1989 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.
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Common 1989 Isuzu Trooper problems
The Isuzu Trooper is a popular 4x4 vehicle, but like any other car, it has its fair share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the 1989 Isuzu Trooper based on owner complaints:
- Warm Start Failure: Many Trooper owners have reported that their vehicles lose power and won't start again while the engine is warm or hot. This issue is often caused by failed injectors, which can be replaced by purchasing new ones from online stores and watching video tutorials for installation guidance.
- 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, especially if the Trooper has high mileage. Replacing the differential is the only solution to this problem.
- Excessive Fuel Use and Starting Problems: A malfunctioning fuel pump is the most common cause of excessive fuel use and starting problems in the Trooper. Replacing the fuel pump with a new one from online stores and following online guides for installation can resolve this issue.
- Rough Idling: Rough idling in the Trooper is usually caused by a damaged intake manifold gasket. Replacing the gasket with a new one can solve this problem.
- Ticking from Valve Train: A varnish build-up in the hydraulic lash adjusters is the most likely cause of a ticking sound coming from the engine valve train area. Using a higher quality oil can resolve this problem.
- Oil Leak: Isuzu is aware of an oil leak issue caused by a faulty front crankshaft oil seal. A revised design is available from BreakerYard, which can be installed along with a front oil seal retainer gasket to stop the oil leak.
- Rattling from Front of the Car: A rattling sound coming from the front of the car is often caused by a timing chain tensioner that needs replacement.
- Loss of Power and Check Engine Light: If the car has lost power and the check engine light is illuminated, it's likely that the catalytic converter is failing. Replacing the catalytic converter with a new one from BreakerYard can solve this problem.
- 4WD Indicator Staying 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 solve this problem.
- Differential Leaking: Oil weeping or leaking out from underneath the vehicle between the two rear wheels is caused by the differential leaking. Replacing the differential can resolve this issue.
While these issues are common in the 1989 Isuzu Trooper, it's important to note that not all vehicles will experience these problems. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent these issues and ensure the longevity of the vehicle.
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 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.
What is the fuel capacity of the Isuzu Trooper?
22.5 gal
Fuel & MPG
315.0/405.0 mi. 22.5 gal.
1989 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
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Isuzu Trooper vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Isuzu Trooper complaints
The NHTSA has received 17 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Isuzu Trooper.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-11-19
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS DEFECT THE LIGHT WILL GO OFF AND ON INTERMITTENLY. AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START AT ALL PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. TS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-15
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-01
- VIN: JACCH58R2K8
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: WHEEL LUGS STRIP OR BREAK OFF ENTIRELY. SIX OF 24 LUGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JACCH58E2K7
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES MAKE A MOANING NOISE WHILE VEHICLE IS IN REVERSE, REPLACED BRAKE PADS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-01
- VIN: JACCH58E9K7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE ENGINE'S MAIN PULLEY BOLT COULD NOT BE REMOVED. THE BOLT HAD TO BE DRILLED OUT AND THEN REPLACED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-12
- VIN: JACCH58E2K8
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHEN DRIVER TURNS VEHICLE OFF AND ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE VEHICLE BACK ON, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START UP AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF, AND TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE BACK UP AGAIN. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-31
- VIN: JACCH58R6K8
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: FRONT PASSENGER'S DOOR FELL OFF HINGE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HEAD GASKET FAILED TWICE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-02
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHENEVER YOU PRESS THE BRAKES THEY MAKE A VERY LOUD GRINDING NOISE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-07
- VIN: JACCH58ERK8
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: WHEEL STUDS SNAPEDP OFF WHENEVER A TIRE IS CHANGED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-07
- VIN: JACCH58ERK8
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: MASTER CYLINDER FAILED. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-01
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JACCH58E2K7
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK DUE TO THE FLOOR MAT CURLING UP, CAUSING ACCIDENT. *SD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-27
- VIN: JACCH58R8K8
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL TANK SENDING UNIT LEAKING GASOLINE, CORRODED FUEL TANK SENDING UNIT. TT
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-01
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: WHEEL STUDS ARE BREAKING WHILE IN TRANSIT; HEAR KNOCKING NOISE WHEN TIRE IS ABOUT TO COME OFF; DRIVER HAVE TO STOP AND TIGHTEN UP BOLTS;REPLACED EVERY 2/3 MONTH
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-28
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT FAILURE, UNABLE TO BUCKLE THE SEAT BELT. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-01
- VIN: JACCH58E0K7
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT STICKS; DOES NOT GO IN OR COME OUT; STUCK IN ONE POSITION; DOES NOT ADJUST ITSELF. TT
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-04
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE DOOR HINGE BROKE OFF. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
1989 Isuzu Trooper recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1989 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Isuzu Trooper problems:
89 trooper engine problems | Isuzu SUV Forum
Mar 15, 2007 ... 89 trooper engine problems · 1. PCV valve. This is suppose to relieve the oil pressure. Does it make a clicking sound when you shake it? · 2. Do a ...
Reliability of older Isuzu Troopers | Expedition Portal
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 ...
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Apr 19, 2012 ... Rear locker. 1989 Isuzu Trooper, "Beniko", R.I.P. at 233k ... Exactly what causes this fairly common problem ... 98 trooper engine removal-rebuild.
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Top Isuzu Trooper Problems · Check Transmission Light With Code 37 · Valve Train Noise Due to Varnish Build up · Excessive Engine Oil Consumption · Fuel level ...
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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 ...
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