The Isuzu VehiCross spans 1999–2002 with 0 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1999, 2001, 2000 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2002, 2000, 2001. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
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 VehiCross is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1999 to 2002 across multiple generations.
Decode or check a Isuzu VehiCross by VIN
Enter a 17-digit VIN to decode this Isuzu VehiCross — trim, engine, plant and full specs — and instantly pull its open recalls, safety ratings and original window sticker.
How to read a Isuzu VehiCross VIN — every digit explained
Every Isuzu VehiCross 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. 4T1 = Toyota, built in the USA.
- VDS (4–8) — model line, body style, engine & restraint system.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built. H = 2017.
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this VehiCross.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Model-year code (10th digit)
The 10th character is the model year. It cycles through letters and numbers, skipping I, O, Q, U, Z and 0 to avoid confusion:
Where to find your VehiCross VIN
- Dashboard — driver's side, visible through the windshield from outside.
- Driver's door jamb — on the manufacturer sticker when you open the door.
- Paperwork — vehicle registration, title and insurance card.
- Engine bay & frame — stamped on the firewall or chassis on many models.
How many recalls does the Isuzu VehiCross have?
The Isuzu VehiCross has 0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1999–2002. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
Best and worst years for the Isuzu VehiCross
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 4 tracked years, the worst years are 1999, 2001, 2000 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2002, 2000, 2001.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 VehiCross | 26 | Visibility | Avoid |
| 2000 VehiCross | 18 | Visibility | Avoid |
| 2001 VehiCross | 23 | Visibility | Avoid |
| 2002 VehiCross | 0 | — | Best |
What are the most common Isuzu VehiCross problems?
The most-reported Isuzu VehiCross problems are Seats (1 reports), Wheels (1 reports) and Equipment (3 reports) — out of 67 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:
Visibility 56 Read
Right power window started to malfunction, window glass going down and up misaligned. Emissions of strong fuel odor whenever the vehicle is parked and the engine turned off. This is a roughly 33k mile vehicle, and carefully maintained. The "isuzu rodeo sport safety recall concerning fuel systems" can be attributed to this same problem as they share the same/most mechanical features and factory equipments. *tr
Drivers side window slows, tilts forward, and will not close all the way. *jb
I own two 2001 isuzu vehicross's. I bought them used 1 and 2 years ago, respectively. My first one was purchased with 11,000 miles on it, and the second one with 36,000 miles on it. Upon purchase of my first one, the power window mechanism on both sides had to be replaced due to a failure of the track alignment. I'm seeing similar issues with my second vehicross as well. My first vehicross was fixed by a dealer, under warranty, on four separate occasions. After the warranty ran out, the issue again presented itself, and i had to pay over $600 to get the issue fixed. Even then, the issue reappeared after only a few months. My second vehicross has the same exact issues with the window binding, and track misalignment, causing the motors to wear. Upon coming in contact with an organization of several hundred vehicross enthusiasts i discovered that this type of window failure is epidemic with this model car. Some of the owners have had multiple failures -- i.e., the windows have been fixed only to fail again, sometimes three or four times. I have contacted isuzu but they deny there is a problem. On the other hand i understand there are official documents by isuzu that do recognize this problem. Since there was a limited distribution of this particular model car -- somewhere in the area of 4000 plus over a four year period -- it appears the window failure rate is a high percentage of that total number. I would ask that the department investigate this problem, including investigation of the internal isuzu document mentioned above. If there is, as it appears, a design flaw in the window mechanism, then there are hundreds of vehicross owners who have improperly been charged to repair it, sometimes multiple times. *jb
I own a 2001 isuzu vehicross and would like isuzu to own up to a design flaw. I have had this fixed 3 times while under warranty and the problem comes right back soon after they replace the "window regulator". At the moment both of my windows are unable to roll up without my assistance. This is a major problem in the cold of alaska as if i need to roll my passenger window down i need to lean into the passenger seat in order to roll it up and i find myself doing this at unwanted/unsafe times due to the cold. Also if a friend is in the car they tend to smash their fingers in the window when pulling it up. I am sick of isuzu saying there is nothing wrong with it.... It is obviously a design flaw as every vehicross i have ever seen has had the same problem!!!!!!!!! And as for the incident date this has happened five times (since date i said was the incident) so there is not just a single incident. *jb
I own a 2001 vehicross by isuzu. The passenger side windowis starting to bind as it goes up to close putting a severe strain on the window mechanism. Upon coming in contact with an organization of several hundred vehicross enthusiasts i discovered that this type of window failure is epidemic with this model car. Some of the owners have had multiple failures -- i.e., the windows have been fixed only to fail again, sometimes three or four times. At the moment i have 39000 miles on the car and now the passenger's side window is beginning to fail. Isuzu dennies there is a problem. On the other hand i understand there are official documents by isuzu that do recognize this problem. Since there was a limited distribution of this particular model car -- somewhere in the area of 4000 plus over a four year period -- it appears the window failure rate is a high percentage of that total number. I would ask that the department investigate this problem, including investigation of the internal isuzu document mentioned above. If there is, as it appears, a design flaw in the window mechanism, then there are hundreds of vehicross owners who have improperly been charged to repair it, sometimes multiple times and it looks like i will be joining their ranks.
Both power windows failed within a week of each other. Window would jam and come out of the track when attempting to raise from a down possition.
The left and right side windows failed to roll up and down on their own. The driver noticed that both windows fell off track, and the driver tried to pull up the windows but failed to do so. The consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and the mechanic determined that the window needed replacement. *ak the seat belt did not retract and the chrome wheels were peeling and were replaced. *sc *jb
I had the drivers side window mechanism (the regulator) fail within the first year. I had it later replaced by the dealer, only to fail again a couple of months later. I have given up getting it fixed again because it is not under warranty any more. This is a recurring problem that every other vehicross owner i know of has.*ak
I own a 2001 vehicross by isuzu. I bought it new in 2001. About a year after getting the vehicle the driver's side power window mechanism had to be replaced due to a failure of the track alignment. The dealer fixed it, but i have since had the same problem with the passenger side, and dealer wanted $800 to fix it. Currently, the driver's side window was showing the same problem again. I have to help it by pulling on the window when i am raising it. Only 4000 of these vehicles were produced and a large portion of them have this window problem.*ak
(1) approximately 1 year after the car was first delivered new, the power windows began to fail. The windows began to rise slowly with the window becoming crooked in the track. (2) (a) first failure occurred 9/30/03. Window ceased to function properly; off the track and rising crooked. (b) second failure occurred 10/14/03. Window became inoperable only half way up the track. C) window continued inoperable until repaired on 10/27/03. (d) third failure occurred 9/10/04. Window began rising improperly. (3) (a) inspected by dealer, no repair specified. (b) window removed and reinstalled along with shim regulator. (c) replaced both window runs. (d) window temporarily glued as a fix while parts are on special order. On 9/27/04 the window glass and runner replaced on the passenger side. Note: no parts were kept, all work done by dealer under warranty. *ak
Electrical System 3 Read
In rapid succession i noticed the failure of my turn signals, my cruise control, my power windows and my electronically controlled automatic transmission (shifting from 1st to 2nd is rough). In researching this on the vehicross. Info forums website, i read where other owners had the same problems and traced them to electrical wiring frayed when it passed through compartments within the vehicle. *tr
1)repeated driver's side window binding upon attempting to close. 2)repeated moisture leakage on driver's side from door post or firewall 3)repeated electrical shortage of circuit including turn-signals, back-up lamps, windows, and transmission mode selector. *nm
I presently own a 1999 isuzu vehicross with 54k miles on it. I purchased the vehicle in jan.,2004. After six months the electric passenger window failed to operate(the window always ran off track since i purchased the car and i would have to pull it by hand to close it). The driver's window is also begining to show the same symptoms. Isuzu is well aware of the problems and complaint and the problem is well publisized. The vehicross is a limited production vehicle(less than 5,000)but the rate of failures reported is extremely high. I would appreciate some type of investigation into this failure. I have not spent any money for repairs yet but may be forced to spend as much as 3 to $400.00 per window because of, what i beleive, is a factory defect. At this time isuzu makes no public acknowledgement of the problem and is not covering any repairs under warranty.*ak
Equipment 3 Read
I own a 2001 vehicross by isuzu. I bought it new six months ago and had only 14,000 miles on it. A few months ago the power window mechanism on the passenger's side had to be replaced due to a failure of the track alignment. At the moment i have 24,000 miles on the car and now the driver's side window is beginning to fail.
My 1999 isuzu vehicross has had cronic issues with the windows getting stuck 3/4's way and sometimes 1/2 way. I'm sure isuzu knows what i'm talking about when i say that. Anyways, the owners here need a permenant replacment part to fix this problem.
I own a 1999 vehicross by isuzu. I bought it two years ago and have only 469 miles on it. A few months ago the power window mechanism on the driver's side had to be replaced due to a failure of the track alignment. *ak it cost me $800 to fix. Upon coming in contact with an organization of several hundred vehicross enthusiasts i discovered that this type of window failure is epidemic with this model car. Some of the owners have had multiple failures -- i.e., the windows have been fixed only to fail again, sometimes three or four times. At the moment i have 29,000 miles on the car and now the passenger's side window is beginning to fail. I have contacted isuzu but they deny there is a problem. On the other hand i understand there are official documents by isuzu that do recognize this problem. Since there was a limited distribution of this particular model car -- somewhere in the area of 4000 plus over a four year period -- it appears the window failure rate is a high percentage of that total number. I would ask that the department investigate this problem, including investigation of the internal isuzu document mentioned above. If there is, as it appears, a design flaw in the window mechanism, then there are hundreds of vehicross owners who have improperly been charged to repair it, sometimes multiple times.
Structure 3 Read
I own a 2000 isuzu vehi cross the frame is rusting out. I bought it in 1997 it had 91,051 miles the same materials as the rodeo were used i want to be reimbursed foe the value of the car as it is unsafe to drive. *tr
1)repeated driver's side window binding upon attempting to close. 2)repeated moisture leakage on driver's side from door post or firewall 3)repeated electrical shortage of circuit including turn-signals, back-up lamps, windows, and transmission mode selector. *nm
Windows fail to go up properly. Dealers deny problem or just replace regulators & problem recurs. Many owners experience this & some have had theirs in several times. Poorly designed lift mechanism. Isuzu is aware of problem but denies. *ak
Engine And Engine Cooling 2 Read
I own a 1999 isuzu vehicross with 107,000 miles on it. It has never given trouble until now. I have always been meticulous about oil changes every 3,000 miles if not sooner. I had an complete oil change 2 weeks ago. Yesterday saw oil light flickering and added 2 qts oil immediately. Drove a couple blocks and saw oil light flickering again. Pulled into garage and they said "bone dry"! Added 3.5 qts oil right then. Drove less than 1 mile onto expressway entry ramp- car stopped dead right there! - i could easily have been killed by semi bearing down behind me at 55 mph. Luckily i escaped with my life but it could have happened anywhere: on the expressway for example and i would today be dead. Cause: seized engine from lack of oil. Two weeks after an oil change and only an hour after 5.5 qts oil had been added: bone dry again. I'm told this is a common problem for isuzu owners and that the company does not stand behind what they make. I told isuzu about this problem but they refuse to assist me. Cost of new engine to me: $5,500! I have loan on this car for $6,600 already and cannot afford to put in a new engine. The consumer is again left strapped to deal with this fault manufacturing. This needs to be a safety recall. *nm
The consumer complained that the engine burned up while driving 55 mph due to excessive loss of oil. The dealer and the manufacturer were both notified. *ak the check engine light had come on, the engine froze and the vehicle lost all power while being driven n the highway. *sc *jb
Fuel/propulsion System 1 Read
Right power window started to malfunction, window glass going down and up misaligned. Emissions of strong fuel odor whenever the vehicle is parked and the engine turned off. This is a roughly 33k mile vehicle, and carefully maintained. The "isuzu rodeo sport safety recall concerning fuel systems" can be attributed to this same problem as they share the same/most mechanical features and factory equipments. *tr
Exterior Lighting 1 Read
In rapid succession i noticed the failure of my turn signals, my cruise control, my power windows and my electronically controlled automatic transmission (shifting from 1st to 2nd is rough). In researching this on the vehicross. Info forums website, i read where other owners had the same problems and traced them to electrical wiring frayed when it passed through compartments within the vehicle. *tr
Electronic Stability Control (esc) 1 Read
In rapid succession i noticed the failure of my turn signals, my cruise control, my power windows and my electronically controlled automatic transmission (shifting from 1st to 2nd is rough). In researching this on the vehicross. Info forums website, i read where other owners had the same problems and traced them to electrical wiring frayed when it passed through compartments within the vehicle. *tr
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Isuzu VehiCross specifications & dimensions
The 2002 Isuzu VehiCross. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Isuzu VehiCross cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the VehiCross 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.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Isuzu VehiCross 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 VehiCross get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Isuzu VehiCross have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Isuzu VehiCross cost to own?
A Isuzu VehiCross 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% | — | — |
| Year 2 | 70% | — | — |
| Year 3 | 61% | — | — |
| Year 4 | 53% | — | — |
| Year 5 | 46% | — | — |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this VehiCross loses about 54% of its value over five years.
- Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the VehiCross 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 VehiCross safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the VehiCross yet.
How many miles does a Isuzu VehiCross last?
A well-maintained Isuzu VehiCross 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.
Decode your Isuzu VehiCross’s window sticker & build
Original options, specs, recalls and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Decode VIN →All Isuzu VehiCross model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Isuzu VehiCross — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 VehiCross | 0 | — | — |
| 2001 VehiCross | 0 | — | — |
| 2000 VehiCross | 0 | — | — |
| 1999 VehiCross | 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 VehiCross?
By owner-complaint volume, 1999, 2001, 2000 drew the most reports. 2002, 2000, 2001 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the VehiCross have?
0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1999–2002. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a VehiCross last?
A well-maintained VehiCross typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the VehiCross reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the VehiCross is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Isuzu VehiCross 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 VehiCross made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your VehiCross'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 VehiCross 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.