2006 Isuzu Ascender problems

The Isuzu Ascender is a mid-size SUV built by General Motors for Isuzu. The 7-passenger Ascender was introduced for the 2003 model year as a replacement for the Isuzu Trooper. The 5-passenger Ascender was introduced for the 2004 model year as a replacement for the Isuzu Rodeo and the Isuzu Axiom.
Overview
The Ascender is the only one of GM's GMT360-based mid-size SUVs that was not GM-branded. The Ascender LWB was dropped after the 2006 model year. Reviews warned of a thin dealer network for warranty repairs, and the Kelley Blue Book projected a relatively low resale value similar to the TrailBlazer. However, Isuzu offered a seven-year/75,000-mile powertrain warranty as well as substantial factory incentives.
The Ascender ended production on June 6, 2008, as part of Isuzu's withdrawal from the United States market.
Engines:
- 2003–2008 4200 4
- 2003–2004 5300 5
- 2005–2007 5300 5
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Common 2006 Isuzu Ascender problems
The Isuzu Ascender 2006 is a car that has been praised for its comfort, power, and handling. However, as with any vehicle, there are some common problems that have been reported by its owners.
One of the most common issues reported with the Isuzu Ascender 2006 is related to its tires. According to Kelley Blue Book, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light may come on, indicating that one or more of the tires have low or high air pressure, or a slow leak or flat. This is a safety concern that should be addressed promptly to avoid any accidents caused by tire failure.
Another issue reported by owners of the Isuzu Ascender 2006 is related to the fog lights. Some owners have reported that the fog lights may remain on even when they are turned off, which can be a nuisance and a potential distraction while driving. This issue may be related to a faulty switch or wiring, and should be addressed by a qualified mechanic.
The Center for Auto Safety has received complaints about the 2006 Isuzu Ascender, but no specific safety issues have been identified. However, it is always important to be aware of any recalls or safety issues related to your vehicle, and to have any necessary repairs or maintenance performed promptly.
There are also some general issues that have been reported by owners of the Isuzu Ascender 2006, such as rattles and squeaks, and issues with the interior electronics. These issues may be related to normal wear and tear, or they may be indicative of a larger problem. It is important to have any unusual noises or malfunctions checked out by a qualified mechanic to ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle.
In summary, while the Isuzu Ascender 2006 has been praised for its comfort, power, and handling, there are some common problems that have been reported by its owners. These include issues with the tires, fog lights, and interior electronics. It is important to be aware of these issues and to have any necessary repairs or maintenance performed promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle.
What was the last year of the Isuzu Ascender?
2008
The Ascender ended production on June 6, 2008, as part of Isuzu's withdrawal from the United States market. Engines: 2003–2008 4200 4.2 L (256 in³) LL8 I6. 2003–2004 5300 5.3 L (323 in³) LM4 V8.
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.
How long do Isuzu Motors last?
Also powering Isuzu's N Series trucks, the Euro 4 emissions-compliant version in the MU-X produces 130kW at 3600rpm and 380Nm at 1800-2800rpm and comes with a B10 rating of 500,000km, which means 90 per cent of engines are expected to reach 500,000km before requiring a rebuild.
Is Isuzu better than Toyota?
The dmax has a bigger engine though Toyota Hilux has more torque. Interestingly ,both vehicles have great towing capacities which are braked. The Isuzu dmax has better fuel economy compared to the Hilux ,the dmax also has a better service interval than the Hilux.So both vehicles will serve any purpose required of them.
2006 Isuzu Ascender complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2006 Isuzu Ascender.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2006 Isuzu Ascender recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 2006 Isuzu Ascender.
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the headlamp driver module (HDM) may overheat and fail, causing the headlamps and daytime running lights to not illuminate.
- Consequence: Headlamps that do not illuminate reduce the driver's ability to see the roadway and reduce the vehicle's visibility to oncoming vehicles, both of which increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HDM, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14291.
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.
- Consequence: A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the part number on the door module, and install a new door module if necessary, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. An interim letter was mailed to owners in August 2014. A second owner letter will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-462-8782 (GMC), 1-800-955-9007 (SAAB), and 1-800-255-6727 (Isuzu). GM's number for this recall is 14309. NOTE: This recall provides a new remedy for all vehicles covered by recall 13V-248. Vehicles whose modules were modified but not replaced as part of the previous recall remedy must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign.
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.
- Consequence: A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
- Remedy: Owners will be contacted and dealers will test the driver's door module. If the module is functioning properly, a protective coating will be applied. If the module is not functioning properly, it will be replaced. These repairs will be done free of charge. GM will notify Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC owners, Isuzu and Saab will contact their respective owners. The recall began on August 2, 2013. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463, Isuzu owners at 1-800-255-6727, and Saab owners at 1-800-955-9007. GM's campaign number is 12180. This recall is an expansion of recall 12V-406.
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, SAAB 9-7x, and Isuzu Ascender vehicles, originally sold or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.
- Consequence: A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
- Remedy: Parts for this recall are expected to available in March 2013. GM will notify Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC owners when parts are available. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, and GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463. Isuzu owners will be notified by Isuzu Motors when parts are available. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727. SAAB owners will be notified by SAAB Cars North America when parts are available and for inquiries, owners may call SAAB customer service at 1-800-955-9007.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.
- Consequence: A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
- Summary: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A POWER STEERING HOSE THAT IS NOT TO SPECIFICATION. UNDER EXTREME STEERING MANEUVERS, SUCH AS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL FULLY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE BRAKING, THE HOSE MAY FRACTURE AND LEAK FLUID.
- Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, POWER STEERING ASSIST WOULD BE LOST AND INCREASED STEERING EFFORT WOULD BE REQUIRED. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRO-BOOST POWER BRAKES, IT COULD ALSO RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND INCREASED BRAKING EFFORT WOULD BE REQUIRED. IF THE POWER STEERING FLUID SPRAY WERE TO SPRAY ONTO HOT ENGINE PARTS, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POWER STEERING HOSE(S) FOR TWO SUSPECT DATE CODES AND REPLACE THEM IF REQUIRED. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON OCTOBER 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
Negative 2006 Isuzu Ascender car reviews
Positive 2006 Isuzu Ascender car reviews
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Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my Isuzu Ascender. I've had it for 11 years now and it's been great! The only issues I've had are the gas gauge and speakers on the passenger side stopped working, but other than that, it's been smooth sailing. It rides really well, is super quiet, and gets good gas mileage at 17/25. It's also great for pulling trailers and the 4x4 is a bonus. With 139,000 miles on it, it's still running like a champ! I highly recommend using synthetic oil to keep it running smoothly. Thanks for listening!
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Took 6 people on a 3000 mile trip to Florida and back and it handled the job great. It was super comfortable, tracked great and achieved over 21 MPG while also carrying a scooter on a platform in the trailer hitch.
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with Isuzu SUVs. I've actually owned three of them, including two Troopers from 1996 and 1999 that I bought new. I never had any problems with either of them, which was great! However, I did find that the 1996 Trooper was a bit underpowered with only 195 horsepower. The 1999 model was better with 215 horsepower, but my current Ascender has a whopping 275 horses! I haven't had it long enough to test the fuel economy on road trips, but so far, I can say that it handles and rides nicely and looks a lot more expensive. Thanks for listening!
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In the first 30 days, I drove over 4000 miles in rain, ice, sleet, and snow. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the vehicle performed. I had total control and great traction. The only issue I encountered was the windshield washer fluid freezing up with the factory fluid at -30 degrees temperature. The engine performed great in the mountains as well as on flatlands.
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This is my second Asscender. I love it! It's very dependable. I have had this one for almost 5 years and, other than regular maintenance, only one shop repair has occurred. This is the best SUV I have owned. I would definitely recommend it to anyone.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2006 Isuzu Ascender problems:
Isuzu Ascender Problems and Complaints - 14 Issues
Top Isuzu Ascender Problems · Fuel Level Sensor May Fail · Harsh transmission shifting due to failed input speed sensor · No start due to failed ignition switch.
Isuzu ascender problems allready . | Isuzu SUV Forum
Jun 1, 2007 ... I just traded in my axiom for a brand new 2006 ascender ... Kinda sounds like the typical intake manifold gasket problem common to Isuzus...
2006 Isuzu Ascender Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
Problem with your 2006 Isuzu Ascender? Our list of 8 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2006 Isuzu Ascender.
Q&A: Troubleshooting 2006 Trailblazer - Automatic Headlights & More
Aug 20, 2011 ... I own a 2006 isuzu ascender ( ... Yes this is a common problem ... My 2006 trailblazer has problems with the low beam headlights not coming on.

Isuzu Ascender Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Apr 10, 2010 ... Faults: Speedometer/tachometer started acting up at about 30000 miles. I did a little research and found that this is common on these cars.
Abe Ortiz 2025-02-24
The dealer where the vehicle was purchased claimed that none of the issues were covered under warranty due to the mileage. However, after contacting Isuzu corporate office, I was informed that there is a 'policy extension' on the fuel gauge that covers up to 120,000 miles, with a 'campaign number' issued for it (SB 13-04-S004 for the fuel sensor). Isuzu referred me to another dealer who has already ordered the necessary part for the fuel gauge. Although they mentioned that the 'instrument cluster' may also need to be replaced, it is uncertain whether the fuel gauge will work without it, and some or all of the other issues may or may not be resolved without replacing the instrument cluster. It is worth noting that a linkage part in the transmission shifted broke at approximately 100,000 miles.
Kale Murphy 2025-02-03
Although there have been some issues with this car, the engine has been running smoothly without any problems. The AC motor did require repair during the first year, but it was fixed within a week. The blower motor may weaken after extended use, but this is a minor issue. Additionally, some of the speakers and locks have worked intermittently, and the underneath panels under the front seats have broken loose. However, it is important to note that we have not been rough on this vehicle. Overall, the car has held up well engine-wise.
Gabe Padberg 2025-01-21
In the past 4 months, I have had to visit the dealership 6 times for various issues with my Ascender, including driving lamps, rear seatbelt, transmission, and body molding. During long trips, the transmission shifts hard and the driving lights keep fogging up. Additionally, the front bumper moves up and down while driving and the center console wiggles with minimal contact. These issues have been addressed by the dealership, but I am still monitoring the situation closely.
Ahmed Ledner 2024-10-25
We bought our 2006 Ascender brand new and while the body is great, the engine has been a nightmare. Unfortunately, it has died completely even though we took good care of it and it has less than 115,000 miles on it. Despite this, we are grateful that it held up well when we were hit by a large work van. However, we have decided to switch to Honda or Toyota for our future purchases. Thank you for your understanding.