1991 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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Common 1991 Isuzu Impulse problems
The Isuzu Impulse, produced from 1980 to 1992, is a 3-door liftback coupe that has gained a reputation for its reliability and sporty feeling. However, like any other vehicle, the Isuzu Impulse has its share of common problems.
One of the most common issues with the Isuzu Impulse is transmission problems, particularly in the second generation models. These problems are often caused by the viscous coupling for the center differential, which is used to transfer power from the transmission output to the transfer case that sends power to the front and rear differentials.
Another common problem with the Isuzu Impulse is rust, particularly in the rear driver's side wheel arch.
The Isuzu Impulse's engine is also known to have issues, particularly with the head gasket. This issue is often caused by the use of too long of bolts on the thermostat housing, which can cause coolant leaks and overheating. This can lead to a blown head gasket, which can be a significant repair.
The Isuzu Impulse's suspension is also known to have issues, particularly in the second generation models. The suspension was tuned by Lotus, which is a selling point for many enthusiasts. However, this can also be a source of problems, as the suspension components may wear out over time and require replacement.
In summary, the Isuzu Impulse is a reliable and sporty car that has gained a reputation among enthusiasts. However, like any other vehicle, the Impulse has its share of common problems, including transmission problems, rust, engine issues, and suspension problems. These issues can be significant repairs, but with proper maintenance and care, the Impulse can be a reliable and enjoyable car to drive.
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 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 will an Isuzu 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.
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.
1991 Isuzu Impulse car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Isuzu Impulse problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Isuzu Impulse vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1991 Isuzu Impulse
The NHTSA has received 26 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Isuzu Impulse. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1991 Isuzu Impulse vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-10
- 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
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-06
- VIN: JABRT2347M7
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CAR RACES ENGINE BADLY IN THE SUMMER WHEN TEMP OVER 80 DEGREES-WONT IDLE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- 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
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-29
- VIN: JABRT2348M7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THIS IS A REOCCURRING MANUFACTURER DEFECT. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL ON THESE ENGINE CONTROL MODULES. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-15
- 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-24
- 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-01
- 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?
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- 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
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-15
- VIN: JABRT2353M7
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-01
- VIN: JABRT2352M7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THIS IS THE 2ND IMPULSE THAT I HAVE OWNED, AND I THOUGHT IT WOULD ONLY HAPPEN TO MY FIRST ONE, BUT THIS ONE IS THE SAME WAY. WHEN IT GETS WARM OUT, THE ENGINE HAS IDLING PROBLEMS. THEN OTHER IMPULSE I HAD (1990) DID IT FROM DAY 1 AT 55000 MILES. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-01
- VIN: JABRT2353M7
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-18
- VIN: JABRT2352M7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE VEHICLE FAILS TO RUN AFTER IS WARMS UP. I HAVE CONTACTED SEVERAL MECHANICS AND WAS TOLD THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THAT THE MANUFACTURER USES AN INSULATING SPRAY ON THE ECU THAT CAUSES IT TO SHRINK AND BRAKE CONTACTS IN THE UNIT ITSELF. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS IN THAT IT HAS LEFT ME STRANDED ONCE ALREADY AND WITH LOOSE CONTACT IT MY CAUSE A FIRE. I DO NOT EXPECT THE MANUFACTURER TO REPLACE THE UNIT FOR FREE. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED SO THEY DID NOT MAKE ANY MONEY OFF OF ME BUT SOME HELP WOULD BE NICE. I FIND THEM RESPONSIBLE SO THEY SHOULD LIVE UP TO THERE REPUTATION OF QUALITY. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-02-26
- VIN: JABRT2349M7
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-29
- VIN: JABRT2340M7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ECU HAS ERRATIC PROBLEM. WILL PUT THE CAR INTO HIGH IDLE AT ANY GIVEN SPEED AND WILL NOT RESET UNLESS CAR IS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. REPLACE ACCELERATOR CABLE AND RESEATED ECM SEVERAL TIMES TO NO AVAIL. TRY RESETTING THE ECM TO GET THE CAR OFF OF HIGH IDLE WHILE YOU ARE IN TRAFFIC. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-12
- VIN: J87RT214XM7
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: MY ADDRESS IS IN ONTARIO,CANADA POSTAL CODE L5J-3N5. 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. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE MAKEING A STOP ENGINE WOULD STALL OR IDLE. EALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED ,CAN'T DUPLICATE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATON. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JABRT2349M7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE IDLES VERY HIGH, WILL SURGE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT ON THESE CARS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JABRT2346M7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: FAILURE OF INTERNAL CPU CONNECTIONS CREATES FAULTY IDLE AND DRIVEABILITY.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-28
- VIN: JABRT2346M7
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: FAILURES INDICATES NUMBER OF FAILURES PER WEEK, NOT REPLACEMENT PER SE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-30
- VIN: JABRT234XM7
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE NUMBER OF FAILURES IS RELATIVE TO THE NUMBER OF TIMES THE CAR SURGES ON ME PER WEEK, BUT NOT HOW MANY TIME THE ACTUAL EQUIPMENT HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-22
- VIN: JABRT4355M7
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM ONE TOO MANY TIMES, AND IT IS STARTING TO GET ANNOYING. I CAN'T AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER CAR RIGHT NOW AND I WOULD'NT WANT ANYONE ELSE TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH A CAR. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS. MY CAR CAN TAKE OFF AT ANY TIME IT WANTS TO. IT ALMOST MADE ME GET IN AN ACCIDENT IN A TRAFFIC JAM. THE DEALER WON'T COVER THE DEFECT. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JABRT2358M7
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: RIGHT TAIL LIGHT SOCKET FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JABRT234XM7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AFTER VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING ALL NIGHT, EARLY MORNING IT BURSTED INTO FLAMES, NEAR THE BATTERY. CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE FIRE MARSHALL IT APPEARED TO BE A SHORT CIRCUIT NEAR THE BATTERY. *AK
1991 Isuzu Impulse recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1991 Isuzu Impulse.
- 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.
Positive 1991 Isuzu Impulse car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1991 Isuzu Impulse problems:
1991 Isuzu Impulse RS (the AWD turbo one)| Builds and Project ...
I liked it so much that years later I went looking for one for a circle track car. But it had oiling issues that we could not resolve inside the ...
Isuzu impulse rs turbo (1990-1991) : r/Isuzu
Jul 12, 2023 ... What are some common issues on the rs turbos and where's the best place to find parts? Looking to snag one maybe as a project.
1991 isuzu impulse: distributor..engine cranks wont start
Mar 21, 2009 ... As long as the distributor is turning, the most common problem will be the ignition module. You can somtimes have them tested out of the car ...
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Dec 7, 2015 ... I had one of these. Bought it around 2001 from a lady who just had baby and couldn't put the kid in the Mexican prison otherwise known as the ...
2.8V6 Ocasionally stalling and misfiring | Isuzu SUV Forum
May 3, 2022 ... Fuel pumps are also known to cause intermittent problems until they ultimately fail. But let's not go there yet. Hope that helps, let us ...
Other years of Isuzu Impulse
Are you having problems with your 1991 Isuzu Impulse?
Ari Barton 2024-07-17
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!