2003 Isuzu Axiom
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Isuzu › Axiom › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Isuzu Axiom. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2003 Isuzu Axiom. Newest first.
Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc (Isuzu) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Rodeo and Axiom, and 2003 Rodeo Sport vehicles that were originally sold in, or are currently registered in, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The corrosion may allow the bracket to detach from the frame, impacting vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Isuzu will notify owners, and 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 event the corrosion is so severe that the reinforcement bracket remedy would not be sufficient, 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, after that time owners will be charged for the repairs. The recall is expected to begin in mid-December 2013. Isuzu owners may contact Isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.
Certain sport utility vehicles that have been exposed to fuel contaminated with silicon may develop small pin holes in the fuel pump feed port. silicon has been identified in the fuel systems of affected vehicles and in certain fuel available in the region of tyler, texas. this recall will be launched for vehicles registered in texas and the four…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fuel leak could lead to a vehicle fire.
Remedy
For vehicles registered in the states identified above, dealers will provide a new cover over the existing feed port on the fuel pump or, if the existing feed port has already been damaged, dealers will install a new fuel pump that IS equipped with the new cover. the new cover will be made of a different material. the recall began on november 25, 2005. owners may contact isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.
Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 101, "controls and displays." the brake warning lamp would not illuminate in the event of decreased brake fluid volume.
Risk and remedy
Remedy
The diodes have been replaced. all vehicles have been repaired.
Owner complaints
16 complaints3 involved a crash1 involved a fire8 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
Driving in a large parking lot, hit a large cement pole doing 20 miles per hour.air bags did not deploy. Had not put my seat belt on yet & hit & shattered the windshield knocking out all of my front upper teeth. Fractured maxilla .why did air bags not deploy? *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 isuzu axiom. While driving approximately 45 mph, a fuel odor was present inside the cabin and the vehicle stalled. The anti-lock brake system indicator illuminated and the steering wheel locked up. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 isuzu axiom. While driving approximately 45 mph, a fuel odor was present inside the cabin and the vehicle stalled. The anti-lock brake system indicator illuminated and the steering wheel locked up. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. An independent mechanic came to the residence and diagnosed that the fuel pump failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 130,716.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
The fuel pump stop working and the check engine light I also had to replace the throttle sensor
- Equipment · Power train
I have a 2003 isuzu axiom 4X4 and in march, 2014 I started having problems with the automatic transmission. And as a result I had to have it replaced. I have less then 98,000 miles on it. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 isuzu axiom. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, smoke emitted from the vents as flames erupted near the fuel tank. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the flames. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic where they advised him…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 isuzu axiom. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, smoke emitted from the vents as flames erupted near the fuel tank. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the flames. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic where they advised him that the fuel tank exhibited a leak and caused the fire. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages was approximately 106,000. *Tr
- Power train
Transmission bad at 61K. spent $3,800 on rebuilt transmission as metal particles were clogging the transmission filter. mechanic noted that tranmission pump was bad and causing metal to break off and clog the filter. *tr
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2003 isuzu axiom. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for a routine oil change when the dealer advised that under rust was found on the rear passenger side of the vehicle, as well as the frame bracket. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The failure and the current mileage was 140,000.
- Structure › Frame and members
I brought my car to two different mechanics in my area and both told me the frame has severe corrosion and IS might be unsafe to drive on. They showed me multiple holes in the frame on the back passenger corner of the vehicle. It looks so bad that I could just break the frame with a hammer. The…
I brought my car to two different mechanics in my area and both told me the frame has severe corrosion and IS might be unsafe to drive on. They showed me multiple holes in the frame on the back passenger corner of the vehicle. It looks so bad that I could just break the frame with a hammer. The vehicle passed inspection, but they told me I should take it to a welder to get it repaired. IS this something I can drive on? Am I risking my life? it appears that the frame was recalled on the 2002 models, but not the 2003 and 2004 models which use the same exact frame! I have no idea why. Sounds pretty stupid and might risk someone's life. *js
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
2003 isuzu axiom 3.5L 6CYL engine. Intake manifold burns gaskets and leaks oil in the engine . Isuzu claims it may be the engine block but has no recalls for this problem. I had the gaskets replaced 4 times before I realized it was a more serious problem this problem causes severe smell of burning oil and causes vehicle to lose power. Engine light remains on. *kb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Spent 2800 for new transmission. transmission replaced 2X on 2003 isuzu axiom. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Engine uses a quart of oil approximately every 1000 - 1500 miles especially now that the mileage IS over 90,000. researched and isuzu says this IS normal. *Tr
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 isuzu axiom. while driving less than 20 mph, the contact rear-ended the preceding vehicle. the front end of her vehicle was damaged. the air bags failed to deploy. the driver sustained minor neck, leg, and back injuries. the vehicle was towed to a repair shop and…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 isuzu axiom. while driving less than 20 mph, the contact rear-ended the preceding vehicle. the front end of her vehicle was damaged. the air bags failed to deploy. the driver sustained minor neck, leg, and back injuries. the vehicle was towed to a repair shop and could possibly be labeled as destroyed. a police report was filed. the current and failure mileages were 135,850 updated 05/08/09 *bf the consumer stated the driver in front of him/her pulled his emergency brake because the driver in front of him stopped suddenly and the consumer never saw the drivers brake lights. updated 05/12/09. *Jb updated 06/09/09.*jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 isuzu axiom. the contact experienced extreme difficulty shifting the gear from park. the dealer stated that the shift lever and switch accessory failed. no repairs were made. the current mileage was 115,000 and failure mileage was 2,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Not even a year after purchasing my 2003 isuzu axiom, I have had multiple issues with the brakes. On 5 or more occasions, I have had to come to a sudden stop or have pressed the brakes lightly on a bumpy service and have had very poor results. The results include a sense of the brakes not working…
Not even a year after purchasing my 2003 isuzu axiom, I have had multiple issues with the brakes. On 5 or more occasions, I have had to come to a sudden stop or have pressed the brakes lightly on a bumpy service and have had very poor results. The results include a sense of the brakes not working at all. Before I purchased the axiom, I owed a 98 isuzu rodeo that had very similar braking issues. I had a wreck in my 1998 rodeo where I feel that my brakes failed when I had to come to a sudden stop in rush hour traffic. That was 3 years ago and I still suffer on a daily basis from that car accident. I recall that I pressed my brakes hard and I had to let off the brake and then press them again for the brakes to work. This IS the same issue that I have to now deal with on my axiom. This problem does not happen just when you need to brake suddenly. I have had issue when stopped at a red light.you know when you let off the brake some to inch forward a little.....my car will sometimes lurch as though you have pressed the gas. It IS a hazard and I really think that there IS an issue with the isuzu brakes. My car now has 34,000 miles on it and I have been having my brakes checked and replaced several times. My brakes constantly make a noise and shuttering. I am told that this IS my rear brakes....it does not go away and I have them replaced and adjusted several times, as well as replacing the front brakes. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
I have had a problem with the anti-lock brake system virtually since I purchased the car in nov 2003. when I brake on a bumpy or wet road, or when I have to brake hard to stop in an emergency, the car rattles and make s grinding sound. it also take extra long to slow the vehicle much less stop.…
I have had a problem with the anti-lock brake system virtually since I purchased the car in nov 2003. when I brake on a bumpy or wet road, or when I have to brake hard to stop in an emergency, the car rattles and make s grinding sound. it also take extra long to slow the vehicle much less stop. the last time I had this problem I was driving in traffic and a van several vehicles in front of me stopped to make an illegal u-turn. I tend to keep a greater distance between my car and the car in front of me due to the brake issue. regardless, the road I was on has a few bumps. at the point of attempting to stop and avoid hitting the vehicle in front of me the brakes went into anti-lock and didn't stop my car before I hit the car. I have already change the brake two other times and had rotors replaced one. I will be needing new brakes and rotors within the next 5-10K miles. four sets of brakes in less than 70K miles screams that there IS a problem beside the vehicle not stopping, or slowing significantly in an emergency. *Jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
I have a 2003 isuzu axiom that has a braking problem. When you come to a stop you get t vibration in the brake pedal. If feels as if the vehicle IS going to just shake completely apart. The vibrating starts from the back and moves to the front of the vehicle with this enormous vibrating sound. I…
I have a 2003 isuzu axiom that has a braking problem. When you come to a stop you get t vibration in the brake pedal. If feels as if the vehicle IS going to just shake completely apart. The vibrating starts from the back and moves to the front of the vehicle with this enormous vibrating sound. I have taken this vehicle to several dealerships across the united states and no one seems to know what the problem IS, all I keep doing IS getting the run around, and this has been happening for about four years. Now and I don't know where to go to try and resolve the problem. Nobody acts like they really want to help. I' had the brakes replaced three times, had the rotors replaced once under warranty.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fuel Tank Retention Failure
On April 10, 2018, NHTSA received a petition from Mr. Kevin Byrne (the Petitioner) requesting that the Agency ?undertake a defects investigation? of ?rust-related detachment of Isuzu Rodeo fuel tanks? (NHTSA ID 11091788). The Petitioner experienced a partial fuel tank detachment in his model year (MY) 2004 Isuzu Rodeo…
On April 10, 2018, NHTSA received a petition from Mr. Kevin Byrne (the Petitioner) requesting that the Agency ?undertake a defects investigation? of ?rust-related detachment of Isuzu Rodeo fuel tanks? (NHTSA ID 11091788). The Petitioner experienced a partial fuel tank detachment in his model year (MY) 2004 Isuzu Rodeo in July 2017. On May 23, 2018, ODI opened DP18-001 to evaluate the Petitioner?s request for a defect investigation. ODI sent information request letters to Isuzu and Honda requesting production, design history and field data related to fuel tank retention failures in MY 2001-2004 Isuzu Rodeo, MY 2002-2004 Isuzu Axiom and MY 2001-2002 Honda Passport vehicles equipped with the same fuel tank shield part number as the Petitioner?s vehicle (the ?subject vehicles?). ODI notes that Isuzu manufactured the subject Passport vehicles for Honda. Isuzu implemented a change to the tank shield corrosion protection system as a running change in early MY 2002 production. Isuzu and Honda sold approximately 172,000 subject vehicles in the United States. Fifty-eight (58) percent of the subject vehicles were produced prior to the shield change (99,000) and 42 percent after the change (73,000).ODI?s analysis of field data identified 19 incidents of partial fuel tank detachments in the subject vehicles. The incidents all occurred in states with high road salt usage in winter months (Salt States) and involved older vehicles beyond 10-years in service. On average, the failures occurred in the vehicle?s 13th year-in-service. Evidence of severe general corrosion in multiple undercarriage components was also noted in 13 of the 19 vehicles that experienced partial fuel tank detachments. None of the incidents resulted in fuel leakage or fire. Aside from the petitioner?s vehicle, ODI has not identified any other incidents of complete or partial fuel tank detachment in the MY 2002-2004 subject vehicles equipped with the modified retention shield.In addition, ODI reviewed 24 NHTSA complaints alleging corrosion concerns with the fuel tank retention system in the subject vehicles that did not result in fuel tank detachment. Twenty-three (23) of these complaints involve subject vehicles built prior to the shield change. Like the vehicles reporting fuel tank detachments, these vehicles are also all from Salt States and, in most cases (20 of the 24 complaints), the vehicles also experienced severe corrosion concerns in other undercarriage components. Half (12 of the 24 complaints) of the vehicles show prior accident damage in their service histories.Based on these analyses, ODI has not identified evidence of a defect trend for premature corrosion-related fuel tank detachments in the MY 2004 Isuzu Rodeo or similarly equipped vehicles. The damage that may result in tank retention concerns appears to occur progressively over many years with ample opportunity for detection and repair. Furthermore, ODI has not identified any crashes, fires, injuries, or fuel leaks associated with fuel tank retention failures in a population of vehicles that currently range from 16 to 19 years old.Accordingly, the Agency is denying the petition.A summary of ODI?s analysis of this petition will be published in the Federal Register and is also available in the investigative file for this action.The NHTSA consumer complaints counted in the closing resume for DP18-001 can be reviewed at www.nhtsa.gov under the following ODI identification numbers (VOQs in parentheses denote duplicate records): Allegations of fuel tank retention failure: 11084098 (11091788), 10532845, 10486109. Allegations of fuel tank retention component corrosion: 11138931, 10992150, 10845523,
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.
- 10017620Fuel injection cleaning procedure for 3.5L direct injection engine.
- 10015886Isuzu immobilizer system overview.
- 10015832Isuzu immobilizer system overview.
- 10015817Shift lock solenoid removal and replacement procedures. 2002-2004 isuzu axiom (up), 198-2004 rodeo (ue) and 1998-2004 rodeo sport. Update
- 10008034Immobilizer system overview.
- 10003908Vapor chromed finished aluminum wheels exhibiting surface damage.
Every Isuzu Axiom model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.