Isuzu Impulse problems
The Isuzu Piazza is a small, sporty 3-door liftback coupé which was manufactured by Isuzu from 1981 until 1992 in two generations. The Isuzu Piazza was marketed as the Isuzu Impulse in North America and as the Holden Piazza in Australia.
The first generation Piazza was a rear-wheel drive car, and in the United Kingdom it was the first widely available Isuzu passenger car. The second generation was available as front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It was the basis for the lower-priced Gemini Coupé, known as the Geo Storm in the US market.
As of 2010, the number of registered Impulses in North America totaled only 2,300, making Impulses very rare.
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Isuzu Impulse model years
Common Isuzu Impulse problems
The Isuzu Impulse, a sporty and compact car produced from 1983 to 1993, is known for a few common engine, suspension, and electrical issues that owners should be aware of.
Engine problems are particularly common in the first generation Isuzu Impulse (1983-1989). One of the most frequent engine issues is overheating, which can be caused by a malfunctioning thermostat or water pump. If the engine becomes too hot, it can lead to serious damage. To prevent this, owners should regularly check the engine coolant levels and have their thermostat and water pump checked and replaced if necessary. Another common engine problem with the first generation Isuzu Impulse is oil leaks, which can be caused by a faulty valve cover gasket or oil pan. This can lead to oil leaking onto the engine and other components, potentially causing a fire. Owners should regularly check their engine oil levels and have their valve cover gasket and oil pan checked and replaced if necessary. The first generation Isuzu Impulse can also experience rough idling or stalling, which can be caused by a clogged fuel filter or malfunctioning fuel injectors. This can lead to poor performance and reduced fuel efficiency. Owners should have their fuel filter and fuel injectors checked and replaced if necessary to ensure their car is running smoothly.
Suspension and steering issues are also common in the first generation Isuzu Impulse. One of the most common suspension and steering issues is worn out ball joints and tie rod ends. Over time, these components can wear out, leading to a loose or unstable steering feel. Owners should have their ball joints and tie rod ends checked and replaced if necessary to ensure their car is handling properly.
Electrical issues are less common in the Isuzu Impulse, but they can still occur. These issues can range from minor problems, such as malfunctioning lights or power windows, to more serious issues, such as malfunctioning electrical systems. Owners should address any electrical issues as soon as possible, as they can lead to more serious problems down the line.
In summary, the Isuzu Impulse can be a reliable and enjoyable car to drive, but it is important to stay on top of maintenance and address any issues as soon as they arise. With proper care and attention, the Isuzu Impulse can provide many years of driving enjoyment.
What was the last year of the Isuzu Impulse?
The Isuzu Impulse was in production for two generations, from 1983 to 1992. The first-generation Impulse, known as the Isuzu Piazza in Japan, was based on the Isuzu Aska platform. The exterior design was by the famed Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign, giving the car a unique and stylish look for its time.
Why won't my Isuzu Trooper start?
The most common reasons an Isuzu Trooper won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
Why did they stop making Isuzu?
In the days when Isuzu sold passenger cars, they were known for focusing on the diesel-engined niche. In 1983, for instance, long before the explosion in diesel sales, diesels represented 63.4% of their passenger car production. In 2009, Isuzu abandoned the United States consumer market due to lack of sales.
How long do Isuzu Motors last?
The rating means that 90% of Isuzu 4HK1-TC engines are expected to last 375,000 miles before they require a major repair or rebuild. Previously, the 4HK1-TC engine carried a B10 rating of 310,000 miles.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Isuzu Impulse years
We have researched Isuzu problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Isuzu Impulse cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Isuzu Impulse model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Isuzu Impulse model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Isuzu Impulse years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Isuzu Impulse car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Isuzu Impulse , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Isuzu Impulse vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Impulse model years
A total of 3 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Impulse model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Impulse model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Impulse model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 39 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Isuzu Impulse . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Isuzu Impulse vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Isuzu Impulse 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-10
- Date Complaint: 2004-04-19
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I HAVE A 1991 ISUZU IMPULSE AND IT'S HAVING ECU PROBLEMS. MY MECHANIC SAYS IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I SEE THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS, AND IT SHOULDN'T FALL ON THE SHOULDERS OF THE CONSUMERS. *AK
Isuzu Impulse 1985
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-17
- Date Complaint: 2003-09-23
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CAR WILL NOT IDLE OR RUNS FOR VERY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. HAVE REPLACED FUEL PUMP FUEL PUMP RELAY ETC ETC. ASC CERTIFIED MECH. SAYS NOTHING HE CAN DO. WHEN CAR IS COLD IT WORKS WELL.BUT A FEW MINUTES LATER IT STARTS ACTING UP. BASICALLY UNDRIVABLE
Isuzu Impulse 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2003-08-01
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CONSTANT STALLING AND/OR HIGH REVVING OF ENGINE. STALLING USUALLY OCCURS WHEN COMMING OUT OF GEAR AND IDLE GOES DOWN TO 500RPMS OR LOWER AND STALLS OUT. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THE PROBLEM TO BE AN ACKNOWLEDGED ECU PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE REPLACED AND ISUZU NEVER DID.*AK
Isuzu Impulse 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-06
- Date Complaint: 2002-06-28
- VIN: JABRT2347M7
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CAR RACES ENGINE BADLY IN THE SUMMER WHEN TEMP OVER 80 DEGREES-WONT IDLE. *AK
Isuzu Impulse 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-18
- Date Complaint: 2002-04-09
- VIN: J87RT2156L7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Isuzu Impulse 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2002-01-31
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME IDLE CONTROL PROBLEMS AS STATED IN PREVIOUS RECALL REGARDING THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT. *YH
Isuzu Impulse 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2002-01-31
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME IDLE CONTROL PROBLEMS AS STATED IN PREVIOUS RECALL REGARDING THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT. *YH
Isuzu Impulse 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2001-12-26
- VIN: JABRT2343M7
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE SYMPTOMS OF THIS FAULT ARE MOST NOTABLY ERRATIC IDLE, IDLE REVVING AND DROPPING, IDLE DIPPING OFTEN WITH ENGINE DYING, IDLE HANGING HIGH ABOVE 2,000 RPM, AND ENGINE DYING OR STALLING FOR NO REASON WITH NO TROUBLE CODES. THESE SYMPTOMS WILL OFTEN ONLY OCCUR IN WARMER WEATHER AS THE METAL CIRCUITS OF THE CIRCUIT BOARD SEEM MOST VULNERABLE TO SHORT CIRCUITS AT SOLDER CRACKS WHEN THE TEMPERATURE WITHIN THE CAR IS ABOVE 80 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. IN TEMPERATE CLIMATES, THE SYMPTOMS MAY FIRST SHOW THEMSELVES AS SOON AS THE WEATHER WARMS AND PLAGUE THE OWNER ALL SUMMER LONG, ONLY TO SUBSIDE IN THE FALL WITH THE COOLER WEATHER AND THEN REAPPEAR THE NEXT SPRING.
Isuzu Impulse 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-29
- Date Complaint: 2001-10-09
- VIN: JABRT2348M7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THIS IS A REOCCURRING MANUFACTURER DEFECT. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL ON THESE ENGINE CONTROL MODULES. *AK
Isuzu Impulse 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-15
- Date Complaint: 2001-07-04
- VIN: JABRT2349M7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: AS THE WEATHER IS GETTING WARMER THE ENGINE REVS AND DROPS UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CAR ALSO STALLS AT ANY SPEED. I HAVE HAD IT EVEN STALL ON THE HIGHWAY. I HEAR THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS PARTICULAR TYPE OF ECM UNIT, PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS FOR ME. IF I HADN'T TAKEN A DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE I COULD BE DEAD RIGHT NOW. *AK
Isuzu Impulse 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-24
- Date Complaint: 2001-06-28
- VIN: JABRT2344M7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE DEFECTS ARE DUE TO THE IMPROPER MANUFACTURING OF THE ECM MODULE OF THIS VEHICLE. THE SYMPTOMS INCLUDE AN ERRATIC IDLE WITH THE IDLE REVVING UP AND DROPPING TO THE POINT WHERE THE ENGINE DIES. THE IDLING WILL JUMP UP TO 2000 RPM, LINGER THERE UNTIL I BLIP THE THROTTLE, SOMETIMES UP TO 3 OR 4 TIMES. ON ONE OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 65MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO STALL WITH THE IDLING MOVING ERRATICALLY, AND THEN SUDDENLY THE CAR WENT COMPLETELY DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY. LUCKILY, I MANAGED TO COAST OFF TO THE SHOULDER WHERE I REMAINED STRANDED FOR OVER FOUR HOURS. WHEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER, THERE ARE NO TROUBLE CODES PRESENT. IT WAS SUGGESTED TO ME TO REPLACE THE IGNITION MODULE, PLUGS, WIRES, COIL PACKS, CAM ANGLE SENSOR, AND VARIOUS OTHER COMPONENTS DUE TO THE REASON THAT THEY WERE THE ONES CAUSING THE PROBLEM. OBVIOUSLY, THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED AND MY WALLET WAS LIGHTENED BY ABOUT $500. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS IS "NORMAL" FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. I DON'T SEE ANYTHING "NORMAL" ABOUT HAVING YOU CAR COMPLETELY GO DEAD ON YOU ON THE FREEWAY. I NEED TO GET THIS DEFECT FIXED BECAUSE THIS PUTS THE DRIVER IN AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE SITUATION. WITH THE FREEWAYS BEING AS DANGEROUS AS THEY ARE, THE LESS THINGS YOU HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT, THE BETTER ATTENTION YOU WILL BE ABLE TO PAY TO THE ROAD AHEAD OF YOU. THANKYOU FOR YOUR TIME. I REALLY HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME.*AK
Isuzu Impulse 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2000-09-21
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JABRT2352M7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE CAR WILL FOR NO REASON STALL, EVEN AT HIGH SPEEDS RESULTING IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. THIS IS THE SECOND ONE THAT I HAVE OWNED, AND THE OTHER ONE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN, WHEN THE CALL STALLED, AND CAUSED A LOSS OF STEERING. A PEDESTRIAN WAS WALKING ON THE STREET CORNER, WHEN MY CAR SMASHED AGAINST THE CURB, JUST BARELY MISSING HIM. IT'S REALLY SCARY WHEN THIS HAPPENS ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS TOLD THAT THE ECU IS DEFECTIVE IN EVERY IMPULSE/STORM EVER MADE. WHY WASN'T THERE EVER A RECALL? ARE WE WAITING FOR SOMEBODY TO BE KILLED FIRST?
Isuzu Impulse 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2000-07-30
- VIN: JABRT2358M7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN CAR WARMS UP YOU CANT DRIVE OR IT WILL STALL. ONCE WARMED UP IT WILL NOT START. I SAW AN ARTICLE ON THE ISUZUPERFORMANCE WEB SITE THAT SAID OTHER VEHICLES HAVE THIS PROBLEM. IT ALSO STATED THE REASON FOR THIS PROBLEM IS A FAULTY ECU COMPUTER MADE AND INSTALLED BY AC DELCO. I WISH I WOULD HAVE HAD THIS INFORMATION BEFORE I WENT OUT A BOUGHT PARTS TO TRY TO FIX THE PROBLEM MYSELF. IF ITS THE COMPUTER, THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO ABOUT THAT ON MY OWN. A RESPONSE ON THIS ISSUE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU. *AK
Isuzu Impulse 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2000-06-19
- VIN: JABBR07F4K7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: INSULATIVE SPRAY ON ECU BOARD CAUSES ELECTRICAL SHORTS IN HOT WEATHER. THIS LEADS TO IDLE SPEEDS FROM 400RPM TO 2000RPM. MAJOR CONCERN IS RANDOM STALLING. UNABLE TO START CAR AFTER STALLING. KNOWN TO HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING, WHICH CAN BE QUITE A HAZARD AS THE CAR IS STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. NOT SAFE. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. - HTTP://WWW.ISUZUPERFORMANCE.COM/ISUZUWEB/RECALL.HTML. *AK
Isuzu Impulse 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-15
- Date Complaint: 2000-06-14
- VIN: JABRT2353M7
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Recalls Isuzu Impulse
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the Isuzu Impulse.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Isuzu Impulse 1990
- Report Received Date: 1992-07-06
- Manufacturer: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE STEERING WHEEL CENTER HUB CAN FRACTURE DURING CERTAIN FRONTAL AND NEAR FRONTAL VEHICLE COLLISIONS.
- Consequence: FRACTURING OF THE STEERING WHEEL HUB CAN DECREASE THEDRIVER'S CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND COULD REDUCE THE CRASH PROTECTION OF THESTEERING SYSTEM AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG.
- Remedy: A STEERING WHEEL REINFORCEMENT PLATE AND NUT WILL BE ADDED TO THE STEERING WHEEL HUB.
- Model: Isuzu Impulse 1991
- Report Received Date: 1992-07-06
- Manufacturer: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE STEERING WHEEL CENTER HUB CAN FRACTURE DURING CERTAIN FRONTAL AND NEAR FRONTAL VEHICLE COLLISIONS.
- Consequence: FRACTURING OF THE STEERING WHEEL HUB CAN DECREASE THEDRIVER'S CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND COULD REDUCE THE CRASH PROTECTION OF THESTEERING SYSTEM AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG.
- Remedy: A STEERING WHEEL REINFORCEMENT PLATE AND NUT WILL BE ADDED TO THE STEERING WHEEL HUB.
- Model: Isuzu Impulse 1985
- Report Received Date: 1985-09-19
- Manufacturer: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AT THE REAR AXLE AND FUEL TANK RETAINING BAND IS NOT WIDE ENOUGH AND ALLOWS THE LINE TO CONTACT THE BAND DURING SEVERE OPERATING CONDITIONS. CONTINUED CONTACT MAY CAUSE THE DAMAGED BRAKE LINE TO RESTRICT THE FLOW OF BRAKE FLUID, OR RUPTURE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID OR RESTRICTION OF BRAKE FLUID FLOW RESULTS IN LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY OF REAR WHEEL WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE BRAKE LINE AND REROUTE TO ELIMINATE CONTACT.
Latest positive Isuzu Impulse car reviews
Are you having problems with your Isuzu Impulse?
Ari Barton 2024-07-17
Vehicle year: 1991
This car is really impressive! It's incredibly fast and handles like a dream. It's not your average car, with a bigger turbo, front-mount intercooler, mild porting, and a 30 angle valve job, along with 1.8L cams and solid lifters. It's no wonder it can outrun a Z06 Vette and a 5.0L Mustang in the quarter mile and slalom. Plus, it's a rare collectors item, with only 800 sold in the USA. Overall, it's truly the ultimate sleeper car of the early nineties!