in elmhurst illinois on November 10, 2003. The vehicle remained at the dealer for several weeks and then was told that they did not know what was wrong with the vehicle but they thought the engine needed to be replaced. I asked what happened to the engine and they said they were unsure, but thought that I needed to have mine replaced. I agreed and they later told me they were not able to find a reasonably priced engine and that it would be cheaper for me to take my SUV somewhere else. I contacted Honda corporate and was told the same. Honda did not stand behind their vehicle. The Honda dealer told me to have my vehicle picked up. I arranged for a tow truck to pick up my vehicle and deliver it to my home. …
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Honda Passport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The mechanic stated that the rear suspension lower link bracket was fractured due to excessive corrosion. In addition, the mechanic stated that the vehicle was not repairable because the frame was also corroded and the bracket could not be welded back onto the frame. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 10V436000 (suspension) but was advised by the manufacturer that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 154,000. ..updated 04/18/13 the consumer stated he finally found a frame restoration shop. …
The engine coughed and choked, and the vehicle stalled. I at first thought it wasn't warmed up enough before I started driving it, so I warmed it up in the morning for about 5 min. The problem didn't occur for a short while, then came back. I brought it to a Honda dealership. They tested it and advised me that the head cylinder gasket was blown, causing coolant to leak into the combustion chamber. Also one cylinder head is cracked and had to be replaced. The other cylinder head had to be machined. It took about a month to get it fixed. I found it very unusual that a major engine work had to be done with less than 60,000 miles.
Two problems. One is that the engine started knocking. Started out light and at only when the engine reached over 2000 RPM. Called taylor Honda service as soon as the noise started and they told me the first they could look at it was one week later. Eventually, the knock became an obvious break of something in the engine. I stopped driving the vehicle and had it towed to dealership. This problem has occurred for numerous owners judging from internet reports. The dealer has not diagnosed the problem yet. I am expecting a catastrophic problem. The fuel gauge has also been registering empty for over two months.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Honda Passport. The contact stated that the vehicle would not accelerate over 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to have a diagnostic performed. The failure was located at the transmission oil gasket. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 148,000. ..updated 07-17-13 the ball joints, exhaust, tie rod end, engine gaskets, sway bar links and timing belt all needed to be replaced.
Engine had been consuming oil, was told 1 qt./1000 mi. Is standard. At 54,000 miles engine eventually consumed 5-6 quarts in 3000 miles and failed - number 1 & 2 rods and bearings shot. Honda refuses to acknowledge any problem with oil consumption and blames failure on oil deprivation (lack of maintenance) even though oil change receipts and witnesses to last 3000 mi. Oil adds have been provided. Will not buy another Honda product, even if it is built by them!
Fuel gauge had not given accurate reading for 5-6 months. Used Honda repair facility's suggestion of gas tank cleaning to eliminate that possibility for cause of start failure. Within the same tank full of gas, car stalled and wouldn't restart. Repair facility finally determined ECU and fuel pump to be the cause. Seems this is a recurring issue with the vehicle, and only informed people search out forums like this to report the problem.
After a year of owning this vehicle, started stalling out even while driving (automatic trans). Check engine light came on, and was told by dealer that the manifold gasket needs to be replaced. Wants over $600 to do so. I can't afford it yet, so I'm dealing with the stalling until I can pay to have it fixed, but I'm wary of it because I've researched the problem and found the defect is repetitive in this vehicle.
While driving 80 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. When the consumer pulled over, he noticed all the fluids were pouring out of the vehicle, transmission fluid, oil, radiator etc. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the consumer was told the vehicle needed a new engine.
This car burns oil at a very fast rate, with no sign of leaks, etc. Took to dealer and they can't find source. I have to check oil level and usually replace each week - I drive about 150 miles weekly. Seems very excessive to me, especially w/ no suggestion on how to fix.
Engine complaints in other Passport years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1999 Honda Passport?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1999 Honda Passport, 13% of the model year's 228 complaints. The component named most often is engine (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Honda Passport engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1999 Honda Passport, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1999 Honda Passport engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.