2002 Honda Passport Problems: 7 Known Issues
2002 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2002 Honda Passport has 7 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Timing Belt and Water Pump Neglect Leading to 3.2L V6 Engine Damage ($700-$3,000 repair), Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Clutch Shudder and 2nd-Gear Failure ($1,800-$3,800 repair) and Frame Rust and Rear Suspension Mount Corrosion ($500-$4,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $100 to $4,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 7 Known Issues
When Issues Typically Appear
NHTSA Recalls4 recalls
SUSPENSION:REAR
ISUZU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2002 ISUZU RODEO AND MODEL YEAR 2002 ISUZU AXIOM VEHICLES, AND HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1998-2002 HONDA PASSPORT VEHICLES, THAT WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED, IN THE STATES OF MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WEST VIRGINIA, OHIO, INDIANA, MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, IOWA, MISSOURI, AND KENTUCKY. VEHICLES THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED SUSTAINED EXPOSURE TO HIGHLY CORROSIVE MATERIALS USED IN SOME JURISDICTIONS FOR ROAD DEICING PURPOSES MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CORROSION IN THE VICINITY OF THE FORWARD MOUNTING POINT BRACKET FOR THE LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK PRIOR TO THE TIME THAT SUCH CORROSION WOULD NORMALLY BE EXPECTED.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO FUEL CONTAMINATED WITH SILICON MAY DEVELOP SMALL PIN HOLES IN THE FUEL PUMP FEED PORT. SILICON HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE FUEL SYSTEMS OF AFFECTED VEHICLES AND IN CERTAIN FUEL AVAILABLE IN THE REGION OF TYLER, TEXAS. THIS RECALL WILL BE LAUNCHED FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN TEXAS AND THE FOUR SURROUNDING STATES: OKLAHOMA, ARKANSAS, NEW MEXICO AND LOUISIANA.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH THE INFLATORS IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MODULES HAVING THE WRONG AMOUNT OF GENERANT.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULES WERE MANUFACTURED AND SHIPPED WITHOUT A NECESSARY COMPONENT KNOWN AS A CHECK VALVE PIN.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Honda Passport problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2002 Honda Passport has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Timing Belt and Water Pump Neglect Leading to 3.2L V6 Engine Damage, Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Clutch Shudder and 2nd-Gear Failure, Frame Rust and Rear Suspension Mount Corrosion. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Honda Passport reliable?
The 2002 Honda Passport has 7 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Timing Belt and Water Pump Neglect Leading to 3.2L V6 Engine Damage and Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Clutch Shudder and 2nd-Gear Failure and Frame Rust and Rear Suspension Mount Corrosion. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Honda Passport problems?
Repair costs for known Honda Passport issues range from $100 to $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Timing Belt and Water Pump Neglect Leading to 3.2L V6 Engine Damage, typically costs $700-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2000-2002 Honda Passport Timing Belt and Water Pump Neglect Leading to 3.2L V6 Engine Damage?
The 3.2L V6 used in the first-generation Passport relies on a timing belt service interval that many used examples miss. When the belt, tensioner, or water pump fails, owners report sudden no-starts, stalling, or catastrophic internal engine damage because the engine is interfere… Repairs typically run $700-$3,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2000-2002 Honda Passport Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Clutch Shudder and 2nd-Gear Failure?
The first-generation Passport's 4-speed automatic is widely documented for torque-converter clutch shudder, slipping, harsh shifts, and eventual hard-part failure, especially loss of 2nd gear. Honda issued service information tied to Isuzu-sourced driveline components, and owner… Repairs typically run $1,800-$3,800. Severity: high.
What is the 2000-2002 Honda Passport Frame Rust and Rear Suspension Mount Corrosion?
In rust-belt states, first-generation Passports are known for severe frame corrosion, especially around rear suspension attachment points, body mounts, and underbody crossmembers. Owners report failed inspections, unstable rear-end behavior, and cases where rust perforation makes… Repairs typically run $500-$4,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2000-2002 Honda Passport ABS Hydraulic Unit / Wheel Speed Sensor Faults Causing ABS Warning Lights and Loss of Anti-Lock Function?
Multiple Passport owners report persistent ABS warning lights, often traced to failed wheel speed sensors, damaged sensor wiring, or faults in the ABS hydraulic control unit. On older rust-belt vehicles, corrosion at connectors and tone ring damage are common contributors. When t… Repairs typically run $150-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2000-2002 Honda Passport Exhaust Manifold Stud Breakage and Exhaust Leak Tick on 3.2L V6?
The 3.2L V6 used in the first-generation Passport is known to develop exhaust leaks from broken manifold studs or warped manifold sealing surfaces as the vehicle ages. Owners commonly describe a ticking noise on cold start, exhaust smell, and occasional failed emissions testing. Repairs typically run $300-$1,400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2000-2002 Honda Passport Valve Cover Gasket and Spark Plug Tube Seal Oil Leaks Causing Misfires?
Aging 3.2L V6 Passports commonly develop oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube seals. Owners report burnt-oil smell, oil on the cylinder head, and in some cases oil filling the plug wells and causing ignition misfires. This is a typical age-related failure on… Repairs typically run $120-$600. Severity: low.
What is the 2000-2002 Honda Passport Power Window Regulator and Door Lock Actuator Failures?
Owners of first-generation Passports frequently report slow or failed power windows and intermittent power door locks, especially on high-mileage vehicles. Regulators wear out, plastic guides break, and lock actuators weaken with age, sometimes leaving the window stuck down or a… Repairs typically run $100-$450. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.