1985 Isuzu Trooper problems

General information about Isuzu-Trooper
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.

Social links

Common 1985 Isuzu Trooper problems

The Isuzu Trooper is a full-size SUV that was produced by the Japanese automaker Isuzu between 1981 and 2002. It is known for its durability and off-road capabilities, but like any vehicle, it is not without its common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the 1985 Isuzu Trooper, based on complaints from owners:

Warm Start Failure: The Trooper has lost a lot of power, and it won't start again while the engine is warm or hot. This is often caused by failed injectors, which can be replaced with new ones. However, the replacement process can be quite challenging, so it's recommended to watch video tutorials before attempting it.
Engine Oil Light Illuminated: If the engine oil warning light is lit even after filling up the oil levels, it's likely that there is a leak in the differential. This tends to happen at around the 55,000-mile point, and the differential will need to be replaced. Having a replacement delivered by BreakerYard and installing it yourself can save on high mechanic fees.
Excessive Fuel Use: If the car is using more fuel than usual and often has starting problems, the fuel pump may be on the way out or already broken. Scrolling through the parts list for the Isuzu Trooper and ordering a replacement fuel pump can resolve the issue.
Rough Idling: Rough idling on the Trooper is often caused by a damaged intake manifold gasket. Installing a new intake manifold gasket can resolve this issue, which is relatively straightforward.
Ticking From Valve Train: A ticking sound coming from the engine valve train area is likely caused by varnish build-up in the hydraulic lash adjusters. Using a higher quality oil can usually resolve this problem.
Oil Leak: Spots of oil on the road where the car is parked indicate an oil leak. A faulty front crankshaft oil seal is the most likely cause, and a revised design is available from BreakerYard. It's recommended to look for a front oil seal retainer gasket at the same time to prevent future leaks.
Rattling From Front of the Car: A rattling sound coming from the front of the car is often caused by a faulty timing chain tensioner. This tensioner is known to wear out faster than on other cars, and a replacement can be found on the parts list.
Power Loss and Check Engine Light: Power loss and the check engine light may indicate that the catalytic converter is on the way out. This fault cannot be repaired, and a new catalytic converter will need to be ordered from BreakerYard.
4WD Indicator Stays On: If the 4WD indicator stays on even when the car is in 2WD, it's likely that there is a fault in the vacuum hoses, solenoids, or engine valves. Replacing the faulty part can resolve this issue.
Differential Leak: Oil weeping or leaking out from underneath the vehicle between the two rear wheels indicates a differential leak. Replacing the differential can resolve this issue and stop the leak.

It's important to note that not all Isuzu Troopers will experience these problems, and the frequency and severity of these issues can vary depending on the vehicle's age, mileage, and maintenance history. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these issues or catch them early before they become more serious problems.

Why did they stop making Isuzu 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 size engine is in a 1986 Isuzu Trooper?

2.2L 4 -cyl

1986 Isuzu TROOPER (2.2L 4 -cyl Engine Code [U] U Diesel Turbo) Motor Oil, Filters and Lubricants - AMSOIL.

Does an Isuzu Trooper have a Honda engine?

Around the same period, General Motors, Isuzu and Honda established a working relationship that saw the two-box design of the 5-door Trooper designed by GM with Honda providing petrol engine options and Isuzu providing diesel engine options.

What problems did the 2004 Isuzu Trooper have?

1985 Isuzu Trooper car problems categorized by type of issue

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

Structure problems
Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Isuzu Trooper vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1985 Isuzu Trooper complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Isuzu Trooper.

2000-06-05

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1990-04-15
VIN: DON'T KNOW
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: 1ST INCIDENT OCCURRED 1990 AT 5 MPH. LOST POWER. WHEEL WAS EXTENDING FROM CAR. 1200 MILES LATER, 2ND INCIDENT OCCURRED AT 40 MPH, NEAR CLIFF. WHEEL AND AXLE DEPARTED, PASSED VEHICLE, SWUNG BACK & HIT VEHICLE. PAID LAREDO TX DEALER TO DISMANTLED OTHER AXLES AND EXAMINED DIFFERENTIAL. 1200 MILES LATER REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILED. CHARLSTON, SC DEALER GUARANTEED NO FAILURE. SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES LATER, NOISE & AXLE HOUSING OIL SPILL. REPAIRED IN NEW YORK CITY. SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES LATER, ANOTHER AXLE HOUSING OIL SPILL. IN 1991, NHTSA REPORTS THAT THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS & CAN'T HELP. SOLD VEHICLE AT LOSS WITH FULL DISCLOSURE & RECOMMENDATION TO REPLACE FULL AXLE HOUSING. 9 YEARS LATER, I HEAR OF A SIMILAR INCIDENT IN ANOTHER ISUZU TROOPER. NHTSA DATABASE (2000) REPORTS NO RECALL IN THIS AREA. IS THIS SERIOUS ENOUGH OF A SAFETY ISSUE FOR NHTSA TO EXAMINE?*AK

Add Complaint

1996-09-11

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-09-11
VIN: JAACH15A2F5
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: FRAME RUSTED WHERE TORSION BAR IS WELDED.

Add Complaint

1995-11-06

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-09-03
Crash: 1
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: THE FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH ENTIRELY AND BROKE IN HALF AND CAUSED THE DRIVER TO GO INTO A DITCH. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT

Add Complaint

1985 Isuzu Trooper recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1985 Isuzu Trooper.

1992-07-27

Manufacturer: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED
Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Summary: TRUCKS USED IN THE SALT-BELT STATES CAN HAVE ACCUMULATED CORROSION IN THE HINGES OF THE REAR DOORS. IF THE VEHICLES ALSO HAVE MISALIGNED DOOR LATCHES AND STRIKERS, IT IS POSSIBLE TO CLOSE THE DOORS IN A "FALSE LATCH" CONDITION.
Consequence: IN THE "FALSE LATCH" CONDITION, THE REAR DOORS MAY GIVETHE IMPRESSION THAT THE DOOR IS PROPERLY LATCHED WHEN IT IS NOT. THIS COULD LEADTO PASSENGERS AND/OR CARGO FALLING FROM REAR DOORS WHICH CAN OPEN WITHOUT PRIORWARNING.
Remedy: CHECK THE DOOR LATCHES AND STRIKERS FOR CORRECT ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR IF NECESSARY; ALSO INSPECT REAR DOOR HINGES FOR CORROSION AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1985 Isuzu Trooper problems:

How reliable were the 1984 Trooper? | Isuzu SUV Forum

https://www.planetisuzoo.com/threads/how-reliable-were-the-1984-trooper.85502/

Jan 20, 2016 ... The main problem you will have with this truck when you get it back running will be the lack of power, it's only 82 hp. With the 4sp tranny you ...

Reliability of older Isuzu Troopers | Expedition Portal

https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/reliability-of-older-isuzu-troopers.200473/

Dec 7, 2018 ... I know that some maintenance will be inevitable but don't want to volunteer to rehabilitate a vehicle with known issues fleetwide. Concerning ...

1988 Trooper 2.6 Stalls, Hesitates, Won't Accelerate | Isuzu SUV ...

https://www.planetisuzoo.com/threads/1988-trooper-2-6-stalls-hesitates-wont-accelerate.147085/

Feb 24, 2021 ... Uncle Scoon said: I was hoping that this is maybe a semi-common problem for these engines, and I can get this bad boy back on the road ...

Why are Isuzu Troopers so cheap? : r/cars

https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/687ev0/why_are_isuzu_troopers_so_cheap/

Apr 29, 2017 ... Isuzu is not known for reliability. The research on this site gives the trooper a reliability score of 5/100. Honda CR-V is 86/100, to ...