Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
When the Passport was purchased in May of 2002, the fuel light intermittently blinked. The problem was diagnosed by Honda cars of concord (nc) as a "fuel sending unit." estimated cost, including labor was $500. I decided to keep track of fuel by calculating the mileage because this "wasn't a warranty problem" because I bought it "pre-owned." that problem was minor compared to what came next. I noticed the transmission acting funny by skipping and revving hard. When I took it in for the dealership to check the transmission fluid, (because you can't do this yourself), they informed me that the transmission needed to be replaced. I couldn't believe it. This vehicle has just under 47,000 miles ! After further investigation, I see where scores of others have the identical problem around the same amount of miles. No recall ??? …
Braking system malfunctioned, causing extended stopping distance. In one case, braking system was inoperative and resulted in a crash. Dealer said occupant's foot slipped off brake pedal and hit gas pedal. Previously, took vehicle to dealer for brake repairs. The consumer had three brake failure incidents for which the dealer could not find the cause. During the fourth failure, the vehicle went out of control and crashed, causing damage. The dealer states that the consumer possibly stepped on both brake and accelerator at the same time. ABS light illuminated after accident. Engine light illuminated due to manifold gasket leaking, dealer replaced it.
Noticed that fuel gauge is not working properly because it went empty even though I have a tank full of gas. I did some internet research and found out that this is related to a defective 'fuel sending unit'. It affects Honda passports and Isuzu rodeo vehicles . My SUV Honda Passport fuel gauge is not working due to bad float chamber on the pump component has manufacturing defects. My fuel gauge has started fluctuating wildly. The most common thing though, is that it reads out of gas shortly after a fill up. This is the same model as an Isuzu rodeo and the problems are duplicated there. I want to make sure a recall happens and that it covers the hondas as well.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Honda Passport 4wd. The contact stated that the frame and its brackets were severely rusted. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 65,000 and the current mileage was 81,000. Updated 12/12/11 the consumer stated the rust went from the cross member, to the rear of the vehicle on the driver's side. . The ABS light illuminated and the gas gauge never worked correctly. Updated 06/13/12...
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.
Approx 6 mo after purchase fuel gauge stopped working. Shows empty w/ blinking light at all times, and I must record mileage between fill-ups so I don't run out of gas. Haven't repaired as research shows this will cost over $600 and usually fails again. Obviously a manufacturer's problem - should be recalled.
The fuel gauge reads empty on my vehicle even when the tank is completely full. This condition has existed for over 60,000 miles and I have not had it serviced because the dealer wants $700 for parts and labor and informed me that they will be using the exact same parts that might fail again.
My fuel gauge has started fluctuating wildly. The most common thing though, is that it reads out of gas shortly after a fill up. This is the same model as an Isuzu rodeo and the problems are duplicated there. I want to make sure a recall happens and that it covers the hondas as well.
Fuel gage stop working last year had new one put in . It has failed again fuel gage would register empty when tak as 3/4 full fuel light would come on. Took to deeler who said it was a faulty sending unit and they would have to replace the hole fuel sending unit inside the tank
I purchased a 99 Honda Passport from Mazda of knoxville located in knoxville tn. The vehicle had 49000 mi. 3 days later it started making noise in the engine, and also the fuel gauge stopped working as well as the air conditioner. I called them back, they told me to bring it back to them. They kept it a week and a half. I picked it up and brought it home. They claimed to have done 3700 dollars worth of work to it to fix it. I returned home and 2 days later and had the oil changed, the people changing my oil asked me if the vehicle had been under water before, I said I didn? Know. When I had the oil changed it started making noises again. I called them back and they said the noise was nothing to worry about, it is normal so this time they offered no help. Said it was my problem. I continued to drive the vehicle and now not only is it making noise but it isn?t running right. …
Fuel System complaints in other Passport years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1999 Honda Passport?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1999 Honda Passport, 12% of the model year's 228 complaints. The component named most often is storage › fuel gauge system (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Honda Passport fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system 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 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system 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.