1989 Isuzu Pickup truck problems

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The Isuzu Faster is a pickup truck that was manufactured and marketed by Isuzu between 1972 and 2002 over three generations. The Faster was succeeded worldwide by Isuzu D-Max, except in Japan and North America.

First generation (1972–1980)

Isuzu of Japan introduced the KB20 / 25 series Faster pickup in 1972. The regular wheelbase models were designated "20", while "25" referred to the longer version. Derived from the Isuzu Florian, the Faster shared many components, including doors and the front-end assemblage. It served as a replacement for the Isuzu Wasp, a pickup version of the Bellett which preceded the Florian. Both single and twin headlamp front fascia designs were produced.

Due to the exterior dimensions, and engines offered were found to be in compliance with Japanese regulations, the platform was classed in the favorable "compact" designation, and competed with other Japanese made products sold in Japan at the time.

In most export markets, Isuzu rebranded the Faster as the "Isuzu KB". However, the Faster was often distributed through General Motors (GM) retail channels and sold under the Chevrolet brand as the "Chevrolet LUV"—LUV being an acronym for light utility vehicle. Bedford, the European commercial vehicle subsidiary of GM also offered the vehicle under the "Bedford KB" name.

The Isuzu Faster used a traditional pickup truck chassis with a ladder frame and a leaf spring live axle rear suspension. At the front, the A-arm suspension used an independent configuration. The 2,600 mm (102.4 in) wheelbase was similar to its competitors, as was the 1,855 mm (73.0 in) cargo bay. Unlike for the preceding Wasp, there was also a long wheelbase version (KB25) which had 2,995 mm (117.9 in) between the axles, which made for a 2,290 mm (90.2 in) bed.

In 1978, a four-wheel drive version became available, with the KB40 chassis code but sold under the "Faster Rodeo" label in Japan. There was also a double cab (on the longer chassis) version. Sales ended in 1980 when the second generation was introduced. The engine used in most markets was a carbureted 1.6-liter (1,584 cc) gasoline SOHC inline-four of 94 PS (69 kW), which was complemented by a 2.0-liter (1,951 cc) diesel four (KBD) which produced 62 PS (46 kW). Top speeds were 145 km/h (90 mph) and 115 km/h (71 mph) for the gasoline and diesel versions respectively. In Japan, an overhead valve engine (G161) was fitted originally; this produces 84 PS (62 kW) for a 135 km/h (84 mph) top speed.

General Motors-Holden imported the Faster into Australia from November 1972 under the name "Chevrolet LUV", renaming it "Isuzu KB" in 1977 before it was replaced in December 1980 by the second generation model (badged "Holden Rodeo"). Holden launched the LUV in Australia with the 1.6-liter inline-four gasoline engine delivering approximately 50 kW (67 hp) of power and 110 N⋅m (81 lb⋅ft) of torque. Gaining an early reputation for reliability and durability, these original rear-wheel drive models featured a four-speed manual transmission, short-wheelbase construction, and circa 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) payload capacity.

An update in 1978 expanded the LUV range—now comprising the short-wheelbase KB20 model, the new long-wheelbase KB25 and the four-wheel drive KB40 short-wheelbase. These KB25 and KB40 variants were offered in both cab chassis and utility (pickup) body styles and could be specified with the 1.6-liter gasoline engine or the newly available 1.95-liter inline-four diesel. The diesel produced 45 kW (60 hp) and 113 N⋅m (83 lb⋅ft).

Responsibility of sales in North America was delegated to General Motors. Thus, the Isuzu was retailed via Chevrolet dealerships as the "Chevrolet LUV". The only engine was a 1.8-liter (1,817 cc) SOHC inline-four which produced 75 hp (56 kW).

Sales in the United States began in March 1972 as a response to the Datsun and Toyota pickup trucks, as well as Ford's Mazda-built Courier. To circumvent the 25 percent tariff on light trucks (known as the chicken tax), LUVs were imported in cab chassis configuration, which included the entire light truck, less the cargo box or truck bed and were only subject to a 4 percent tariff. Subsequently, a truck bed would be attached to the chassis and the vehicle could be sold as a light truck.

The LUV's exterior was updated slightly for the 1974 model year, but the first major update came in the 1976 model year, when a three-speed automatic transmission option and front disc brakes were added. Power was up to 80 hp (60 kW) for 1977, and sales continued to rise. An exterior refresh and the addition of a 2,285 mm (90 in) cargo bay option, with longer 2,995 mm (118 in) wheelbase, brought sales up to 71,145 in 1978. The addition of four-wheel drive for 1979 brought the LUV to the attention of Motor Trend magazine, and earned it their second "Truck of the Year" award. The LUV was the first four-wheel-drive minitruck available and set a new trend. Sales peaked at 100,192.

1989 Isuzu Pickup truck

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Common 1989 Isuzu Pickup truck problems

The Isuzu Pickup Truck, produced in 1989, is known to have several common problems that owners frequently encounter. These issues include valve and head gasket problems, driveshaft issues, and starting problems.

Firstly, valve and head gasket problems are prevalent in the Isuzu Pickup Truck. The 2.3L engine in these trucks is prone to valve and head gasket issues, which can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly. These problems can manifest in various ways, such as engine overheating, white smoke emitting from the exhaust, or a loss of engine power. To prevent further damage, it is essential to address these issues promptly.

Secondly, driveshaft issues are another common problem in the Isuzu Pickup Truck. These issues can cause vibrations or noises while driving, which can be distracting and potentially dangerous. The driveshaft, which transfers power from the transmission to the wheels, can develop problems that lead to these vibrations or noises. To diagnose and address these issues, it is necessary to check the U-joints, which connect the driveshaft to the transmission and the wheels

. If any of these U-joints are damaged or worn out, they can cause vibrations or noises while driving.

Lastly, starting problems are also common in the Isuzu Pickup Truck. These problems can occur after the engine has been driven and sits for 10-20 minutes, making it difficult to start the engine. The cause of these starting problems can be various, such as vapor lock, a bad fuel pressure regulator, or ignition-related issues. To address these problems, it is essential to check the fuel pressure regulator, ignition coil, pickup coil/ignition module, and coolant temp sensor. Additionally, checking the fuel pressure after the engine has been shut off and 10-20 minutes later can help diagnose any fuel-related issues.

In conclusion, the Isuzu Pickup Truck, produced in 1989, is known to have several common problems that owners frequently encounter. These issues include valve and head gasket problems, driveshaft issues, and starting problems. To address these problems, it is essential to diagnose and address them promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the safe operation of the vehicle.

1989 Isuzu Pickup truck engine

1989 Isuzu Pickup truck car problems categorized by type of issue

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

  • Seat belts problems
  • Power train problems
  • Suspension problems
  • Structure problems
  • Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Isuzu Pickup truck vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1989 Isuzu Pickup truck complaints

The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Isuzu Pickup truck.

2011-02-10

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-01-01
  • VIN: JAACR11E9K7
  • Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 ISUZU PICKUP TRUCK. WHILE EXAMINING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRAME UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE STEEL FOR THE FRAME WAS SUBJECT TO EXCESSIVE RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 148,000. UPDATED 05/03/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE FAILED TO THE POINT WHERE IT WAS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE. THE CONSUMER DISPOSED OF THE VEHICLE AT A RECYCLING AUTO WRECKER SERVICE. UPDATED 10/03/11 UPDATED 1/4/11 *CN
1997-05-22

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
  • VIN: JAACR16E1K7
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE LAP/SHOULDER BELT WILL NOT FULLY RETRACT. ALSO, PASSENGER'S SIDE BELT BEGINNING TO FAIL TO RETRACT. WHEN EXITING VEHICLE, EXTENDED BELTS GET CAUGHT IN DOOR UNLESS MANUALLY RETRACTED. *AK
1997-01-22

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1991-11-01
  • VIN: JAACL16E6K7
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: REAR BRAKE CALIPERS FAILED TWICE.
1997-01-22

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-01-15
  • VIN: JAACL16E6K7
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION SLIPPED TWICE.
1997-01-22

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1991-11-01
  • VIN: JAACL16E6K7
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: CLUTCH REPLACED TWICE.
1996-03-27

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-11-18
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JA3BB46L2GY
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. *AK
1996-03-27

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-11-18
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JA3BB46L2GY
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. *AK
1995-12-01

PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JAACR11E1K7
  • Components: PARKING BRAKE
  • Summary: WHEN APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE SOMETIMES DOESN'T RELEASE RIGHT . TT
1995-11-08

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JAACL11E5K7
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: BOTH SHOULDER BELTS EXTENDING FROM SIDE PANEL FAIL TO RESTRAIN OCCUPANTS. TT CONSUMER STATES BELTS DO NOT LOCK IN THE HOLDERS ON SIDE OF PICKUP. *SLC

1989 Isuzu Pickup truck recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1989 Isuzu Pickup truck.

2006-03-23
  • Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
  • Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
  • Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
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