Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1986 Isuzu Trooper II
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Body & Structure
541.7%
Suspension
325.0%
Wheels
18.3%
Brakes
18.3%
Steering
18.3%
Engine & Cooling
18.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 1995peak 5May 2001
NHTSA investigations into the 1986 Isuzu Trooper II
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA93015Opened 8 Jun 1993Closed 31 May 1994SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
SEAT BELT RETRACTORS FAIL
The predominant condition exhibited by the safety belt system of the vehicles subject to this investigation is not considered to be safety related. Therefore, further expenditure of agency resources is not recommended and this matter is closed.Please see closing report for addional information.
PE93003Opened 5 Feb 1993Closed 8 Jun 1993SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
SEAT BELT RETRACTORS FAIL
PE91040Opened 28 Jan 1991Closed 23 May 1991SUSPENSION
LUG STUD FRACTURE
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Coralville, IA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
ENTIRE FRAME AND CROSS MEMBERS HAVE SEVERE RUST WITH PERFORATION. SUSPENSION ATTACHMENT POINTS TO FRAME ARE SEVERLY COMPROMISED. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. SHEET METAL BODY STRUCTURE APPEARS "RELATIVELY" RUST FREE. THE FRAME INTEGRITY WOULD NOT BE NOTICED UNLESS THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED CLOSELY.
NHTSA complaint #745366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Cove, ME
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS VERY SEROIUS MATTER. I PURCHASED A USED TROOPER THREE YEARS AGO, AND HAVE EXPERIENCED NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. I PURCHASED THE TROOPER FROM MY NEIGHBOR THREE YEARS AGO.HE PURCHASED IT FROM A DEALER HERE IN MAINE. THE TROOPER WAS ALWAYS VERY WELL MAINTAINED,USUALLY GARAGED, AND ONLY DRIVEN BY MY NEIGHBOR TO HIS PALCE OFF BUSINESS 3 MILES AWAY. HE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEAD WHICH WAS DEFECTIVE. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED FROM AREA GARAGES THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM. MY PROBLEMS ARE CENTERED AROUND THE POOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE FRAME. THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE IS JUST BARELY HELD ON TO THE CHASSIS, BY WHAT MEANS, I'M NOT SURE. EVERYTHING IS ROTTING OFF THE VEHICLE. EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE, REAR FRAME AND FLOOR PAN HAS HOLES....LOOKS LIKE A FLINSTONE MOBILE.YOU CAN ALMOST LITERALLY DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH YOUR FEET IN CERTAIN AREAS. THE FRONT SHOCKS ARE RUSTED THROUGH, AND THE BODY HAS HAD TO BE REPAIRED FOR RUST. THIS VEHICLE HAS CANCER, AND IT'S TERMINAL. I LIVE IN THE STATE OF MAINE WHERE YEARLY VEHICLE INSPECTION IS MANDATORY....THE TROOPER BARELY PASSED LAST YEAR. I HAVE PAID MONEY TO HAVE THIS VEHICLE RE-REGISTERED, AND INSURED (WHICH HERE IN MAINE PRECEEDS INSPECTION) AND NOW IT WON'T PASS INSPECTION. THIS IS AFTER DOING EXTENSIVE WORK TO IT....EVERY GARAGE TELLS ME THAT THE VEHICLE IS POORLY CONSTRUCTED/UNSAFE EVEN AFTER COSTLY REPAIRS/AND DON'T EVEN RECOMMEND THAT I SELL IT FOR FEAR THAT SOMEONE MAY HAVE A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT DUE TO THE FRAME DETERIORIZATION. THOUGH THIS VEHICLE IS ALMOST 14 YEARS OLD, IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF. THIS IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM WHICH AFFECTS EVERY TROOPER THAT I HAVE SEEN. PLEASE ADVISE ME OF WHAT TO DO WITH THIS VEHICLE AS IT IS A HAZARD, AND FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY SEVERAL GARAGES, CANNOT BE FIXED. PLEASE HELP ME WITH MY DILEMA, I WOULD BE VERY GRATEFUL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONCERN IN THIS MATTER. SINCERELY YOURS, LORI BRIDGES
NHTSA complaint #714416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Cove, ME
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
I TOOK THE TROOPER TO HAVE REAR AXLE SEAL REPLACED, AND NEW BRAKE SHOES INSTALLED. SEVERAL MECHANICS PUT TROOPER UP ON LIFT, AND REFUSED TO REPLACE BRAKE SHOES/REAR SEAL. THEY SAID THAT THE FRAME IS SO FAR GONE THAT THEY WILL NOT FIX THE REAR SEAL OR BRAKES BECAUSE TROOPER IS TOTALLY UNSAFE DUE TO THE FRAME ROT. TO PERFORM SERVICE TO BRAKE AREA WOULD BE A WASTE OF TIME AND EXPENSE SINCE I HAVE FAR GREATER PROBLEMS WITH THE TROOPER. THEY SAID THAT THEY CAN'T IN GOOD CONSCIENCE TAKE MY MONEY FOR REPAIRS....AS ONCE AGAIN, THE PROBLEM WITH THE FRAME IS MONUMENTAL. I CANNOT HAVE THIS VEHICLE INSPECTED, THEREFORE I CANNOT DRIVE IT. AFTER SEEING IT UP ON THE FRAME, I AM PETRIFIED TO. ANOTHER REPUTABLE MECHANIC ( AT AN ISUZU DEARLERSHIP HERE IN MAINE) SAID THAT THE STEERING BOX IS ROTTING OFF THE FRAME, AND IF DRIVEN, CAN NOT ONLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, BUT A FATALIY. I CAN'T EVEN DONATE THIS VEHICLE FOR FEAR THAT SOMEONE MAY BE SEROIUSLY INJURED AS A RESULT OF OPERATING IT. PLEASE ADVISE ME ASAP OF ANY/ALL INFORMATION YOU MAY HAVE, AND WHERE I SHOULD GO FROM HERE. ISUZU DEALERSHIPS HAVE TRIED TO SELL ME ANOTHER ISUZU. IF ISUZU CAN'T STAND BEHIND WHAT THEY HAVE SOLD, I CANNOT SEE MY WAY CLEAR TO PURCHASE ANOTHER ONE OF THEIR INFERIOR PRODUCTS.IN THE MEANTIME, THE TROOPER SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY. UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN/SOLD/DONATED. PLEASE ADVISE ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AS TO WHAT COUSE OF ACTION CAN BE TAKEN TO HOLD THIS CAR MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR MANUFACTURING SHORTCOMINGS RESULTING IN THE PRODUCTION OF HIGHLY UNSAFE TRANSPORTATION. FROM EVERYTHING THAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD, THIS VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE COMING OFF OF THE ASSEMBLY LINES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIEM AND CONSIDERATION IN THIS MATTER. SINCERELY, LORI BRIDGES.
NHTSA complaint #714418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Cove, ME
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS VERY SEROIUS MATTER. I PURCHASED A USED TROOPER THREE YEARS AGO, AND HAVE EXPERIENCED NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. I PURCHASED THE TROOPER FROM MY NEIGHBOR THREE YEARS AGO.HE PURCHASED IT FROM A DEALER HERE IN MAINE. THE TROOPER WAS ALWAYS VERY WELL MAINTAINED,USUALLY GARAGED, AND ONLY DRIVEN BY MY NEIGHBOR TO HIS PALCE OFF BUSINESS 3 MILES AWAY. HE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEAD WHICH WAS DEFECTIVE. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED FROM AREA GARAGES THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM. MY PROBLEMS ARE CENTERED AROUND THE POOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE FRAME. THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE IS JUST BARELY HELD ON TO THE CHASSIS, BY WHAT MEANS, I'M NOT SURE. EVERYTHING IS ROTTING OFF THE VEHICLE. EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE, REAR FRAME AND FLOOR PAN HAS HOLES....LOOKS LIKE A FLINSTONE MOBILE.YOU CAN ALMOST LITERALLY DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH YOUR FEET IN CERTAIN AREAS. THE FRONT SHOCKS ARE RUSTED THROUGH, AND THE BODY HAS HAD TO BE REPAIRED FOR RUST. THIS VEHICLE HAS CANCER, AND IT'S TERMINAL. I LIVE IN THE STATE OF MAINE WHERE YEARLY VEHICLE INSPECTION IS MANDATORY....THE TROOPER BARELY PASSED LAST YEAR. I HAVE PAID MONEY TO HAVE THIS VEHICLE RE-REGISTERED, AND INSURED (WHICH HERE IN MAINE PRECEEDS INSPECTION) AND NOW IT WON'T PASS INSPECTION. THIS IS AFTER DOING EXTENSIVE WORK TO IT....EVERY GARAGE TELLS ME THAT THE VEHICLE IS POORLY CONSTRUCTED/UNSAFE EVEN AFTER COSTLY REPAIRS/AND DON'T EVEN RECOMMEND THAT I SELL IT FOR FEAR THAT SOMEONE MAY HAVE A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT DUE TO THE FRAME DETERIORIZATION. THOUGH THIS VEHICLE IS ALMOST 14 YEARS OLD, IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF. THIS IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM WHICH AFFECTS EVERY TROOPER THAT I HAVE SEEN. PLEASE ADVISE ME OF WHAT TO DO WITH THIS VEHICLE AS IT IS A HAZARD, AND FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY SEVERAL GARAGES, CANNOT BE FIXED. PLEASE HELP ME WITH MY DILEMA, I WOULD BE VERY GRATEFUL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONCERN IN THIS MATTER. SINCERELY YOURS, LORI BRIDGES
NHTSA complaint #714416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Cove, ME
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS VERY SEROIUS MATTER. I PURCHASED A USED TROOPER THREE YEARS AGO, AND HAVE EXPERIENCED NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. I PURCHASED THE TROOPER FROM MY NEIGHBOR THREE YEARS AGO.HE PURCHASED IT FROM A DEALER HERE IN MAINE. THE TROOPER WAS ALWAYS VERY WELL MAINTAINED,USUALLY GARAGED, AND ONLY DRIVEN BY MY NEIGHBOR TO HIS PALCE OFF BUSINESS 3 MILES AWAY. HE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEAD WHICH WAS DEFECTIVE. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED FROM AREA GARAGES THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM. MY PROBLEMS ARE CENTERED AROUND THE POOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE FRAME. THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE IS JUST BARELY HELD ON TO THE CHASSIS, BY WHAT MEANS, I'M NOT SURE. EVERYTHING IS ROTTING OFF THE VEHICLE. EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE, REAR FRAME AND FLOOR PAN HAS HOLES....LOOKS LIKE A FLINSTONE MOBILE.YOU CAN ALMOST LITERALLY DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH YOUR FEET IN CERTAIN AREAS. THE FRONT SHOCKS ARE RUSTED THROUGH, AND THE BODY HAS HAD TO BE REPAIRED FOR RUST. THIS VEHICLE HAS CANCER, AND IT'S TERMINAL. I LIVE IN THE STATE OF MAINE WHERE YEARLY VEHICLE INSPECTION IS MANDATORY....THE TROOPER BARELY PASSED LAST YEAR. I HAVE PAID MONEY TO HAVE THIS VEHICLE RE-REGISTERED, AND INSURED (WHICH HERE IN MAINE PRECEEDS INSPECTION) AND NOW IT WON'T PASS INSPECTION. THIS IS AFTER DOING EXTENSIVE WORK TO IT....EVERY GARAGE TELLS ME THAT THE VEHICLE IS POORLY CONSTRUCTED/UNSAFE EVEN AFTER COSTLY REPAIRS/AND DON'T EVEN RECOMMEND THAT I SELL IT FOR FEAR THAT SOMEONE MAY HAVE A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT DUE TO THE FRAME DETERIORIZATION. THOUGH THIS VEHICLE IS ALMOST 14 YEARS OLD, IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF. THIS IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM WHICH AFFECTS EVERY TROOPER THAT I HAVE SEEN. PLEASE ADVISE ME OF WHAT TO DO WITH THIS VEHICLE AS IT IS A HAZARD, AND FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY SEVERAL GARAGES, CANNOT BE FIXED. PLEASE HELP ME WITH MY DILEMA, I WOULD BE VERY GRATEFUL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONCERN IN THIS MATTER. SINCERELY YOURS, LORI BRIDGES
NHTSA complaint #714416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Cove, ME
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS VERY SEROIUS MATTER. I PURCHASED A USED TROOPER THREE YEARS AGO, AND HAVE EXPERIENCED NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. I PURCHASED THE TROOPER FROM MY NEIGHBOR THREE YEARS AGO.HE PURCHASED IT FROM A DEALER HERE IN MAINE. THE TROOPER WAS ALWAYS VERY WELL MAINTAINED,USUALLY GARAGED, AND ONLY DRIVEN BY MY NEIGHBOR TO HIS PALCE OFF BUSINESS 3 MILES AWAY. HE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEAD WHICH WAS DEFECTIVE. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED FROM AREA GARAGES THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM. MY PROBLEMS ARE CENTERED AROUND THE POOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE FRAME. THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE IS JUST BARELY HELD ON TO THE CHASSIS, BY WHAT MEANS, I'M NOT SURE. EVERYTHING IS ROTTING OFF THE VEHICLE. EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE, REAR FRAME AND FLOOR PAN HAS HOLES....LOOKS LIKE A FLINSTONE MOBILE.YOU CAN ALMOST LITERALLY DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH YOUR FEET IN CERTAIN AREAS. THE FRONT SHOCKS ARE RUSTED THROUGH, AND THE BODY HAS HAD TO BE REPAIRED FOR RUST. THIS VEHICLE HAS CANCER, AND IT'S TERMINAL. I LIVE IN THE STATE OF MAINE WHERE YEARLY VEHICLE INSPECTION IS MANDATORY....THE TROOPER BARELY PASSED LAST YEAR. I HAVE PAID MONEY TO HAVE THIS VEHICLE RE-REGISTERED, AND INSURED (WHICH HERE IN MAINE PRECEEDS INSPECTION) AND NOW IT WON'T PASS INSPECTION. THIS IS AFTER DOING EXTENSIVE WORK TO IT....EVERY GARAGE TELLS ME THAT THE VEHICLE IS POORLY CONSTRUCTED/UNSAFE EVEN AFTER COSTLY REPAIRS/AND DON'T EVEN RECOMMEND THAT I SELL IT FOR FEAR THAT SOMEONE MAY HAVE A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT DUE TO THE FRAME DETERIORIZATION. THOUGH THIS VEHICLE IS ALMOST 14 YEARS OLD, IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF. THIS IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM WHICH AFFECTS EVERY TROOPER THAT I HAVE SEEN. PLEASE ADVISE ME OF WHAT TO DO WITH THIS VEHICLE AS IT IS A HAZARD, AND FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY SEVERAL GARAGES, CANNOT BE FIXED. PLEASE HELP ME WITH MY DILEMA, I WOULD BE VERY GRATEFUL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONCERN IN THIS MATTER. SINCERELY YOURS, LORI BRIDGES
NHTSA complaint #714416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roxboro, NC
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
AUDIBLE CLICKING COMING FROM FRONT AUTOMATIC LOCKING HUBS, CHECKED HUBS FOR PROPER GREASE, NOT SOURCE OF PROBLEM. MM
NHTSA complaint #329147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
N. Potomac, MD
SUSPENSION:FRONT
A BOLT ASSOCIATED WITH SUSPENSION FAILED, CAUSING FRONT WHEEL TO COME OFF.
NHTSA complaint #781463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Union, NJ
SUSPENSION:REAR
REAR AXLE/LOCKNUT AND PANCAKE WASHER FAILED AND THE AXLE FELL OFF WITH THE WHEEL STILL ATTACHED.
NHTSA complaint #536430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Union, NJ
SUSPENSION:REAR
REAR AXLE LOCK NUT AND PAN CAKE WASHER FAILED AND AXLE SLID OUT WITH WHEEL STILL ATTACHED. THIS IS THE 2ND OCCURANCE IN 2 YEARS. FIRST TIME VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT 10 MPH, SECOND TIME 55 MPH.
NHTSA complaint #536409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sparrowbush, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
MULTIPLE RUST SPOTS ON VEHICLE JEOPARDIZING INTEGRITY OF SUPPORT STRUCTURE. METAL USED ON SIDEWALLS OF FRAME IS TOO THIN.
NHTSA complaint #511679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ridgefield, CT
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
MAIN FRAME UNDER VEHICLE IS RUSTING THRU; METAL DISINTEGRATING; UNSAFE TO DRIVE; COULD FALL COMPLETELY APART CAUSING ACCIDENT. TT
NHTSA complaint #964863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.