FaultScore

FaultScore report

1998 Isuzu Trooper problems

Owners have filed 48 complaints about the 1998 Isuzu Trooper with NHTSA between 1998 and 2019. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 10 worst.

C

FaultScore 53/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Isuzu Trooper.

How this is worked out

The numbers

48

Complaints

2

Crashes reported

2

Fires reported

2

Injuries reported

59,172 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

30%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 47 vs 50 Severity 65 vs 50 Early failure 51 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 47
Against the median year of the Isuzu Trooper. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 65
12.5% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 51
30% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1998 compares with every other Isuzu Trooper

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1998 Isuzu Trooper

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 19 39.6%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 59,172 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 6 12.5%

Median failure at 58,222 miles

Tires 4 8.3%

Median failure at 65,500 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 4 8.3%

Median failure at 30,000 miles

Brakes 3 6.3%
Electrical System 3 6.3%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 63,222 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 2 4.2%
Fuel & Propulsion 2 4.2%

Median failure at 49,622 miles

Airbags 2 4.2%

2 crashes, 0 fires

Other & Unspecified 1 2.1%
Seats 1 2.1%
Lights 1 2.1%

Median failure at 86,444 miles

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Engine 11 45.8%
Gasoline 4 16.7%
Automatic Transmission 3 12.5%
Tread/Belt 2 8.3%
Transfer Case (4-WHEEL Drive) 1 4.2%
Side/Window 1 4.2%
Accelerator Pedal 1 4.2%
Switch 1 4.2%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

10,000 – 24,999 miles 2 10.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 5 25.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 6 30.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 6 30.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 1 5.0%

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.

Jul 1998 peak 4 Mar 2019

Recalls on the 1998 Isuzu Trooper

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 1999039 28 units in Canada

Powertrain

On certain vehicles, the front and rear output flange lock nuts of the Torque-On-Demand (TOD) 4WD system transfer case might not be staked. In such cases there is the possibility that the lock nut may loosen, resulting in separation of the propeller shaft. Correction: Front and rear lock nuts of the TOD transfer case will be inspected for staking, tightened and, if necessary, the lock nut will be replaced.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 91,000 miles Hopkins, MN Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

WE WERE DRIVING IN MY 1998 ISUZU TROOPER WITH THE 3.5 LITER ENGINE AND ABOUT 90,000 MILES ON A FAMILY VACATION TO MONTANA, AS WE CAME TO OUR DESTINATION WE WERE IN THE MOUNTAINS. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS BEING USED IN OUR VEHICLE AND WAS SET AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE MONTANA SPEED LIMIT. THE VEHICLE HAD TO DOWNSHIFT TO GO UP THE MOUNTAIN SIDE UPON GETTING TO THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN THE VEHICLE QUICKLY BEGAN TO MAKE A STRANGE NOISE. SECONDS LATER THERE WAS A LOUD BOOM AND ENGINE PARTS WENT FLYING EVERYWHERE, WE HAD DROPPED 2 PISTONS OUT THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE AND NEARLY LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR FROM SUCH BAD DAMAGE. WE QUICKLY PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT EXACTLY HAD HAPPENED AND NOTICED THAT THE OIL LEAKING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR HAD CAUGHT FIRE AND WE HAD TO QUICKLY EXTINGUISH IT. WE THEN PICKED UP THE ENGINE PARTS FROM THE HIGHWAY TO NOT HURT OTHER VEHICLES. WE CONTACTED THE LOCAL POLICE AND THEY AIDED US IN GETTING TO THE NEAREST DEALER 110 MILES AWAY. THE DEALER TOOK OVER A WEEK TO REPLACE THE ENGINE BLOCK AND OTHER COMPONENTS FOR A COST OF OVER $6,000. THE ENGINE BLOCK AND OTHER DAMAGED PARTS WERE DISPOSED OF PROPERLY. UPON RETURNING HOME AND INVESTIGATING I FOUND THAT THIS INCIDENT IS VERY COMMON AND HAS COST MANY PEOPLE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. I BELIEVE THAT ISUZU IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND SHOULD FIX IT OR REIMBURSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THESE PROBLEMS. THIS PUT MY FAMILIES SAFETY AND LIVES IN HARM AND I THINK ISUZU SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10131863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,000 miles Salem, NH Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT WARNING WHILE PARKED. A WITNESS STATED THAT FIRE BEGAN UNDER DASH. FIRE MARSHAL DETERMINED THAT FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A SHORT CIRCUIT IN ELECTRICAL WIRING.

NHTSA complaint #10029579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Barrington, IL Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

MY NAME IS [XXX] AND I AM CURRENTLY LEASING THE AFOREMENTIONED VEHICLE. ON JANUARY 30, 2002 I WAS TRAVELING WITH MY HUSBAND WHEN SUDDENLY I WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, WHOSE DRIVER FAILED TO STOP AT A STOP SIGNED. BOTH AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I AM CONCERN WITH THE SAFTEY OF THIS VEHICLE AND I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A FORMAL COMPLAINT AGAINST THE MANUFACTURER. THANK YOU.*AK PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #758268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tucker, GA Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

WHILE COMING TO A STOP ANOTHER DRIVER REAR ENDED CONSUMER AND PUSHED CONSUMER ABOUT 70 FT. UP ROAD. DRIVER'S AND PASSENGE'R SEAT FLEW BACK, PASSENGERS SEAT LANDED IN THE BACK SEAT ON TOP OF CCS. CONSUMER BROKE A TOE, AND PASSENGER HIT FOOT ON FRONT WINDSHIELD.

NHTSA complaint #887063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 30,000 miles SAN Pedro, CA

POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ISUZU TROOPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK INTO ANY OTHER GEAR WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, THE RPMS INCREASED AND THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AN UNKNOWN DEALER THAT WAS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS WAS CONTACTED. THE DEALER RETAINED THE VEHICLE FOR MORE THAN TWO WEEKS, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

NHTSA complaint #11190034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 30,000 miles SAN Pedro, CA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ISUZU TROOPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK INTO ANY OTHER GEAR WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, THE RPMS INCREASED AND THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AN UNKNOWN DEALER THAT WAS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS WAS CONTACTED. THE DEALER RETAINED THE VEHICLE FOR MORE THAN TWO WEEKS, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

NHTSA complaint #11190034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 86,444 miles Omaha, NE

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

WHEN IDLING THE VEHICLE IS IDLING VERY HIGH. ALSO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS COMING ON, AND WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AS YOU START TO LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR, THE VEHICLE JERKS YOU, ALMOST TO THE POINT OF GETTING WHIPLASH. WE HAVE HAD IN THE SHOP AT LEAST 3-4 TIMES AND LOTS OF TIMES FOR A WEEK AT A TIME. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS DUE TO THE GAS CAP, THEY REPLACED THAT, 2 DAYS LATER IT WAS BACK ON. THEY ALSO SAID IT WAS THE FUEL SENSOR, REPLACED THAT AND ITS STILL ACTING AS THOUGH ITS NOT GETTING ENOUGH GAS. AS FAR AS THE JERKING OF THE VEHICLE THEY WONT TELL US WHAT COULD BE CAUSING THAT. ALSO THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO TO RESOLVE THESE PROBLEMS. THIS VEHICLE IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO TAKE OTHERS LIVES.

NHTSA complaint #10368262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 86,444 miles Omaha, NE

INTERIOR LIGHTING

WHEN IDLING THE VEHICLE IS IDLING VERY HIGH. ALSO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS COMING ON, AND WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AS YOU START TO LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR, THE VEHICLE JERKS YOU, ALMOST TO THE POINT OF GETTING WHIPLASH. WE HAVE HAD IN THE SHOP AT LEAST 3-4 TIMES AND LOTS OF TIMES FOR A WEEK AT A TIME. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS DUE TO THE GAS CAP, THEY REPLACED THAT, 2 DAYS LATER IT WAS BACK ON. THEY ALSO SAID IT WAS THE FUEL SENSOR, REPLACED THAT AND ITS STILL ACTING AS THOUGH ITS NOT GETTING ENOUGH GAS. AS FAR AS THE JERKING OF THE VEHICLE THEY WONT TELL US WHAT COULD BE CAUSING THAT. ALSO THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO TO RESOLVE THESE PROBLEMS. THIS VEHICLE IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO TAKE OTHERS LIVES.

NHTSA complaint #10368262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 86,444 miles Omaha, NE

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

WHEN IDLING THE VEHICLE IS IDLING VERY HIGH. ALSO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS COMING ON, AND WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AS YOU START TO LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR, THE VEHICLE JERKS YOU, ALMOST TO THE POINT OF GETTING WHIPLASH. WE HAVE HAD IN THE SHOP AT LEAST 3-4 TIMES AND LOTS OF TIMES FOR A WEEK AT A TIME. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS DUE TO THE GAS CAP, THEY REPLACED THAT, 2 DAYS LATER IT WAS BACK ON. THEY ALSO SAID IT WAS THE FUEL SENSOR, REPLACED THAT AND ITS STILL ACTING AS THOUGH ITS NOT GETTING ENOUGH GAS. AS FAR AS THE JERKING OF THE VEHICLE THEY WONT TELL US WHAT COULD BE CAUSING THAT. ALSO THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO TO RESOLVE THESE PROBLEMS. THIS VEHICLE IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO TAKE OTHERS LIVES.

NHTSA complaint #10368262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 86,444 miles Omaha, NE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WHEN IDLING THE VEHICLE IS IDLING VERY HIGH. ALSO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS COMING ON, AND WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AS YOU START TO LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR, THE VEHICLE JERKS YOU, ALMOST TO THE POINT OF GETTING WHIPLASH. WE HAVE HAD IN THE SHOP AT LEAST 3-4 TIMES AND LOTS OF TIMES FOR A WEEK AT A TIME. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS DUE TO THE GAS CAP, THEY REPLACED THAT, 2 DAYS LATER IT WAS BACK ON. THEY ALSO SAID IT WAS THE FUEL SENSOR, REPLACED THAT AND ITS STILL ACTING AS THOUGH ITS NOT GETTING ENOUGH GAS. AS FAR AS THE JERKING OF THE VEHICLE THEY WONT TELL US WHAT COULD BE CAUSING THAT. ALSO THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO TO RESOLVE THESE PROBLEMS. THIS VEHICLE IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO TAKE OTHERS LIVES.

NHTSA complaint #10368262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50,000 miles APO, AE

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ENGINE IS EXHIBITING ABNORMALLY HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION. ONE QUART PER 500 MILES. IMMINENT ENGINE FAILURE IF PROBLEM IS NOT CORRECTED.

NHTSA complaint #10310412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 119,000 miles Temple, TX

TIRES

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ISUZU TROOPER. THE VEHICLE HAS ORIGINAL BRIDGESTONE DUELER 684 TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO RIDE AS IF THE TIRES WERE UNBALANCED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO FIND A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE TREAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THERE WAS NO BLOW OUT. THE CONTACT DID NOT DRIVE OVER ANY POTHOLES. THE VIN AND TIRE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.

NHTSA complaint #10237256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pelham, NC

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

USING 1 QT OIL EVERY 450 MILES.

NHTSA complaint #10194015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 82,000 miles Roscoe, IL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

I AHVE A 1998 ISUZU TROOPER. 3.5 V6. I USED 1QT OF OIL EVERY 500 MILES. ISUZU STATSE THIS IS WITHIN SPECS. I DISAGREE. SEVERAL OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS WELL AS ENGINES COMPLETELY NEEDED REPLACEMENT. PLEASE HELP IN MAKING ISUZU OF NORTH AMERICA OWN UP TO THIS FLAWED ENGINE.

NHTSA complaint #10181232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 63,344 miles Grand Rapids, MI

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

JUST BOUGHT A 98' TROOPER WITH THE 3.5L. DROVE IT FOR 1 WEEK AND GOT THE OIL CHANGED. DROVE IT FOR ANOTHER WEEK AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT TO AN AUTO PARTS STORE AND HAD IT CHECKED WITH A HANDHELD SCANNER. IT SAID LOW FLOW THROUGH EGR VALVE. TECH SAID TAKE IT OFF AND CLEAN IT, SHOULD BE OK. NEXT DAY ON THE WAY HOME MOTOR STARTS KNOCKING. BABIED IT HOME, NOW KNOCKING VERY BAD. CHECKED OIL, IT WAS DRY. NO WARNING! NOTHING! I ONLY WENT 500 MILES AFTER THE OIL CHANGE. THE TRUCK IS GOING IN FOR A REBUILD. THIS IS GOING TO COST $4000. I HAVE NOT EVEN MADE A PAYMENT ON IT YET! THIS IS ABSURD. NOW, AFTER THE FACT, I HAVE READ ALL THE FORUMS ON THIS SITUATION. TOO LATE FOR ME. AFTER ALL THIS TIME HOW IS ISUZU NOT BEING MADE TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS? WHAT ABOUT CLASS ACTION? SEEMS LIKE A GREAT TRUCK OTHERWISE.

NHTSA complaint #10156024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sacramento, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

I HAVE A 1998 ISUZU TROOPER WITH A 3.5L MOTOR AND IT EATS MOTORS OIL LIKE NO OTHER. IT DOES IT EVERYTIME I HAVE CHANGED THE OIL SINCE AFTER ABOUT 50K MILES. THE MOTOR CONSUMES ROUGHLY 1QT OF OIL EVERY 1000 MILES, EVEN AFTER A RECENT OIL CHANGE. I HAVE LOOKED ON COUNTLESS WEB SITES AND FORUMS ALL OVER AND THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. PEOPLE JUST DO NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS WEB SITE AND WHAT YOU DO. THIS PROBLEM WILL PERSIST AND EVENTUALLY END UP IN ENGINE FAILURE AND CAN BE A VERY COSTLY PROBLEM. THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS LATER AND A NEW MOTOR, ONE WILL STILL HAVE THIS PROBLEM FOR THERE IS NO WAY TO FIX IT. THE DRAIN BACK HOLES IN THE OILS RINGS IS WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE PROBLEM IS. PLEASE CONTACT ISUZU ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE THEN DO A RECALL PLEASE! IT WOULD SAVE A LOT OF MONEY FOR EVERYONE WHO DRIVES A 3.5L ISUZU/ACURA MOTOR.

NHTSA complaint #10148271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 91,000 miles Hopkins, MN Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

WE WERE DRIVING IN MY 1998 ISUZU TROOPER WITH THE 3.5 LITER ENGINE AND ABOUT 90,000 MILES ON A FAMILY VACATION TO MONTANA, AS WE CAME TO OUR DESTINATION WE WERE IN THE MOUNTAINS. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS BEING USED IN OUR VEHICLE AND WAS SET AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE MONTANA SPEED LIMIT. THE VEHICLE HAD TO DOWNSHIFT TO GO UP THE MOUNTAIN SIDE UPON GETTING TO THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN THE VEHICLE QUICKLY BEGAN TO MAKE A STRANGE NOISE. SECONDS LATER THERE WAS A LOUD BOOM AND ENGINE PARTS WENT FLYING EVERYWHERE, WE HAD DROPPED 2 PISTONS OUT THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE AND NEARLY LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR FROM SUCH BAD DAMAGE. WE QUICKLY PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT EXACTLY HAD HAPPENED AND NOTICED THAT THE OIL LEAKING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR HAD CAUGHT FIRE AND WE HAD TO QUICKLY EXTINGUISH IT. WE THEN PICKED UP THE ENGINE PARTS FROM THE HIGHWAY TO NOT HURT OTHER VEHICLES. WE CONTACTED THE LOCAL POLICE AND THEY AIDED US IN GETTING TO THE NEAREST DEALER 110 MILES AWAY. THE DEALER TOOK OVER A WEEK TO REPLACE THE ENGINE BLOCK AND OTHER COMPONENTS FOR A COST OF OVER $6,000. THE ENGINE BLOCK AND OTHER DAMAGED PARTS WERE DISPOSED OF PROPERLY. UPON RETURNING HOME AND INVESTIGATING I FOUND THAT THIS INCIDENT IS VERY COMMON AND HAS COST MANY PEOPLE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. I BELIEVE THAT ISUZU IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND SHOULD FIX IT OR REIMBURSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THESE PROBLEMS. THIS PUT MY FAMILIES SAFETY AND LIVES IN HARM AND I THINK ISUZU SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10131863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 32,000 miles Montrose, WV

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

I PURCHASED A USED 1998 ISUZU TROOPER IN 1993. THE PREVIOUS OWNER KEPT ALL RECORDS OF WORK DONE, PER THE MANUAL. FROM THE BEGINNING I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE CAR FELT AS THOUGH IT WAS BEING HELD BACK WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER CHECKED OUT MY CAR ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASSIONS AND FOUND NOTHING. I THEN BEGAN TO NOTICE THAT I WAS PUTTING OIL IN MY ISUZU EVERY 300-500 MILES. I TOOK IT TO A FRIENDS CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I HAD ALSO PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WITH THE VEHICLE. I CALLED THEM AND THEY REQUESTED ALL OIL CHANGE RECEIPTS WHICH I SUPPLIED. I WAS THEN TOLD THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $1000.00 TO HAVE THE ENGINE TAKEN OUT AND AT THAT POINT THEY WOULD DECIDE WHETHER IT WAS MY FAULT OR A DEFECT. NEEDLESS TO SAY I DIDN'T AGREE WITH PAYING $1000.00 SINCE THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT WITH THIS VEHICLE. I CALLED ISUZU AND THEY COULDN'T HAVE CARED LESS. I DON'T HAVE THE $6000.00 NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. WHEN WILL THIS FINALLY BE REMEDIED? HOW MANY COMPLAINTS HAVE TO BE FILED TO MAKE ISUZU RESPONSIBLE FOR A KNOWN PROBLEM? THERE ARE SO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ON THE INTERNET, YET PEOPLE DON'T SEEM TO KNOW WHERE TO TURN FOR HELP.

NHTSA complaint #10107935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50,000 miles Sandston, VA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF A 1998 ISUZU TROOPER (3.5L V6 MOTOR). I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE WITH APPROXIMATELY 43K MILES ON IT. AT JUST OVER 50K MILES, THE MOTOR BEGAN TO BURN OIL AT THE RATE OF ONE QUART EVERY 700-1000 MILES DRIVEN. THE RATE OF CONSUMPTION IS MUCH HIGHER IF DRIVEN LONG DISTANCES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. ISUZU IS TRYING TO SAY THAT USING ONE QUART OF OIL PER 1000 MILES IS ACCEPTABLE. I SAY DIFFERENTLY, AS NO OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED USES OIL ACCORDINGLY. (INCLUDING MY 1993 ISUZU TROOPER). THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE WELL KNOWN BY ISUZU USA, BUT THEY REFUSE TO TAKE ANY CORRECTIVE MEASURE. THE GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE DEFECT RELATES TO THE OIL DRAIN BACK HOLES IN THE PISTONS. THIS IS A FLAWED DESIGN AND CAUSES ENGINE FAILURE ROUTINELY. I FEEL WITH THE NUMBER OF FAILURES IN THE 1998+ ISUZU 3.5L V6 MOTOR, A RECALL SHOULD BE CONDUCTED TO PROPERLY ADDRESS THE ISSUE. THANK YOUR FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION.

NHTSA complaint #10106287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 12,800 miles Ballwin, MO

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

AFTER SMELLING GAS CONSUMER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED GAS LEAKING. IF THE VEHICLE IS TURNED ON THE GAS LEAKS. VEHICLE IS BEING TOWED TO THE DEALER.

NHTSA complaint #10091669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 68,000 miles Nixa, MO

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. 1998 ISUZU TROOPER ENGINE BEGAN USING EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL. ENGINE WITH 68,000 MILES WENT FROM FULL OIL LEVEL TO WARNING LIGHT AND MOTOR FAILURE (BEARING AND BLOCK BREAKAGE) WITHIN 2-3,000 MILES. SEVERAL EXPERIENCED MECHANICS AND EXTENDED WARRANTY COMPANY (THAT DENIED COVERAGE) SAY THERE IS A KNOW FAILURE OF THESE ENGINES.

NHTSA complaint #10086330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,000 miles Ellicott City, MD

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

98 ISUZU TROOPER 3.5 ENGINE BURNS OIL EXCESSIVELY. I AM ORIGINAL OWNER AND REGULARLY SERVICED PER OWNERS MANUAL. AT 55000 MILES, ENGINE OIL LIGHT TURNED ON 2,500 MILES AFTER OIL CHANGE. OVER 4 QTS LOW. $1400 REPAIR BILL (NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY) UNABLE TO FIX OIL BURNING ISSUE. ENGINE NOW AT 75000 MI AND BURNING APPROXIMATELY. 1 QT PER 600-700 MILES. SEEMS TO BE COMMON ENGINE DEFECT AND KNOWN BY MECHANICS AND OWNERS, BUT ISUZU UNWILLING ACKNOWLEDGE PROBLEM. THOUGH MONITORING CONSTANTLY, AM JUST WAITING FOR SIGNIFICANT ENGINE FAILURE.

NHTSA complaint #10082336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 74,000 miles Phoenix, AZ

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

1998 ISUZU TROOPER 3.5 LITER ENGINE FAILURE AT 74,000 MILES. NO REBUILT OR USED ENGINES AVAILABLE ANYWHERE IN USA. ONE GARAGE IN CHANDLER, AZ SAID IT WAS AN ENGINEERING PROBLEM WITH FAILURE #1 ENGINE CYLINDER WITH 60 TO 90,000 MILES. THEY ARE DOING ALOT OF BUSINESS WITH THIS, EVEN SELLING OVERHAULS ON E-BAY.

NHTSA complaint #10075138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Great Falls, VA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

ISUZU TROOPER INTAKE MANIFOLD IS FAULTY. MFR. WILL NOT ISSUE RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #10060709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 34,594 miles Baltimore, MD

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION.

NHTSA complaint #10052862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Elkhart, IN

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

1998 TROOPERS HAD A SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING FAULTY INTAKE GASKETS, WHICH THEY WILL NOT PARTICIPATE IN REPLACING IF THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD. THERE IS A SAFETY FACTOR TO THIS ISSUE, MY VEHICLE HAS STALLED WHILE AT LOWER RPM'S CAUSING LOSE OF CONTROL, AFTER CHANGING TO UPDATED GASKETS THE CAR NO LONGER STALLS.

NHTSA complaint #10041534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,000 miles Salem, NH Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT WARNING WHILE PARKED. A WITNESS STATED THAT FIRE BEGAN UNDER DASH. FIRE MARSHAL DETERMINED THAT FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A SHORT CIRCUIT IN ELECTRICAL WIRING.

NHTSA complaint #10029579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rochester, NY

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

WHILE TRAVELING AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE STARTED JERKING SOON AFTER VEHICLE DIED AND WAS TOWED. TECHNICIAN NOTICED TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10022213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rochester, NY

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

WHILE TRAVELING AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE STARTED JERKING SOON AFTER VEHICLE DIED AND WAS TOWED. TECHNICIAN NOTICED TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10022213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.