1991 Isuzu Stylus problems
The Isuzu Gemini is a subcompact car produced by the Japanese automaker Isuzu from 1974 until 2000. The same basic product was built and/or sold under several other names, sometimes by other General Motors brands, in various markets around the world. While the first generation was of a rear-wheel drive design, later versions were all front-wheel-drive, and the last two generations were no more than badge-engineered Honda Domani until the name was retired in 2000.
First generation (1974)
The first Gemini was the Bellett Gemini, first seen in November 1974. It was based on the third-generation Opel Kadett C on the General Motors T-car platform and came in four-door sedan and two-door coupe body styles. The chassis code was PF50, although the later 1.8-liter versions were called PF60 and the diesels PFD60.
In June 1977 the Gemini received its first, light, facelift. The bigger 1817 cc G180 series engine became available, fitted with rectangular headlights rather than the round units used on the 1600. This model offered 110 PS (81 kW), although this output dropped to 105 PS (77 kW) if an automatic transmission was fitted. In November of the same year the 1600 was updated, now with square headlights and an engine with the I·CAS oxidation catalyst ("Isuzu Clean Air System") which could manage the 1978 emissions standards. One year later the Gemini 1800's engine was also upgraded to meet the 1978 emissions standards. Power remained unchanged, and the automatic now offered the same power as cars with manual transmission. The ignition system was now of a transistor less type, and the trunk lid was now opened remotely (not added to the Gemini 1600 until the end of December). The Gemini Black and 1800 Minx were also added, the Minx with a two-tone paintjob and the Black with black paintwork and more sporty yet comfortable equipment including alloy wheels.
In June 1979, the Gemini received a new slant nose with rectangular headlights and a redesigned rear end. The changes were actually more comprehensive than that, also including a redesigned (longer) engine bay and a wider radiator opening for two new engines added in November (the twin cam G180W and the new 4FB1 diesel) which both required wider radiators for more air for cooling.
In Japan, sports models were available originally with the "ZZ" name. Later, ZZ/L (1980), ZZ/R (1981), ZZ/T, and ZZ/E models were added. These were equipped with an Isuzu G180W 8-valve DOHC 1.8-liter engine, most commonly fuel-injected, producing 130 PS (96 kW) at 6400 rpm. These models also came with a shortened remote throw manual shift lever and optional factory LSD differential. There was also a mildly sporting model of the OHC 1800, called the LS/G.
In October 1982 a version of the diesel with Bosch VE electronic fuel injection was also added; this provided 8% more power than the regular version (66 versus 61 PS) and was fitted to the LT-E and LJ-E models. For those who wanted more, a 73 PS (54 kW) turbo diesel appeared a month later. Also featuring electronic fuel injection, this model also received a standard rear anti-roll bar. Counterintuitively, the two more powerful diesels were never available with the coupé bodywork.
The Gemini was complemented in 1981 by the Giugiaro-designed coupé Isuzu Piazza, based on the Gemini's platform, which was introduced in the United States in 1983 as the Isuzu Impulse and in Australia in 1986 as the Holden Piazza. After the front-wheel-drive second generation Gemini appeared in early 1985, the old rear-wheel drive version nonetheless continued to be built. The coupé model was discontinued, and a slimmed down sedan range (including the ZZ and diesel models) continued to be available. This diminished range was produced until February 1987, when the rear-wheel drive Gemini was laid to rest after 768,537 had been built.
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Common 1991 Isuzu Stylus problems
The 1991 Isuzu Stylus is known to have engine problems, with the worst complaints being rattling and a tinny vibration noise. These issues can be caused by various factors, such as worn-out parts, lack of maintenance, or manufacturing defects. The engine problems can lead to decreased performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and even complete engine failure if not addressed promptly.
Another common problem with the 1991 Isuzu Stylus is transmission issues. Transmission problems can manifest as shifting delays, grinding when accelerating, shakiness, or a burning smell or whistling sounds coming from under the hood. These issues can be caused by low transmission fluid levels, worn-out components, or lack of maintenance. Transmission problems can lead to decreased performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and even complete transmission failure if not addressed promptly.
In addition to engine and transmission problems, the 1991 Isuzu Stylus can also experience electrical issues. For example, some owners have reported that their battery is drained after rainstorms, and their electrical warning system switches, such as the battery, fuel, and brake lights, come on. This problem can be caused by various factors, such as a faulty alternator, worn-out battery, or damaged wiring. Electrical issues can lead to decreased performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and even complete electrical system failure if not addressed promptly.
The 1991 Isuzu Stylus can also experience cooling system problems, such as a faulty radiator cooling fan. This problem can be caused by various factors, such as a faulty fan motor, damaged wiring, or a blown fuse. Cooling system problems can lead to overheating, reduced performance, and even complete engine failure if not addressed promptly.
To prevent these common problems with the 1991 Isuzu Stylus, it is essential to maintain the vehicle regularly. This includes checking the engine and transmission fluid levels, inspecting the electrical system, and checking the cooling system for any leaks or damage. Regular maintenance can help prevent minor issues from becoming major problems, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
1991 Isuzu Stylus car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Isuzu Stylus problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Steering problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Isuzu Stylus vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1991 Isuzu Stylus complaints
The NHTSA has received 24 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Isuzu Stylus.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-04-04
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 ISUZU STYLUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING AND THEN RESTART. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE WOULD FAIL TO START FOR DAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A FACTORY DEFECT. THE MECHANIC EXPLAINED THAT THE MANUFACTURER SPRAYED ANTI HEAT SPRAY ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD, CAUSING EXCESSIVE SHRINKAGE OF THE BOARD DURING THE SUMMER AND WINTER WEATHER. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE SHRINKAGE CAUSED THE STRUTTER TO SEPARATE, RESULTING IN THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-01
- VIN: JABRT5364M7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE IDLED POORLY, IT HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY. SOMETIMES VEHICLE JUST SHUT DOWN. POWER STEERING WENT OUT. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-28
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 1991 ISUZU STYLUS ECM FAILURE; FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING, THE CAR FAILS TO START. HAS LEFT WIFE STRANDED IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. SINCE THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN KNOWN ABOUT FOR YEARS, TO THE POINT OF MANDATING CHANGES IN MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES, I WOULD LIKE EITHER GM OR ISUZU TO MAIL ME THE REPLACEMENT. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-02
- VIN: JABRT5350M7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE ECU IS 500 DOLLARS AND THE DEALER WONT FIX IT BECAUSE OF THE VIN # NOT BEING CORRECT. I JUST WANT IT FIXED BECAUSE I DONT HAVE 500 DOLLARS TO PAY FOR THE ECU THAT WAS A RECALLED PART.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-12
- Crash: 1
- VIN: J87RT5164M7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE STARTED ON ITS OWN AND RAN INTO UR HOUSE AT 7:30 AM NO KEYS, NO ONE AROUND, WE HAVE VIDEO OF IT AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES. NO SAFETYD EFEC TLISTED. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-17
- VIN: JABRT5368M7
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE CAR SURGES WITHOUT WARNING WHEN IDLING. THIS APPEARS SPORADICALLY AND UNPREDICTABLY. IF THE CLUTCH IS ENGAGED, THE CAR WILL LURCH FORWARD AND STALL. IF NOT ENGAGED, THEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REV'S VERY HIGH. AT TIMES THE ENGINE IDLES HIGH FROM START CONSISTENTLY FOR 5 OR MORE MINUTES AFTER STARTING, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE CLUTCH IS ENGAGED OR NOT. WHEN THE ENGINE REVS HIGH, THE CAR LURCHES AND DRIVES ERRATICALLY WHEN IN MOTION. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY OTHER ISUZU STYLUS OWNERS WHO REPORT SIMILAR PROBLEMS THAT THIS IS AN ECU ISSUE AND THAT THE PART SHOULD BE REPLACED, AS IT IS A DESIGN FAULT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: FILL IN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE STARTED WITHOUT KEY IN IGNITION. BRAKES WERE ON AND VEHICLE WAS IN PARK. OWNER HAD STARTER REPLACED, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-05
- VIN: JABRT5362M7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE ECU IN THE CAR HAS BLOWN THE ORIGINAL AND A REPLACEMENT MOTOR. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-05
- VIN: JABRT5363M7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: EXPERIENCED ERRATIC IDLE, IDLE WAS REVVING AND DROPPING, DIPPING OFTEN WITH ENGINE ALMOST DYING. MECHANIC SAYS THERE IS SHORT IN ECU
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-05
- VIN: JABRT5363M7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: EXPERIENCED ERRATIC IDLE, IDLE WAS REVVING AND DROPPING, DIPPING OFTEN WITH ENGINE ALMOST DYING. MECHANIC SAYS THERE IS SHORT IN ECU
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-22
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: MY REGULAR MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS ELECTRICAL. SO I TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP. THEY INDICATED THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM, BUT ON THE WAY HOME IT STALLED AGAIN. WHEN I SLOW DOWN OR COME TO A STOP THE CAR WILL SHAKE AND IDLE HIGH AND THEN STALL. IF I PRESS THE GAS AND KEEP THE CAR REVED UP IT WILL EVENTUALLY RETURN TO REGULAR IDLE, BUT SOMETIMES STILL STALLS.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-01
- VIN: JABRT5354M7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ECU IS DEFECTIVE DUE TO THE TYPE OF ADHESIVE USED INSIDE THE COMPONENT. THIS FAILURE IS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO IDLE ROUGH/HIGH/AND SLOW. COULD BE DANGEROUS IF CONDITION PERSISTS. WOULD LIKE MANUFACTURER TO ISSUE A RECALL ON ALL AC DELCO ECU'S EMPLOYED IN 1991 ISUZU AND GEO CARS.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JABRT5366M7
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ERRATIC IDLE SPEED, REVVING AND DROPPING, SPORADIC DYING OF THE ENGINE, HOVERING IDLE SPEED AOURN 2,000 - 3,000 RPM WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT RETURN TO NORMAL, UNCONTROLLABLE ACCELERATION UNDER LOAD ON MANUAL TRANS. DUE TO UNCONTROLLABLE ENGINE SPEED. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-01
- VIN: JABRT5354M7
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE CONCERN WE ALL HAVE IS WITH THE UNPREDICTABLE ERRATIC IDLE. WHILE SITTING AT A STOP, THE RPMS WILL JUMP FROM A STEADY 900 TO BETWEEN 2000-3000 UNEXPECTEDLY. THERE IS NO WARNING. I HAVE HAD TWO 90+ ISUZU CARS AND BOTH HAVE HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS. AS THEY WERE BOTH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, I WAS NOT AS CONCERNED WITH THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF THIS SINCE WHEN IT WOULD OCCUR I WOULD EITHER HAVE THE PARKING BRAKE ON AND BE IN NEUTRAL, OR THE CLUTCH WOULD BE ENGAGED. OUR MAJOR CONCERN IS WITH HOW THIS AFFECTS THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION VEHICLES. THE VERY POPULAR GEO STORM IS INCLUED IN THIS GROUP OF CARS, SINCE IT SHARES THE ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OF THE ISUZUS IN QUESTION. THERE HAVE BEEN CONCERNED NOTES FROM OWNERS OF THESE CARS WITH THE AUTO TRANSMISSIONS WHO HAVE BEEN SITTING AT A LIGHT WHEN THIS WOULD OCCUR AND SUDDENLY THEIR CARS WOULD LUNGE FORWARD. LUCKILY, THESE DRIVERS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CORRECT THE ACTIONS OF THEIR CARS BEFORE THERE WAS ANY SERIOUS DAMAGE. WE HAVE FOUND SHORT TERM SOLUTIONS TO THIS PROBLEM, BUT THE REAL CULPRIT IS THE COMPUTER, AND AT $600+ EACH TO REPLACE, MOST OWNERS PASS. HOPEFULLY YOU WILL NOTE OUR CONCERNS, AND INVESTIGATE THIS PROPERLY. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION OR FURTHER EXPLANATION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, AND CONCERN. HOPEFULLY WE CAN RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM BEFORE ANYONE GETS INJURED. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I EXPERIENCE UNCONTROLLABLE ENGINE IDLE SPEED WHICH CAUSES DIFFICULTY IN MODULATING ACCELERATION WHEN LEAVING A STOP. THIS HAS THE POTENTIAL FO CAUSING UNAVOIDABLE COLLISIONS WITH OTHER VEHICLES OR PEDESTRIANS.*AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-01
- VIN: JABRT535XM7
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: ISUZU REFUSES TO FIX PROBLEM. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-19
- VIN: JABRT5365M7
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DEFECTIVE SEAT BELT BUCKLES PRIOR TO RECALL.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-06
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY UPON A HEAD- ON COLLISION. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-27
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE GOING 55 MPH THE TIE ROD SLEEVE BROKE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HAVE NO STEERING. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JABRT5365M7
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, AT APPROX. 50MPH, WET PAVEMENT, VEHICLE STARTED PULLING TO RIGHT, THEN SUDDENLY FRONT AXLE BROKE, WENT DOWN AN EMBANKMENT. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-22
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE COVER GASKETS RUPTURED, CAUSING OIL PUMP TO FAILED, VEHICLE SEIZED WITHOUT ANY WARNIN. *AKG
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-22
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE COVER GASKETS RUPTURED, CAUSING OIL PUMP TO FAILED, VEHICLE SEIZED WITHOUT ANY WARNIN. *AKG
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-05
- VIN: JABRT5350M7
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ACCELERATOR CABLE CONTINUOUSLY STICKS. *SKD
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-06-25
- Number Of Injuries: 4
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JABRT5358M7
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING FAILED, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT/INJURIES/FATALITY. *SD
1991 Isuzu Stylus recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1991 Isuzu Stylus.
- 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.
Additional sources
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