1998 Honda Passport

Introduction

The 1998 Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV that offers a spacious interior, reliable performance, and impressive off-road capabilities. It comes with a 3.2L V6 engine paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Passport is praised for its durability, ruggedness, and excellent fuel economy. However, it has also encountered some common issues that owners may face.

Engine

3.2L V6

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, rough idling
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing belt tensioner failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from engine, loss of power, engine stalling
  • Solution: Replace timing belt tensioner and timing belt
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Torque converter shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: Vibration during acceleration or when shifting gears
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, loss of power, slipping out of gear
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear suspension sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of vehicle sits lower than front, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace rear springs or shocks
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Front ball joint wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noise when turning or going over bumps
  • Solution: Replace ball joints
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine cranks but does not start, solenoid clicking noise
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim headlights, battery warning light, electrical problems
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on frame and underside
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust on frame, suspension components, and other metal parts
  • Solution: Treat rust with rust converter or paint
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on extent of rust
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel tank leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Gas smell, fuel gauge inaccuracy
  • Solution: Replace fuel tank or fuel lines
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cruise control malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Cruise control does not engage or disengages unexpectedly
  • Solution: Replace cruise control switch or module
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Heater core leaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Sweet smell inside vehicle, fogging on windshield
  • Solution: Replace heater core
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1998 Honda Passport is a reliable and durable vehicle, but it is not without its issues. The most common problems include intake manifold gasket failure, timing belt tensioner failure, torque converter shudder, and rear suspension sagging. These issues can be expensive to fix, but many of them are preventable with proper maintenance. Overall, the Passport is a solid choice for those seeking a capable SUV with a proven track record.