The Isuzu I-Mark spans 1981–1989 with 8 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1989, 1987, 1986 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1981, 1982, 1984. It delivers up to 35 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
Is the Isuzu I-Mark a good car?
Short answer: yes — this one scores near the top of what we track. Our score for the Isuzu I-Mark is 4.5 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 electrical system — 5 of the 15 reports owners filed with NHTSA. If you're choosing a year, 1981, 1982, 1984 score best in our data, and 1989, 1987 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 I-Mark is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 1989 across multiple generations.
How to read a Isuzu I-Mark VIN — every digit explained
Every Isuzu I-Mark 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 I-Mark.
- 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. To decode a VIN number position by position, including the year-code table and where to find the number on a I-Mark, use our free tool.
How many recalls does the Isuzu I-Mark have?
The Isuzu I-Mark has 8 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1989. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1988 Isuzu I-Mark recalls 2
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
What's wrong. THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION VALVE MAY PROVIDE INADEQUATE AIR FLOW UNDER LOW ENGINE LOAD CONDITIONS.
Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN ALLOW WATER/OIL MIXTURE TO BUILD UPIN THE HOSE FROM THE OIL SEPARATOR TO THE AIR INLET DUCT. AFTER THE ENGINE ISSTOPPED, THIS WATER/OIL MIXTURE CAN, UNDER COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS, FREEZE ANDCOMPLETELY BLOCK THE OIL SEPARATOR AIR DUCT HOSE. THIS BLOCKAGE WILL RESULT ININCREASED PRESSURE WITHIN THE CRANKCASE. THIS CAN CAUSE OIL LEAKS. IF ASUFFICIENT QUANTITY OF OIL CAME IN CONTACT WITH THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM AN ENGINECOMPARTMENT FIRE COULD RESULT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix. THE PCV VALVE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW VALVE.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
What's wrong. PERFORATION OF THE FUEL TANK OR ATTACHED FUEL FEED PIPE DUE TO CORROSION OF THE TANK OR FUEL FEED PIPE MATERIALS.
Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK FROM THE FUELTANK AND ULTIMATELY RESULT IN A FIRE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. SUCH A FIRE COULDSPREAD TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
Fix. REPLACE GAS TANK WITH NEW CORROSION RESISTANT TANK.
1987 Isuzu I-Mark recalls 2
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
What's wrong. THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION VALVE MAY PROVIDE INADEQUATE AIR FLOW UNDER LOW ENGINE LOAD CONDITIONS.
Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN ALLOW WATER/OIL MIXTURE TO BUILD UPIN THE HOSE FROM THE OIL SEPARATOR TO THE AIR INLET DUCT. AFTER THE ENGINE ISSTOPPED, THIS WATER/OIL MIXTURE CAN, UNDER COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS, FREEZE ANDCOMPLETELY BLOCK THE OIL SEPARATOR AIR DUCT HOSE. THIS BLOCKAGE WILL RESULT ININCREASED PRESSURE WITHIN THE CRANKCASE. THIS CAN CAUSE OIL LEAKS. IF ASUFFICIENT QUANTITY OF OIL CAME IN CONTACT WITH THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM AN ENGINECOMPARTMENT FIRE COULD RESULT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix. THE PCV VALVE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW VALVE.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
What's wrong. PERFORATION OF THE FUEL TANK OR ATTACHED FUEL FEED PIPE DUE TO CORROSION OF THE TANK OR FUEL FEED PIPE MATERIALS.
Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK FROM THE FUELTANK AND ULTIMATELY RESULT IN A FIRE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. SUCH A FIRE COULDSPREAD TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
Fix. REPLACE GAS TANK WITH NEW CORROSION RESISTANT TANK.
1986 Isuzu I-Mark recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE PERFORATION OF THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM. EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL CONTENT IN THE FUEL PROMOTES DEGRADATION OF THE DIAPHRAGM COATING RESULTING IN RADIAL CRACKING OF THE DIAPHRAGM.
Risk. A PERFORATED DIAPHRAGM CAN ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK FROM THEFUEL PUMP INTO THE UNDERHOOD AREA. THIS COULD ULTIMATELY RESULT IN ANUNDERHOOD FIRE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. SUCH A FIRE COULD SPREAD TO THEPASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
Fix. A FUEL VENTALATION HOSE KIT WILL BE INSTALLED TO PREVENT FUEL FROM ESCAPING INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IF THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM LEAKS AND THEREBY REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
1985 Isuzu I-Mark recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE PERFORATION OF THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM. EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL CONTENT IN THE FUEL PROMOTES DEGRADATION OF THE DIAPHRAGM COATING RESULTING IN RADIAL CRACKING OF THE DIAPHRAGM.
Risk. A PERFORATED DIAPHRAGM CAN ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK FROM THEFUEL PUMP INTO THE UNDERHOOD AREA. THIS COULD ULTIMATELY RESULT IN ANUNDERHOOD FIRE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. SUCH A FIRE COULD SPREAD TO THEPASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
Fix. A FUEL VENTALATION HOSE KIT WILL BE INSTALLED TO PREVENT FUEL FROM ESCAPING INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IF THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM LEAKS AND THEREBY REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
1983 Isuzu I-Mark recalls 1
Steering:column
What's wrong. THE TILT STEERING WHEEL LOCK MECHANISM THAT HOLDS THE STEERING WHEEL IN PLACE MAY BREAK. FAILURE OF THE LOCKING MECHANISM WOULD ALLOW THE STEERING WHEEL TO TILT, UNRESTRAINED. THE WHEEL MAY TRAVEL TO THE HIGH OR LOW POSITION.
Fix. THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE STEERING TILT LOCKING PIN WITH A NEW PIN AT NO CHARGE.
Best and worst years for the Isuzu I-Mark
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 9 tracked years, the worst years are 1989, 1987, 1986 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1981, 1982, 1984.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 I-Mark | — | Best | |
| 1982 I-Mark | — | Best | |
| 1983 I-Mark | Seat Belts | Average | |
| 1984 I-Mark | — | Best | |
| 1985 I-Mark | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average | |
| 1986 I-Mark | Seat Belts | Avoid | |
| 1987 I-Mark | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 1988 I-Mark | — | Average | |
| 1989 I-Mark | Electrical System | Avoid |
What are the most common Isuzu I-Mark problems?
The most-reported Isuzu I-Mark problems are Hydraulic (1 reports), Seat Belts (4 reports) and Power Train (2 reports) — out of 15 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 I-Mark specifications & dimensions
The 1989 Isuzu I-Mark. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Isuzu I-Mark window sticker.
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Isuzu I-Mark cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the I-Mark holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 85 cu ft of passenger volume and 17 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
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 I-Mark 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 I-Mark get?
The Isuzu I-Mark returns up to 35 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,250/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1989 Isuzu I-Mark (1.5L 4-cyl) gets 33 mpg combined and costs about $1,900/yr to fuel, emitting 269 g/mi CO₂ — that's about $1,500 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 I-Mark | 31 | 37 | $1,900 | 269 | — | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1988 I-Mark | 31 | 37 | $1,900 | 269 | — | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1987 I-Mark | 31 | 37 | $1,900 | 269 | — | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1986 I-Mark | 32 | 38 | $1,850 | 261 | — | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1985 I-Mark | 21 | 26 | $2,700 | 386 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1984 I-Mark | 33 | 38 | $2,250 | 291 | — | 1.8L 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 I-Mark stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this I-Mark's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Isuzu I-Mark have? Power & range
The Isuzu I-Mark is offered with 1 powertrain — 1.5L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 1.5L · 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | FWD | 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.
How much does a Isuzu I-Mark cost to own?
A Isuzu I-Mark 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 I-Mark 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 I-Mark loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $11,250 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the I-Mark 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 I-Mark safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the I-Mark yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
Compare model years like a dealer does.
- Full research report on any model year
- Market chart: how this model holds value
- Exact values with mileage adjustment
- Price-drop alerts on the trims you're watching
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
How many miles does a Isuzu I-Mark last?
A well-maintained Isuzu I-Mark typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Isuzu I-Mark’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this I-Mark’s VIN free →All Isuzu I-Mark model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Isuzu I-Mark — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 I-Mark | 1 recall | — | |
| 1988 I-Mark | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1987 I-Mark | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1986 I-Mark | 1 recall | — | |
| 1985 I-Mark | 1 recall | — | |
| 1984 I-Mark | 0 | — | |
| 1983 I-Mark | 1 recall | — | |
| 1982 I-Mark | 0 | — | |
| 1981 I-Mark | 0 | — |
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 I-Mark?
By owner-complaint volume, 1989, 1987, 1986 drew the most reports. 1981, 1982, 1984 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the I-Mark have?
8 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1989. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Isuzu recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the I-Mark get?
Up to 35 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a I-Mark last?
A well-maintained I-Mark typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the I-Mark reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the I-Mark is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Isuzu I-Mark 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 I-Mark made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your I-Mark'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 ground clearance does the I-Mark 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.