1998 Honda Passport Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Sell your car for what it's worth.
Every receipt, every service, one signed PDF you hand the buyer. OSC is the paperwork trail your resale price depends on.
- OSC Transfer PDF — every receipt
- Snap-a-receipt AI log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Shareable buyer view link
Quick Facts · 1998 Honda Passport
- Scores 14 points below the strongest nearby year — the 1997 Honda Passport earns a 72.
- The system most likely to surface first: engine (3.2l v6) (critical severity).
The 1998 Honda Passport at a glance
- Is the 1998 Honda Passport reliable?
- Autojunket rates the 1998 Honda Passport 58/100 (grade D+), categorized as high risk. A tough but mechanically fragile SUV, requiring diligent maintenance and a contingency fund for inevitable major repairs.
- Should I buy a used 1998 Honda Passport?
- Autojunket recommends reading the full reliability report before buying a 1998 Honda Passport. While offering a rugged SUV experience for little initial cost, the 1998 Honda Passport carries far too many significant and expensive reliability risks to recommend to the average buyer. The widespread engine and transmission issues, coupled with severe rust concerns, mean that ownership will likely be a constant b…
- Which Honda Passport years are the most reliable?
- Best model years to buy: None are truly 'best,' but earlier 1994-1997 models with the 2.6L I4 engine (rarely found in Passport) or manual transmissions might offer slightly fewer headaches, though still prone to rust.. Years to avoid: All 1998-2002 models, particularly those with the 3.2L V6 and automatic transmission, due to the widespread powertrain issues. The 1998 model specifically falls into this high-risk category..
- What are the most common problems with the 1998 Honda Passport?
- The top failure points on the 1998 Honda Passport are Engine (3.2L V6) (typically around 70,000-120,000 miles), Automatic Transmission (4L30-E) (typically around 80,000-130,000 miles), Rust and Corrosion (typically around All mileages (age-dependent) miles). Autojunket's full report includes repair-cost ranges and inspection checklists for each.
- At what mileage do problems start on the 1998 Honda Passport?
- The first major mileage danger zone for the 1998 Honda Passport is around 30,000. Low Risk Zone — At this mileage, you're primarily concerned with routine maintenance. Early warning signs of major issues are rare, but this is the prime time to ensure all fluid services (oil, transmission, differential) have been diligently performed.
Every answer is generated from real repair, recall, and ownership data — full breakdown in the report.
Read the full free reportShould You Buy the 1998 Honda Passport?
The 1998 Honda Passport, a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo, presents a substantial reliability gamble, primarily due to its problematic engine and transmission. While it offers rugged utility and a spacious cabin, expect significant maintenance needs and the very real possibility of expensive powertrain failures. This is not a purchase for the faint of heart or those seeking worry-free ownership.
While offering a rugged SUV experience for little initial cost, the 1998 Honda Passport carries far too many significant and expensive reliability risks to recommend to the average buyer. The widespread engine and transmission issues, coupled with severe rust concerns, mean that ownership will likely be a constant b…
Best Model Years
None are truly 'best,' but earlier 1994-1997 models with the 2.6L I4 engine (rarely found in Passport) or manual transmissions might offer slightly fewer headaches, though still prone to rust.
Years to Avoid
All 1998-2002 models, particularly those with the 3.2L V6 and automatic transmission, due to the widespread powertrain issues. The 1998 model specifically falls into this high-risk category.
Biggest Strengths
- Rugged body-on-frame construction
- Spacious and practical interior for its class
- Capable off-road for light to moderate trails
Top Risk Areas
The systems that tend to fail first on the 1998 Honda Passport, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The 3.2L SOHC V6 (6VD1) is notorious for excessive oil consumption due to worn valve guides, leading to fouled spark plugs, catalytic converter damage, and ultimately, engine failure. Head gasket failures are also common, often indicated…
The GM-sourced 4L30-E automatic transmission is a known weak point, prone to slipping, harsh shifts, delayed engagements, and complete failure. Internal solenoid issues, worn clutch packs, and torque converter problems are widespread.
Frame rust is a severe structural concern, especially in regions that use road salt, potentially compromising safety and structural integrity. Body rust on wheel wells, rocker panels, and tailgate is also very common, as is premature exh…
1998 Honda Passport Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 1998 Honda Passport most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, you're primarily concerned with routine maintenance. Early warning signs of major issues are rare, but this is the prime time to ensure all fluid services (oil, transmission, differential) have been diligently performed.
Maintenance Checkpoint
This mileage often marks the start of more significant preventative maintenance. Pay close attention to suspension components like ball joints and bushings. Transmission fluid services are critical here, though they may only delay eventu…
Elevated Risk Zone
Engine oil consumption often becomes noticeable around this point. Head gasket failures can begin, and the automatic transmission is living on borrowed time. Comprehensive pre-purchase inspections are absolutely crucial at this mileage.
High Risk Zone
Beyond 120,000 miles, you're in the critical zone for major engine or transmission failure. Expect significant repair bills for these components, and thoroughly inspect for severe frame rust. This mileage is only for those who are mechan…
1998 Honda Passport Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 1998 Honda Passport on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$600-900 (assuming no major issues)
Moderate Repairs
$500-1,500 annually for common items like suspension, brakes, or minor electrical issues.
How Long Does the 1998 Honda Passport Last?
For a 1998 Passport, anything over 100,000 miles should be approached with extreme caution and the expectation of major expenses; models under 70,000 miles are rare but still susceptible to age-related issues.
What 1998 Honda Passport Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Robust body-on-frame platform is durable for off-road or utility.
- Surprisingly spacious cargo area with fold-flat rear seats.
- Simple, no-frills interior design is easy to clean and maintain.
- Good visibility from the driver's seat.
Common Frustrations
- Terrible fuel economy, especially with the automatic transmission.
- Frequent and costly powertrain repairs (engine and transmission).
- Significant rust issues, especially in colder climates.
- Outdated interior features and comfort compared to other Hondas.
Who Should Buy the 1998 Honda Passport?
Best For
- Budget-conscious individuals needing a basic, tough utility vehicle.
- Off-road enthusiasts looking for a cheap, disposable project vehicle.
- Mechanically inclined DIYers seeking a challenge.
Not Ideal For
- Anyone seeking a reliable daily driver.
- Drivers unwilling or unable to perform regular maintenance and repairs.
How the 1998 Honda Passport Compares to Rivals
The Passport struggles significantly against its Japanese contemporaries like the 4Runner and Pathfinder in terms of reliability, particularly with its powertrain. It's more on par with some domestic SUVs of the era, which also had their share of known issues, but lacks the re…
More Reliable Than
- Land Rover Discovery Series I (later years)
Comparable To
- Ford Explorer (early 2nd Gen)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ)
What breaks on the 1998 Honda Passport?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
Autojunket OSC · OSC Transfer
Sell your 1998 Honda Passport for what it's actually worth.
Log every service. Sell with a signed PDF. Every receipt, mileage-verified, in the buyer's hands.
Honda Passport by Year
Compare AutoScores across nearby years of the Honda Passport. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by AutoScore.
Relevant Products for Your 1998 Honda Passport
Parts and accessories matched to your 1998 Honda Passport
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Where the 1998 Honda Passport report beats Carfax + CR
Carfax tells you if it crashed. Consumer Reports rates the whole nameplate. Autojunket tells you what will actually break on this specific year — and how to negotiate it.
Year-specific reliability score
Common problems + repair costs
Mileage danger zone map
AI negotiation script + walk-away price
Single report price
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Comparisons
Sell your 1998 Honda Passport for what it's actually worth.
Log every service on your Honda Passport. When it's time to sell, hand the buyer a signed PDF — every receipt, mileage-verified, close the deal at your price.
- OSC Transfer PDF — every receipt
- Snap-a-receipt AI log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Shareable buyer view link
Recommended Reading for the Honda Passport
Honda CR-V Common Problems and Repair Costs
Discover the most common Honda CR-V problems and their estimated repair costs, gaining insights to maintain your vehicle or budget for future fixes today.
Honda CR-V Years to Avoid (Worst to Best Ranked)
Uncover the worst Honda CR-V years to avoid and the best models for reliability, helping you choose wisely for your next SUV.
Honda Accord Years to Avoid (Worst to Best Ranked)
Uncover the definitive ranking of Honda Accord model years, revealing which to avoid due to common issues and which offer superior reliability.