1990 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 1990 Isuzu Trooper problems
The Isuzu Trooper, produced in the 1990s, is known for several common problems that affect its performance and reliability. These issues are based on complaints from car owners and can help potential buyers or current owners understand what to expect with this vehicle.
- Engine Oil Light Illuminated: If the engine oil warning light is lit even after refilling the oil, a leak in the differential is likely. This problem tends to occur around the 55,000-mile mark. Replacing the differential is the solution, which can be done by ordering a replacement from Breakeryard and installing it yourself to avoid high mechanic fees.
- Excessive Fuel Use and Starting Problems: These symptoms indicate a failing fuel pump. Replacing the fuel pump with a new one from the parts list can resolve the issue. However, if you are not familiar with this process, watching online guides before attempting the replacement is recommended.
- Rough Idling: Rough idling in the Trooper is often caused by a damaged intake manifold gasket. Replacing this gasket can solve the problem. Gaskets for the Trooper are readily available, and installation is relatively straightforward.
- Ticking from Valve Train: A varnish build-up in the hydraulic lash adjusters can cause a ticking sound from the engine valve train area. Using a higher quality oil usually resolves this issue.
- Oil Leak: A faulty front crankshaft oil seal is the most common cause of oil leaks in the Isuzu Trooper. A revised design is available from Breakeryard, which also includes a front oil seal retainer gasket to ensure the car no longer leaks oil.
- Rattling from Front of the Car: This problem is often caused by a timing chain tensioner that wears out faster than in other cars. Replacing the tensioner can resolve the rattling sound.
- Power Loss and Check Engine Light: These symptoms may indicate a failing catalytic converter. Replacing the catalytic converter is the only solution, which can be done by ordering a new one from BreakerYard and installing it yourself.
- 4WD Indicator Staying On: If the 4WD indicator stays on even when the car is in 2WD, a faulty vacuum hose, solenoid, or engine valve is likely the cause. Replacing the faulty part can solve the problem.
- Differential Leaking: Oil weeping or leaking out from underneath the vehicle between the two rear wheels is a sign of a leaking differential. Replacing the differential is the only solution to stop the leak and resolve the issue.
These common problems with the Isuzu Trooper 1990 should be considered by potential buyers or current owners. While some issues can be resolved with simple repairs, others may require more extensive work or replacement of major components.
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.
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 size engine is in the Isuzu Trooper 1988?
4ZE1 Gasoline Gasoline-driven take-off and torque in a quiet, 2,559cc engine. This light- weight powerplant delivers 115 PS of high-performance power at 4,600rpm.
What is the fuel capacity of the Isuzu Trooper?
22.5 gal
Fuel & MPG
315.0/405.0 mi. 22.5 gal.
1990 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
- Power train problems
- Tires problems
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Isuzu Trooper vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1990 Isuzu Trooper
The NHTSA has received 34 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Isuzu Trooper. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1990 Isuzu Trooper vehicles.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MY 1990 ISUZU TROOPER, STANDARD, INTENSIFIES ITS REVS IN IDLE SUDDENLY. SOMETIMES IT GOES UP AND DOWN, UP AND DOWN... AND I CAN SEE HOW THE TEMP GAUGE RISES QUICKLY. MY MOMENTARY SOLUTION IN SUCH CASES IS TO STOP THE CAR AND SHUT OFF THE IGNITION AND WAIT, SOMETIMES THIS LEAVES ME SOME MINUTES UNTIL IT STARTS REVVING UP AND DOWN AGAIN. NO INJURIES SO FAR, BUT I HAVE NOT BEEN USING THE TRUCK MUCH FOR THIS SAME REASON. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT ID THE CAUSE SO THAT MY MECHANIC CAN SOLVE IT. *NM
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-21
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TREAD STARTED TO SEPARATE, CAUSING THE CONSUMER HAD TO PULL OVER. SEARS, TRAIL HANDLER, SIZE#P235/75/R15, DOT#3DHLLBE488. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-12
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JACCH58E3L7
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: BLOW OUT OF A FIRESTONE ATX P235/75R15 THAT WAS PURCHASED NEW IN A SET OF REPLACEMENT TIRES. THE TIRE WAS INSTALLED ON A 1990 ISUZU TROOPER.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-04
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: MY 1990 ISUZU TROOPER IS EXHIBITING DANGEROUS REVVING AND DROPPING OF THE IDLE. THE TRUCK ACCELERATES WITHOUT WARNING AND IS IMPOSSIBLE NOW TO DRIVE SAFELY. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE ECU IN THESE TRUCKS IS FAULTY DUE TO MANUFACTURING DEFECTS. I FURTHER UNDERSTAND THAT THOUSANDS OF OTHERS HAVE THESE PROBLEMS. PLEASE INITIATE A RECALL OF THESE VEHICLES AND FORCE ISUZU TO REPAIR THESE DANGEROUS DEFECTS AT THEIR EXPENSE, NOT THE CONSUMERS'. PLEASE TAKE ACTION ON THIS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR INSTRUCTING ISUZU TO CONTACT ME WITH INFORMATION ON WHERE I CAN HAVE MY TRUCK TOWED TO BE REPAIRED. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IT. SEVERAL GARAGES SAID THEY CANNOT DIAGNOSE AND FIX THE PROBLEM, AND THAT ISUZU MUST RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. MANY THANKS FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. *NLM
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-15
- Number Of Injuries: 4
- VIN: JACCH58R2L8
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE BACK LEFT TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE (STEEL SHOWING) CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL AND RUN ACROSS THE S/B LANE OF TRAFFIC AND STRUCK A GUARDRAIL, THE VEHICLE THE OVERTURNED GOING OVER THE GOUARDRAIL DOWN INTO A CREEK BED, THE VEHICLE THEN FLIPPED REAR OVER FRONT ONE COMPLETE TIME, ALL 4 OCCUPANTS WERE INJURED (BRIDGESTON/FIRESTONE P235/75R15, RADIAL ATX M/S, VDHL1M0254, LEFT REAR). NLM
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-15
- Number Of Injuries: 4
- VIN: JACCH58R2L8
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE BACK LEFT TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE (STEEL SHOWING) CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL AND RUN ACROSS THE S/B LANE OF TRAFFIC AND STRUCK A GUARDRAIL, THE VEHICLE THE OVERTURNED GOING OVER THE GOUARDRAIL DOWN INTO A CREEK BED, THE VEHICLE THEN FLIPPED REAR OVER FRONT ONE COMPLETE TIME, ALL 4 OCCUPANTS WERE INJURED (BRIDGESTON/FIRESTONE P235/75R15, RADIAL ATX M/S, VDHL1M0254, LEFT REAR). NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-05
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JACCH58R9L7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER PULLED INTO PARKING LOT, AND NOTICED SMOKE FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE. STOPPED VEHICLE , TURNED OFF ENGINE, AND SAW FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDER FENDER ON PASSENGER SIDE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JACCH58R2L8
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THIS VEHICLE STARTED ON FIRE; THINK IT IS IN RELATION TO TRANSMISSION DIP STICK LEAK. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-09-15
- VIN: JACCH58E2L7
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD AT 15MPH WENT TO APPLY BRAKES AND HEARD LOUD GRINDING NOISES, PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER AND MANUFACTURER. ISUZU REP TOLD OWNER THAT THE BRAKES ARE STILL SAFE. *AK *ML
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JACCH58E6L7
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: THREE STRIPPED FRONT LUG NUTS.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JACCH58E6L7
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: DISLODGED REAR BRAKE CALIPER BOLT, CAUSING PREMATURE REAR BRAKE WEAR.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-01
- VIN: JACCH58E6L7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FAILURE.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JACCH58R7L8
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: BOTTOM OF THE REAR DOOR RUSTED OUT DUE TO A DESIGN DEFECT. DRAIN HOLES WERE NOT DRILLED. CONSEQUENTLY WATER WAS CAPTURED AND DOOR RUSTED OUT. COULD PRESENT A SAFETY CONCERN. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-20
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DURING A REAREND COLLISION, DRIVER'S SEATBACK BROKE, CAUSING MINOR INJURY TO DRIVER. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-25
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JACCH58R7L8
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, PULLED OFF TO REST STOP, NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE AS SLOWING DOWN, AT REST STOP, OBSERVED FLAMES COMING THROUGH CREVICE OF VEHICLE, ANOTHER MOTORIST USED FIRE EXTINGUISHER. VEHICLE AT REPAIR SHOP. WAS INFORMED SEAL WENT OUT IN TRANSMISSION. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-06-01
- VIN: JACCH58R0L7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE WILL CUT OFF WITHOUT NO WARNING DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION. *AK *SLC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-11-13
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JACCH58R3L8
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL LINE LEAK, CAUSING FIRE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-20
- VIN: JACCH58E1L8
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE HEAD CRACKED.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-23
- VIN: JACCH58E1L8
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER REPAIRED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-20
- VIN: JACCH58E1L8
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OXYGEN SENSOR REPLACED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-20
- VIN: JACCH58E1L8
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TIMING BELT REPLACED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-23
- VIN: JACCH58E1L8
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: REAR CALIPERS FROZE.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-03
- VIN: JACCH58R8L8
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: DUE TO THE HOSE LYING AGAINST THE MANIFOLD AND MELTING IT BURST WHILE DRIVING, COMPONENT WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED AS A RECALL HOWEVER FAILED AFTER REPAIR.
STEERING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-11-27
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JACCH58R1L8
- Components: STEERING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: EXPERIENCED A ROLLOVER WHILE DRIVING DOWN HILL, THE CAR STARTED TO FISHTAIL AND TURNED AROUND INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC AND THE TROOPER ROLLED OVER ONTO THE RIGHT SIDE. CONSUMER WAS INJURED IN ACCIDENT. *SLC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-03
- VIN: JACCH58R8L8
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE OIL COLER HOSE THAT WAS LAYING AGAINST THE MANIFOLD MELTED/BURST. *AK
1990 Isuzu Trooper recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1990 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: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: PUTTING IN MORE TRANSMISSION OIL THAN SPECIFIED CAN CAUSE OIL TO BLEED THROUGH AIR GROOVE ON TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD IF OIL TEMPERATURE RISES.
- Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE SMOKE EMISSION FROM THE MANIFOLD, WHICHCOULD IGNITE RUBBER HOSES AND RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE OIL LEVEL GAUGE AND NOTIFY OWNERS TO USE ONLY THE SPECIFIED AMOUNT OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID.
- Manufacturer: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
- Summary: IMPROPERLY INSTALLED HOSE ON THE OIL COOLER COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND COULD MELT.
- Consequence: ENGINE OIL COULD LEAK OUT WITH POTENTIAL FOR ENGINESEIZURE AND DAMAGE AND COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: PROPERLY INSTALL COOLER HOSE CLIP TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH EXHAUST MANIFOLD.
Negative 1990 Isuzu Trooper car reviews
Positive 1990 Isuzu Trooper car reviews
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Hi there! I recently purchased this Trooper from the original owner who had 6 vehicles of different makes. The Trooper had mainly received oil changes, a new clutch, and a radiator flush. When I got it, the odometer read 132,000 miles, so I invested $3,500 in new B.F. Goodrich tires, rewiring the engine wires that had gone bad, a new a/c compressor, new shocks, a tune-up, and a few other things that needed to be done. I change the oil every 3,000 miles and get great gas mileage, especially on the highway. I've only driven on pavement and dirt roads, but I haven't taken it on the hills yet. Overall, I can say that this is a great, well-built SUV to own!
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I bought my 1990 4 cylinder Trooper from my father-in-law, who was the original owner. Every time he sees it, he wishes he had it back! With 226,000 miles, it has endured some very tough off-road mileage. I purchased heavy-duty shocks and sway bars, which greatly improved its handling. I am currently saving up for a limited slip differential to unlock its full potential. The Trooper is great on trails and easy to turn around when there's nowhere else to go. Its low gearing and ground clearance (both stock) allow it to go anywhere I ask it to. I absolutely love my Trooper!
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These things are amazing!! It's more than just a boxy SUV on wheels. I bought mine used with 78k miles on it in 2001 and it's still going strong with well over 200k miles on it. The air conditioning is still ice cold, the stereo still works great, and it doesn't leak, use or burn oil. The 4x4 still engages perfectly. I have the 2.6 model which is pretty bare-boned with a 5-speed transmission and the gas mileage is still about 26 on the highway. The only issue I have, which is common on the first-gen Troopers, is body rust. I have rust around the wheel wells but it's not much and it's easily fixable. I absolutely love this SUV and if I can find another one (they're popular with enthusiasts), I'd buy it in an instant.
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Bought it 2 years ago and drove it for 11 years! It has 268,000 miles on it and still runs great. I made sure to change ALL fluids every 30k miles and the oil every 5k miles. I can confidently say that the Isuzu Trooper is a true trooper!
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These things are amazing!! It's more than just a boxy SUV on wheels. I bought mine used with 78k miles on it in 2001 and it's still going strong with well over 200k miles on it. The air conditioning is still ice cold, the stereo still works great, and it doesn't leak, use or burn oil. The 4x4 still engages perfectly. I have the 2.6 model which is pretty bare-boned with a 5-speed transmission and the gas mileage is still about 26 on the highway. The only issue I have, which is common on the first-gen Troopers, is body rust. I have rust around the wheel wells but it's not much and it's easily fixable. I absolutely love this SUV and if I can find another one (they're popular with enthusiasts), I'd buy it in an instant.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Isuzu Trooper problems:
1990 Trooper 2.8 engine problems? | Isuzu SUV Forum
Mar 6, 2017 ... you need to run a compression test. that discolored spark plug and slight idle miss might be a sign of low compression in that cylinder. an ...
I am looking at buying a 1990 Isuzu Trooper. Any tips? : r/IsuzuTrooper
Mar 28, 2023 ... I have seen many folks post about needing to replace the head gasket. The other owner says it's never been replaced. How common of an issue is ...
Isuzu Trooper 92: Q&A on Surging Issues & Common Problems
Oct 25, 2010 ... 1992 Isuzu Trooper w/ 190000 miles. Runs fine when cold, surges (searching, engine revs & falls), loses power & - Answered by a verified ...
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 ...
Isuzu Trooper: Common Problems and Solutions | BreakerYard.com
Isuzu Trooper Common Problems and Solutions · Warm Start Failure · Engine Oil Light Illuminated · Excessive Fuel Use · Rough Idling · Ticking From Valve Train · Oil ...
Other years of Isuzu Trooper
Are you having problems with your 1990 Isuzu Trooper?
Jean Gusikowski 2024-11-19
The Trooper is a highly underrated and overlooked midsized SUV. We have a 90 Trooper-1st generation, which we purchased from my brother's 96 Trooper. Its design makes it a true utility vehicle, and the interior height is great for hauling - compare the room with an Explorer and you will see the difference! The 4WD is great in the snow, and while the 4 cyl. 5-speed is not fast, it is certainly adequate. As for handling, well, it's a truck. The high profile boxy design can make windy days a bit scary, but this has been improved in recent years. The interior is basic, but comfortable, and while interior noise can be loud, the ride is what you would expect from a truck. The vehicle has been incredibly reliable. Overall, we absolutely love its usefulness and will definitely replace it with a newer version.