Frame Rust Frame Rot Wheel stabilizer rusted off while driving.
While driving (1/21/09), I felt like the Passport was "skating on ice" or being hit by wind. Sudden onset of this issue. Turning a corner and driving 5 mph, I encountered a sudden loud "boom", and stopped the car immediately. The driver's back wheel stabilier bar had fallen off of the body/frame of the Honda, completely rusted/rotted off. Had the car towed home only to discover that the frame was riddled with holes, some as large as 6" in the frame. One area of the back frame was held together was 2 small pieces, 1" wide, my husband noted numerous rusted through holes in the frame. The body looks new, no rust, no problems.
We live in KY, not near an ocean, not where road salt is used a lot during the winter because the winters are not severe. Upon getting on the internet, I have found that this is a common problem, finding and noting numerous complaints by lots of Honda Passport and Isuzu Rodeo owners. I am pursuing this issue with Honda America at this time. If I had not been driving on an errand that afternoon, but had driven home as usual after work, (55 mph), I probably would not be here to tell anyone what happened. I'm sure I would have had an accident, and the cause of the accident would be noted to be the fact that the wheel stabilizer rusted off of the frame.
Interestingly enough, I found a website concerning the New 1998 Isuzu Press Release posted by Auto World.in the write up, it states that they "reduced frame weight by 50 pounds". Perhaps that is what has lead to the issue that current Passport owners are now experiencing. It is also interesting that many local Honda dealers "don't see many Honda Passports anymore". Also of interest, is that a local Honda America representative told the service manager at the dealership where we purchased our Honda Passport that "they were aware that several hundred Passports were affected by this problem, but when a million vehicles were sold, it wasn't considered to be an issue". Well, it is an issue for us. This is my only transportation. My husband has a vehicle and I have/had my Honda Passport. Now I have nothing. The vehicle is probably worth more parting it out.
Anyone who has a Honda Passport or an Isuzu Rodeo, get to a garage NOW. Before you or your family are injured. Have the frame inspected. Contact Honda America and your dealership and let them know that we count. Before someone dies in an accident. At this time, I am currently attempting to get the Passport towed to the dealership for their inspection and determination if this was a manufacturer's defect, and for a determination by Honda America as to how they are going to proceed in this matter.
According to EDWARD LOZEZ, American Honda representative, after a conversation today, 02/25/09, they are not liable for this issue, since "the vehicle is 11 years old, warranted for 3 years/36,000 miles and 5 year rust warranty". They have NO OBLIGATION to any Honda Passport owner. Call him and talk to honda america representative/case worker - edward lopez at 1-800-999-1009, extension 117741. According to Mr. Lopez, there are not many Passports left on the road today (wonder why?) and the number of complaints of this nature would have to be significant for them to issue a recall. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.interestingly enough, I sent photos of my vehicle to my local Honda dealer which were forwarded on to the Honda Rep. And then on to Honda America. Mr. Lopez told me he looked at them, but could not recall the color of my vehicle. I think they just want me to go away. I am not going away.
Their engineer department will look over the case/claim now, but without a Passport to examine and a metallurgist to test the frame piece in question and determine the exact metal used, whether it was a poorly made component from Honda's suppliers or not, I don't know what they are going to do.
They didn't want to see my Passport unless I paid to have it towed. I wasn't going to pay to have it towed 40 miles and just find out that "yes, there is a frame rust issue"...
If you own a honda passport and have frame rust, i urge you to call them and let them know this is a problem.
if you own a one of these vehicles, get it examined immediately, have it checked for frame rust/rot/rust through/frame weakening, by a reputable mechanic or garage. Protect yourself and your family.
A recall should be considered by Honda, but they will not issue one.
A class action suit by all Passport and Isuzu Rodeo owners???
Marinal
Crestwood, Kentucky
U.S.A.
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