RoadVitals

1998 Isuzu Amigo

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
78
Latest Aug 4, 2020
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
7
Latest Jun 29, 2012
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
13
9 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 78 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1998 Isuzu Amigo, most frequently naming the brakes, engine and fuel system categories. 7 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 36 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes2223.7%
  • Engine1617.2%
  • Fuel system1111.8%
  • Visibility77.5%
  • Airbags66.5%
  • Body & structure66.5%
  • Tires & wheels44.3%
  • Steering44.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

7 campaigns cover this model year

View all 7

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
12V306000

SUSPENSION:REAR

Jun 29, 2012
14,756 units potentially affected
The defect: ISUZU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2000 AMIGO AND MODEL YEAR 2001-2002 RODEO SPORT VEHICLES, THAT WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED, IN THE STATES OF MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WEST VIRGINIA, OHIO, INDIANA, MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, IOWA, MISSOURI, AND KENTUCKY. THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CORROSION IN THE VICINITY OF THE FORWARD MOUNTING POINT BRACKET FOR THE LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK.
The risk: EXCESSIVE CORROSION MAY RESULT IN THE LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK BRACKET BECOMING DETACHED FROM THE FRAME, WHICH CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK BRACKET AREA. FOR VEHICLES IN WHICH LITTLE OR NO CORROSION IS FOUND, THE AREA WILL BE TREATED WITH AN ANTI-CORROSIVE COMPOUND. FOR VEHICLES IN WHICH CORROSION HAS DAMAGED THE REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK BRACKET AND AFFECTED ITS CONNECTION TO THE VEHICLE FRAME, A REINFORCEMENT BRACKET WILL BE INSTALLED. IN THE RARE EVENT THE CORROSION IS SO SEVERE THAT THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKET REMEDY WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE, ISUZU WILL OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE VEHICLE FOR AN AMOUNT BASED ON THE KELLEY BLUE BOOK “PRIVATE PARTY” PRICE. ALL INSPECTIONS AND REMEDIES WILL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE 10 YEARS OLD OR LESS. FOR VEHICLES OLDER THAN 10 YEARS, ISUZU WILL OFFER A FREE REMEDY, BUT ONLY IF THE VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN ISUZU SERVICE FACILITY DEALER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF WHEN OWNER NOTIFICATIONS WERE ISSUED. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING JULY 2012. ISUZU OWNERS MAY CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
ISUZU MANUFACTURING SERVICES OF AMERICAView on NHTSA.gov
02I002000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

Jun 3, 2002
161,927 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH AN ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS), THE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES IN CERTAIN TYPES OF BRAKING EVENTS.
The risk: EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE COULD RESULT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT COMPUTER ALGORITHM FOR THE ABS THAT IS BASED ON THE ALGORITHM USED IN ISUZU'S MY 2000 AND 2001 VEHICLES, WHICH HAVE NOT HAD THE PROBLEM. THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASES, WITH THE MY 1998 2WD VEHICLES COVERED FIRST, SINCE THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED THE MOST PROBLEMS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 20, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-643-4070.
ISUZU MOTORS LIMITEDView on NHTSA.gov
01I002000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

May 29, 2001
The defect: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1998-2000 RODEO (UE) AND AMIGO (UA) MODELS EQUIPPED WITH 2.2L 4-CYLINDER ENGINES. THE TIMING BELT COULD BREAK BEFORE THE RECOMMENDED SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO CRANK BUT WILL NOT START OR THE ENGINE COULD STALL WHILE DRIVING AND WILL NOT RESTART.
The remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THE CONDITION OF THE TIMING BELT AND TENSIONER. THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE TIMING BELT. DEPENDING ON THE CONDITION OR MODEL OF THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER, THE TENSIONER MAY ALSO BE REPLACED. ISUZU HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE TIMING BELT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 22, 2001. OWNERS CAN CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-643-4070, EXT. 426, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.
ISUZU MOTORS LIMITEDView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA99008ClosedEngineering Analysis

BRAKING SYSTEM/ABS

Opened Mar 31, 1999
Closed Jul 31, 2002

There is no summary currently available

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICLed to recall 02I002000
PE98046ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

SUNSHADE RETAINER FAILURE

Opened Aug 19, 1998
Closed Oct 28, 1998

CONSUMERS ALLEGE THE INTERIOR SUNSHADE FOR THE SUNROOF DROPPED ONTO THEM WHILE DRIVING THEIR VEHICLE

STRUCTURELed to recall 98V260000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 78
Body & structure
Filed Aug 4, 2020

REAR TRAILING ARMS OF VEHICLE RIPPED OFF FROM THE FRAME AND CAUSED THE REAR AXLE TO DRIVE UP UNDER THE VEHICLE. LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND DROVE INTO THE CENTER MEDIAN OF HIGHWAY. FAILURE DUE TO CORROSION AND INSUFFICIENT WELD OF CONTROL ARM BRACKET.

NHTSA ID
11343188
Incident
Aug 3, 2020
Mileage
166,000 mi
Body & structureBrakes
Filed Aug 14, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ISUZU AMIGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIUS ARM BRACKETS, CROSS MEMBERS, AND BRAKE LINES WERE COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V306000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN EXPLAINED THAT, DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE CORROSION, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION UNTIL THE FRAME WAS REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE RADIUS ARM BRACKETS AND WELDED THE FRAME. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ID
10622284
Incident
Aug 14, 2014
Mileage
120,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Aug 9, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ISUZU AMIGO. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V306000 (SUSPENSION) AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THAT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED ON AUGUST 3, 2013. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH IT HAD ONLY BEEN ONE WEEK AFTER THE EXPIRATION DATE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED FAILURE.

NHTSA ID
10534534
Incident
Feb 8, 2013
Suspension
Filed Dec 19, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ISUZU AMIGO. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR END SWAYED WHILE ACCELERATING. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR LOWER LINK BRACKET WAS FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER AND AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V436000 (SUSPENSION:REAR). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,000. UPDATED 02/01/12*LJ

NHTSA ID
10440422
Incident
Dec 18, 2011
Mileage
173,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Sep 16, 2010

MY 1998 ISUZU AMIGO (WHICH I BOUGHT BRAND NEW) IS NO LONGER DRIVABLE. THE REAR END OF THE FRAME IS RUSTED OUT SO BAD THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. I AM TOLD IT IS NOT FIXABLE. WHEN I ACCELERATE THE BACK END OF THE TRUCK HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN AND I CAN'T CONTROL IT. I DON'T HAVE A CAR TO DRIVE TO WORK. I HAVE BORROWED 4 DIFFERENT CARS JUST TO SURVIVE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10356044
Incident
Sep 3, 2010
Mileage
102,973 mi
Body & structure
Filed Mar 30, 2008

I HAVE A 1998 ISUZU AMIGO, THERE WAS ONE RECALL ON THE SUN VISOR; BUT, THE SOLUTION ISUZU INSTATED IS SHORT TERM AND DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM, THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE SUN SHADE DOES NOT REMAIN IN PLACE AND HAS DROP DOWN AND HIT ME IN THE HEAD WHILE DRIVING SEVERAL TIMES. I HAVE CONTACTED ISUZU AND ALL THEY DO IS KEEP GLUING THE ANKER BRACKS TO THE GLASS ROOF AND THEY KEEP LOSING ADHERISION AND FALL OFF. *TR

NHTSA ID
10222733
Incident
Feb 22, 2008
Tires & wheels
Filed Jul 16, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ISUZU AMIGO. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE'S TIRES, BUT THE TIRES REMAINED INFLATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER TIRE WAS COMPLETELY WARPED. THE TIRES WERE DOMINATOR ALL SEASON. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 107,000. UPDATED 08/16/07. *JB

NHTSA ID
10196455
Incident
May 24, 2007
Mileage
107,000 mi
Heating & air conditioning
Filed Oct 6, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR CONDITIONING RATTLED CONSTANTLY FROM THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED WHATEVER WAS RATTLING MAY DAMAGE THE ENGINE. UPDATED 10/25/2006 - *NM

NHTSA ID
10170105
Incident
Feb 10, 2006
Mileage
76,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

IB13-R-001G

This bulletin outlines the procedures for using the Alpine Exchange Program (the "Exchange Program"). The Exchange Program must be used when any Alpine radio or other component covered by this bulletin is repaired under warranty and may also be used for radio and component repairs not covered under warranty. Contact Alpine directly for pricing and payment methods applicable to radio and component repairs not covered under warranty.

WB13-X-001B

EQUIPMENT

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is providing the following procedural recommendations to improve dealer efficiency when submitting Parts Warranty claims. We strongly recommend dealers follow these procedures in order to avoid delays in Parts Warranty claim payments and/or claim chargeback. This bulletin was revised to add a Parts Warranty Form

WB13-X-001A

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is providing the following procedural recommendations to improve dealer efficiency when submitting Parts Warranty claims. We strongly recommend dealers follow these procedures in order to avoid delays in Parts Warranty claim payments and/or claim chargeback.

IB09-X-002B

EQUIPMENT

The following is a list of the Isuzu-recommended Threebond product part numbers identified in the various Isuzu Workshop Manuals and bulletins. If a Threebond product is unavailable, we recommend that you utilize the chart below to find equivalent of similar products (when available) from Loctite and Permatex.

IB09-X-004C

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

The Isuzu Commercial Truck of America (ICTA) Service Technical Assistance Center (TAC) provides diagnostic support to Isuzu dealer technicians repairing Isuzu vehicles in and out of vehicle warranty. A TAC case number will be issued solely for information tracking purposes and future contact reference.

0709002

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:ROTOR

REAR BRAKE ROTORS. *KB

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Isuzu Amigo by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2002100—
2001010—
2000102050.7
1999704159.4
1998Viewing787262.3
1997100—
1996000—
1995000—
1994521—
1993200—
1992600—
1991511—
1990511—
1989110—
1987100—
1986001—
1985001—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.