1998 Isuzu Amigo
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Isuzu › Amigo › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Isuzu Amigo. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 1998 Isuzu Amigo. Newest first.
Isuzu IS recalling certain model year 1998-2000 amigo and model year 2001-2002 rodeo sport vehicles, that were originally sold, or are currently registered, in the states of maine, new hampshire, vermont, massachusetts, rhode island, connecticut, new york, new jersey, pennsylvania, delaware, maryland, the district of columbia, west virginia, ohio, indiana…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Excessive corrosion may result in the left or right rear suspension lower link bracket becoming detached from the frame, which can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear suspension lower link bracket area. for vehicles in which little or no corrosion IS found, the area will be treated with an anti-corrosive compound. for vehicles in which corrosion has damaged the rear suspension lower link bracket and affected its connection to the vehicle frame, a reinforcement bracket will be installed. in the rare event the corrosion IS so severe that the reinforcement bracket remedy would not be appropriate, isuzu will offer to repurchase the vehicle for an amount based on the kelley blue book private party price. all inspections and remedies will be provided free of charge for vehicles that are 10 years old or less. for vehicles older than 10 years, isuzu will offer a free remedy, but only if the vehicle IS presented to an isuzu service facility dealer within 12 months of when owner notifications were issued. the recall began during july 2012. isuzu owners may contact isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.
On certain sport utility vehicles that are equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), the vehicles can experience extended stopping distances in certain types of braking events.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Extended stopping distance could result, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will provide a replacement computer algorithm for the ABS that IS based on the algorithm used in isuzu's my 2000 and 2001 vehicles, which have not had the problem. this campaign will be conducted in phases, with the my 1998 2WD vehicles covered first, since they have experienced the most problems. owner notification began march 20, 2003. 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.
This IS not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it IS deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. vehicle description: 1998-2000 rodeo (ue) and amigo (ua) models equipped with 2.2L 4-cylinder engines. the timing belt could break before the recommended scheduled maintenance.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition could cause the engine to crank but will not start or the engine could stall while driving and will not restart.
Remedy
Dealer will inspect the vehicle to determine the condition of the timing belt and tensioner. the dealer will replace the timing belt. depending on the condition or model of the timing belt tensioner, the tensioner may also be replaced. isuzu has decided to conduct a service campaign to replace the timing belt. owner notification began june 22, 2001. owners can contact isuzu at 1-800-643-4070, ext. 426, concerning this program.
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. paint was applied unevenly on the rear axles, resulting in insufficient paint hardness. should this occur on the surface that contacts the rear axle lower link bracket bolt head and/or nut, the nut may loosen.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The bolt could detach fully, causing separation of the lower link from the rear axle, increasing the risk of loss of vehicle control.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rear axle lower link joint nut and bolt.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with a sunroof sunshade. the primer applied to prepare the surface prior to bonding the sunshade holders to the sunroof weakened the bonding strength of the adhesive, resulting in an unsatisfactory bond of the holder to the sunroof.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can result in separation of the holder, causing the sunshade to fall, possibly striking a vehicle occupant.
Remedy
Dealers will remove all four sunshade holders and re-bond them to the sunroof glass.
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. a ground connection terminal was not properly crimped in the supplier's engine wiring harness manufacturing line. this improper crimping process can leave an impression on the terminal that will eventually cause a stress fracture. S
Risk and remedy
Risk
If a terminal IS fractured, the powertrain control module (pcm) can receive an erroneous signal indicating a high vehicle speed, thereby causing the pcm to cut the fuel, causing a 'no-start' condition, or a possible engine stall.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these vehicles.
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. the strength of the rear seat belt shoulder anchorage IS not to design specifications and does not fully comply with requirements of fmvss no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages."
Risk and remedy
Risk
The rear seat belts would not provide adequate protection in the event of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install new right and left rear seat belt anchor bolts.
Owner complaints
78 complaints13 involved a crash9 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body
Rear trailing arms of vehicle ripped off from the frame and caused the rear axle to drive up under the vehicle. Lost control of vehicle and drove into the center median of highway. failure due to corrosion and insufficient weld of control arm bracket.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings · Structure › Frame and members
TL* the contact owns a 1998 isuzu amigo. The contact stated that the radius arm brackets, cross members, and brake lines were completely corroded. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 12v306000 (suspension). The manufacturer was contacted and the dealer refused to…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 isuzu amigo. The contact stated that the radius arm brackets, cross members, and brake lines were completely corroded. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 12v306000 (suspension). The manufacturer was contacted and the dealer refused to perform the recall repairs. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician explained that, due to the extensive corrosion, the vehicle would not pass state inspection until the frame was replaced. The technician replaced the radius arm brackets and welded the frame. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1998 isuzu amigo. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign ID number: 12v306000 (suspension) and stated that the manufacturer was notified and advised that the recall had expired on august 3, 2013. The manufacturer refused to honor the recall even though it had only been one week after the expiration date. The contact had not experienced failure.
- Suspension › Rear
TL* the contact owns a 1998 isuzu amigo. The contact stated the rear end swayed while accelerating. The failure recurred while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have the failure diagnosed, but the contact noticed that the rear lower link bracket was fractured.…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 isuzu amigo. The contact stated the rear end swayed while accelerating. The failure recurred while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have the failure diagnosed, but the contact noticed that the rear lower link bracket was fractured. The manufacturer and an authorized dealer were made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign ID number 10v436000 (suspension:rear). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 173,000. updated 02/01/12*lj
- Structure › Frame and members
My 1998 isuzu amigo (which I bought brand new) IS no longer drivable. the rear end of the frame IS rusted out so bad that the rear suspension lower link detached from the frame. I am told it IS not fixable. when I accelerate the back end of the truck has a mind of its own and I can't control it. I don't have a car to drive to work. I have borrowed 4 different cars just to survive. *Tr
- Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
I have a 1998 isuzu amigo, there was one recall on the sun visor; but, the solution isuzu instated IS short term and did not correct the problem, the problem IS that the sun shade does not remain in place and has drop down and hit me in the head while driving several times. I have contacted isuzu and all they do IS keep gluing the anker bracks to the glass roof and they keep losing adherision and fall off. *tr
- Tires › Tread/belt
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 isuzu amigo. while driving 55 mph, the tread separated from the vehicle's tires, but the tires remained inflated. the contact stated that another tire was completely warped. the tires were dominator all season. The current and failure mileages were 107,000. updated 08/16/07. *Jb
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
Dt*: the contact stated the air conditioning rattled constantly from the time the vehicle was started. the contact was concerned whatever was rattling may damage the engine. updated 10/25/2006 - *nm
- Engine and engine cooling
1998 isuzu amigo with 95000 miles had the oil pump shell out destroying the crank and block under normal driving conditions with clean oil and regular maintenance. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Dt: the contact stated there was a knocking sound in the engine. the dealer has not inspected the vehicle to determine the cause of the problem. a local mechanic said the valves were knocking ,and it could possibly be the lifters. *ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
I was traveling s/b fry 99 at kimberlina rd, just north of bakersfleld calif. I was in the center lane traveling at a speed of approx 70 to 75 mph. at this time I heard a loud "thud" against the left door of my 1998 isuzu amigo, the tread on the left front tire had separated and had struck the…
I was traveling s/b fry 99 at kimberlina rd, just north of bakersfleld calif. I was in the center lane traveling at a speed of approx 70 to 75 mph. at this time I heard a loud "thud" against the left door of my 1998 isuzu amigo, the tread on the left front tire had separated and had struck the side of my vehicle. The type of tire on my vehicle IS a brigestone dueler. The tread separation caused severe damage to my vehicle. The estimates are between $1700 to $2100 dollars. The tread put three dents on the drivers door, broke of the driver side mirror, broke the bumper, knocked the left front fender out of line, damaged the mug guards and other protective shield under the left front wheel well. the tire did not deflate,& I was able to come to a slow stop on a very active fast roadway. I contacted firestone/bridgestone and filed a consumer complaint I completed the required paperwork and sent them photos of the damage to my vehicle. I also acquired the estimates and sent them my tire at my own expense. They have since rejected my complaint stating the separation was my fault caused my low tire pressure. I disagree. this tire was original equipment purchased with the vehicle. This tire was the spare and had only approx 5 to 7000 miles on the tire. My vehicle receives regular maintenance and the tires were recently rotated. The tire pressure IS checked / balanced and the pressure checked. I personally inspected the vehicle prior to taking this trip. all I ask IS that I am reimbursed for the damage sustained to my vehicle and my tires be replaced with a make/brand of my own choosing. I have effected some of the repairs to the vehicle include the tire, and mirror these are necessary to keep the vehicle on the road. I was forced to purchase another bridgestone tire in order stay consistent with the other tires on the vehicle. I no longer feel safe with the bridgestone products I would like to replace all five tires on the vehicle. To include the spare.
- Engine and engine cooling
To start off I was never notified regarding the recall for the timing belt. I just happen to find it myself on the internet doing a search for recalls. I took the vehicle to isuzu and had 2 of the recalls fixed. (Timing bet "belt kit" and rear axle "bolt kit") this was on feb, 5 2003 at 88803…
To start off I was never notified regarding the recall for the timing belt. I just happen to find it myself on the internet doing a search for recalls. I took the vehicle to isuzu and had 2 of the recalls fixed. (Timing bet "belt kit" and rear axle "bolt kit") this was on feb, 5 2003 at 88803 miles. On april, 30 2004 at 101660 miles I was driving my husband to the airport and the car died at a turn. "In the middle of the road" numerous attempts to restart the car failed and it was towed to my mechanic. I was thought it may have been bad gas "water in the gas" due to the fact I had just filled up 15 miles prior. To sum it all up the mechanic had to replace the timing belt as it was in shreds. (Part IS still available if needed) now $226.00 + rental car out of my pocket to fix something that was supposed to be already fixed? I only drove 12,857 before it gave out and was told you shouldn't have to replace a timing belt but every 60,000 miles. . This seems to a serious problem with the 98 amigos and something needs to be done about it! ps. Contacting isuzu customer relations tomorrow to discuss this matter as I feel I shouldn't have to pay for this.*skl
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Brakes release on 1998 isuzu. all 4 brakes release suddenly if one wheel hits bump and skips. plastic sidewall by gas pedal catches inside shoe and prevents quick moves from gas to brake.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling
While driving 55 mph vehicle stalled. consumer was unable to restart vehicle. consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic could not duplicate the problem. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
Vehicle keeps stalling when slowing down at stops or while slowing down to make turns. At which point, power steering IS impossible and this presents a dangerous situation. Problem was first noticed in 11/2002, recurred in 05/2003, both times, the dealer rectified problem.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
Cooling fan assembly fell off ----- the secound time------ cooling fan support bolts broke. Aluminun housing at bottom of support broke-out. Cooling fan clutch broke. Fan belt tore. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
Cooling fan assembly support and fan fell off when driving. Cooling fan support broke in half, cooling fan support bolts broke, fan belt tore, parts of the aluminum housings of motor cracked and broke.*ak
- Fuel system, other › Storage › Fuel gauge system
Fuel guage has stopped reporting the level of fuel correctly. it can bounce anywhere from a 1/4 to 1/2 a tank off of what IS actually in the tank.*ak
- Unknown or other
I own a 1998 isuzu amigo. I had an accident in dec. 2000 requiring my paint to be replaced on the right side of my car. When they matched the paint to the color by isuzu it was wrong . All the inside doors are red but the paint on the outside IS purple. I tried many times to get isuzu to take…
I own a 1998 isuzu amigo. I had an accident in dec. 2000 requiring my paint to be replaced on the right side of my car. When they matched the paint to the color by isuzu it was wrong . All the inside doors are red but the paint on the outside IS purple. I tried many times to get isuzu to take responsibility for this faded paint but they would not return my calls. Or letters. I am now approaching the five year mark. my point IS feb.29,2000 there was a problem with the paint mechanically then there would be a problem with the body paint also. Who can I contact to help with this problem? teri jeffries. *jb
- Electrical system › Wiring · Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
Consumer drove vehicle to the store, came out of the store, and tried to start vehicle and it would not start. he called a mechanic, looked under the hood, and discovered that the entire wiring harness had melted, along with the fuse box. consumer stated that he had not received any recalls for this vehicle.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
While applying the brakes pedal went all the way down to the floor, causing a loud noise. *Ak
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Power steering fluid
The manufacturer sealed power steering hose clamp/container had come off (seal was not broken) emptying the steering fluid container in less than 10 seconds which caused me to have no control over steerring the vehicle thus causing a near fatal accident with major damage to the vehicle body and…
The manufacturer sealed power steering hose clamp/container had come off (seal was not broken) emptying the steering fluid container in less than 10 seconds which caused me to have no control over steerring the vehicle thus causing a near fatal accident with major damage to the vehicle body and frame of my amigo. I personally had a chance to see the defective clamp, hose, and a completely empty power steering fluid container. *ak
- Service brakes, air › Antilock
Brakes were not functioning when the roads were wet or if the vehicle gets in a pothole. Dealer and manufacturer were contacted, and stated that there was nothing they could do. Consumer had paid over $200.00 to get vehicle repaired, but the problem still persists.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
While driving at normal speed time chain belt blew out forcing the vehicle to pull out of the road. dealer notified. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
The dealership did not have parts for the ABS recall 02 I 002 000, after the appointment was made. *jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Braking system/abs
There is no summary currently available
- Sunshade retainer failure
Consumers allege the interior sunshade for the sunroof dropped onto them while driving their vehicle
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10237146This bulletin outlines the procedures for using the Alpine Exchange Program (the "Exchange Program"). The Exchange Program must be used when any Alpine radio or other component covered by this bulletin is repaired under warranty and may also be used for radio and component repairs not covered under warranty. Contact Alpine directly for pricing and payment methods applicable to radio and component repairs not covered under warranty.
- 10218932Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is providing the following procedural recommendations to improve dealer efficiency when submitting Parts Warranty claims. We strongly recommend dealers follow these procedures in order to avoid delays in Parts Warranty claim payments and/or claim chargeback. This bulletin was revised to add a Parts Warranty Form
- 10218927Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is providing the following procedural recommendations to improve dealer efficiency when submitting Parts Warranty claims. We strongly recommend dealers follow these procedures in order to avoid delays in Parts Warranty claim payments and/or claim chargeback.
- 10217004The Isuzu Commercial Truck of America (ICTA) Service Technical Assistance Center (TAC) provides diagnostic support to Isuzu dealer technicians repairing Isuzu vehicles in and out of vehicle warranty. A TAC case number will be issued solely for information tracking purposes and future contact reference.
- 10217001The following is a list of the Isuzu-recommended Threebond product part numbers identified in the various Isuzu Workshop Manuals and bulletins. If a Threebond product is unavailable, we recommend that you utilize the chart below to find equivalent of similar products (when available) from Loctite and Permatex.
- 10022539Rear brake rotors.
- 10003907Ignition switch does not turn to the lock position and the ignition key cannot be removed.
- 10003040Poor and/or loose door weatherstrip position.
- 10002164ABS (anti-locking brake) system, coil integrated module replacement phase 3 announcement.
- 10002163ABS (anti-locking brake) system, coil integrated module replacement safety improvement campaign 02i-002 phase 3 of a 4 phase release.
- 10001777ABS (anti-lock brake system), coil integrated module replacement safety improvement campaign.
- 10001776ABS (anti-lock brake system), coil integrated module replacement safety improvement campaign 02i-002.
- 10001770Transmission indicator light may be on and diagnostic trouble code p1870 IS set in the powertrain control module (pcm).
- 10001768ABS (anti-lock brake system), coil integrated module replacement safety improvement campaign.
- 10000816Transmission indicator light may be on and diagnostic trouble code p1870 IS set in the pcm (powertrain control module).
- 6092454Safety campaign / sunshade holder repair for model vehicles equipped with the factory sunroof from vin range w4327875 to w4376648.
- 6092447Some affected vehicles may experience a condition in which the instrument panel fuel gauge reads inaccurately.
- 6092439On some affected vehicles, the audio system may become inoperative or not fully functional, associated with noises coming from the speaker(s).
- 6088702Subject regarding 2WD rear drum brake adjustment procedure.
- 625968Subject regarding the availability of hec long block/partial engine assemblies. *Slc
- 621373Subject regarding drum brake adjustment procedure.
- 621368Subject regarding hec engine timing belt scrapping.
- 621364Some vehicles built prior to vin breakpoint 14327313 may experience mud flap interference causing a rubbing sound when making a turn.
- 621348Information regarding sector shaft alignment on the steering rack assembly.
- 621343Subject regarding p0337 crankshaft position sensor circuit low input correction.
- 615683Some vehicles that have recently had the engine replaced with a long block will set code p1336 for tooth error correction.
- 615682Some vehicles may randomly set a pcm code p0502 in a deceleration mode usually with 0% throttle. The malfunction indicator light will only set after the fault has been detected for two consecutive key cycles.
- 615678This bulletin provides information on the p1640 and p1650 output drive codes which refer to output driver circuit conditions related to the pcm.
- 614146American isuzu motors inc. IS pleased to announce the availability of top tether child restraint seat anchor bracket kits for certain isuzu sport utility vehicles. The use of this anchor bracket may be necessary when installing certain child seats, which require anchoring to the vehicle with a top tether strap.
- 612593Service information regarding all affected vehicles with the p1441 evaporative emission code that has been diagnosed with no fault found from the appropriate flow chart in the driveability and emissions manual.
- 612588Some vehicles may exhibit one or more ABS diagnostic trouble codes such as: rear speed sensor open or shorted; speed sensor missing; wheel speed input abnormality.
- 610116Maintenance schedule information: timing belt replacement interval and DOHC V6 valve adjustment schedule.
- 606147Information on tire pressure - workshop manual revisions.
- 604307Availability of supplemental information booklet for installing child safety seats.
- 602261Information on removing the soft windows before loweringthe soft-top.
- 602082Concerns with engine oil contamination.
Every Isuzu Amigo model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.