1990 Isuzu Pickup truck problems

isuzu logo

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.

1990 Isuzu Pickup truck

Social links

Common 1990 Isuzu Pickup truck problems

Based on the information provided in the sources, here are some common problems with the Isuzu pickup truck from the 1990s based on complaints from owners:

  • Engine Oil Leak From Front Crankshaft Seal: Another common problem reported by owners is an engine oil leak from the front crankshaft seal. This issue can result in oil leakage, potentially leading to engine damage if not addressed promptly.
  • Idle Problems: Owners have also experienced idle problems with the 2.3L Isuzu pickup trucks. Idle issues can cause rough idling, stalling, or inconsistent engine performance, indicating potential underlying mechanical or electrical problems that need attention.

These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt repairs to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of Isuzu pickup trucks from the 1990s.

1990 Isuzu Pickup truck engine

1990 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:

  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Seat belts problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Power train problems

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

1990 Isuzu Pickup truck complaints

The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Isuzu Pickup truck.

2002-07-11

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-03-01
  • VIN: JAACR11E0L7
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: WHILE INSPECTING VEHICLE DISCOVERED THAT AXLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WAS MISSING FROM GROOVE THAT HOLDS AXLE ONTO WHEEL. VERY CONCERNED THAT WHEEL COULD COME OFF WHILE DRIVING.*AK CONSUMER STATES AXLE WAS LOOSE AND WORKS BACK AND FORTH CONSEQUENTLY BOOT HAD TORN AND CV JOINT HAD BEEN DESTROYED. *YH
2000-09-15

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-09-15
  • VIN: JAACR11EXL7
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: LEFT FOR WORK AT 8:40, FRIDAY 9-15. TRUCK HAD BEEN PARKED ALL NIGHT. I'D HAD NOT PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE. AFTER I HAD BACKED OUT AND MOVED VEHICLE FORWARD, I HEARD A "WHUMPING" NOISE OVER AND OVER. I STOPPED THE TRUCK, GOT OUT AND CHECKED THE TIRES. AT FIRST I THOUGHT SOMEONE HAD SLASHED A TIRE. I PARKED THE VEHICLE AND CALLED MY INSURANCE COMPANY WHO IN TURN CALLED A TOWING COMPANY TO COME OUT AND CHANGE THE DAMAGED TIRE WITH A SPARE. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER POINTED OUT TO ME THAT THIS WAS BELT THAT HAD SEPERATED NOT A SLASHED TIRE AND NOTICED THAT BOTH THE DAMAGED TIRE AND THE OTHER REAR TIRE WERE BOTH IDENTICAL TIRES FROM FIRESTONE. I DROVE TO AN INDEPENDENT FIRESTONE STATION AND WAS TOLD THIS TIRE WAS NOT UNDER THE RECALL NOTICE. I CALLED ANOTHER LOCAL FIRESTONE OFFICE AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING. BUT I'VE BEEN TOLD BY CO WORKERS THAT THIS RECALL HAS BEEN EXPANDED TO OTHER TIRES THAN JUST THE AT, ATX AND WILDERNESS SERIES. I HOPE TO FIND OUT IF MY TIRES ARE PART OF THE DEFECTIVE TIRES SOLD AND IF THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF THESE DEFECTS. *AK( DOT NUMBER: HYHH TIRE SIZE: P225/75R15 )
1998-04-23

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-12-11
  • VIN: JAACR11E7L7
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY IS CRACKED & WAS LEAKING FUEL, FUMES INSIDE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP DOES NOT WANT TO REPAIR DUE TO LACK OF WARRANTY. MANUFACTURER SAID CANNOT HELP. WANTS OWNER TO PURCHASE FUEL PUMP & TANK ASSEMBLY FIRST. *AK
1997-02-06

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-11-15
  • VIN: JAACL11E7L7
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING AND TRYING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE THROTTLE CABLE STUCK, CAUSING VEHICLE TO CLIMB EXCESSIVE SPEEDS, OWNER NOTES THAT HE HAD PUT HIS FOOT UNDER GAS PEDAL TO STOP AND THAT IT DID NOT WORK. SO HE HAD TO SHUT VEHICLE OFF. *AK
1997-01-16

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JAACL11L6L7
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: OWNER HAS ABS BRAKES, HE NOTES THAT HE HAD A FAULTY SPEED CONTROL SENSOR AND THAT DEALERS FIXED PROBLEM BUT IT DOES NOT SEEM TO HELP. *AK
1996-05-11

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-05-11
  • VIN: 4S1CL11L1L4
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DIFFICULTY SCHEDULING APPOINTMENT FOR SEAT BELT RECALL REPAIRS DUE TO LOCATION. *SD
1995-09-28

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 4S1CL11L8L4
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHEN HEAVY RAIN FALLS -ABS BRAKES FAIL. TT
1995-06-17

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 4S1CL11L9L4
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE IS BROKE AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE COME LOOSE WHEN MAKING A QUICK STOP. TT
1995-03-09

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-03-09
  • VIN: JAACL11L0L7
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: REAR BRAKE SPRINGS FAILED. (OTHER VEHICLE ON 479572).
1995-02-17

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: REAR WHEEL STUDS STRIP. UNABLE TO DETERMINE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

1990 Isuzu Pickup truck recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1990 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.
1995-05-24
  • Manufacturer: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
  • Summary: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
  • Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
  • Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
Leave your review of 1990 Isuzu Pickup truck

Other years of Isuzu Pickup truck

isuzu pickup truck 1991 photo
Pickup truck 1991
Isuzu

7

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
isuzu pickup truck 1992 photo
Pickup truck 1992
Isuzu

0

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
isuzu pickup truck 1993 photo
Pickup truck 1993
Isuzu

0

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
isuzu pickup truck 1994 photo
Pickup truck 1994
Isuzu

0

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
isuzu pickup truck 1995 photo
Pickup truck 1995
Isuzu

0

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
isuzu pickup truck 1996 photo
Pickup truck 1996
Isuzu

1

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 1990 Isuzu Pickup truck?

Add car complaint
1990 Isuzu Pickup truck photo