RoadVitals

1994 Isuzu Trooper

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.
47
Latest Jul 10, 2023
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.
2
Latest Apr 22, 2004
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.
0
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.
8
4 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 47 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1994 Isuzu Trooper, most frequently naming the engine, tires & wheels and body & structure categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 7 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

  • Engine1324.1%
  • Body & structure59.3%
  • Suspension59.3%
  • Electrical59.3%
  • Driver assistance47.4%
  • Transmission23.7%
  • Fuel system23.7%

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

2 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

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

Apr 22, 2004
72,905 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE CAN STICK SO THAT THE ENGINE SPEED WILL NOT IMMEDIATELY DECREASE UPON RELEASE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
The risk: THIS CAN CAUSE THE ACCELERATOR THROTTLE CABLE TO DELAY RPM AND VEHICLE SPEED REDUCTION FOR SEVERAL SECONDS AFTER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED, WHICH IN TURN, CAN LEAD TO A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE RUBBER BOOT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 24, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
ISUZU MOTORS LIMITEDView on NHTSA.gov

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Jul 19, 1994
122,297 units potentially affected
The defect: CONSTANT EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION OF THE CYLINDER HEAD CAUSES THE CAMSHAFT SEAL END PLUG CAN BECOME DISLODGED FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD. THIS ALLOWS OIL TO LEAK FROM THE CAMSHAFT.
The risk: THIS CAN CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE ENGINE FIRE FROM OIL LEAKING ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL CAMSHAFT END SEAL PLUG RETAINER PLATES.
ISUZU MOTORS LIMITEDView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Engine
Filed Jul 10, 2023

Rear main seal is leaking oil massively.

NHTSA ID
11531445
Incident
Jun 22, 2023
Airbags
Filed Mar 21, 2017
Crash reported1 injury reported

22 YEARS AGO, ON FEB. 22, 1995 I WAS DRIVING DOWN SILVERADO CANYON RD., WHICH IS A VERY CURVY 2 LANE ROAD. AFTER A CURVE I SAW 2 CARS DRIVING TOWARDS ME, ONE PASSING THE OTHER, COMING TOWARDS ME IN MY LANE. I DID THE ONLY THING I COULD AND MOVED ~5-7 FEET TOWARDS THE RIGHT AND FLIPPED OVER IN A COUNTER-CLOCKWISE DIRECTION. MY TRUCK DID NOT HAVE TAKATA AIRBAGS (SO THEY TOLD ME) BUT MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WHEN I TOLD THIS TO THE ISUZU SPOKESPERSON (2-3 YRS LATER) HE TOLD ME THAT NO CAR'S AIRBAGS DEPLOY IN ROLLOVERS BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT PROGRAMMED TO DO SO. WHEN I ASKED WHY HE SAID THAT IN STUDIES THAT WERE DONE THERE WASN'T ANY INCREASE IN SURVIVAL IN ROLLOVERS EITHER WITH OR WITHOUT DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAGS. CAN YOU IMAGINE HOW I FELT. WHAT ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO DO SURVIVE? WHAT ABOUT ME AND EVERYONE ELSE IN A LEFT HANDED (COUNTERCLOCKWISE) ROLL. I KNOW BECAUSE I WAS IN A CLOCKWISE ROLL TOO AND MY HEAD STAYED STRAIGHT UP AND I SURVIVED BETTER. IN A LEFT ROLL THE DRIVER'S HEAD HITS THE WINDOW AND THEY OFTEN DON'T SURVIVE. IF THEY DO THEY WILL HAVE A SEVERE TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AND ARE USUALLY DISABLED FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. I WAS IN A COMA FOR TWO WEEKS AND SPENT TWO YEARS IN NEUROREHABILITATION. I WISH I WAS ABLE TO WRITE THIS TO YOU MUCH SOONER BUT PLEASE WHEN THE NEW AIRBAGS COME IN, MAKE SURE THEY DEPLOY IN ROLLOVERS TOO. I HOPE THIS LETTER MAKES UP FOR THE PEOPLE WHO DIED IN ROLLOVERS IN THE PAST TWENTY YEARS. YOU SEE I'M A MEDICAL DOCTOR WHO HOPES TO SEE SOME GOOD COME OUT OF MY SURVIVING THAT TERRIBLE CAR ACCIDENT. EVEN MY INSURANCE, STATE FARM SAID I WAS IN A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT WHEN I SAW WHITE AND RED PAINT ON THE LEFT SIDE OF MY GREEN ISUZU TROOPER. I WISH I COULD HAVE WRITTEN THIS SOONER BUT I HAVE MANY LONG TERM MALADIES THAT CAUSED ME TO KEEP FORGETTING. MAYBE GOD REMINDED ME TO WRITE WHEN THE TAKATA RECALL WAS GOING ON. THEY'RE IN MILLIONS OF CAR

NHTSA ID
10967413
Incident
Feb 22, 1995
Mileage
3,000 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Nov 4, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 ISUZU TROOPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THROTTLE CABLES FEEL LIKE THE CRUISE CONTROL IS ALWAYS ACTIVE. IN ADDITION, THE RPMS ARE CONSTANTLY IDLING. THERE HAS ALSO BEEN AN OIL LEAK; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. OIL LEAKED ONTO THE STEER PLATE AND COATED THE ENTIRE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND THE COMPONENTS OF THE ENGINE. HE FOUND TWO RECALLS THAT LISTED THE EXACT FAILURE HE WAS EXPERIENCING; HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 04V199000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES) AND 04V132000 (EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 139,600.

NHTSA ID
10247646
Incident
Nov 4, 2008
Mileage
139,000 mi
ElectricalSteering
Filed Mar 7, 2007

POWER STEERING HOSE STARTED HAVE MASSIVE LEAK ALL OF A SUDDEN, AND IT WAS REPLACED THE FOLLOWING MORNING. THE POWER STEERING FLUID HAD SPRAYED ALL OVER EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD, WHICH INCLUDED SOAKING THE ALTERNATOR, WHICH IN TURN MADE THE ALTERNATOR START TO SURGE AT TIME, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO GO IN TO BACK UP MODE, AND WOULD NOT DOWNSHIFT ON ITS OWN AFTER COMING TO STOP. ALSO EVERY WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD WAS LIGHT UP, CHECK ENGINE, BATTERY, O2, AUTO CRUISE, LOW FUEL, AND CHECK TRANS. WHICH WAS ODD CAUSE I HAD FULL TANK OF GAS, THE BATTERY WAS SHOWING TO BE WITH IN RANGE ON THE VOLTAGE GAUGE, THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS OFF......AND THE TRUCK WAS NOT DOING ANYTHING STRANGE, DROVE FINE. *JB

NHTSA ID
10184444
Incident
Mar 1, 2007
EngineTires & wheelsTransmission
Filed Dec 22, 2006

I HAVE A 94 ISUZU TROOPER SUBN, MY MOTOR NEEDS REPLACING THIS IS LESS THEN A YEAR. I REPLACED A WATER PUMP 2XS, MOTOR VEALCOVER KASITS/MOTOR INSIDE WAS NO GOOD. I REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION, THE DRIVER SHIFT IS LOOSE. I GIVE THE CARE THE BEST CAR SOME THING ABOUT THIS CAR IS FALLING APART. IN LESS THEN A YEAR $8,000 WAS PUT ON THIS TRUCK. I NEED HELP IM A SINGLE MOTHER OF THREE SONS THIS TRUCK IS THE ONE TRANSPORTATION I HAVE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF MY TRUCK IS ON THE RECALL LIST. *NM

NHTSA ID
10176823
Incident
Oct 7, 2006
Engine
Filed Sep 22, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED OIL HAD LEAKED FROM THE CAMSHAFT. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, #94V132000, REGARDING THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

NHTSA ID
10168984
Incident
Sep 22, 2006
Engine
Filed Jan 9, 2006
Fire reported

DEC. 26, 2005 MY HUSBAND WENT TO WORK AT 3:00PM IN THE AFTERNOON. ON DEC 27,2005 HE CAME HOME AT 3:30 AM IN THE MORNING, HE GOT IN THE SHOWER AND WHEN HE GOT OUT OUR DOG STARTED TO BARK, SO HE LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW INTO THE DRIVEWAY WHEN HE HEARD A POP. SO HE LOOKED AGAIN AND FLAMES STARTED TO COME OUT OF THE PASSENGER FRONT FENDER. HE YELLED, I RAN OUT THERE AND HE WAS USING THE HOSE I CALLED 911 AND WE WERE TRYING TO POP THE HOOD FINALLY RIGHT BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT GOT HERE MY HUSBAND PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE FIREMEN OPENED THE HOOD AND THEN THEY OPENED THE DRIVERS DOOR AND THEN ANOTHER FIRE STARTED IN THE DRIVERS FLOORBOARD COMING THROUGHOUT THE FIREWALL. THEY PUT THAT OUT. THEY ASKED IF WE WERE DRIVING IT BUT IT HAD BEEN TURNED OFF FOR AT LEAST 30 TO 40 MINUTES. THE TRUCK WAS PARKED NEXT TO OUR HOUSE UNDER A CAR PORT WITH BOTH OF OUR KIDS IN THE HOUSE AND AT WITH CARS IN FRONT OF IT. THE TRUCK WAS RUNNING SO GOOD DIDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS. I READ THAT THERE WAS A RECALL THAT'S SIMILAR WHICH IS 94V132000 BUT ISUZU SAID IT WASN'T THE SAME SO IT WAS MY PROBLEM. WE ONLY HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE. THERE IS NOTHING LEFT INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BESIDES THE MAIN ENGINE. EVERYTHING ELSE WAS BURNED AND FELL OUT. *JB

NHTSA ID
10147215
Incident
Dec 27, 2005
Engine
Filed Dec 31, 2005
Fire reported

MY HUSBAND CAME HOME FROM WORK , TURNED THE TRUCK OFF CAME IN THE HOUSE. GOT IN THE SHOWER 30 MINUTES LATER WHEN HE GOT OUT OF THE SHOWER HE HEARD A POP AND FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE WHOLE TRUCK , ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THERE WAS NO SMELL OR ANYTHING TO THINK THERE WAS ANYTHING WRONG IF HE WOULD HAVE WENT TO SLEEP IT WOULD HAVE CAUGHT OUR HOUSE ON FIRE AND MY HUSBAND , TWO KIDS AND ME WOULD PROBLEY BE DEAD BECAUSE THATS WHAT THE FIREMEN SAID IT WAS SPREADING SO FAST. *JB

NHTSA ID
10146618
Incident
Dec 26, 2005

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.

SB9914S007

SEATS

INFORMATION REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF THE CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHOR KIT. *TT

9807L001

A NEW TYPE OF LSD LUBRICANT WAS INTRODUED WHICH CONTAINS FRICTION MDIFIERS, NECESSARY FOR PROPER LSD FUNCTION. *YC

9805L001

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

SERVICE INFORMATION ON DTC 55 (BRAKE SWITCH SHORT TO GROUND OR OPEN) AND DTC 56 (BRAKE SWITCH SHORT TO PLUS). *YC

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 Trooper by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2002120033.3
2001291038.1
2000492049.2
1999810038.5
1998421042.1
1997132044.7
1996512154.0
1995541154.9
1994Viewing472053.3
1993332050.3
1992252159.7
1991573569.4
1990233668.9
1989161547.6
1988172563.4
1987636
1986182657.0
1985315
1984014

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.