1990 Isuzu Amigo problems

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The Isuzu MU is a mid-size SUV which was produced by Japan-based manufacturer Isuzu from 1989 to 2004.

The three-door MU was introduced in 1989, followed in 1990 by the five-door version called Isuzu MU Wizard. Production of these first generation models ceased in 1998 to be replaced by a second generation. This time, the five-door version dropped the "MU" prefix, to become the Isuzu Wizard. The acronym "MU" is short for "Mysterious Utility". Isuzu manufactured several variations to the MU and its derivates for sale in other countries.

The short-wheelbase (three-door) version was sold as the Isuzu MU and Honda Jazz in Japan, with the names Isuzu Amigo and later Isuzu Rodeo Sport used in the United States. Throughout continental Europe, the three-door was called Opel Frontera Sport, with the Vauxhall Frontera Sport title used in the United Kingdom, and Holden Frontera Sport in Australia.

The long-wheelbase (five-door) version was available as the Isuzu Wizard in Japan, and in North America as Isuzu Rodeo and the Honda Passport. Opel, Vauxhall, and Holden each also sold rebadged versions of the five-door as the Opel Frontera, Vauxhall Frontera, and Holden Frontera. It was also sold as the Chevrolet Frontera in Egypt, the Isuzu Cameo and Isuzu Vega in Thailand, the Isuzu Frontier in South Africa, and as the Chevrolet Rodeo in Ecuador, Colombia and Bolivia.

1990 Isuzu Amigo

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Common 1990 Isuzu Amigo problems

The Isuzu Amigo, a compact SUV introduced in the late 1980s, has been praised for its sporty nature and versatile features. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of issues that have been reported by owners over the years. Here are some of the most common problems with the Isuzu Amigo 1990, based on complaints from owners:

  • Transmission Problems: The 1990 Isuzu Amigo had a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, with a 4-speed automatic transmission becoming available in later models. However, some owners have reported issues with the automatic transmission, including slipping, hesitation, and difficulty shifting.
  • Suspension and Steering Issues: The Isuzu Amigo's suspension and steering systems have been criticized for being stiff and unresponsive, leading to a rough ride and poor handling. Some owners have reported issues with the steering column, including stiffness and difficulty turning.
  • Electrical Issues: The Isuzu Amigo's electrical system has been criticized for being unreliable, with some owners reporting issues with the battery, alternator, and wiring. Some owners have reported problems with the vehicle's electrical accessories, including the radio, lights, and power windows.
  • Body and Interior Issues: The Isuzu Amigo's body and interior have been criticized for being prone to wear and tear. Some owners have reported issues with the vehicle's paint, upholstery, and trim, including fading, cracking, and peeling.

It's worth noting that the Isuzu Amigo's issues are not unique to this particular model, and many of them are common among compact SUVs of the same era. However, these issues should be taken into consideration when purchasing a used Isuzu Amigo, particularly if the vehicle is being bought for everyday transportation. It's important to have any potential issues inspected and addressed by a qualified mechanic before purchasing the vehicle.

1990 Isuzu Amigo engine

When did they stop making Isuzu Amigo?

1994

The Isuzu Amigo was made between 1989 and 1994, and again between 1998 and 2000. From 2001 to 2003 it was sold as the Isuzu Rodeo Sport.

How much does a 1999 Isuzu Amigo weigh?

4,650 lbs. 17.7 gal. 214 lb-ft.

Why was Isuzu discontinued?

On 30 January 2008, Isuzu announced its complete withdrawal from the US market, effective 31 January 2009. It would continue to provide support and parts. The decision was due to lack of sales. Some of the lack of sales was blamed on consumer experiences with low quality engines and service.

Is Isuzu under Toyota?

Isuzu is a publicly traded company, and its shares are held by a wide range of other companies and individuals. In 2022, the most prominent shareholders of Isuzu stock are the Mitsubishi Corporation, the ITOCHU Corporation, and the Toyota Motor Corporation.

1990 Isuzu Amigo car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Isuzu Amigo problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Wheels problems
  • Power train problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Tires problems
  • Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Isuzu Amigo vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1990 Isuzu Amigo complaints

The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Isuzu Amigo.

2001-10-03

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-09-24
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: THE RUBBER SLEEVE THAT PROTECTS THE EXPOSED THROTTLE CABLE FROM DIRT HAD STARTED TO MELT (FROM ENGINE HEAT). THE RUBBER HAD MELTED AROUND THE THROTTLE CABLE CAUSING THE CABLE TO BE HELD IN THE OPEN POSITION. WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND DISCOVERED THE THROTTLE WAS STICKING I STARTED BANGING ON THE SIDE OF THE PEDAL WITH MY FOOT THINKING THAT THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE PEDAL ITSELF CAUSING THE THROTTLE TO BE PRESSED MORE. THIS HAPPEND WHILE TRAVELING SOUTH ON US 301 APPROACHING THE US 70 INTERSECTION IN SELMA, NORTH CAROLINA. AFTER I DID GET THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF, I CHECKED AROUND THE THROTTLE AREA UNDER THE HOOD AND FOUND THE RUBBER MELTING ONTO THE CABLE. I TOOK OFF WHAT WAS LEFT AND CLEANED THE CABLE AND HAVE NOT HAD A PROBLEM SINCE.*AK
2000-09-15

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-08-01
  • VIN: JAACRO1E3L5
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: 4 TIRES BOUGHT SAME TIME, INSTALLED ON VEHICLE, EXPOSED TO SAME WEAR AND CONDITIONS: 3 VN DOT CODE, 1 VD DOT CODE - VD CODE TIRE HAS A FISSURE IN THE SIDEWALL ALL THE WAY AROUND THE TIRE, ADJACENT TO THE WHEEL RIM. CONTACTED FIRESTONE, THEY SAID IT WAS COSMETIC AND DUE TO MY MISCARE OF THE TIRE BUT COULDN'T EXPLAIN WHY THE OTHER 3 TIRES SHOULD BE IN PERFECT CONDITION.*AK( DOT NUMBER: VD60AXC336 TIRE SIZE: 31X10.5R15 )
1998-02-26

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JACCH58E6L7
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: DISLODGED REAR BRAKE CALIPER BOLT, CAUSING PREMATURE REAR BRAKE WEAR.
1998-02-26

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JACCH58E6L7
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: THREE STRIPPED FRONT LUG NUTS.
1996-12-26

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: WHEN MAKING A TURN THRE IS A NOISE, TOOK TO DEALER TO REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT . *AK *JB
1995-05-24

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: REAR LAP BELT PLASTIC BUCKLE HAS DETACHED AND FALLEN OFF OF SEAT BELT. TT
1995-02-25

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-02-25
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: REAR DEFROSTER PROBLEMS.
1995-02-25

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1991-03-01
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: CONVERTIBLE TOP LEAKS.
1995-02-25

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1990-05-01
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: HUBS REPLACED.
1995-02-25

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: CLUTCH FAILED TWICE.
1995-02-25

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-12-01
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: MANUAL TRANSMISSION FAILED. *SKD

1990 Isuzu Amigo recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1990 Isuzu Amigo.

1993-07-22
  • Manufacturer: REESE PRODUCTS, INC
  • Components: TRAILER HITCHES
  • Summary: THE WELD ON THE RECEIVER UNIT OF THE TRAILER HITCH CAN BREAK.
  • Consequence: IF THE FAILURE OCCURS, THE TRAILER CAN SEPARATE FROM THETOWING VEHICLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
  • Remedy: REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH.

Positive 1990 Isuzu Amigo car reviews

  1. Benton Auer 2024-11-03

    This has been a great car for the last 4 and half years. Although it is slowly declining in performance, it has given me no big problems from the time I got it. You can rely on it to take you anywhere.

  2. Maximus Thompson 2024-02-23

    Fun and safe to drive! Easy maintenance and great on gas! Hard or soft top!

Leave your review of 1990 Isuzu Amigo

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1990 Isuzu Amigo problems:

Isuzu Amigo Problems and Complaints - 11 Issues
Isuzu Amigo Problems and Complaints - 11 Issues
https://repairpal.com/problems/isuzu/amigo

Top Isuzu Amigo Problems · Check Engine Light and Erratic Fuel Gauge Operation · Failed O-rings Can Cause Accumulator Cover to Leak on Automatic Transmissions · AC ...

Known Rodeo problems. | Isuzu SUV Forum
Known Rodeo problems. | Isuzu SUV Forum
https://www.planetisuzoo.com/threads/known-rodeo-problems.78408/

Aug 10, 2014 ... The biggest issue was that the early aluminum heads were prone to cracking but most have been replaced by now. Stay away from the 1-3 casting ...

1990 Isuzu Amigo Reviews - Carsurvey.org
1990 Isuzu Amigo Reviews - Carsurvey.org
http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/isuzu/amigo/1990/

Mar 18, 2007 ... The oxygen sensor light stays on. Apparently this is a common problem in early model Amigo's. The idle speed is off, and the car idles rough.

Isuzu Amigo 1991 2.6L Problems - CR4 Discussion Thread
Isuzu Amigo 1991 2.6L Problems - CR4 Discussion Thread
https://cr4.globalspec.com/thread/70988/Isuzu-Amigo-1991-2-6L-Problems

Good Answer: Hi Carren, It sounds to me like a loose or dirty connection, or perhaps a worn ignition switch. You could try: next time it ...

Isuzu Pickup Common Problelm | Isuzu SUV Forum
Isuzu Pickup Common Problelm | Isuzu SUV Forum
https://www.planetisuzoo.com/threads/isuzu-pickup-common-problelm.8947/

Sep 30, 2006 ... Since or hopefully Isuzu learned from the previous year and fixed all the problem. Also what do you think if I drop a 3.2l from a 99 Rodeo?

Other years of Isuzu Amigo

isuzu amigo 1991 photo
Amigo 1991
Isuzu

5

1

3

  • 5
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isuzu amigo 1992 photo
Amigo 1992
Isuzu

6

0

6

  • 5
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  • 1
isuzu amigo 1993 photo
Amigo 1993
Isuzu

2

0

7

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
isuzu amigo 1994 photo
Amigo 1994
Isuzu

8

2

11

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
isuzu amigo 1997 photo
Amigo 1997
Isuzu

1

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
isuzu amigo 1998 photo
Amigo 1998
Isuzu

82

7

11

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1990 Isuzu Amigo photo