RoadVitals

1999 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.
70
Latest Dec 23, 2019
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.
4
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.
1
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
4 injuries, 2 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 70 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1999 Isuzu Amigo, most frequently naming the brakes, suspension and body & structure categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 27 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

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

4 campaigns cover this model year

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

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

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

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

Recent owner complaints

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

Suspension
Filed Dec 23, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ISUZU AMIGO. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE, AND NOTICED THE SUSPENSION ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE HAD RUSTED OFF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000.

NHTSA ID
11290835
Incident
Dec 16, 2019
Mileage
172,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Aug 29, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ISUZU AMIGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS CORRODED AND BEGAN TO DETERIORATE. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V306000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE DEALER COULD NOT COMPLETE THE REPAIRS DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA ID
10629383
Incident
Aug 18, 2014
Mileage
150,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jul 30, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ISUZU AMIGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE BECAME VERY UNSTABLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR SWAY BARS SEPARATED FROM THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE STRUT ALSO SEPARATED FROM THE SUBFRAME DUE TO SEVERE RUSTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

NHTSA ID
10617658
Incident
Apr 3, 2013
Mileage
140,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Mar 19, 2014

FOUND OUT MY VEHICLE HAS REAR FRAME CORROSION AND TRACK BAR MOUNT ALMOST GONE FROM RUST. WAS NOTICED WHEN HAVING TIRES CHANGED. SAW RECALL AND READ CUSTOMER LETTER ONLINE (NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE OF RECALL). CALLED ISUZU CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TOLD RECALL NO LONGER APPLIES DUE TO TIME. THE LETTER SAYS WITHIN ONE YEAR OF NOTIFICATION. IF I WASN'T NOTIFIED SHOULDN'T I STILL HAVE A YEAR TO GET THIS RECALL DONE?. NOW I HAVE A VERY UNSAFE VEHICLE THAT THEY REFUSE TO REPAIR FOR FAULTY MANUFACTURING. HOW ARE WE AS CONSUMERS SUPPOSED TO HAVE A RECALL DONE WITHIN THEIR TIME LIMIT WITHOUT BEING NOTIFIED? WHAT CAN WE DO AND WHO DO WE NEED TO CONTACT TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE? THIS ISN'T THE FIRST COMPLAINT OF LACK OF SERVICE FOR THIS RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ID
10573541
Incident
Mar 19, 2014
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Oct 9, 2013

WHILE ON THE INTERNET I WAS SEARCHING FOR A DEALER FOR MY ABOVE LISTED CAR AND DISCOVERED A RECALL DATED LAST YEAR FOR STATES WITH USE OF CORROSIVE MATERIAL IN WINTER WHICH INCLUDES NEBRASKA BUT NOT LISTED ON RECALL (WHICH MAY BE BECAUSE VERY FEW ISUZU CARS WERE SOLD IN THIS STATE IN FACT THE DEALER TOLD ME AT TIME OF SALE I HAD ONE OF TWO OF 1999 AMIGOS IN STATE ROD RODDEN DEALERSHIP 84 & F NOW A KIA DEALERSHIP I CALLED THE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SPOKE WITH A LADY THAT TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO BECAUSE I MISSED THE DEADLINE (EVEN THOUGHT I WAS NOT NOTIFIED BECAUSE I DID NOT LIVE IN THE LISTED STATES WHICH INCLUDED IOWA AND MISSOURI BUT NOT NEBRASKA ALTHOUGH WE USE SAME MATERIALS FOR SAFETY) SHE TOLD ME MY VEHICLE WAS PERFECTLY SAFE AND WHEN I ASKED IF I COULD RECORD THAT FOR FUTURE IN IF I AM INJURED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM SHE HUNG UP ON ME I THEN CALLED BACK AND THE MAN ASKED MY NAME WHEN I TOLD HIM HE TOLD ME HE COULD NOT TALK TO ME BECAUSE I MAY RECORD THE CONVERSATION AND THEN HE HUNG UP ON ME. GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE! SO NOW I AM VERY CONCERNED AND HAVE NO PLACE TO TURN BUT YOU. CLOSER DEALERSHIP NOW 10 MILES AWAY. *TR

NHTSA ID
10547428
Incident
Oct 9, 2013
Mileage
60,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Aug 26, 2013

1999 ISUZU AMIGO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK BRACKET CORROSION RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING THAT RECALL # 12V306000 BE INVESTIGATED AND EXTENDED. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE DID NOT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE AS CONFIRMED BY PHONE WITH CUSTOMER SUPPORT 08/13/13 ACKNOWLEDGING THE NOTICE WAS RETURNED AS UNDELIVERABLE SEPTEMBER 2012. CUSTOMER SUPPORT FIRST CLAIMED TO HER HUSBAND, VIA PHONE ON 08/13/13 THAT TWO NOTICES WERE SENT, BUT UPON HER CALLING THAT SAME DAY, CUSTOMER SUPPORT SAID ONLY ONE NOTICE WAS SENT TO OWNERS. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED, HER VEHICLE WAS NINE DAYS PAST THE JULY 31ST DEADLINE FOR THE SUSPENSION CHECK-UP.

NHTSA ID
10536643
Incident
Aug 1, 2013
Suspension
Filed Jul 3, 2013

GENERAL MAINTENANCE UPDATE. THE ISUZU DEALER HAS APPLIED AN ANTI-RUST SOLVENT TO LOWER STABILIZER ARM BRACKETS ACCORDING TO DIRECTIONS IN THE RECALL REMEMEDY REQUIREMENT. HOWEVER, THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE CAR FRAME IS POTTED WITH LARGE RUST HOLES. I HAVE HAD SOME OF THE REACHABLE HOLES WELDED. I HAVE HAD ADDITIONAL SUPPORT BRACKETS WELDED INTO THE FRAME TO STRENGTHEN THE BADLY ROTTED AXLE AND SHOCK MOUNT POINTS. I HAVE APPLIED A RUST ENCAPSULATION PRODUCT TO THE INTERIOR OF THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE FRAME, AND RUST CONVERTER PRODUCTS TO THE EXTERIOR OF THE FRAME. THIS IS MY DAILY DRIVER. A CATASTROPHIC FRAME FAILURE IS INEVITABLE. BUT, IT CAN BE PREVENTED. THE AUTO MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO HAVE NEW FRAMES AVAILABLE TO AMIGO OWNERS WHO WISH TO PURCHASE THEM. PLEASE KEEP ME UPDATED ON THIS VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10523021
Incident
Jul 3, 2013
Mileage
155,500 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Nov 17, 2012

HELLO I AM THE OWNER OF A ISUZU AMIGO I DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE DAMAGE TO THE UNDERCARRIAGE UNTIL AFTER I BOUGHT IT. 10-7-2012 I BROUGHT IT TO MY PERSONAL MECHANIC WHEN I FOUND THE DAMAGE ON 10-24-12. AFTER THAT, I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL, AND SENT THE CAR TO A DEALER, ISUZU CLAIMS THE RECALL HAS ALREADY BEEN TAKEN CARE OF BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER, AND THE EXCESSIVE RUST AND DAMAGE IS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. THE DEALERSHIP AND MY PRIVATE MECHANIC SAY THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, AND THE GAS TANK MAY FALL OUT AS A RESULT OF THE RUST DAMAGE, THE TRANSMISSION SUPPORT IS RUSTED BADLY AND THE BRAKE LINES ARE IN BAD SHAPE AS WELL. I WAS HOPING THEY WERE GOING TO JUST BUY THE CAR BACK FROM ME AS STATED IN THE RECALL LETTER, I CANT BELIEVE THEY SAY THIS DAMAGE IS NOT COVERED. I KNOW THE CAR ISN'T NEW, BUT THIS RUST IS UNBELIEVABLE. BEFORE I KNEW ABOUT THE RECALL, I HAD IT LOOKED AT AND WAS TOLD, THAT EVEN IF THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE, THERE ISN'T ENOUGH GOOD METAL TO WELD THE NEW PARTS IN. AND WAS ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE IT. I AM HOPING YOU MAY HAVE SOME ADVICE AND GUIDANCE FOR ME. I AM STUCK NOW WITH AN UNSAFE CAR. THAT I WOULD NEVER BE ABLE TO SELL TO SOMEONE ELSE. ISUZU DID ADMIT TO PART OF THIS EXCESSIVE RUST BY HONORING THE FIRST AND SECOND RECALLS, THEY HAVE TO REALIZE THERE IS MORE. I'M SURE THE DEALER WAS INSTRUCTED TO ONLY VERIFY THE PARTS LISTED IN THE RECALL AND IGNORE THE REST, AS IT IS NOT COVERED , BUT OUT OF CONCERN FOR MY SAFETY THEY STRONGLY SUGGESTED I HAVE THIS CAR TOWED OUT OF THE LOT. I GUESS THE ONLY WAY FOR ISUZU TO NOTICE IS IF I DRIVE THIS CAR UNTIL SOMETHING BREAKS OFF, AND I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. I CANT AFFORD ANOTHER CAR RIGHT NOW. AND I CAN'T SELL THIS ONE. PLEASE HELP! *TR

NHTSA ID
10485018
Incident
Oct 7, 2012
Mileage
135,000 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
1999Viewing704159.4
1998787262.3
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.