1986 Isuzu Trooper ii problems
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.
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Common 1986 Isuzu Trooper ii problems
The Isuzu Trooper II, produced in 1986, is known for several common problems that owners have reported. This article will discuss these issues in detail, based on the search results provided.
- Engine Oil Light Illuminated: If you've recently filled up your oil levels, but the engine oil warning light is lit, it's likely that you have a leak in your differential. This tends to happen around the 55,000-mile mark, and the differential will need to be replaced.
- Excessive Fuel Use: If you're using a lot more fuel than usual and the car often has starting problems, your fuel pump is either on the way out or is already broken. You can find a replacement on the parts list and watch online guides if you've never changed a fuel pump before.
- Rough Idling: Rough idling on the Trooper is often the result of a damaged intake manifold gasket. Replacement of the intake manifold gasket is relatively straightforward, and parts are readily available.
- Ticking From Valve Train: A ticking sound coming from the engine valve train area is likely due to varnish build-up in the hydraulic lash adjusters. Using a higher quality oil will usually resolve the problem.
- Oil Leak: If you notice spots of oil on the road where you've parked, it's likely due to a faulty front crankshaft oil seal. A revised design is available from Breakeryard to address this issue.
- Rattling From Front of the Car: A rattling sound coming from the front of the car is often caused by timing chain tensioners wearing out faster than on other cars. You can find a replacement on the parts list.
- Power Loss and Check Engine Light: Power loss and the check engine light often indicate that your catalytic converter is failing. This issue cannot be repaired, and a new catalytic converter will need to be installed.
- 4WD Indicator Staying On: If the 4WD indicator stays on even when you're in 2WD, it's likely due to a faulty vacuum hose, solenoid, or engine valve. Replacing the faulty part will resolve the issue.
- Differential Leaking: If you notice oil weeping or leaking out from underneath the vehicle between the two rear wheels, it's likely due to the differential leaking. You will need to replace the differential to stop the leak and resolve the issue.
- Fuel Pump Failure: Fuel pump failure is a common problem in the Isuzu Trooper II, and it can lead to starting issues and poor performance . Replacing the fuel pump is necessary to address this issue.
These common problems with the Isuzu Trooper II, based on complaints from owners, can provide valuable information for those considering purchasing or maintaining this vehicle. Addressing these issues promptly can help ensure the longevity and reliability of the Trooper.
What size engine is in a 1986 Isuzu Trooper?
1986 Isuzu TROOPER (2.2L 4 -cyl Engine Code [U] U Diesel Turbo) Motor Oil, Filters and Lubricants - AMSOIL.
Why did they stop making Isuzu Troopers?
SUV market changes and safety concerns doomed the Trooper
By the early 2000s, the SUV market in the United States was dramatically different than when the Trooper first rose to prominence, with consumers eschewing the Trooper's utilitarian design in favor of SUVs boasting more compact features.
What is the Isuzu Trooper called in Japan?
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 ...
What is the fuel capacity of the Isuzu Trooper?
22.5 gal
Fuel & MPG
315.0/405.0 mi. 22.5 gal.
1986 Isuzu Trooper ii car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Isuzu Trooper ii problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Suspension problems
- Steering problems
- Parking brake problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Isuzu Trooper ii vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Isuzu Trooper ii complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Isuzu Trooper ii.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-10
- 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.
STEERING,PARKING BRAKE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- 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
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- 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.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1988-02-17
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: AUDIBLE CLICKING COMING FROM FRONT AUTOMATIC LOCKING HUBS, CHECKED HUBS FOR PROPER GREASE, NOT SOURCE OF PROBLEM. MM
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-01
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: A BOLT ASSOCIATED WITH SUSPENSION FAILED, CAUSING FRONT WHEEL TO COME OFF.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-23
- VIN: JACCH55L2G4
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: REAR AXLE/LOCKNUT AND PANCAKE WASHER FAILED AND THE AXLE FELL OFF WITH THE WHEEL STILL ATTACHED.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- 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.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-01
- VIN: JAACH15L4G5
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: MULTIPLE RUST SPOTS ON VEHICLE JEOPARDIZING INTEGRITY OF SUPPORT STRUCTURE. METAL USED ON SIDEWALLS OF FRAME IS TOO THIN. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-30
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: MAIN FRAME UNDER VEHICLE IS RUSTING THRU; METAL DISINTEGRATING; UNSAFE TO DRIVE; COULD FALL COMPLETELY APART CAUSING ACCIDENT. TT
1986 Isuzu Trooper ii recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1986 Isuzu Trooper ii.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Isuzu Trooper ii problems:
So.. We bought a 1986 Isuzu Trooper.. | AnandTech Forums ...
2 door, 4x4, 5spd manual with 195000 on the clock. This should be fun! Paid 1200$ for it. It's in excellent condition overall cosmetically ...
How reliable were the 1984 Trooper? | Isuzu SUV Forum
Jan 20, 2016 ... /2 seat / '86 Trooper w/ A/C , New 1mil over ... are there any sticky threads on common mods for this year trooper? ... 1984 Isuzu Trooper 2 door ...
Why are Isuzu Troopers so cheap? : r/cars
Apr 29, 2017 ... We finally sold it with around 250k miles to a friend, with 2 known issues. Needed a clutch and ignition coils. He beat the poor thing worse ...
High idle at first start up. | Isuzu SUV Forum
Nov 29, 2022 ... 1986 Isuzu Trooper II S 2.2L turbo-diesel - MSG 5-speed 1988 Isuzu Trooper II LS 2.6L - AW30-80LE automatic 1999 Isuzu Trooper LTD 3.5L ...
Curbside Classic: 1986 Isuzu Trooper II - An Unfulfilled Desire ...
Mar 18, 2021 ... It was eminently practical, durable, rugged, and good looking. And it's on the list of cars that I wish I had bought. Did it have any faults?
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