1998-2002 Passport & Rodeo Rear Door Guide: Fender Flares, Rust, and Swaps

The Honda Passport / Isuzu Rodeo Connection

The most important thing to know when searching for parts for a 1998-2002 Honda Passport is that it is a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo. The two vehicles were built in the same factory and share the vast majority of their mechanical and body parts, including the rear doors. This means a rear door from a 1998-2002 Isuzu Rodeo will fit a 1998-2002 Honda Passport, and vice-versa. This interchangeability greatly expands the available pool of used parts.

The #1 Compatibility Trap: Fender Flares

The single biggest mistake buyers make is choosing a door that doesn't match their vehicle's fender flare option. These vehicles were sold in two main styles:

• Without Flares: These models have smooth, flat body sides over the wheel wells. The rear door has a simple, straight edge.
• With Flares: These models have a plastic trim piece, or 'flare', that extends out from the body over the wheel well to accommodate wider tires or for styling. The rear door on these models is shaped differently to integrate with this flare.

Symptoms of a Failing Rear Door Assembly

Failure of a door assembly usually comes down to one of its components. Here are the most common problems you'll encounter:

Power Window Problems

A common symptom is a rear window that is slow to move, makes grinding noises, or won't go up or down at all. This is almost always caused by a failed window regulator or motor. Sometimes the switch itself can fail, but the regulator is the more frequent culprit. You may hear a 'popping' sound as the cable inside the regulator snaps.

Power Lock Failure

If the rear door doesn't lock or unlock with the rest of the doors using the power lock switch or key fob, the door lock actuator has likely failed. You might hear a weak buzzing sound from inside the door when you press the button, or no sound at all. You can typically still lock and unlock the door manually from the inside.

Door Won't Open or Latch

If the door is difficult to open from the inside or outside, or if it won't stay securely closed, the problem is usually with the door latch mechanism or the handle itself. The plastic clips connecting the handle rods to the latch are a known weak point and can break over time, causing the handle to feel loose and disconnected.

Wind Noise or Water Leaks

Cracked, brittle, or torn rubber weatherstripping around the door frame will fail to create a proper seal. This allows wind noise to enter the cabin at speed and can lead to water leaks during rain or car washes, potentially damaging interior panels and causing musty odors.

Visible Rust and Corrosion

While not as common as frame rust on these vehicles, the door shells can still corrode. Check the bottom seam of the door, where water can collect. Also inspect around the window trim and behind any body-side molding. Bubbling paint is the first sign of underlying rust.

Vehicle-Specific Alert: Severe Frame Rust Recall (NHTSA 10V-436)

Before buying this vehicle or any major part for it, you MUST inspect the frame for rust. The 1998-2002 Passport and Rodeo were subject to a major safety recall for severe corrosion of the frame, specifically where the rear suspension lower link bracket attaches. This issue is most common in 'Salt Belt' states where road de-icing salt is used. In extreme cases, the suspension can detach from the frame, leading to a loss of vehicle control. Even if the door you are buying is pristine, the vehicle it's going on (or coming from) could have a compromised frame. Always inspect this area thoroughly.

Buying a Used 1998-2002 Rear Door: An Inspection Checklist

A used OEM door is often the best and most affordable option. Here’s what to check before you buy:

1. Confirm Fender Flares: This is your first check. Does the donor vehicle have flares? Does yours? Make sure they match.
2. Inspect for Rust: Check the lower seam inside and out. Use a magnet to check for hidden body filler (Bondo), which indicates a previous repair. A magnet won't stick to thick filler.
3. Check for Dents and Damage: Look down the length of the door from an angle to spot subtle dents and waves that might not be obvious at first glance.
4. Verify Completeness: Is it a complete door assembly or a bare shell? A complete assembly should include the glass, window regulator, lock actuator, and wiring harness. A bare shell is just the metal door itself. Clarify what's included to avoid surprises.
5. Test Components (If Possible): If the door is still on the donor vehicle, test the window and lock functions.
6. Check the Paint: If you're trying to avoid a repaint, find a door from a vehicle with the same paint code. The code is usually found on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb.

Replacement Overview

Replacing the entire rear door is a moderately difficult job that is feasible for a DIYer with a helper. Having a second person is crucial to hold the door's weight and prevent it from falling, which could damage the door, the car's body, or the wiring.

The general steps are:

1. Disconnect the car battery.
2. Open the door and support its weight. A floor jack with a padded block of wood works well.
3. Remove the interior door panel to access the wiring harness connector.
4. Carefully unplug the main electrical connector that passes from the body into the door.
5. Unbolt the door checker strap (the bar that stops the door from opening too far).
6. With a helper supporting the full weight of the door, unbolt the two main hinges from the vehicle's body pillar.
7. Carefully lift the old door away.
8. Installation is the reverse of removal. It will take time to align the new door perfectly so the body lines match and it closes smoothly.

Cost of Replacement Parts (1998-2002 Passport / Rodeo)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

OEM Part Numbers

This list includes known OEM part numbers for the rear door assembly and its components. Note that part numbers can vary by side (left/right), color, and specific options. Always verify compatibility with the seller using your vehicle's VIN.

• Honda: 8-97135-130-3, 8-97235-613-3, 8971351303, 8972238460
• Isuzu: 8-97233-631-2, 8-97235-512-4, 8-97235-554-1, 8971506403, 8972336312, 8972355122, 8972355123, 8972355124, 8972355541, 8972356133