Isuzu Trooper ii problems

General information about Isuzu Trooper ii
Isuzu Trooper ii years list
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Isuzu Trooper is a full-size SUV that was produced by the Japanese automaker Isuzu between September 1981 and September 2002. In the domestic Japanese market it was sold as the Isuzu Bighorn, the car was exported internationally mainly as a Trooper but it also received several other nameplates including Acura SLX, Chevrolet Trooper, Subaru Bighorn, SsangYong Korando Family, Honda Horizon, Opel Monterey, Vauxhall Monterey, Holden Jackaroo, and Holden Monterey.

In total, there were two generations of this vehicle: the first, produced between 1981 and 1991; and the second (UBS) produced between 1991 and 2002, with a substantial refresh in 1998.

The Trooper began as a rather basic and somewhat underpowered on- and off-road vehicle, offered only with four-cylinder motor, four-speed manual transmission, and part-time four-wheel drive. The first generation evolved to add both amenities and luxuries, including optional air-conditioning, power windows, and a more powerful V6 engine. The second generation was even more refined and available in two-wheel drive as well as four-wheel drive.

photo of Isuzu Trooper ii car production

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Common Isuzu Trooper ii problems

Based on the information provided in the sources, here are common problems with the Isuzu Trooper II based on complaints from owners:

Warm Start Failure:
- Problem: The Trooper loses power and fails to start when the engine is warm or hot.
- Solution: This issue is often due to failed injectors, requiring replacement. Video tutorials are available to guide through the replacement process.
Engine Oil Light Illuminated:
- Problem: The engine oil warning light stays on even after filling up oil levels.
- Solution: Commonly caused by a leak in the differential, especially in higher mileage vehicles. Replacement of the differential is necessary.
Excessive Fuel Use:
- Problem: Increased fuel consumption and starting problems.
- Solution: Indicates a failing fuel pump, necessitating replacement. Online guides can assist in the replacement process.
Rough Idling:
- Problem: Rough idling with a possible check engine light.
- Solution: Typically caused by a damaged intake manifold gasket, which can be replaced with relative ease.
Ticking From Valve Train:
- Problem: Ticking sound from the engine valve train area.
- Solution: Often due to varnish build-up in hydraulic lash adjusters. Using higher quality oil can resolve this issue.
Oil Leak:
- Problem: Visible oil spots where the car is parked.
- Solution: Usually caused by a faulty front crankshaft oil seal, which can be replaced with a revised design to prevent further leaks.
Rattling From Front of the Car:
- Problem: Rattling noise from the front of the car, commonly related to timing chain tensioner issues.
- Solution: Replacement of the timing chain tensioner is necessary to address this common problem.
Power Loss:
- Problem: Loss of power with intermittent check engine light illumination.
- Solution: Indicates a failing catalytic converter, requiring replacement to resolve the issue.
4WD Indicator:
- Problem: 4WD indicator remains on even in 2WD mode.
- Solution: Faulty vacuum hoses, solenoids, or engine valves may need replacement to rectify this issue.
Differential Leaking:
- Problem: Oil leaking from the differential area.
- Solution: Replacement of the differential is necessary to stop the leak and resolve the problem.
Fuel Pump Failure:
- Problem: Starting issues and higher fuel consumption.
- Solution: Indicates a failing fuel pump that needs replacement to address the problem effectively.

Why did Isuzu stop making the Trooper?

Eventually, middling popularity and Isuzu's burgeoning partnership with General Motors led to the Trooper's demise in 2002, replaced by the smaller and stranger Isuzu Axiom, and eventually the Ascender.

What problems did the 2004 Isuzu Trooper have?

How many miles per gallon does a Isuzu Trooper get?

15 to 18 MPG. High speed highway have been as high as 24 MPG.

What car is the same as the Isuzu Trooper?

The Acura SLX was a lightly upgraded and rebadged Isuzu Trooper sold by the Acura division of Honda from 1995 to 1999, as 1996 to 1999 year models.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Isuzu Trooper ii years

We have researched Isuzu problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Isuzu Trooper ii cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Isuzu Trooper ii model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Isuzu Trooper ii model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Isuzu Trooper ii years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Isuzu Trooper ii car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Isuzu Trooper ii , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

Structure problems
Engine and engine cooling problems
Suspension problems
Electrical system problems
Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Isuzu Trooper ii vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Trooper ii model years

There were a total of 2 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 Trooper ii 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.

The NHTSA has received 23 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Isuzu Trooper ii . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Isuzu Trooper ii vehicles.

List of Isuzu Trooper ii complaints

Isuzu Trooper ii 1988

Date Of Incident: 2011-01-20
Date Complaint: 2011-01-27
VIN: JACCH58E5J7
Components: SUSPENSION
Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 ISUZU TROOPER II. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER TAKING HIS VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REGULAR SERVICE, THEY INFORMED HIM THAT HIS REAR SUSPENSION HAD RUSTED AND WAS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE OR TO REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 171,000.

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Isuzu Trooper ii 1989

Date Of Incident: 2003-04-23
Date Complaint: 2003-05-23
VIN: JACCH58E6K7
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: FAULTY ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT IDLE ERRATIC, REVVING UP AND DOWN STALLING AND DIEING FOR NO REASON

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Isuzu Trooper ii 1988

Date Of Incident: 2002-07-14
Date Complaint: 2003-03-17
Components: TIRES
Summary: I HAVE IN FRONT OF ME NHTSA RECALL NOTICE 01T016000 WHICH RECALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT P235/75R15 TIRES WITH DOT SERIAL NUMBERS ENDING IN "7" (AMONG OTHER NUMBERS). I HAVE THESE TIRES ON MY CAR. I CALLED THE 800 NUMBER IN THE RECALL NOTICE FOR FIRESTONE, BUT THEY DENY THERE IS ANY RECALL. HOW DO I GET FIRESTONE TO FOLLOW THE RECALL? *NLM

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Isuzu Trooper ii 1986

Date Of Incident: 2001-01-10
Date Complaint: 2001-05-15
VIN: JAACH15L7G5
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: ENTIRE FRAME AND CROSS MEMBERS HAVE SEVERE RUST WITH PERFORATION. SUSPENSION ATTACHMENT POINTS TO FRAME ARE SEVERLY COMPROMISED. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. SHEET METAL BODY STRUCTURE APPEARS "RELATIVELY" RUST FREE. THE FRAME INTEGRITY WOULD NOT BE NOTICED UNLESS THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED CLOSELY.

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Isuzu Trooper ii 1988

Date Of Incident: 1998-04-30
Date Complaint: 2001-04-09
Components: TIRES
Summary: VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY, CONSUMER REDUCED SPEED, GOT OUT OF VEHICLE AND FOUND BOTH REAR TIRES HAD LARGE SEPARATIONS, AND ALSO A BULGE ON THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE, CONSUMER HAS REPLACED ALL 4 (30X930 15 LEMAINS TIRES) CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THAT HIS TIRES WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE FIRESTONE RECALL. *JB

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Isuzu Trooper ii 1989

Date Of Incident: 2000-03-01
Date Complaint: 2000-03-29
VIN: JAACH18E7J7
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: COMPUTER IS NOT ACTIVATING THE FUEL PUMP RELAY, AND THE DASH INDICATOR STAYES ON, CAUSING THE ALTERNATOR NOT TO RECEIVE A SENSING VOLTAGE AND CONSEQUENTLY THE BATTERY HAS TO BE CHARGED MANUALLY. OCCASIONALLY THE INDICATOR LIGHTS GO OFF AND THE CHARGING SYSTEM IS NORMAL. BASICALLY, A PIECE OF '!@#$%. I SHOULD HAVE STAYED WITH TOYOTA. *AK

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Isuzu Trooper ii 1986

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Date Complaint: 1999-11-06
VIN: JAACH18L8G5
Components: STEERING,PARKING BRAKE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
Summary: TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS VERY SEROIUS MATTER. I PURCHASED A USED TROOPER THREE YEARS AGO, AND HAVE EXPERIENCED NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. I PURCHASED THE TROOPER FROM MY NEIGHBOR THREE YEARS AGO.HE PURCHASED IT FROM A DEALER HERE IN MAINE. THE TROOPER WAS ALWAYS VERY WELL MAINTAINED,USUALLY GARAGED, AND ONLY DRIVEN BY MY NEIGHBOR TO HIS PALCE OFF BUSINESS 3 MILES AWAY. HE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEAD WHICH WAS DEFECTIVE. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED FROM AREA GARAGES THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM. MY PROBLEMS ARE CENTERED AROUND THE POOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE FRAME. THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE IS JUST BARELY HELD ON TO THE CHASSIS, BY WHAT MEANS, I'M NOT SURE. EVERYTHING IS ROTTING OFF THE VEHICLE. EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE, REAR FRAME AND FLOOR PAN HAS HOLES....LOOKS LIKE A FLINSTONE MOBILE.YOU CAN ALMOST LITERALLY DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH YOUR FEET IN CERTAIN AREAS. THE FRONT SHOCKS ARE RUSTED THROUGH, AND THE BODY HAS HAD TO BE REPAIRED FOR RUST. THIS VEHICLE HAS CANCER, AND IT'S TERMINAL. I LIVE IN THE STATE OF MAINE WHERE YEARLY VEHICLE INSPECTION IS MANDATORY....THE TROOPER BARELY PASSED LAST YEAR. I HAVE PAID MONEY TO HAVE THIS VEHICLE RE-REGISTERED, AND INSURED (WHICH HERE IN MAINE PRECEEDS INSPECTION) AND NOW IT WON'T PASS INSPECTION. THIS IS AFTER DOING EXTENSIVE WORK TO IT....EVERY GARAGE TELLS ME THAT THE VEHICLE IS POORLY CONSTRUCTED/UNSAFE EVEN AFTER COSTLY REPAIRS/AND DON'T EVEN RECOMMEND THAT I SELL IT FOR FEAR THAT SOMEONE MAY HAVE A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT DUE TO THE FRAME DETERIORIZATION. THOUGH THIS VEHICLE IS ALMOST 14 YEARS OLD, IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF. THIS IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM WHICH AFFECTS EVERY TROOPER THAT I HAVE SEEN. PLEASE ADVISE ME OF WHAT TO DO WITH THIS VEHICLE AS IT IS A HAZARD, AND FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY SEVERAL GARAGES, CANNOT BE FIXED. PLEASE HELP ME WITH MY DILEMA, I WOULD BE VERY GRATEFUL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONCERN IN THIS MATTER. SINCERELY YOURS, LORI BRIDGES

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Isuzu Trooper ii 1986

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Date Complaint: 1999-11-06
VIN: JAACH18L8G5
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: I TOOK THE TROOPER TO HAVE REAR AXLE SEAL REPLACED, AND NEW BRAKE SHOES INSTALLED. SEVERAL MECHANICS PUT TROOPER UP ON LIFT, AND REFUSED TO REPLACE BRAKE SHOES/REAR SEAL. THEY SAID THAT THE FRAME IS SO FAR GONE THAT THEY WILL NOT FIX THE REAR SEAL OR BRAKES BECAUSE TROOPER IS TOTALLY UNSAFE DUE TO THE FRAME ROT. TO PERFORM SERVICE TO BRAKE AREA WOULD BE A WASTE OF TIME AND EXPENSE SINCE I HAVE FAR GREATER PROBLEMS WITH THE TROOPER. THEY SAID THAT THEY CAN'T IN GOOD CONSCIENCE TAKE MY MONEY FOR REPAIRS....AS ONCE AGAIN, THE PROBLEM WITH THE FRAME IS MONUMENTAL. I CANNOT HAVE THIS VEHICLE INSPECTED, THEREFORE I CANNOT DRIVE IT. AFTER SEEING IT UP ON THE FRAME, I AM PETRIFIED TO. ANOTHER REPUTABLE MECHANIC ( AT AN ISUZU DEARLERSHIP HERE IN MAINE) SAID THAT THE STEERING BOX IS ROTTING OFF THE FRAME, AND IF DRIVEN, CAN NOT ONLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, BUT A FATALIY. I CAN'T EVEN DONATE THIS VEHICLE FOR FEAR THAT SOMEONE MAY BE SEROIUSLY INJURED AS A RESULT OF OPERATING IT. PLEASE ADVISE ME ASAP OF ANY/ALL INFORMATION YOU MAY HAVE, AND WHERE I SHOULD GO FROM HERE. ISUZU DEALERSHIPS HAVE TRIED TO SELL ME ANOTHER ISUZU. IF ISUZU CAN'T STAND BEHIND WHAT THEY HAVE SOLD, I CANNOT SEE MY WAY CLEAR TO PURCHASE ANOTHER ONE OF THEIR INFERIOR PRODUCTS.IN THE MEANTIME, THE TROOPER SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY. UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN/SOLD/DONATED. PLEASE ADVISE ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AS TO WHAT COUSE OF ACTION CAN BE TAKEN TO HOLD THIS CAR MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR MANUFACTURING SHORTCOMINGS RESULTING IN THE PRODUCTION OF HIGHLY UNSAFE TRANSPORTATION. FROM EVERYTHING THAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD, THIS VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE COMING OFF OF THE ASSEMBLY LINES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIEM AND CONSIDERATION IN THIS MATTER. SINCERELY, LORI BRIDGES.

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Isuzu Trooper ii 1987

Date Of Incident: 1999-02-12
Date Complaint: 1999-02-15
VIN: 1P3XA7634LF
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE TO HAVE THE ENGINE HEAD GASKET REPAIRED SINCE THIS IS THE FIFTH FAILURE DUE TO CRACKING OR WARPING IN 40000 MILES? IT HAS COST AS MUCH AS $1,300.00. *AK

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Isuzu Trooper ii 1986

Date Of Incident: 1988-02-17
Date Complaint: 1998-11-09
Components: WHEELS
Summary: AUDIBLE CLICKING COMING FROM FRONT AUTOMATIC LOCKING HUBS, CHECKED HUBS FOR PROPER GREASE, NOT SOURCE OF PROBLEM. MM

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Isuzu Trooper ii 1986

Date Of Incident: 1998-08-01
Date Complaint: 1998-10-20
Components: SUSPENSION
Summary: A BOLT ASSOCIATED WITH SUSPENSION FAILED, CAUSING FRONT WHEEL TO COME OFF.

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Isuzu Trooper ii 1986

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Date Complaint: 1998-06-01
VIN: JACCH55L2G4
Components: SUSPENSION
Summary: REAR AXLE LOCK NUT AND PAN CAKE WASHER FAILED AND AXLE SLID OUT WITH WHEEL STILL ATTACHED. THIS IS THE 2ND OCCURANCE IN 2 YEARS. FIRST TIME VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT 10 MPH, SECOND TIME 55 MPH.

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Isuzu Trooper ii 1986

Date Of Incident: 1998-01-23
Date Complaint: 1998-06-01
VIN: JACCH55L2G4
Components: SUSPENSION
Summary: REAR AXLE/LOCKNUT AND PANCAKE WASHER FAILED AND THE AXLE FELL OFF WITH THE WHEEL STILL ATTACHED.

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Isuzu Trooper ii 1988

Date Of Incident: 1997-08-01
Date Complaint: 1998-03-08
VIN: JAACH18EXJ7
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: MULTIPLE ENGINE FAILURES. A PIN HOLE IN THE CYLINDER ALLOWED THE ANTIFREEZE INTO THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER.

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Isuzu Trooper ii 1988

Date Of Incident: 1997-08-06
Date Complaint: 1998-01-25
VIN: JAACH18E5J7
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: CYLINDER COVER CRACKED.

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Latest 5 recalls Isuzu Trooper ii

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 9 recalls for different components of the Isuzu Trooper ii.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

Model: Isuzu Trooper ii 1986
Report Received Date: 1993-07-22
Manufacturer: REESE PRODUCTS, INC
Components: TRAILER HITCHES
Summary: THE WELD ON THE RECEIVER UNIT OF THE TRAILER HITCH CAN BREAK.
Consequence: IF THE FAILURE OCCURS, THE TRAILER CAN SEPARATE FROM THETOWING VEHICLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH.

Model: Isuzu Trooper ii 1988
Report Received Date: 1993-07-22
Manufacturer: REESE PRODUCTS, INC
Components: TRAILER HITCHES
Summary: THE WELD ON THE RECEIVER UNIT OF THE TRAILER HITCH CAN BREAK.
Consequence: IF THE FAILURE OCCURS, THE TRAILER CAN SEPARATE FROM THETOWING VEHICLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH.

Model: Isuzu Trooper ii 1987
Report Received Date: 1993-07-22
Manufacturer: REESE PRODUCTS, INC
Components: TRAILER HITCHES
Summary: THE WELD ON THE RECEIVER UNIT OF THE TRAILER HITCH CAN BREAK.
Consequence: IF THE FAILURE OCCURS, THE TRAILER CAN SEPARATE FROM THETOWING VEHICLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH.

Model: Isuzu Trooper ii 1989
Report Received Date: 1993-07-22
Manufacturer: REESE PRODUCTS, INC
Components: TRAILER HITCHES
Summary: THE WELD ON THE RECEIVER UNIT OF THE TRAILER HITCH CAN BREAK.
Consequence: IF THE FAILURE OCCURS, THE TRAILER CAN SEPARATE FROM THETOWING VEHICLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH.

Model: Isuzu Trooper ii 1990
Report Received Date: 1993-07-22
Manufacturer: REESE PRODUCTS, INC
Components: TRAILER HITCHES
Summary: THE WELD ON THE RECEIVER UNIT OF THE TRAILER HITCH CAN BREAK.
Consequence: IF THE FAILURE OCCURS, THE TRAILER CAN SEPARATE FROM THETOWING VEHICLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH.