The Isuzu Trooper spans 1984–2002 with 35 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1999, 1991, 1996 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1984, 1985, 1987. It delivers up to 25 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
Is the Isuzu Trooper a good car?
Short answer: it depends heavily on which year you buy. Our score for the Isuzu Trooper 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 engine and engine cooling — 191 of the 626 reports owners filed with NHTSA. If you're choosing a year, 1984, 1985, 1987 score best in our data, and 1999, 1991 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 Trooper is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1984 to 2002 across multiple generations.
How to read a Isuzu Trooper VIN — every digit explained
Every Isuzu Trooper 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 Trooper.
- 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. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the number is stamped on your Trooper, see our free VIN decoder.
How many recalls does the Isuzu Trooper have?
The Isuzu Trooper has 35 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1984–2002. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2001 Isuzu Trooper recalls 1
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix. 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.
2000 Isuzu Trooper recalls 2
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix. 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery
What's wrong. 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, AN INTERIOR FUEL LINE AND FUEL HOSE CAN BE SEPARATED, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK.
Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSTALL FUEL SYSTEM SHIELDS.
1998 Isuzu Trooper recalls 1
Power Train:transfer Case (4-wheel Drive)
What's wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE TRANSFER GEARBOX FLANGE NUTS WERE NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED, CAUSING THE NUTS TO LOOSEN.
Risk. IF THE FLANGE NUTS LOOSEN, THE PROPELLER SHAFT CAN SEPARATE, RENDERING THE VEHICLE INOPEATIVE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT FRONT AND REAR FLANGE NUTS AND, IF FOUND LOOSE, TIGHTEN TO SPECIFIED TORQUE AND SECURED STAKED AT TWO PLACES.
1997 Isuzu Trooper recalls 2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE LINES WERE INSTALLED IMPROPERLY AT THE ASSEMBLY LINE RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND AN UPPER CONTROL ARM OF THE SUSPENSION.
Risk. THE LINE CAN BE DAMAGED DURING VEHICLE OPERATION AND CAN RESULT IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE, REDUCED BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS, AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND THE UPPER CONTROL ARM. IF THE CLEARANCE IS NOT ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS, THE BRAKE LINE WILL BE REPLACED.
Suspension
What's wrong. THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITHOUT A LOCK WASHER AND/OR SCREWS IN THE FRONT HUB.
Risk. THE BEARING ADJUSTMENT NUT CAN LOOSEN, RESULTING IN TOO MUCH FREE PLAY BETWEEN THE WHEEL AND AXLE. THE BEARING CAN SEIZE, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO LOCK AFFECTING VEHICLE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT HUBS TO DETERMINE IF THE LOCK WASHER AND SCREWS WERE PROPERLY INSTALLED. IF NOT, THEY WILL MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS.
1996 Isuzu Trooper recalls 2
Seat Belts:rear/other
What's wrong. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH AN INCORRECT REAR CENTER SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY BUCKLE. THE MISBUILD INVOLVED FITTING A BUCKLE FOR ANOTHER MARKET WITH THE CORRECT U.S. SPECIFICATION SEAT BELT.
Risk. SUCH INSTALLATION RESULTS IN A REAR CENTER SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE BELT TONGUE CANNOT BE INSERTED INTO THE BUCKLE AND A CONSQUENT INABILITY OF THE SYSTEM TO PROVIDE PROPER OCCUPANT RESTRAINT DURING PANIC BRAKING OF THE VEHICLE OR AN ACCIDENT.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR CENTER SEAT BELT TONGUE AND BUCKLE AND INCORRECT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES WILL BE REPLACED.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE LINES WERE INSTALLED IMPROPERLY AT THE ASSEMBLY LINE RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND AN UPPER CONTROL ARM OF THE SUSPENSION.
Risk. THE LINE CAN BE DAMAGED DURING VEHICLE OPERATION AND CAN RESULT IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE, REDUCED BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS, AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND THE UPPER CONTROL ARM. IF THE CLEARANCE IS NOT ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS, THE BRAKE LINE WILL BE REPLACED.
1995 Isuzu Trooper recalls 1
Vehicle Speed Control:cables
What's wrong. 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.
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.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE RUBBER BOOT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 24, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
1994 Isuzu Trooper recalls 2
Vehicle Speed Control:cables
What's wrong. 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.
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.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE RUBBER BOOT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 24, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. THIS CAN CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE ENGINE FIRE FROM OIL LEAKING ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSTALL CAMSHAFT END SEAL PLUG RETAINER PLATES.
1993 Isuzu Trooper recalls 2
Vehicle Speed Control:cables
What's wrong. 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.
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.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE RUBBER BOOT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 24, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. THIS CAN CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE ENGINE FIRE FROM OIL LEAKING ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSTALL CAMSHAFT END SEAL PLUG RETAINER PLATES.
1992 Isuzu Trooper recalls 2
Vehicle Speed Control:cables
What's wrong. 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.
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.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE RUBBER BOOT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 24, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. THIS CAN CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE ENGINE FIRE FROM OIL LEAKING ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSTALL CAMSHAFT END SEAL PLUG RETAINER PLATES.
1991 Isuzu Trooper recalls 3
Trailer Hitches
What's wrong. THE WELD ON THE RECEIVER UNIT OF THE TRAILER HITCH CAN BREAK.
Risk. IF THE FAILURE OCCURS, THE TRAILER CAN SEPARATE FROM THETOWING VEHICLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix. REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
What's wrong. PUTTING IN MORE TRANSMISSION OIL THAN SPECIFIED CAN CAUSE OIL TO BLEED THROUGH AIR GROOVE ON TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD IF OIL TEMPERATURE RISES.
Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE SMOKE EMISSION FROM THE MANIFOLD, WHICHCOULD IGNITE RUBBER HOSES AND RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix. REPLACE OIL LEVEL GAUGE AND NOTIFY OWNERS TO USE ONLY THE SPECIFIED AMOUNT OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID.
Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings
What's wrong. IMPROPERLY INSTALLED HOSE ON THE OIL COOLER COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND COULD MELT.
Risk. ENGINE OIL COULD LEAK OUT WITH POTENTIAL FOR ENGINESEIZURE AND DAMAGE AND COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix. PROPERLY INSTALL COOLER HOSE CLIP TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH EXHAUST MANIFOLD.
1990 Isuzu Trooper recalls 3
Trailer Hitches
What's wrong. THE WELD ON THE RECEIVER UNIT OF THE TRAILER HITCH CAN BREAK.
Risk. IF THE FAILURE OCCURS, THE TRAILER CAN SEPARATE FROM THETOWING VEHICLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix. REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
What's wrong. PUTTING IN MORE TRANSMISSION OIL THAN SPECIFIED CAN CAUSE OIL TO BLEED THROUGH AIR GROOVE ON TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD IF OIL TEMPERATURE RISES.
Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE SMOKE EMISSION FROM THE MANIFOLD, WHICHCOULD IGNITE RUBBER HOSES AND RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix. REPLACE OIL LEVEL GAUGE AND NOTIFY OWNERS TO USE ONLY THE SPECIFIED AMOUNT OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID.
Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings
What's wrong. IMPROPERLY INSTALLED HOSE ON THE OIL COOLER COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND COULD MELT.
Risk. ENGINE OIL COULD LEAK OUT WITH POTENTIAL FOR ENGINESEIZURE AND DAMAGE AND COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix. PROPERLY INSTALL COOLER HOSE CLIP TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH EXHAUST MANIFOLD.
1989 Isuzu Trooper recalls 1
Trailer Hitches
What's wrong. THE WELD ON THE RECEIVER UNIT OF THE TRAILER HITCH CAN BREAK.
Risk. IF THE FAILURE OCCURS, THE TRAILER CAN SEPARATE FROM THETOWING VEHICLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix. REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH.
1988 Isuzu Trooper recalls 2
Trailer Hitches
What's wrong. THE WELD ON THE RECEIVER UNIT OF THE TRAILER HITCH CAN BREAK.
Risk. IF THE FAILURE OCCURS, THE TRAILER CAN SEPARATE FROM THETOWING VEHICLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix. REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH.
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
What's wrong. DUE TO INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN A BOLT THAT FIXES THE HEATER TO THE VEHICLE BODY AND A FUEL DELIVERY PIPE AND BETWEEN A REAR HEATER HOSE CLIP, USE UNDER SERVERE CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE PIPE RUPTURE AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix. INSTALL NEW LINES AND A CLIP.
1987 Isuzu Trooper recalls 3
Structure:body:door:hinge And Attachments
What's wrong. TRUCKS USED IN THE SALT-BELT STATES CAN HAVE ACCUMULATED CORROSION IN THE HINGES OF THE REAR DOORS. IF THE VEHICLES ALSO HAVE MISALIGNED DOOR LATCHES AND STRIKERS, IT IS POSSIBLE TO CLOSE THE DOORS IN A "FALSE LATCH" CONDITION.
Risk. IN THE "FALSE LATCH" CONDITION, THE REAR DOORS MAY GIVETHE IMPRESSION THAT THE DOOR IS PROPERLY LATCHED WHEN IT IS NOT. THIS COULD LEADTO PASSENGERS AND/OR CARGO FALLING FROM REAR DOORS WHICH CAN OPEN WITHOUT PRIORWARNING.
Fix. CHECK THE DOOR LATCHES AND STRIKERS FOR CORRECT ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR IF NECESSARY; ALSO INSPECT REAR DOOR HINGES FOR CORROSION AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY.
Trailer Hitches
What's wrong. THE WELD ON THE RECEIVER UNIT OF THE TRAILER HITCH CAN BREAK.
Risk. IF THE FAILURE OCCURS, THE TRAILER CAN SEPARATE FROM THETOWING VEHICLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix. REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH.
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
What's wrong. DUE TO INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN A BOLT THAT FIXES THE HEATER TO THE VEHICLE BODY AND A FUEL DELIVERY PIPE AND BETWEEN A REAR HEATER HOSE CLIP, USE UNDER SERVERE CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE PIPE RUPTURE AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix. INSTALL NEW LINES AND A CLIP.
1986 Isuzu Trooper recalls 2
Structure:body:door:hinge And Attachments
What's wrong. TRUCKS USED IN THE SALT-BELT STATES CAN HAVE ACCUMULATED CORROSION IN THE HINGES OF THE REAR DOORS. IF THE VEHICLES ALSO HAVE MISALIGNED DOOR LATCHES AND STRIKERS, IT IS POSSIBLE TO CLOSE THE DOORS IN A "FALSE LATCH" CONDITION.
Risk. IN THE "FALSE LATCH" CONDITION, THE REAR DOORS MAY GIVETHE IMPRESSION THAT THE DOOR IS PROPERLY LATCHED WHEN IT IS NOT. THIS COULD LEADTO PASSENGERS AND/OR CARGO FALLING FROM REAR DOORS WHICH CAN OPEN WITHOUT PRIORWARNING.
Fix. CHECK THE DOOR LATCHES AND STRIKERS FOR CORRECT ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR IF NECESSARY; ALSO INSPECT REAR DOOR HINGES FOR CORROSION AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY.
Trailer Hitches
What's wrong. THE WELD ON THE RECEIVER UNIT OF THE TRAILER HITCH CAN BREAK.
Risk. IF THE FAILURE OCCURS, THE TRAILER CAN SEPARATE FROM THETOWING VEHICLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix. REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH.
1985 Isuzu Trooper recalls 1
Structure:body:door:hinge And Attachments
What's wrong. TRUCKS USED IN THE SALT-BELT STATES CAN HAVE ACCUMULATED CORROSION IN THE HINGES OF THE REAR DOORS. IF THE VEHICLES ALSO HAVE MISALIGNED DOOR LATCHES AND STRIKERS, IT IS POSSIBLE TO CLOSE THE DOORS IN A "FALSE LATCH" CONDITION.
Risk. IN THE "FALSE LATCH" CONDITION, THE REAR DOORS MAY GIVETHE IMPRESSION THAT THE DOOR IS PROPERLY LATCHED WHEN IT IS NOT. THIS COULD LEADTO PASSENGERS AND/OR CARGO FALLING FROM REAR DOORS WHICH CAN OPEN WITHOUT PRIORWARNING.
Fix. CHECK THE DOOR LATCHES AND STRIKERS FOR CORRECT ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR IF NECESSARY; ALSO INSPECT REAR DOOR HINGES FOR CORROSION AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY.
1984 Isuzu Trooper recalls 1
Structure:body:door:hinge And Attachments
What's wrong. TRUCKS USED IN THE SALT-BELT STATES CAN HAVE ACCUMULATED CORROSION IN THE HINGES OF THE REAR DOORS. IF THE VEHICLES ALSO HAVE MISALIGNED DOOR LATCHES AND STRIKERS, IT IS POSSIBLE TO CLOSE THE DOORS IN A "FALSE LATCH" CONDITION.
Risk. IN THE "FALSE LATCH" CONDITION, THE REAR DOORS MAY GIVETHE IMPRESSION THAT THE DOOR IS PROPERLY LATCHED WHEN IT IS NOT. THIS COULD LEADTO PASSENGERS AND/OR CARGO FALLING FROM REAR DOORS WHICH CAN OPEN WITHOUT PRIORWARNING.
Fix. CHECK THE DOOR LATCHES AND STRIKERS FOR CORRECT ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR IF NECESSARY; ALSO INSPECT REAR DOOR HINGES FOR CORROSION AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY.
Best and worst years for the Isuzu Trooper
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 19 tracked years, the worst years are 1999, 1991, 1996 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1984, 1985, 1987.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 Trooper | — | Best | |
| 1985 Trooper | Structure | Best | |
| 1986 Trooper | Seat Belts | Average | |
| 1987 Trooper | Power Train | Best | |
| 1988 Trooper | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average | |
| 1989 Trooper | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average | |
| 1990 Trooper | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average | |
| 1991 Trooper | Engine And Engine Cooling | Avoid | |
| 1992 Trooper | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average | |
| 1993 Trooper | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average | |
| 1994 Trooper | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average | |
| 1995 Trooper | Suspension | Average | |
| 1996 Trooper | Suspension | Avoid | |
| 1997 Trooper | Power Train | Average | |
| 1998 Trooper | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average | |
| 1999 Trooper | Engine And Engine Cooling | Avoid | |
| 2000 Trooper | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average | |
| 2001 Trooper | Power Train | Average | |
| 2002 Trooper | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average |
What are the most common Isuzu Trooper problems?
The most-reported Isuzu Trooper problems are Air (1 reports), Other (5 reports) and Seats (15 reports) — out of 626 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 Trooper specifications & dimensions
The 2002 Isuzu Trooper measures 181″ long on a 109″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 4,464 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 Trooper window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 181″ | 72″ | 72″ | 109″ | 4,464 lb |
| 1999 | 181″ | 70″ | 72″ | 109″ | 4,453 lb |
| 1993–1996 | 179″ | 69″ | 73″ | 109″ | 4,156 lb |
| 1990 | 176″ | 65″ | 72″ | 104″ | 3,768 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Isuzu Trooper cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Trooper 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 Trooper 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 Trooper get?
The Isuzu Trooper returns up to 25 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $3,150/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2002 Isuzu Trooper (3.5L 6-cyl) gets 15 mpg combined and costs about $4,150/yr to fuel, emitting 592 g/mi CO₂ — about $9,750 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Trooper | 14 | 18 | $4,150 | 592 | — | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2001 Trooper | 14 | 18 | $4,150 | 592 | — | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2000 Trooper | 13 | 17 | $4,150 | 592 | — | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 1999 Trooper | 13 | 18 | $4,150 | 592 | — | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 1998 Trooper | 13 | 18 | $4,150 | 592 | — | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 1997 Trooper | 14 | 17 | $4,150 | 592 | — | 3.2L 6-cyl | |
| 1996 Trooper | 14 | 17 | $4,150 | 592 | — | 3.2L 6-cyl | |
| 1995 Trooper | 14 | 17 | $4,150 | 592 | — | 3.2L 6-cyl | |
| 1994 Trooper | 14 | 17 | $4,150 | 592 | — | 3.2L 6-cyl | |
| 1993 Trooper | 14 | 17 | $3,900 | 555 | — | 3.2L 6-cyl | |
| 1992 Trooper | 14 | 17 | $4,150 | 592 | — | 3.2L 6-cyl | |
| 1991 Trooper | 14 | 17 | $4,150 | 592 | — | 2.8L 6-cyl | |
| 1990 Trooper | 14 | 17 | $4,150 | 592 | — | 2.8L 6-cyl | |
| 1989 Trooper | 14 | 17 | $4,150 | 592 | — | 2.8L 6-cyl |
The 1991 Isuzu Trooper (2.6L 4-cyl) gets 15 mpg combined and costs about $4,150/yr to fuel, emitting 592 g/mi CO₂ — about $9,750 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 Trooper | 14 | 17 | $4,150 | 592 | — | 2.6L 4-cyl | |
| 1990 Trooper | 14 | 17 | $4,150 | 592 | — | 2.6L 4-cyl | |
| 1989 Trooper | 15 | 17 | $4,150 | 592 | — | 2.6L 4-cyl | |
| 1988 Trooper | 15 | 17 | $4,150 | 592 | — | 2.6L 4-cyl | |
| 1987 Trooper | 22 | 23 | $3,550 | 463 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1986 Trooper | 24 | 26 | $3,150 | 407 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1985 Trooper | 17 | 20 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1984 Trooper | 17 | 20 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 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 Trooper stacks up against the most fuel-efficient cars, or calculate this Trooper's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Isuzu Trooper have? Power & range
The Isuzu Trooper is offered with 2 powertrains — 3.5L 6-cyl, 2.6L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 3.5L · 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | RWD | Regular |
| 4-cyl | 2.6L · 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 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 Trooper cost to own?
A used Isuzu Trooper sells for a median of about $6,000 for a 2001 — most listed between $1,000 and $13,500, from 26 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 Trooper | $1,000–$13,500 | 4 | |
| 2000 Trooper | $2,995–$3,900 | 5 | |
| 1999 Trooper | $1,200–$6,000 | 5 | |
| 1998 Trooper | $5,000–$6,250 | 3 | |
| 1994 Trooper | $1,500–$3,800 | 3 | |
| 1991 Trooper | $1,300–$5,500 | 6 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a Trooper is worth today, or browse used-market prices across all models.
A Isuzu Trooper depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. 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 Trooper loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $15,750 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Trooper 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 Trooper safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Trooper 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 Trooper last?
A well-maintained Isuzu Trooper 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 Trooper’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Trooper’s VIN free →All Isuzu Trooper model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Isuzu Trooper — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Trooper | 1 recall | — | |
| 2001 Trooper | 1 recall | — | |
| 2000 Trooper | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1999 Trooper | 1 recall | — | |
| 1998 Trooper | 1 recall | — | |
| 1997 Trooper | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1996 Trooper | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1995 Trooper | 1 recall | — | |
| 1994 Trooper | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1993 Trooper | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1992 Trooper | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1991 Trooper | 3 recalls | — | |
| 1990 Trooper | 3 recalls | — | |
| 1989 Trooper | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1988 Trooper | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1987 Trooper | 3 recalls | — | |
| 1986 Trooper | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1985 Trooper | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1984 Trooper | 1 recall | — |
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 Trooper?
By owner-complaint volume, 1999, 1991, 1996 drew the most reports. 1984, 1985, 1987 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Trooper have?
35 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1984–2002. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Isuzu recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Trooper get?
Up to 25 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Trooper last?
A well-maintained Trooper typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Trooper reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Trooper is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Isuzu Trooper 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 Trooper made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Trooper'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 Trooper weigh?
The Trooper's curb weight is around 4,464 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the Trooper 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.