Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 ??? …
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. …
My 1999 Honda Passport is continuing to have problems with the auto transmission. From a cold start the SUV will intermittently shift hard into 2nd gear. I have taken to the power costa mesa Honda dealer to have them diagnose 5 times. They had no way of diagnosing the problem as the SUV would do this every once in a while. Finally, after one day of driving in traffic I found a way to duplicate the problem. I had placed it into 1st gear (low) the SUV shifted into 2nd! I am no mechanic but I do know that it is not supposed to happen. I was driving in 2nd when all of a sudden it realized oh I need to be in 1st! So I took the SUV back to have them diagnose the issue. They replaced a faa motor in the transmission. Part number: 8-96041-156-0, the part was 400 dollars and about 200 labor. …
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.
This Passport have been having (automatic) transmission problems at around 15 to 20 miles and at 25 to 30 miles. The mileage on this car now is about 50,200 miles. When I take to the dealer the problem is gone and they cannot diagnose the problem. The gears slams or jerks when it shifts and it also does when you slow down. The problem does not happen on higher gears. I have serviced the transmission and also put a new battery since the dealer said this might be the problem...but...the problem is still there. Does this problem happens to all 1999 passports? And if so what is the remedy.. Thank you, orlando r ayala .
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.
1999 Honda Passport jerks and makes grinding noises. While accelerating, driving or stopping the vehicle would jerk and make a grinding noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but they couldn't find the cause of the problem. When the gears were changed the panel control lights indicated that the vehicle was shifted into low gear. The rear wipers failed and the dealer replaced the wiper/washer switch. The ABS light illuminated. The dealer replaced the antilock PCM.
In my second year of owning my 1999 Honda Passport, I began to experience a jarring jolt when taking off from a stop imtermittantly. Now, about a year later, this has grown to a violent banging jolt when accelerating, and a full slipping between gears as I proceed. This grew worse very fast, and now I need to replace the transmission, at a cost of over $4,000.00, according to bell road Honda in phoenix. I'm at a loss, and need help.
When slowing down, the automatic transmission shifted into neutral, made a loud noise and vibrated. The vehicle was taken to two Honda dealers, who stated they did not work on transmissions. Vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic. The transmission was rebuilt, and two days later the same problem occurred. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of failure.
Auto transmission makes hard knocking sound on shifting that makes the car jerk and shutter. It's so violent that people in other cars notice and passengers in my car get scared. This started at 50,000 miles, has been in two shops, for almost 15 days and has not been repaired. The problem is intermittent and cannot always be duplicated at the shop.
Transmission complaints in other Passport years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Honda Passport?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Honda Passport, 11% of the model year's 228 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Honda Passport transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries and 1 death to transmission & drivetrain 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.