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2001 Honda Passport Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2001 Honda Passport has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Frame and subframe corrosion.” Honda vehicles use the Maintenance Minder system — your dashboard displays a Code A (oil change) or Code B (oil change plus inspections) along with sub-codes 1-6 for additional services. Intervals adjust based on how you drive. The schedule below reflects Honda's underlying targets.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2001 Honda Passport.

Reported to NHTSA

Frame and subframe corrosion

STRUCTURE

59 NHTSA complaints · 2008-08 → 2023-10

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HONDA PASSPORT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE REAR BEGAN VEERING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10342938
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HONDA PASSPORT. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE FRAME UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE SNAPPED IN HALF. THE VEHICLE BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL BECAUSE THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRES WERE HALFWAY UNDER THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10264334
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10350874

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel tank shield and mounting corrosion

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2011-11 → 2014-01

“THE FUEL TANK SHIELD FOR MY 2001 HONDA PASSPORT IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. UPON RESEARCHING THE SITUATION I HAVE ENCOUNTERED QUITE A FEW PEOPLE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10550870
“THIS MODEL 2001 HONDA PASSPORT HAS A HISTORY OF FRAME RUST. THERE WAS ONE RECALL 2010 BUT IT DID NOT ADDRESS TANK SHIELD RUST - ONLY REAR AXLE PARTS. THE PASSPORT HAS 72373 MILES AND THE HONDA DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE FOR A REPORT REQUESTED BY HONDA MOTORS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10436344

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake response loss

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

3 NHTSA complaints · 2001-08 → 2010-03

“TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HONDA PASSPORT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE . THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED SEVERAL TIMES, FOLLOWED BY NO POWER RESPONSE. WHEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED THE VEHICLE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10320289
“ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED IN A PANIC STOP THEY FAIL TO RESPOND, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #8001752
“PRIOR TO 1ST INCIDENT, NOTICED SPONGY NON-RESPONSIVE BRAKES AT ALL SPEEDS. AS THE PROBLEM PROGRESSED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD GO DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND BRAKE DISTANCE INCREASED. ON 3 OCCURRENCES, I EXPERIENCED NEAR COLLISIONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #750278

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear suspension link bracket corrosion and recall 10V436000

SUSPENSION

25 NHTSA complaints · 2008-12 → 2019-12

“REAR TRAILING ARM FELL OFF OF THE FRAME DUE TO MAJOR CORROSION. WE HAD IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP FOR RECALL #10V-436. SERVICE DEPT STATED THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS RUSTED THROUGH THEREFORE THEY HAD NOTHING TO ATTACH THE RECALL BRACKET TO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10441431
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HONDA PASSPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION AXLE AND FRAME WERE SEVERELY CORRODED AND THERE WERE HOLES IN THE FRAME. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10439923
“I WAS DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT 2-LANE STATE ROUTE. WHILE CROSSING AN INTERSECTING 4-LANE HIGHWAY, I HEARD A SMALL NOISE IN THE REAR. IMMEDIATELY AFTER CROSSING THE INTERSECTION, I EXPERIENCE ENTIRE LOSS OF CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10317388

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration and engine revving

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

10 NHTSA complaints · 2002-09 → 2016-12

“ON JANUARY 10, 2003, I WAS PULLING INTO A FLEET ATM MACHINE PARKING SPACE. OUR TWO CHILDREN WERE IN THE VEHICLE ALSO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10002666
“THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION SENSOR HAD SUDDENLY RUNAWAY, AND WHILE THE CONSUMERS FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THESE PROBLEMS HAD OCCURRED ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE CONSUMER COULD NOT DUPLICATE BUT THE SENSOR WAS REPLACED/ADJUSTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10015972
“GOT INTO VEHICLE AND STARTED IT UP. PUT INTO REVERSE AND THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND SHOT BACKWARDS VERY FAST. WHILE APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE IT HAD NO EFFECT UNTIL SLAMMING INTO THE HOUSE THAT WAS ACROSS THE STREET”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10933921

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Automatic transmission shift and engagement faults

POWER TRAIN

4 NHTSA complaints · 2002-02 → 2005-12

“THE CAR HAS A "HARD SHIFT" GOING UP FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND BACK DOWN PERIODICALLY. IT IS ACCOMPANIED BY A LOUD CLUNK, LOSS OF POWER, A JERKING OF THE CAR AND OCCASIONALLY A GROWLING SOUND IN THE FRONT END”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10080617
“WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A DEAD STOP, THE TRANSMISSION FAILS TO SLIP INTO FIRST GEAR SOMETIMES. THE CAR WILL JERK A LITTLE AS THE TRANSMISSION ATTEMPTS TO GO INTO FIRST GEAR, AND THE "CHECK TRANSMISSION" LIGHT AND "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT WILL COME ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #758280
“IN DECEMBER 2002, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SLIP INTO FIRST GEAR FROM A COMPLETE STOP AND WHEN I WOULD HAVE TO SLOW DOWN FOR TRAFFIC AND ACCELERATE. THE TRUCK WOULD JERK INTO FIRST GEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10005791

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment and SRS faults

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2002-09 → 2004-12

“CAR HIT A TREE HEAD-ON AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES.*AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #8018873
“WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS ISSUED, BUT NO ONE WAS CITED. *AK *SC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10059694
“SRS LIGHT BLINKS INCESSANTLY 40% OF THE TIME. SOME ATTRIBUTE THIS TO ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE DUE TO CELL PHONE USAGE. IT IS ACTUALLY A DEFECT OF THE SRS SENSOR, BUT HONDA REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. HOW IRRESPONSIBLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10103082

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Code A)

Every 7,500 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter. The Maintenance Minder triggers Code A between 7,500 and 10,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires front-to-back to even out wear. Honda triggers Sub-code 1 alongside every other oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection (Code B)

Every 15,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake. Code B includes a multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and fluids.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid (Sub-code 5)

Every 45,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 3 years regardless of mileage to prevent moisture absorption and corrosion of ABS components.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission / CVT Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF or CVT fluid. Honda CVT models (Civic, HR-V, Accord LX) use Honda HCF-2 — do not substitute. The Maintenance Minder triggers earlier under heavy stop-and-go.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid (AWD models, Sub-code 5)

Every 30,000 mi

AWD CR-V, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline: replace rear diff fluid every 30,000 miles, sooner if towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 4)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Honda uses a long-life cellulose element on most port-injected engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Honda uses iridium-tipped plugs rated for 100,000+ miles. Replace at 105,000 miles or whenever Sub-code 6 displays.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant (Sub-code 5)

Every 60,000 mi

Honda Long-Life Type 2 (blue) coolant: first change at 120,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles. Do not mix with other coolant types.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 3)

Every 15,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter — accessible behind the glove box on most Hondas. Honda recommends 15,000 miles in dusty conditions, longer in clean climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Valve Clearance Adjustment (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Inspect and adjust valve clearances at 105,000 miles. Critical on K-series and L-series engines to prevent valve recession.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$495–$535

Shop

~$345–$375

DIY

Pro only

Mechanical-bucket valvetrains (many Honda 4-cyls, older Toyotas) need this. Hydraulic lifters don't. Shop work — feeler-gauge precision required.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Modern Honda engines (K-series, L-series, R-series, plus all Earth Dreams 1.5T and 2.0T) use a timing chain designed to last the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

41 crashes 1990–2024

How the 41 occupant deaths break down

31

driver deaths

10

passenger deaths

41

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2001 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

12

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2001 Honda Passport reflects Honda's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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