1994 Honda Passport recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
4 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. CONSTANT EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION OF THE CYLINDER HEAD CAUSES THE CAMSHAFT SEAL END PLUG CAN BECOME DISLODGED FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD. THIS ALLOWS OIL TO LEAK FROM THE CAMSHAFT.
What could happen: THIS CAN CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE ENGINE FIRE FROM OIL LEAKING ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL CAMSHAFT END SEAL PLUG RETAINER PLATES.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1994 PASSPORT.
- Book a repair at any authorized Honda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 94V132000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Summary: CONSTANT EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION OF THE CYLINDER HEAD CAUSES THE CAMSHAFT SEAL END PLUG CAN BECOME DISLODGED FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD. THIS ALLOWS OIL TO LEAK FROM THE CAMSHAFT.
Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE ENGINE FIRE FROM OIL LEAKING ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL CAMSHAFT END SEAL PLUG RETAINER PLATES.
Notes: SYSTEM: ENGINE; CAMSHAFT. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ISUZU 6VDI ENGINES. NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME AND FREE OF CHARGE, OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT OR NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE CONTACT ISUZU SERVICE CENTER AT 1-800-255-6727 OR HONDA SERVICE CENTER AT 1-800-999-1009. ALSO, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
2. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS, THE LATCH PLATE USED IN THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS NOT MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO DESIGN DIMENSIONS. IF THE SEAT BELT TONGUE IS INSERTED SLOWLY AT AN ANGLE INTO THE BUCKLE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE SEAT BELT TONGUE TO COME OUT OF THE BUCKLE IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION OR HARD BRAKING OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW BUCKLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MID-DECEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1994 PASSPORT.
- Book a repair at any authorized Honda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 02V281000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-643-4070.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Summary: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS, THE LATCH PLATE USED IN THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS NOT MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO DESIGN DIMENSIONS. IF THE SEAT BELT TONGUE IS INSERTED SLOWLY AT AN ANGLE INTO THE BUCKLE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE SEAT BELT TONGUE TO COME OUT OF THE BUCKLE IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION OR HARD BRAKING OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW BUCKLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MID-DECEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-643-4070.
Notes: ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
3. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. THE LATCH PLATE USED IN THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS NOT MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO DESIGN DIMENSIONS. IF THE SEAT BELT TONGUE IS INSERTED SLOWLY AT AN ANGLE INTO THE BUCKLE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE SEAT BELT TONGUE TO COME OUT OF THE BUCKLE IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION OR HARD BRAKING OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW BUCKLE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1994 PASSPORT.
- Book a repair at any authorized Honda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 96V170003.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Summary: THE LATCH PLATE USED IN THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS NOT MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO DESIGN DIMENSIONS. IF THE SEAT BELT TONGUE IS INSERTED SLOWLY AT AN ANGLE INTO THE BUCKLE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE SEAT BELT TONGUE TO COME OUT OF THE BUCKLE IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION OR HARD BRAKING OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW BUCKLE.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 31, 1996. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
4. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITHIN THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR CAN CONTAIN MANUFACTURING ERRORS.
What could happen: THIS CAN CAUSE EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CHARGING OF THE VEHICLE'S ALTERNATOR, RESULTING IN ENGINE CONTROL MALFUNCTION, AND/OR EVENTUAL ENGINE STALL.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR WITH A NEW REGULATOR.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1994 PASSPORT.
- Book a repair at any authorized Honda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 97V034002.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Summary: AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITHIN THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR CAN CONTAIN MANUFACTURING ERRORS.
Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CHARGING OF THE VEHICLE'S ALTERNATOR, RESULTING IN ENGINE CONTROL MALFUNCTION, AND/OR EVENTUAL ENGINE STALL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR WITH A NEW REGULATOR.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN APRIL 4, 1997. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- 1994 Honda Passport owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (10), Brakes (9), Hydraulic (9), Seat belts (5), Steering (4).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
02/11/2007 · Engine
ENGINE ALWAYS NEEDED OIL. EVEN WHEN NEW IT USED 1 QUART A WEEK. NOW 13 YEARS LATER THE CAR USES 2 QUARTS OF OIL A DAY AND RUNS VERY POORLY. A MECHANIC STATED I NEED A NEW ENGINE. THE ENGINE IS IRREPARABLE. *NM
01/07/2005 · Engine
CONSUMER SAW OIL ON THE FLOOR OF THE GARAGE. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION. VEHICLE WAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED, AND WAS NOT INCLUDED IN CAM SHAFT SENSOR RECALL 94V132000, WHICH WAS TEN YEARS OLD. *AK
11/02/2004 · Engine
1994 HONDA PASSPORT BUILT IN MAY OF '94 SUFFERS FROM OIL LEAKING FROM DISLODGED CAM SHAFT ON TO MANIFOLD. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED BY A CERTIFIED ISUZU MECHANIC (ISUZU MAUFACTURED THE PASSPORT). HONDA HAS A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR THIS VEHICLE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, BUT THE CAMPAIGN IS FOR VEHICLES UP TO APRIL OF 94 NOT MAY. BECAUSE OF THIS HONDA SAY…
02/26/2004 · Transmission / drivetrain
THE CLUTCH, PRESSURE PLATE AND THROW OUT BEARING, FAILED. ALSO, THERE WERE STRESS CRACKS IN THE TRANSMISSION CASING. *AK
11/26/2002 · Vehicle Speed Control
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN WITH OUT PRESSING ACCELERATOR. CONSUMER STATES AFTER TAPPING ON BRAKE VEHICLE STILL WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. CONSUMER HAD TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP VEHICLE. DEALER REPLACED THE ACCELERATER CABLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURTHER. TS
07/17/2002 · Engine
I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THIS CLAIM IN ORDER TO HAVE MY CAR REPAIRED FOR THIS PROBLEM.
01/26/2002 · Transmission / drivetrain
I HAD BOTH DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS SIDE REAR AXLE SEALS REPLACED ONCE AND NOW I NEED ANOTHER PASSENGER SIDE REPLACED IN THE NEAR FUTURE. I READ THAT THE 1995 AND 1996 MODELS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I DO NOT ABUSE THE TRUCK AND MY BELIEF IT IS A MANUFACTORING DEFECT.*AK
11/27/2001 · Steering · crash
CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, AND VEHICLE WENT DOWN AN EMBANKMENT, THEN ROLLED OVER. DRIVER'S SEAT BELT RELEASED, AND DRIVER WAS EJECTED FROM VEHICLE. SHE SUFFERED A BROKEN ARM AND HEAD INJURIES. FRONT PASSENGER WAS INJURED, NOT SEVERLY DUE TO SEATBELT ALSO RELEASING. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK