1998 Isuzu Trooper
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Isuzu › Trooper › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Isuzu Trooper. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1998 Isuzu Trooper. Newest first.
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. the transfer gearbox flange nuts were not properly installed, causing the nuts to loosen.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the flange nuts loosen, the propeller shaft can separate, rendering the vehicle inopeative.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect front and rear flange nuts and, if found loose, tighten to specified torque and secured staked at two places.
Owner complaints
42 complaints2 involved a crash2 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train · 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…
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.
- Electrical system · Fuel system, gasoline · Interior lighting · 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…
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. *Tr
- 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. *Tr
- 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…
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.
- Engine and engine cooling
Using 1 qt oil every 450 miles. *tr
- 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.
- 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…
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.
- 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…
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. *Jb
- 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…
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. *nm
- 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…
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. *Ak
- 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…
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. *Jb
- 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.*ak
- 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.*ak
- 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…
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. *la
- 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. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Isuzu trooper intake manifold IS faulty. Mfr. Will not issue recall. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Excessive oil consumption. *ak
- 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. *la
- 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.*ak
- Power train › Axle assembly
While traveling vehicle stalled. Service technician noticed axle needed to be replaced. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · 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. *Ak
- Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
While traveling and without any indication engine stalled. Vehicle was service d and technician replaced power train transfer case. *Ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
As I was driving on I-95 heading north from florida to virginia. my bf goodrich long trail ta experienced tread separation. there were no injuries as I was able to control and stop the car, but there was damage to the underside of my car. *nlm
- Tires
Blowout occurred on july 31, 2002 at approximately 4:45pm on route 2 in the east bound high speed lane. I felt the car vibrate. Before I was able to pull off the highway, the left rear tire blew out at approximately 65m.p.h. I swerved into the right lane and back into the left lane attempting to…
Blowout occurred on july 31, 2002 at approximately 4:45pm on route 2 in the east bound high speed lane. I felt the car vibrate. Before I was able to pull off the highway, the left rear tire blew out at approximately 65m.p.h. I swerved into the right lane and back into the left lane attempting to maintain control of the vehicle before it went into a 360 degree plus spin. The engine shut off and the vehicle rolled backward into the center median.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Cannot take the key out of ignition. not an everytime incident. sometimes the lock assembly stops at accessory where it won't go further; sometimes it goes to lock and still cannot remove key. dealer says unable to duplicate problem. dealer adjusted shift linkage. then, removed and replaced…
Cannot take the key out of ignition. not an everytime incident. sometimes the lock assembly stops at accessory where it won't go further; sometimes it goes to lock and still cannot remove key. dealer says unable to duplicate problem. dealer adjusted shift linkage. then, removed and replaced shifter interlock cable. then, replaced ignition tumbleer and rekeyed to match existing door locks. unable to get key out of ignition. dealer has referred to another dealer.*ak
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.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10002798V-6 fan clutch replacement procedures.
- 10002795Rear cup holder does not stay in the up position.
- 10001772Throttle body mounting bolt torque specifications.
- 10001770Transmission indicator light may be on and diagnostic trouble code p1870 IS set in the powertrain control module (pcm).
- 10000816Transmission indicator light may be on and diagnostic trouble code p1870 IS set in the pcm (powertrain control module).
- 633996Mounting position of speedometer driven gear bushing work shop manual revision.
- 633944Replacement odometer programing.
- 615678This bulletin provides information on the p1640 and p1650 output drive codes which refer to output driver circuit conditions related to the pcm.
- 615673On some vehicles up to vin w7907635, the front and rear output flange lock nuts of the torque-on-demand (tod) 4-WD system transfer case might be without staking. In such cases, there IS a possibility that the lock nut may loosen, resulting in separation of the propeller shaft rendering the vehicle inoperative.
- 614139This information bulletin outlines the proper steps to index the camshafts with the crankshaft for vehicles equipped with direct attack DOHC 3.2L / 3.5L V6 engine. In the event that camshaft timing has been disrupted, due to timing belt breakage or camshafts / crankshaft being rotated without a timing belt, this IS important prior to timing belt installation.
- 614137On SUV vehicles with automatic transmissions, some remote starter installations may cause the malfunction indicator light to set and store p0705. American isuzu motors does not sell remote starter kits and does not recommend any particular installation.
- 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.
- 612584Experiencing intermittent rough idle and / or the malfunction indicator lamp IS on with diagnostic trouble codes p0171, p0174, or p1171.
- 612582Some owners may comment of static noise in the door radio speaker when adjusting the outside rear view mirrors.
- 610116Maintenance schedule information: timing belt replacement interval and DOHC V6 valve adjustment schedule.
- 606029Information regarding the availability of the child seat tether anchor kit.
- 603839Service information on remote keyless entry / security system reprogramming.
- 602437Workshop manual revisions on cooling fan assembly torque specifications.
- 602255A new type of lsd lubricant was introdued which contains friction mdifiers, necessary for proper lsd function.
- 602252Workshop manual revisions on fan belt information.
Every Isuzu Trooper model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.