RoadVitals

2001 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.
29
Latest Jun 11, 2021
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.
1
Latest Nov 14, 2000
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.
2

Overview

Our database contains 29 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2001 Isuzu Trooper, most frequently naming the engine, brakes and transmission categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 46 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

  • Engine921.4%
  • Brakes716.7%
  • Transmission716.7%
  • Driver assistance614.3%
  • Fuel system49.5%
  • Electrical37.1%
  • Powertrain (other)24.8%
  • Tires & wheels24.8%

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

1 campaign 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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

Nov 14, 2000
18,462 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL DRIVE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS BUILT WITH TOD (TORQUE-ON-DEMAND). IN CERTAIN HIGH SPEED, FRONTAL CRASHES, MOVEMENT OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT COMPONENTS CAN CAUSE THE POTENTIAL FOR FUEL LEAKAGE.
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW, REINFORCED FUEL HOSE ASSEMBLY. NOTE: THE FUEL LEAKAGE ISSUE IN THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN IS NOT THE SAME AS THE ONE ADDRESSED IN THEIR PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN 00V-253.
ISUZU MOTORS LIMITEDView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

BrakesEngineFuel system
Filed Jun 11, 2021

The contact owns a 2001 Isuzu Trooper. The contact stated while entering and starting the vehicle, he noticed an extreme heat in the interior of the vehicle coming from the engine. The contact proceeded to shift the gear into drive however, while his foot was still on the brake pedal the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact had to pulled up the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times afterwards. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure as a bypass for the fuel line and brake line failure that needed to be replaced however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause for the heat entering the vehicle from the engine. The mechanic was able repair the vehicle however, the contact was concerned that the heat coming from the engine would eventually destroy the engine and the vehicle would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.

NHTSA ID
11420560
Incident
May 27, 2021
Mileage
101,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Dec 3, 2014

LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT SWITCH STOPPED WORKING. ONLY HIGH BEAMS WORKED. HAD TO HAVE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH REPLACED AT A COST OF $500. I SEE THAT THE SAME PROBLEM IS CURRENTLY BEING ADDRESSED AND RECALLED ON LATER MODEL ISUZU ASCENDERS AND GM VEHICLES. I BELIEVE ISUZU USED MANY GM PARTS IN THIS TROOPER AND IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT RECALL SO THAT I CAN GET REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS. *JS

NHTSA ID
10661923
Incident
Oct 8, 2014
Mileage
108,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 18, 2012

MY SUV , ISUZU TROOPER OF 10YEARS, WAS PARKED IN A LIBRARY PARKING GARAGE AND AFTER IGNITION TURNED ON, I PUT IT IN REVERSE GEAR TO GET OUT OF THE PARKING LOT AND THE CAR RAPIDLY REVERSED AND BEFORE I COULD FIGURE OUT AND REACT, THE CAR SHOT LIKE A ROCKET TOWARDS THE FRONT , WHILE STILL IN REVERSE GEAR, AND I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE BRAKES OR STEERING WHEEL, IT RAMMED INTO A CONCRETE PILLAR AND GOT COMPLETELY TOTALED. AIRBAGS OPENED AND FRONT DOORS JAMMED AND I HAD SLIDE TO THE BACK TO ESCAPE. LUCKILY, CAR DID NOT CATCH ON FIRE OR EXPLODE. ( POLICE REPORT VERIFY THAT AFTER CRASH, CAR STILL FOUND TO BE IN REVERSE GEAR AND SUPRISED HOW CAR MOVED TOWARDS THE FRONT). A WEEK AGO, PRIOR TO THIS FREAKY CRASH, ( LUCKILY NO MINORS, SENIORS, HOMELESS WHO USUALLY WALK IN THE PARKING LOT WERE NOT PRESENT, OTHERWISE, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE DEATHS) MY CAR DEALERSHIP HAD DONE WORK ON MY CAR FOR NEARLY $1000.00. AND THEY REPLACED MODE SWITCH FOR MY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ( THERMOSTAT CHANGED; PISTON COVER CHANGED) AND DON'T KNOW WHAT ROLE IT PLAYED IN MY CAR'S CRASH. I AM PRETTY SURE ITS A MALFUNCTION . IT NEEDS TO BE ASSESSED AND FIGURED WHAT ROLE THE ABOVE INSTALLATION PLAYED IN THE CRASH WHICH COULD HAVE HAD DISASTROUS CONSEQUENCES. WAS IT DUE TO DEFECTIVE PART? INSURANCE COMPANY BLAMES IT ON ME AND SAY MY PREMIUMS WILL BE HIGHER SINCE ITS AT FAULT ACCIDENT DESPITE HEARING MY EXPERIENCE AND WITH EVIDENCE OF POLICE REPORT WHICH STATES THAT MY GEAR WAS STILL IN REVERSE. ( AFTER CRASHING HEAD ON AGAINST A CONCRETE PILLAR) THANK YOU FOR KEEPING PUBLIC SAFETY FIRST!

NHTSA ID
10444319
Incident
Jan 9, 2012
Tires & wheels
Filed Apr 20, 2011

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY DOING 60 MILES AN HOUR WHEN MY "BRIDGESTONE TIRE" SEPARATED AT THE TREAD AND PEELED OFF LIKE A BANANA AND I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO CRASH! THE TIRE STAYED INTACT AND THE BANDS WITH NO DEFLATION". I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS TIRE WILL BE OR WAS A RECALL. NO ACCIDENT LUCKILY, NO INJURY, LUCKILY BECAUSE IT WAS ON THE BACK PASSENGER. IF IT WAS ON THE FRONT I WOULD OF BEEN SCREWED FOR I WAS MAKING A 60 MILE AN HOUR CURVE ON THE HIGHWAY WITH FREQUENT TRAFFIC RUSH HOUR WITH A TOP HEAVY "ISUZU-TROOPER". THIS TIRE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED!!!!! NEVER , AT AGE 46 , SEEN A TIRE PEEL THE TREAD OFF THE RADIAL BELT LIKE THIS LIKE A RETREAD! MUST SOMEONE DIE OR BE HURT BEFORE "BRIDGESTONE" IS HELD ACCOUNTABLE LIKE IN THE YEAR 2000 WHEN THEY HAD MULTIPLE DEATHS AND LAWSUITS? THANK YOU , PLEASE HELP. *TR

NHTSA ID
10396874
Incident
Apr 20, 2011
Mileage
100,000 mi
Transmission
Filed May 13, 2008

WHEN YOU STOP AT STOP SIGN OR LIGHT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS INTO NEUTRAL. WHENEVER YOU PUSH ON THE ACCELERATOR IT JERKS AND TAKES OFF. SOMETIMES IT TAKES A FEW MINUTES TO SHIFT IN GEAR. IT IS IN THE SHOP RIGHT NOW. THE MECHANIC SAID IT HAS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10227631
Incident
Apr 2, 2008
Mileage
80,000 mi
BrakesEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 16, 2007

2001 ISUZU TROOPER WITH FAULTY TRANSMISSION ACCUMULATOR AND BAD U-JOINT CUSTOMER STATES THAT THEY WANT US TO REVIEW THE SAFETY ISSUES**NAR**CC THE CONSUMER STATED HAVING 3 SEPARATE ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE THE FIRST BEING A BAD U JOINT, THE SECOND BEING A FAULTY TRANSMISSION ACCUMULATOR AND THE THIRD WAS HAVING TO REPLACE A LONG ENGINE BLOCK. THE CONSUMER WAS ALSO INFORMED THE ELECTRICAL HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER STATED RECENTLY REQUESTED A GOODWILL ADJUSTMENT AND WAS ULTIMATELY DENIED BY THE DEALER DUE TO THE FACT THE VEHICLE WAS 40,000 MILES OVER THE BASE WARRANTY.*TR

NHTSA ID
10200298
Incident
Feb 1, 2002
Mileage
87,300 mi
Fuel system
Filed Feb 6, 2007

2001 ISUZU TROOPER FUEL TANK. CUSTOMER WANTS TO REIMBURSED FOR REPAIRS**CC THE GAS TANK HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND WAS LEAKING GAS. *JB

NHTSA ID
10182671
Incident
Jan 1, 1901
Engine
Filed Nov 28, 2006

WE HAVE HAD TO ADD 1-2 QTS OF OIL EVERY COUPLE THOUSAND MILES ALTHOUGH WE DID NOT SEE AN OIL LEAK (NO MARKS ON THE DRIVEWAY) MECHANIC COULD FIND NO OIL LEAK OR PROBLEM OUR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON,AND MECHANIC SAID WE NEEDED EMISSIONS SENSOR REPLACED. WE DID REPLACE IT. ON OUR WAY TO THANKSGIVING IN OKLAHOMA FROM MICHIGAN OUR ENGINE BLEW ! WE ARE NOW WITHOUT THAT VEHICLE BUT STILL MAKING PAYMENTS. A DEALERSHIP IN TULSA SAID THAT THOSE ENGINES ARE REPLACED A LOT AT HIS SHOP DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. HE SAID THAT THERE IS CARBON BUILD UP IN THE VALVE THAT GOES TO THE ENGINE CAUSING THE OIL TO BURN UP. AFTER SO LONG OF IT BEING BUILT UP IT GETS CLOGGED AND ENDS UP BLOWING. HE SAID IF WE HAD BEEN TAKING THE CAR TO AN ISUZU DEALER TO GET THE OIL CHANGED THEY KNOW ABOUT IT AND CAN CLEAN IT. PROBLEM FOR US IS THERE ISN'T AN ISUZU DEALER IN THE CITY WE LIVE IN SO WE DIDN'T HAVE A CHANCE. I BELIEVE ISUZU SHOULD HAVE SENT A LETTER TO TROOPER OWNERS NOTIFYING THEM OF THIS DEFECT SO AS NOT TO HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS PROBLEM SINCE IT CAN BE AVOIDED. *JB

NHTSA ID
10174510
Incident
Nov 21, 2006
Mileage
100,000 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-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.

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.

PIP5540D

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the ice to melt so that it can be drained from the related components. That any of the listed DTC's may set with or without poor engine performance.

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
2001Viewing291038.1
2000492049.2
1999810038.5
1998421042.1
1997132044.7
1996512154.0
1995541154.9
1994472053.3
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.