1988 Isuzu Trooper problems

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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.

1988 Isuzu Trooper

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Common 1988 Isuzu Trooper problems

Based on the information from the sources provided, here are common problems with the 1988 Isuzu Trooper as reported by owners:

  • Engine Oil Light Illuminated: The engine oil warning light may be lit due to a leak in the differential, especially common around the 55,000-mile mark. Replacing the differential is necessary to resolve this issue.
  • Excessive Fuel Use and Starting Problems: Increased fuel consumption and starting problems could indicate a failing fuel pump. Replacing the fuel pump is recommended, with online guides available for assistance.
  • Rough Idling: Rough idling in the Trooper is often linked to a damaged intake manifold gasket. Replacing the gasket is a relatively straightforward fix.
  • Ticking From Valve Train: A ticking sound from the engine valve train area may be caused by varnish build-up in the hydraulic lash adjusters. Using higher quality oil can help resolve this issue.
  • Oil Leak: Oil leaks, commonly from a faulty front crankshaft oil seal, are a known issue in the Trooper. Replacement parts are available to fix this problem.
  • Rattling From Front of the Car: The Trooper is prone to timing chain tensioner issues, leading to a rattling sound from the front of the car. Replacing the tensioner can resolve this issue.
  • Loss of Power and Check Engine Light: Loss of power and an illuminated check engine light may indicate a failing catalytic converter. Replacement is the only solution for this problem.
  • 4WD Indicator Malfunction: If the 4WD indicator stays on even in 2WD mode, faulty vacuum hoses, solenoids, or engine valves may need replacement to rectify the issue.
  • Differential Leaking: Oil weeping or leaking from between the two rear wheels could be due to a leaking differential. Replacing the differential is necessary to stop the leak.

These common problems with the 1988 Isuzu Trooper highlight various issues that owners may encounter, ranging from fuel system problems to engine component failures. Addressing these issues promptly can help maintain the performance and reliability of the vehicle.

1988 Isuzu Trooper engine

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 consumption of a 1988 Isuzu Trooper?

15 combined

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1988 Isuzu Trooper
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EPA MPGRegular Gasoline 15 combined city/highway MPG 14 city 17 highway 6.7 gals/100 miles
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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 1990 Isuzu Trooper?

The 2.8-liter, 60 degree V6 engine features a cast iron block and cylinder heads, durable five main bearing crankshaft, throttle body fuel injection and transistorized ignition system. Weighing only slightly more than Isuzu's 2.6-liter four cylinder, the V6 motor develops 120 horsepower and 150 ft/lbs.

1988 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:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Wheels problems
  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems
  • Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Isuzu Trooper vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1988 Isuzu Trooper complaints

The NHTSA has received 22 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Isuzu Trooper.

2002-07-17

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-07-15
  • VIN: JAACH58E7J7
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: RETRACTOR FOR DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT WAS REPLACED AT 75000 MILES, AND AT 150,000 MILES, RETRACTOR FAILED AGAIN. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT SEATBELT MIGHT NOT HOLD IN AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
2000-04-11

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-12-30
  • VIN: JAACH18E4J7
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THE ENGINE(CYLINDER HEAD) BROKE, REFUSED TO DO THE CHECK UP ON THE CAR BEFORE THE GUARANTEE EXPIRED. PLEASE HELP ME THIS DEALER IS DOING INJUSTICE TO PEOPLE LIKE ME. THANKS. *AK
2000-03-10

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-10-29
  • VIN: JAACH18E0EJ
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: FRONT AND REAR DOOR HINGES WILL BIND, AND WHEN DOOR IS SHUT, WILL NOT HATCH. AK
1999-04-12

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JACCH58EXJ7
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: HEATER HOSE CLIP/BOLT RUPTURED FUEL LINE PIPE CAUSING FIRE PRIOR TO RECALL. (89V-001)
1998-02-26

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-02-09
  • Number Of Injuries: 3
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JAACH18E9J7
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: DURING A COLLISION DRIVER'S SEAT BACK FAILED, CAUSING INJURY.
1998-02-05

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-01-13
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JACCH58E8J7
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: FUEL PUMP CAUGHT FIRE, CAUSING AN EXPLOSION.
1997-09-11

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • VIN: JACCH55E1J7
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: VEHICLE ROLLED OVER IN ACCIDENT.
1997-09-08

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-08-09
  • VIN: JACCH58E9J7
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: WHEEL LUG STUDS SHEER OFF UPON ROUTINE REMOVAL/REPLACEMENT OF TIRE.
1997-09-05

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JACCH58E9J7
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: THREE WHEEL STUDS SHEERED OFF, 5 STUDS FAILED DUE TO WEAK METAL.
1996-12-05

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-07-10
  • VIN: JAACH18E4J7
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE HEADS BLEW OUT SEVERAL TIMES. *AK
1996-10-29

TIRES,WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-08-22
  • Components: TIRES,WHEELS
  • Summary: WHEEL LUG NUTS STRIPPED, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CHANGE FLAT TIRE.
1996-09-12

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-06-06
  • VIN: JACCH58E9J7
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT HE STARTED SMELLING , WHEN INVESTIGATED FOUND THAT THE VENT PUMP ON THE GAS TANK WAS RUSTED AND HE HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE GAS TANK.*AK
1995-12-14

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-12-14
  • VIN: JAACH18E2J7
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CRACKED HEAD CAUSED ENGINE FAILURE. *DH
1995-07-10

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-07-10
  • VIN: JACCH58E2J7
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKE ROTORS FAILED. *SKD
1995-07-10

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-07-10
  • VIN: JACCH58E2J7
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKE PADS OVERHEAT DUE TO DUST.
1995-05-26

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-05-25
  • VIN: JACCH58E0J7
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: LUG NUTS DISINTEGRATED; COULD CAUSE WHEEL TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING. TT
1995-03-20

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-03-20
  • VIN: JACCH58E7J7
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: HEADLIGHT COVER SEALS FAIL, ALLOWING WATER TO COLLECT INSIDE OF HEADLIGHT, RESULTING IN LIGHTS BEING REFRACTED/POOR VISIBILITY. *SKD
1995-01-30

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1993-11-01
  • VIN: JAACH15E6J7
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD CRACKED AT WEAK POINT AND WAS REPLACED/SECOND CYLINDER HEAD WARPED DUE TO ENGINE HEAT. *AK
1995-01-30

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1993-11-01
  • VIN: JAACH15E6J7
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: TEMPERATURE GAUGE FAILED TO INDICATE THAT ENGINE WAS OVERHEATING.
1994-12-12

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-10-14
  • VIN: JAACH18E7J7
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: AIR POCKETS IN ENGINE HEAD ALLOWED WATER TO ENTER ENGINE CYLINDERS, EMINATING FOG/STEAM. *AW
1994-10-15

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1990-10-10
  • VIN: JAACH18E0J7
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: WHEEL RETAINING NUT PINS THAT HOLD WHEELS ON THE AXLES ARE TOO SOFT, CAUSING PINS TO SHEAR FROM BEING CONSTANTLY REMOVED FOR TIRE REPAIR . *AW
1994-09-05

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1993-12-22
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JACCH58E0J7
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING ACCIDENT/INJURY. *AK

1988 Isuzu Trooper recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1988 Isuzu Trooper.

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.
1989-12-04
  • Manufacturer: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED
  • Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
  • Summary: DUE TO INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN A BOLT THAT FIXES THE HEATER TO THE VEHICLE BODY AND A FUEL DELIVERY PIPE AND BETWEEN A REAR HEATER HOSE CLIP, USE UNDER SERVERE CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE PIPE RUPTURE AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
  • Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
  • Remedy: INSTALL NEW LINES AND A CLIP.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1988 Isuzu Trooper problems:

1988 Isuzu Trooper Reviews - Carsurvey.org
1988 Isuzu Trooper Reviews - Carsurvey.org
http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/isuzu/trooper/1988/

Jul 21, 2016 ... Faults: Thermal valve, piston rings, head gasket, harmonic balancer spun around is no longer correct for timing, exhaust is rusted, back up ...

88 Trooper II problems | Isuzu SUV Forum
88 Trooper II problems | Isuzu SUV Forum
https://www.planetisuzoo.com/threads/88-trooper-ii-problems.46544/

Nov 30, 2010 ... ... in gear it is excellent when it stays running. Thanks. All help greatly appreciated. 1988 Trooper II 4x4 2.6L 4cyl. Save Share. Like ...

Reliability of older Isuzu Troopers | Expedition Portal
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 Mechanical Issues - Help Appreciated | Isuzu SUV ...
1988 Trooper 2.6 Mechanical Issues - Help Appreciated | Isuzu SUV ...
https://www.planetisuzoo.com/threads/1988-trooper-2-6-mechanical-issues-help-appreciated.92353/

Nov 7, 2016 ... Alternators have been tested as good, but then re-installed sometimes are no good. The fact that the engine continues to run, although shabby, ...

Isuzu Trooper 92: Q&A on Surging Issues & Common Problems
Isuzu Trooper 92: Q&A on Surging Issues & Common Problems
https://www.justanswer.com/car/458ed-1992-isuzu-trooper-w-190-000-miles-runs-fine-when-cold-surges.html

Oct 25, 2010 ... 1992 Isuzu Trooper w/ 190000 miles. Runs fine when cold, surges (searching, engine revs & falls), loses power & - Answered by a verified ...

Other years of Isuzu Trooper

isuzu trooper 1989 photo
Trooper 1989
Isuzu

17

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
isuzu trooper 1990 photo
Trooper 1990
Isuzu

34

3

9

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
isuzu trooper 1991 photo
Trooper 1991
Isuzu

61

3

22

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
isuzu trooper 1992 photo
Trooper 1992
Isuzu

29

2

9

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
isuzu trooper 1993 photo
Trooper 1993
Isuzu

40

2

15

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
isuzu trooper 1994 photo
Trooper 1994
Isuzu

49

2

22

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1988 Isuzu Trooper photo