The Isuzu Hombre spans 1996–2000 with 9 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1998, 1996, 1997 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1999, 2000, 1997. It delivers up to 23 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
Is the Isuzu Hombre a good car?
Short answer: it depends heavily on which year you buy. Our score for the Isuzu Hombre is 3.5 out of 5, built from NHTSA crash-test results, how often it gets recalled and what owners actually complain about — not from reviews.
The complaint that comes up most is the visibility — 55 of the 122 reports owners filed with NHTSA. If you're choosing a year, 1999, 2000, 1997 score best in our data, and 1998, 1996 worst.
This page describes the model. It can't tell you whether that car has an open recall, a rolled-back odometer or a branded title — for that, run its number through our free VIN check.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Isuzu Hombre is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1996 to 2000 across multiple generations.
How to read a Isuzu Hombre VIN — every digit explained
Every Isuzu Hombre carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Isuzu and the country it was built in (real Isuzu codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Hombre.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- JapanJ81 · J8Z · JAA · JAB · JAC · JAE
- USA4S1 · 4S2 · 4S6
- CanadaJ87
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. You can decode any VIN for free and get the year-code table, the country codes and the exact spots where the number is stamped.
How many recalls does the Isuzu Hombre have?
The Isuzu Hombre has 9 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1996–2000. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2000 Isuzu Hombre recalls 1
Equipment:other:labels
What's wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH INCORRECT PAYLOAD INFORMATION ON THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL. THE PAYLOAD SHOWN ON THE LABEL IS GREATER THAN THE MAXIMUM VALIDATED PAYLOAD. IF THE VEHICLE WERE LOADED TO THE INCORRECTLY LABELED PAYLOAD, IT MAY NOT RIDE AND HANDLE IN THE MANNER THAT THE DRIVER EXPECTS.
Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE OR AN INABILITY TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITHIN EXPECTED STOPPING DISTANCES.
Fix. OWNERS WILL BE SENT A NEW LABEL FOR INSTALLATION ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR OF THE VEHICLE.
1998 Isuzu Hombre recalls 1
Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood
What's wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES. AN ENGINE ELECTRICAL WIRING-HARNESS CLIP CAN MELT AND DRIP ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.
Risk. THE CLIP MATERIAL ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CAN IGNITE AND SUBSEQUENTLY IGNITE OTHER COMBUSTIBLE COMPONENTS RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix. DEALERS ARE CONTACTING OWNERS BY TELEPHONE TO HAVE THEIR VEHICLES TOWED TO THE DEALER AND ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED TO THEM UNTIL THE DEALER CAN REROUTE THE ELECTRICAL WIRING-HARNESS.
1997 Isuzu Hombre recalls 3
Visibility:rear Window Wiper/washer:motor
What's wrong. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.
Risk. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 14, 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 1-800-255-6727.
Seat Belts
What's wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 60/40 FRONT BENCH SEATS AND EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND 2-DOOR UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL LOCKING RECLINER BUCKET SEATS. THE OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT WEBBING ON THE DRIVER'S AND/OR PASSENGER'S SEAT CAN SEPARATE DURING A FRONTAL IMPACT.
Risk. IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THERE WERE SECONDARY CRASH EVENTS OR VEHICLE ROLLOVER, THERE WOULD BE NO BELT RESTRAINT OF THE OCCUPANT AND INCREASED INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE RECLINER MECHANISM.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PASSENGER PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 4.3L ENGINES. THE FRONT BRAKE LINE CAN CONTACT THE LEFT-HAND SIDE OF THE ENGINE OIL PAN CAUSING THE BRAKE LINE TO WEAR TO THE POINT OF BRAKE FLUID LOSS DURING BRAKE APPLICATION.
Risk. BRAKE FLUID LOSS CAN REDUCE BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AND INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCES RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE OIL PAN AND THE BRAKE LINE. IF THE CLEARANCE IS 6MM OR LESS, DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL BRAKE LINE CLIP AND IF THERE WAS CONTACT BETWEEN THE OIL PAN AND BRAKE LINE, THE FRONT BRAKE LINE WILL BE REPLACED.
1996 Isuzu Hombre recalls 4
Visibility:rear Window Wiper/washer:motor
What's wrong. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.
Risk. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 14, 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 1-800-255-6727.
Exterior Lighting:headlights
What's wrong. A BRAZILIAN DOMESTIC HEADLAMP WAS INADVERTENTLY INSTALLED ON THESE VEHICLES INSTEAD OF THE REQUIRED U.S. DOMESTIC ASSEMBLY. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk. CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: REDUCED LIGHTING FROM THESE HEAD LAMPS CAN CAUSE A VISIBILITY PROBLEM INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT HEAD LAMP ASSEMBLIES FOR PRESENCE OF THE AIMING PADS. IF THE HEAD LAMP ASSEMBLY DOES NOTE HAVE THESE AIMING PADS, IT WILL BE REPLACED WITH THE CORRECT HEAD LAMP ASSEMBLY.
Visibility:windshield
What's wrong. THE TOP COAT PAINT SEVERELY PEELS DUE TO OVERBAKING OF THE POWDER PRIMER PRIOR TO THE TOP COAT APPLICATION. SINCE THE WINDSHIELD PRIMER AND ADHESIVE ADHERE TO THE TOP COAT PAINT ONTHE WINDSHIELD OPENING FLANGE, THE WINDSHIELD DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING."
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE WINDSHIELD MAY NOT STAY IN PLACE AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 212.
Fix. ALL VEHICLES HAVE BEEN REPURCHASED. THIS CAMPAIGN IS 100%.
Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer
What's wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, 2 AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE. SOLDER JOINTS NEAR THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN CRACK CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY.
Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INOPERATIVE WIPERS, REDUCING A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER.
Best and worst years for the Isuzu Hombre
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 5 tracked years, the worst years are 1998, 1996, 1997 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1999, 2000, 1997.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 Hombre | Visibility | Avoid | |
| 1997 Hombre | Visibility | Avoid | |
| 1998 Hombre | Visibility | Avoid | |
| 1999 Hombre | — | Best | |
| 2000 Hombre | Air Bags | Best |
What are the most common Isuzu Hombre problems?
The most-reported Isuzu Hombre problems are Seats (3 reports), Tires (1 reports) and Wheels (1 reports) — out of 122 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Isuzu Hombre specifications & dimensions
The 2000 Isuzu Hombre measures 189″ long on a 108″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,042 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Isuzu Hombre window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 189″ | 68″ | 62″ | 108″ | 3,042 lb |
| 1997 | 204″ | 68″ | 62″ | 123″ | — |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Isuzu Hombre cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Hombre holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Isuzu Hombre tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Isuzu Hombre get?
The Isuzu Hombre returns up to 23 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,700/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2000 Isuzu Hombre (4.3L 6-cyl) gets 17 mpg combined and costs about $3,650/yr to fuel, emitting 523 g/mi CO₂ — about $7,250 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 Hombre | 15 | 20 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 1999 Hombre | 15 | 21 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 1998 Hombre | 16 | 21 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 1997 Hombre | 16 | 23 | $3,300 | 468 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl |
The 2000 Isuzu Hombre (2.2L 4-cyl) gets 23 mpg combined and costs about $2,700/yr to fuel, emitting 386 g/mi CO₂ — about $2,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 Hombre | 20 | 26 | $2,700 | 386 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1999 Hombre | 20 | 26 | $2,700 | 386 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1998 Hombre | 20 | 26 | $2,850 | 404 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1997 Hombre | 20 | 27 | $2,700 | 386 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1996 Hombre | 20 | 27 | $2,700 | 386 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Hombre stacks up against the most fuel-efficient trucks, or calculate this Hombre's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Isuzu Hombre have? Power & range
The Isuzu Hombre is offered with 2 powertrains — 4.3L 6-cyl, 2.2L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 4.3L · 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | RWD | Regular |
| 4-cyl | 2.2L · 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | RWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Can a Isuzu Hombre tow? Towing & payload
As a pickup, the Isuzu Hombre is built to tow and haul. The exact maximum towing capacity and payload depend on the engine, drivetrain and whether it has the factory tow package, on a curb weight near 3,042 lb.
What sets your Hombre's tow & payload rating:
- Engine — a larger or turbocharged engine tows more than the base unit.
- Drivetrain & axle — 4WD/AWD and the axle ratio shift the rating.
- Tow package — the factory towing package (hitch, wiring, transmission cooler) raises the max.
- Payload & GVWR — GVWR caps the combined load; more passengers and cargo lower how much you can tow.
Exact towing capacity, payload and GVWR are added per engine, drivetrain and trim — decode your VIN above, or check the driver's door-jamb and hitch labels. Curb weight from vehicle specifications.
How much does a Isuzu Hombre cost to own?
A Isuzu Hombre depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Check what a used Hombre is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Hombre loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $13,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Hombre ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Isuzu Hombre safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Hombre yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Isuzu Hombre last?
A well-maintained Isuzu Hombre typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Isuzu Hombre’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Hombre’s VIN free →All Isuzu Hombre model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Isuzu Hombre — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 Hombre | 1 recall | — | |
| 1999 Hombre | 0 | — | |
| 1998 Hombre | 1 recall | — | |
| 1997 Hombre | 3 recalls | — | |
| 1996 Hombre | 4 recalls | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Hombre?
By owner-complaint volume, 1998, 1996, 1997 drew the most reports. 1999, 2000, 1997 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Hombre have?
9 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1996–2000. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Isuzu recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Hombre get?
Up to 23 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Hombre last?
A well-maintained Hombre typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Hombre reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Hombre is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Isuzu Hombre warranty?
New Isuzu models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Isuzu dealer.
Where is the Isuzu Hombre made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Hombre's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Isuzu may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a Hombre weigh?
The Hombre's curb weight is around 3,042 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the Hombre have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.