1986 Isuzu Trooper 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.
Social links
Common 1986 Isuzu Trooper problems
The Isuzu Trooper is a reliable vehicle, but like any other car, it can have its fair share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the Isuzu Trooper 1986, based on the complaints from owners:
- Engine Oil Light Illuminated: If the engine oil warning light is lit even after filling up the oil levels, it's likely that there's a leak in the differential. This tends to happen around the 55,000-mile point and requires the replacement of the differential. It's recommended to have a replacement delivered and installed yourself to save on mechanic fees.
- Excessive Fuel Use: If the car is using more fuel than usual and has starting problems, the fuel pump may be failing. It's essential to replace the fuel pump as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Installing a new fuel pump can be done by following online guides, but it's recommended to seek professional help if you're not confident in doing it yourself.
- Rough Idling: Rough idling on the Trooper is often caused by a damaged intake manifold gasket. This issue can be resolved by replacing the gasket, which is relatively straightforward and can be done at home with the right tools.
- 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 can help resolve this issue and prevent further damage to the engine.
- Oil Leak: Oil leaks are a common problem with the Isuzu Trooper, and they're often caused by a faulty front crankshaft oil seal. A revised design is available from BreakerYard, which can help prevent further leaks. It's recommended to look for a front oil seal retainer gasket at the same time to ensure that the leak is fully resolved.
- Rattling From Front of the Car: A rattling sound coming from the front of the car is likely due to a faulty timing chain tensioner. Replacing the tensioner can help resolve this issue and prevent further damage to the engine.
- Power Loss: Power loss in the Trooper is often caused by a failing catalytic converter. This issue can't be repaired and requires the replacement of the catalytic converter. It's recommended to order a new one from BreakerYard and install it yourself to save on mechanic fees.
- 4WD Indicator Stays On: If the 4WD indicator stays on even when you're in 2WD, it's likely that there's a fault in the vacuum hoses, solenoids, or engine valves. Replacing the faulty part can help resolve this issue and prevent further damage to the engine.
- Differential Leak: If there's oil weeping or leaking out from underneath the vehicle, it's likely that the differential is leaking. Replacing the differential can help resolve this issue and prevent further damage to the engine.
It's important to note that some of these issues can be resolved by the car owner themselves, while others require professional help. It's recommended to seek professional help if you're not confident in doing the repairs yourself. Additionally, regular maintenance and check-ups can help prevent some of these issues from occurring in the first place.
Why did Isuzu stop making the Trooper?
SUV market changes and safety concerns doomed the Trooper
Unfortunately for Isuzu, mid-size classics like the Honda CRV and Toyota Rav-4 essentially cornered that market before they could find footing with their oddly conceived Vehicross and other compact models.
What engine is in a 1988 Isuzu Trooper?
1988 ISUZU TROOPER, injected 4-cylinder, 2.6 l, 5-speed, 4-wheel drive. Engine code 4ZE1.
What is the fuel capacity of the Isuzu Trooper?
22.5 gal
Fuel & MPG
315.0/405.0 mi. 22.5 gal.
What was the last year Isuzu Trooper made?
2002
The Isuzu Trooper is a full-size SUV that was produced by the Japanese automaker Isuzu between September 1981 and 2002.
1986 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:
- Seat belts problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seats problems
- Visibility problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Isuzu Trooper vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Isuzu Trooper complaints
The NHTSA has received 18 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Isuzu Trooper.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-03-25
- VIN: JAACH15L2G5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 ISUZU TROOPER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OCCUPANT ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM. UNEXPECTEDLY, THE FLOOR BOARD CABLE WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THE SEAT BELT CONNECTOR DISENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 226,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-05
- VIN: JACCH55L5G7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT TORE LOOSE FROM THE FLOORBOARD WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING DRIVER TO FALL BACK WHILE PULLING OFF. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-15
- VIN: JAACH15LOG5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELTS RETRACTING MECHANISM FAILED.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JAACH15L5G5
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS PULLING INTO DRIVEWAY, ATTEMPTING TO ENTER GARAGE WHEN HEATER CORE BLEW UP, CAUSING HOT WATER AND STEAM TO BLOW INSIDE VEHICLE AND ON TOP OF CONSUMER, RESULTING IN BURNS AND INJURIES. NO WARNING WAS GIVEN.HEATER CORE WAS REPLACED TWO YEARS PRIOR. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JAACH18L1G5
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: HEATER COIL MANIFOLD RUPTURED ON INSIDE, DRIVERS SIDE OF CAR LEAKED HOT COOLANT ONTO FLOOR WHERE DRIVERS FOOT IS LOCATED.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-03
- VIN: JAACH15L1G5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BELT LOCKED IN POSITION, WOULD NOT UNLOCK.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-23
- VIN: JAACH15L8G5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD CRACKED. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JAACH15U5G5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SEAT BELT DOESN'T RETRACK. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-27
- VIN: JAACH15L4G5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTORS INTERMITTENTLY LOCK UP SO THAT SEAT BELTS CAN'T BE USED. *DSH
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-07-06
- VIN: JAACH15L9G5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVERS SHOULDER BELT FAILS TO RETRACT. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-01-01
- VIN: JAACH15L7G5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: BOTH FRONT DRIVER/PASSENGER SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RETRACT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-10
- VIN: JACCH55L1G7
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: HOOD LATCH STRIKER FAILED, CAUSING HOOD TO REMAIN IN OPEN POSITION. *AW
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-11
- VIN: 4JAACH18LG5
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE REAR HATCH DOOR HINGE FAILED WHEN DOOR CAME OFF. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-06-01
- VIN: JAACH15L2G5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BELT WILL NOT RETRACT AND HAS NO TENSION IN IT. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-15
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT UNREEL. LOCKED UP. TT
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-22
- VIN: JAACH15L4G5
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: EXTENSION-611, DRIVER SEAT WENT INTO REAR SEAT FAILURE, WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, CAUSING LOSS CONTROL OF VEHICLE. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-18
- VIN: JAACH18U8G5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES FAILED TO STAY FASTENED. *SKD
1986 Isuzu Trooper recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1986 Isuzu Trooper.
- 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.
- 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 1986 Isuzu Trooper problems:
So.. We bought a 1986 Isuzu Trooper.. | AnandTech Forums ...
Paid 1200$ for it. It's in excellent condition overall cosmetically for being 24 years old. No interior tears or major stains. Biggest problem ...
How reliable were the 1984 Trooper? | Isuzu SUV Forum
Jan 20, 2016 ... ... common problem on a lot of Jap and European cars with ally heads. I like the look of the old bus though ! Its good and straight rust free ...
Isuzu Trooper Problems and Complaints - 11 Issues
Top Isuzu Trooper Problems · Check Transmission Light With Code 37 · Valve Train Noise Due to Varnish Build up · Excessive Engine Oil Consumption · Fuel level ...
Why are Isuzu Troopers so cheap? : r/cars
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 compare.
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?
Other years of Isuzu Trooper
Are you having problems with your 1986 Isuzu Trooper?
Leave your review of 1986 Isuzu Trooper