Frame Rust Problems of Honda Passport - part 1

Honda Passport owners have reported 77 problems related to frame rust (under the structure category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Honda Passport based on all problems reported for the Passport.

1 Frame Rust problem of the 2000 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 06/03/2019

Tl the contact owns a 2000 Honda Passport. While the contact's wife was driving 5 mph over a bump in the road, the suspension fractured. She lost control of the vehicle and later noticed that the frame was rusted. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to Honda of frontenac (885 s lindbergh blvd, st. Louis, mo 63131, (314) 994-1400), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to manguest Honda (5935 s lindbergh blvd, st louis, mo 63123, 314-649-1200) where it was diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced due to excessive rust. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was 140,000.

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2 Frame Rust problem of the 2000 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 04/29/2019

My vehicle has been at a Honda dealership for 3 weeks. It has damage related to an active recall. The entire back part of the frame is rusted, to the point there is no 'meat' to fix this issue. We are now getting zero response from Honda or the dealership, and need assistance in a positive resolution. The Honda case # 10v436000. This vehicle when towed had tires separating from the body, and is way beyond a patch-fix. I filled up the tank, apparently, the weight caused a separation in the frame. When stationary, a back tire separated from the frame when the tow truck attempted to load the vehicle. The extent of frame damage renders this un-fixable. . . But now our Honda rep and our dealership service manager will not return phone calls. Please help!.

3 Frame Rust problem of the 2001 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 03/08/2016

Frame rusted out and fuel tank mounting bracket rusted through.

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4 Frame Rust problem of the 2001 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 02/04/2016

My husband and I bought this vehicle a few days ago. Today he took it in to get a tune up and oil change. When the mechanic had the car lifted he recognized a significant amount of cracks/rust frame. The plastic gas tank is about to fall out of the metal casing that surrounds it, it is almost completely ate away. There is also a frame crack due to rust on the passenger rear frame behind the rear tire. The mechanic advised that we not continue to drive this car until the issue has been resolved due to our safety. . Read more...

5 Frame Rust problem of the 2000 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 04/08/2015

Nhtsa recall 10v436000 performed in early 2011. "performed link bracket inspection and stage 1 repair 4195a2" now, 4 years later. The frame is rusted and crumbled/broken behind the rear differential. Picture of this specific Passport uploaded to wikipedia Honda Passport page, titled "frame rust (2000 Passport)" .

6 Frame Rust problem of the 1995 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 03/07/2013

Went to dealer today for a recalled. Problem on regulator and they valley Honda in aurora IL. Checked out tge whole vehicle and came to. Me stating it is unsafe to drive for frame is rusted all the way thru. I have small children that I have been driving in this vehicle. It is the only vehicle we have to get to our jobs, doctor appts. , anything with this being a known problem for years it should have been a recall issue along with safety. Manufacturer should be held responsible to. Help get us into a safe vehicle now. I bought a Honda for they are suppose to be safe and built well.

7 Frame Rust problem of the 2000 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 11/08/2012

The contact owns a 2000 Honda Passport. The contact stated that the frame was rusted and corroded. The failure prevented the vehicle from passing state inspection. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine inspection and the contact was informed of the rusted frame. The dealer informed him that there were no recalls for the failure and offered no further assistance. The manufacturer was notified who advised the contact that the failure was beyond repair and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 127,000.

8 Frame Rust problem of the 1999 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 08/04/2012

The contact owns a 1999 Honda Passport. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an oil change who notified him that the rear coil springs were faulty. The coil spring on the rear passenger side broke off the frame and was visible from the inside of the vehicle. Also, the entire frame was rusted out and was deemed unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was notified and referred the contact to NHTSA to file a complaint and offered no other assistance. The failure and current mileage was 127,000.

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9 Frame Rust problem of the 1999 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 08/01/2012

Last year I noticed rust that had become a gaping hole in the upper part of my Honda Passport's upper frame. Then I noticed there were rust locations at various parts of the roof and rear. This car has been driven solely on oahu, so there is no issue of deicer or road salt having caused this, and I live miles from the ocean. The gaping hole is growing and this problem may be a safety hazard and it makes the car impossible to sell, which is something I'd intended to do soon, as my girlfriend will also start driving "our" vehicle and she's uncomfortable with a larger car. I looked online and found that a number of sites have noted that the Honda Passport and the isuzu rodeo (both the same car from the same plant in indiana) have special problems with rusty frames, but I thought I should report mine, too.

10 Frame Rust problem of the 1998 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 06/08/2012

The left rear suspension arm holder rusted through and broke away from frame which let the rear axle to move causing the vehicle to sway. Fortuniately it happened in a 30 mph zone. The frame is completely rusted and not fixable. Honda canceled their recall and doesn't want to know anything about it.

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11 Frame Rust problem of the 2002 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 12/15/2011

Tl-the contact owns a 2002 Honda Passport. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and he was informed that the frame was severely rusted. The dealer would not give the vehicle back to the contact due to the severe level of corrosion. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and was offering to purchase the vehicle from the contact. The contact did not agree to sell the vehicle back and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 202,000. Sm.

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12 Frame Rust problem of the 1999 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 12/01/2011

The contact owns a 1999 Honda Passport. The contact stated that he received the recall notice associated with NHTSA campaign id number 10v436000 (suspension:rear). The vehicle was not repaired because the dealer informed him that the frame was severely rusted and a new frame would need to be purchased before the repairs could be performed. The manufacturer was notified and they offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 146,000. The VIN was unavailable.

13 Frame Rust problem of the 2000 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 10/01/2011

The contact owns 2000 Honda Passport. The contact stated that while driving 50 mph, the rear of the vehicle fishtailed back and forth. The vehicle was inspected by a private mechanic and the mechanic stated that the frame had excessive rust and corrosion. The corrosion and rust was causing all fluids to leak from the vehicle onto the ground. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired by an authorized dealer. The failure mileage was 145,000 and the current mileage was 148,000.

14 Frame Rust problem of the 1997 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 06/15/2011

Excessive rusting on steel chassis of 1997 Honda Passport to the point where it is unsafe to drive vehicle. Honda has recall on '98 and above for frame rust issues but not on 95-97 models. If this vehicle is in an accident where it is hit broadside from passenger side, the frame is so rusted (can put whole fist into it) that it will most likely split the car in half. Honda wants to charge me a diagnostic fee to determine if they are willing to do anythign with the vehicle. Obviously, others have experienced the same issue (NHTSA's internal reference number : 10262212 ). Where this gentleman seemed to be original owner referencing no offroading history, I cannot vouge since I just bought the vehicle for my daughter to drive to college. At this time, I have parked the vehicle and prohibited her from driving it.

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15 Frame Rust problem of the 2001 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 05/06/2011

My 2001 Honda Passport went in for inspection for recall for the lower link trailing brackets. The brackets were installed over the rusted frame on 03/16/11. It was stated in emails to the corporate office that even if the stage 3 repairs were completed as instructed the vehicle would be unsafe to drive due to the deep corrosion in other portions as well. Honda told jeffrey Honda to still perform the stage 3 repair as the other corrosion areas do not apply to this current campaign. It is jeffrey Honda's professional opinion that the vehicle remains unsafe to drive due to heavy and deep corrosion to rear trailing arms, rear frame hanging not bolted together. Fuel tank housing rusted and half way portions as well. Honda corporate office refuses to offer a buy back offer for this vehicle. They have bought back other vehicles that were not as bad as mine and tell me that they are sorry but they will do nothing else for me. My vehicle is not safe to drive and still has a 2 year loan on it with full coverage insurance. It is not my fault that Honda used defective steel when making these frames for these vehicles. Case manager simon says the buy back offers are on a case-by-case basis. In our many conversations he can not tell me why my vehicle does not meet the criteria. It is rusted underneath from one end to the other. The trailing brackets installed are like a band aid for a broken leg. I feel discriminated against as others get buy back offers and all I get is sorry. I had to have the vehicle towed home because of safety issues. It can never be driven again with only 80,000 miles and a perfect body because the whole frame is rotted. I feel that the recall should be reopened to include the frame. Many people are still driving these vehicles with the rotted frames as it is their only transportation. They are risking their life and the lives of others on the road by continuing to drive these vehicles. All states should of received a inspection notice for these vehicles.

16 Frame Rust problem of the 1996 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 04/04/2011

This vehicle has serious rust issues for its age. The frame is completely rusted through in many spots which makes it a hazard to drive. In April of 2011 the shock tower broke free of the frame and now wobbles free in the wheel well. We first noticed a rust problem some years back when my brother purchased the vehicle. He was the second owner of it at approx. 50k miles.

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17 Frame Rust problem of the 2001 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 03/15/2011

First the Honda dealership told headquarters that my 2001 Passports frame was in such poor condition and unsafe that the recall repair would not fix the problem. So headquarters requested more pictures of the frame damage for their technical department. Today simon from headquarters called and said they were going to go ahead with the recall repair even though this car will still be unsafe to drive. He told me that the rusted frame was worse in the front than in the rear where they would install the new brackets. The rear of the car was already separating from the back of the frame. So they are fixing a car that will never be safe because they used defective materials on all their frames for vehicles under rodeo and Passport from 1998-2002. This was reported many times over the years of this rust problem and then the recall fix is issued September 2010. What does it take to get some help with these big corporations when they expect us to drive their unsafe cars and sign waivers on the rusted frame pictures. I am not driving that Passport anywhere as human lives are at stake, including mine. How is it that some receive a pay off for their car and I get stuck paying a loan for 2 1/2 more years for a car I can't drive. Where is the justice here? I think this is the most horrific thing a car company can do to hundreds of thousands people who were loyal to that company. How many lives or accidents is it going to take before we get help. Someone in power needs to help us get this resolved with Honda and include the frame in the recall process as they are basically in the same condition. We are supposed to sit back and take this and do nothing about this severe injustice. If someone even reads these complaints would be a miracle as it took many years to even get a bracket recall from Honda. Please help us who have only this car as our only transportation. I can't even look for work as I have no car but I have a car payment to make and insurance.

18 Frame Rust problem of the 2001 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 02/16/2011

The contact owns a 2001 Honda Passport. The contact had the vehicle repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 10v436000 (suspension: rear) which was suppose to repair the lower link brackets on the vehicle because of rust. The contact then took the vehicle for state inspection and was informed that the vehicle did not pass due to severe frame rust and fractures. The contact was advised that the vehicle was unsafe to drive because it did not pass the frame test check. The failure mileage was 85,000 and the current mileage was 86,000.

19 Frame Rust problem of the 2001 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 01/15/2011

The contact owns a 2001 Honda Passport. The contact stated that the entire frame was rusted. The dealer stated that even if they repaired the vehicle according to NHTSA campaign id number: 10v436000 (suspension:rear), the vehicle would still not be safe to drive. The manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was approximately 80,000 and the failure mileage was approximately 79,000. Updated 06/02/11.

20 Frame Rust problem of the 1999 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 01/03/2011

The contact owns a 1998 Honda Passport. The contact stated that after receiving a recall notice for recall 10v436000 (suspension:rear), she took the vehicle in for inspection they informed her that the bracket stated in the recall notice was fine and refused to do any repairs. The vehicle had a rusted cross frame member which was not included in the recall notice. The dealer also stated that the vehicle was not safe to drive anymore. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

21 Frame Rust problem of the 2000 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 12/29/2010

The contact owns a 2000 Honda Passport. The contact stated the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign id number 10v436000 (suspension: rear). The vehicle was taken to two authorized dealers where the contact was told that the entire frame was rusted beyond the repair listed in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 108,000. Updated 3/7/11 updated 05/20/11.

22 Frame Rust problem of the 2001 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 12/08/2010

2001 Honda Passport is under recall due to the suspension bracket rusting off the frame of the vehicle. Most vehicles are being deemed unrepairable due to the condition of the frame. Honda has been doing buybacks quietly on vehicles, some for decent offers and some for ridiculously low offers. Honda needs to recall all 1998-2002 Passports in snow states with the condition of the frame. Frames are so rusty that there are holes in them, questioning the stability of the vehicle entirely. The vehicle are unsafe to be on the road and Honda is aware of the problem but is doing little to take care of the problem.

23 Frame Rust problem of the 1996 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 11/20/2010

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 have also recently noticed that Honda and isuzu have issued recalls for 1998-2202 due to frame rust issues. The rust is not limited to those years as is evident with my vehicle. I do live in a state that uses salt products to control winter ice which certainly accelerated the rust condition. Manufactures have treated their frames to protect for many decades and because of that record, I blindly believed I was received the same from Honda; otherwise, I would have purchased the rust undercoating offered at purchase.

24 Frame Rust problem of the 2001 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 10/11/2010

I was driving my 2001 Honda Passport and as I turned a corner, it felt as if the rear was fish tailing but it wasn't very noticeable. I drove home and later left to bring my daughter to driver's ed and as I pulled out of my driveway, I felt as if I lost control of the vehicle, like I was driving on ice. I had the vehicle towed on a flat bed and repaired, though my mechanic stated that the repair wasn't going to hold for all that long due to the horrible rust issues on the frame. I had the driver's side "patched" a few years ago when I went to have the vehicle inspected, it didn't pass due to the frame. This is a very serious issue! I'd prefer for all of these vehicles be removed from the roadway and for the dealers to properly reimburse their customers. My vehicle has lost a lot of value because of the patches made to the frame. I'm afraid I've lost a lot of money.

25 Frame Rust problem of the 1998 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 10/06/2010

The contact owns a 1998 Honda Passport. While having the vehicle serviced by an independent mechanic for unrelated issues, the contact was informed that the fuel tank was leaking abnormally. The vehicle was then taken to an authorized dealer where the failure was confirmed and the contact was advised that the failure could not be repaired. In addition, the dealer also advised that the under frame was severely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 141,709.

26 Frame Rust problem of the 1999 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 10/01/2010

The contact owns a 1999 Honda Passport. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 mph, the frame rusted and the stabilizer bar became detached. The vehicle was inspected by the contact's mechanic who stated that the frame was unable to be repaired. The vehicle called the manufacturer who stated that they were unaware of any problems with the frame. The current and failure mileages were approximately 187,000.

27 Frame Rust problem of the 1998 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 09/27/2010

The contact owns a 1998 Honda Passport. The contact was driving 30 mph when the vehicle exhibited an unusually loud bang and the contact immediately noticed that the suspension did not feel normal. The contact discovered excessive frame rust and the shocks were being held up by the body of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic and mechanic stated the vehicle was beyond repair. The contact then took the vehicle to an authorized dealer where the dealer informed the contact that the frame was damaged beyond repair and should not be driven. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that they would not assist with repairs due to the rust issue. The contact stated that he noticed several complaints via the internet regarding excessive frame rust for his year, make and model. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 98,000. Updated 01/19/11 updated 01/31/11.

28 Frame Rust problem of the 2000 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 09/15/2010

2000 Honda Passport. I hit a pot hole, heard a snap and started to swerve on the road. I was going 5mph at the most. The frame had snapped. The entire frame is rusted and rotting away. It can't be fixed or driven.

29 Frame Rust problem of the 2001 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 09/11/2010

2001 Honda Passport 4 dr 4wd exl VIN#[xxx] original owner - purchased from danbury fair Honda, danbury, CT on 1/10/2001 meticulously maintained - all service records interior and exterior(excl frame) excellent condition current mileage +/- 100,000 description of incident: while driving my Honda Passport on sept. 11, 2010 I was turning onto a side st when without warning I heard a noise come from what sounded like the left rear of the vehicle. The vehicle began to "float" or sway out of my ctrl. With the assistance of my fiance I was able to bring the vehicle to rest on the shoulder of the rd. The frame was so severely rusted out that it couldn't be towed in the traditional manner and was removed on a flatbed. This is a critical and severe defect that in other circumstances could have been disastrous and fatal. I was told by 3 highly regarded mechanics that if it had it happened the day before when we were traveling on the interstate we would probably not have lived to file a complaint. Additionally, the defect would likely have cause a rollover of the vehicle which could have easily caused other accidents and/or fatalities. This defect is a silent killer waiting to happen. All these cars appear to be in mint condition. A reasonable person would expect some cosmetic sign in the exterior of the car to reflect such a significant degree of deterioration if it was "normal or expected" wear and tear. It was not normal and there are no warning signs of the impending danger. I take excellent car of my vehicles and have always garaged them. I am shocked and concerned that this is and has been an ongoing issue yet still no one is being warned of the potential danger or advised to have the frame inspected. I urge you to consider our complaints and issue a recall. The lucky ones have a useless Passport or rodeo with a frame rusted beyond recognition and no resale value. The others may not be so lucky. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

30 Frame Rust problem of the 2001 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 09/02/2010

2001 Honda Passport - rusted frame. I detected enormous amounts of rust to the frame of my vehicle when I was going to install a reese trailer hitch. Several holes were present in the frame, completely rusted through. More holes can easily be pushed through with my finger. This seems to me to be a potentially dangerous condition that could cause catastrophic failure of the frame and subsequently loss of control of the vehicle. Incidentally, I could not install the hitch due to the amount of rust in the frame.

31 Frame Rust problem of the 1999 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 08/27/2010

My 1999 Honda Passport was in need of a inspection sticker. I proceeded to the service station for my sticker when the right rear shock separated from the frame and was dragging on the road. I returned home and inspected the frame which was rusted and falling apart. The top coil spring mounts were pushed up against the body. The rear wheel stabilizer hangers are ready to let go. I called repair shops and was told these vehicles are not repairable because you can't weld on top of rust. My Honda now sits in my yard. It is drivable but would be a hazard to my life and safety as well as others.

32 Frame Rust problem of the 2000 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 08/23/2010

On August 23, 2010 my 17 year old daughter was driving my 2000 Honda Passport entering interstate 75 in ohio when she heard a loud noise and it felt like the car was on spinning on ice. She thought that it was going to roll over because it went up on 2 wheels, luckily she was able to get it stopped before anything serious happened. At the time she was only going about 30 miles an hour. Had she been going the speed limit of 65 miles an hour when this happened I am afraid she would not have been so lucky. There was no warning for I had just driven the car and everything seemed just fine. The car is in good condition except for the frame which is completely rusted out. The rear drivers side stabilizer bar broke away from the frame due to rust. The whole frame is rusted with holes that you can stick your fingers through. This car is now junk. I am very upset at Honda for not acknowledging that this is a problem and recalling this vehicle. My daughter could have died. We now have a piece of junk sitting in our driveway.

33 Frame Rust problem of the 2001 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 08/20/2010

We drive a 2001 Honda Passport. As I was coming home with my two small children, my car starting to wander to one side, fortunately I was less than a half mile from home. I then heard a terrible sound like scraping. My husband looked under the car and rear driver side frame is completely rusted and falling apart. The passenger side is in the same condition. We saw a news report and it described what happened to us. I am appalled that our lives were in danger had I been going on a highway.

34 Frame Rust problem of the 1999 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 08/17/2010

My daughter was driving the car when the frame broke. The frame is so rusted that it broke from the car. Serious safety risk for us. I have owned this car since it was brand new and have taken care of it. The car is totaled. Luckily no one was hurt but had it happened when it was going fast it could have killed the occupants. No frame of a car should rust like that and break. I googled and apparently this is happening to a lot of these models. Something needs to be done ASAP as people will die from the defect. Reports say that the cars were built will subpar metals and that is why they are rusting before their time.

35 Frame Rust problem of the 1996 Honda Passport

Failure Date: 08/11/2010

Frame rust and rot at rear of vehicle.


Other Common Structure related problems of Honda Passport


Safety Ratings of Passport Cars
Fuel Economy of Passport Vehicles
Passport Service Bulletins
Passport Safety Recalls
Passport Defect Investigations