As you imagine yourself behind the wheel of a rugged Passport, traversing rough terrain with confidence, you’ll want to know which model years to trust.
The Honda Passport’s history is marked by notable highs and lows, and getting familiar with its best and worst years can make all the difference in your ownership experience. What’s behind the reliability scores, and which models should you steer clear of?
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Key Takeaways
- The 1998 and 1999 models are plagued by frame rusting, transmission problems, and safety concerns, making them the worst years to buy.
- The 2001 model is the worst, with 170 complaints and three recalls, making it a year to avoid for reliability issues.
- The 2019 and 2022 models have perfect reliability scores, making them the best years to buy a used Honda Passport.
- The 1994-1997 models are sturdy, versatile, and reliable with proper maintenance, making them a good buy.
- The 2nd Generation (1998-2002) is the least dependable due to transmission failures, making it a generation to avoid for reliability.
Understanding the Honda Passport’s History and Generations
As you plunge into the world of this rugged SUV, it’s essential to understand the Honda Passport’s history and its three distinct generations.
Since its debut in 1994, the Honda Passport has undergone significant transformations.
The Second Generation, from 1998 to 2002, was marred by transmission failure and frame rust issues.
In contrast, the Third Generation, from 2019 to present, boasts a strong record, with minimal recalls affecting only the 2019 and 2020 Passport models.
Understanding these generations is key to identifying the best Honda Passport for long-term reliability.
Honda Passport Years to Avoid Due to Reliability Issues
What’s the biggest mistake you can make when buying a used Honda Passport?
Buying a model with reliability issues, and potentially costly repairs.
The 1998 and 1999 models are known for frame rusting and transmission problems, including delayed shifting and grinding noises.
The 2001 model is the worst, with over 170 complaints and three recalls, making it a year to avoid when buying a used Honda Passport.
These Passport years to avoid are plagued by reliability issues, which can lead to safety concerns.
Avoid these models to guarantee a smoother ownership experience.
Common Problems and Recalls in Honda Passport Models
The 1995-2002 models of the Honda Passport are plagued by common problems and recalls.
As you research, you’ll find that these years have more complaints and three recalls that affect the SUV’s reliability.
- Faulty Fuel Pump: A faulty fuel pump can cause your Honda Passport to stall, leading to safety issues on the road.
- Transmission Problems: Transmission issues can lead to costly repairs and downtime.
- Airbag Malfunction: A malfunctioning airbag system can put you and your passengers in harm’s way.
Reliability Comparison Across Honda Passport Generations
You’re likely wondering how the Honda Passport’s reliability compares across its generations. Here’s a breakdown:
| Generation | Reliability | Notable Issues |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Gen | Most reliable | None reported |
| 2nd Gen | Least dependable | Transmission failures |
| 3rd Gen | Quite dependable | Minimal recalls |
The second-generation Honda Passport is best avoided due to transmission failures, slipping, and rough shifting. In contrast, the third-generation Passport has improved NHTSA safety ratings and minimal recalls, making it a reliable option. As a midsize SUV, the Honda Passport years have shown varying degrees of reliability, but the first-generation Passport stands out as a reliable SUV that can last well past 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.
Finding the Most Reliable Used Honda Passport for Your Needs
When searching for a used Honda Passport, your primary concern should be finding a model that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
To guarantee you get a reliable ride, consider the following:
- Best Years: 2019 and 2022 models boast perfect reliability scores and a “CR Recommended” designation.
- Good Older Option: The 1994-1997 Passport can be sturdy, versatile, and reliable well past 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.
- Worst Years to Avoid: Steer clear of the 1998-1999 models due to frame rust and transmission issues, and the 2001 model year, which is plagued by over 170 complaints and three recalls.
When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Honda Clarity, Honda Fit, Honda HR-V and Honda Civic. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.
