1998 Isuzu Trooper problems & reliability
42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Isuzu Trooper. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
2 complaints report injuries (4 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 1998 Isuzu Trooper vehicles were involved in 1 fatal crash with 1 occupant death. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling → | 19 | 45% |
| Power Train | 6 | 14% |
| Tires | 4 | 10% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | 10% |
| Electrical System | 3 | 7% |
| Air Bags | 2 | 5% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | 5% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | 5% |
| Visibility | 2 | 5% |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | 2% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 isuzu trooper. The contact stated that the vehicle independently accelerated when shifting from park into any other gear without warning. Also, the rpms increased and the contact had to apply force to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. An unknown dealer that was no longer in business was…”
Power Train · filed Mar 19, 2019
“When idling the vehicle is idling very high. Also the check engine light is coming on, and while driving the vehicle as you start to let off the accelerator, the vehicle jerks you, almost to the point of getting whiplash. We have had in the shop at least 3-4 times and lots of times for a week at a time. We were told…”
Interior Lighting · filed Nov 29, 2010
“Engine is exhibiting abnormally high oil consumption. One quart per 500 miles. Imminent engine failure if problem is not corrected. *tr”
Engine and Engine Cooling · filed Feb 15, 2010
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
26 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1998 Isuzu Trooper. The 10 most recent:
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…
IB13-R-001G · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 8, 2023
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…
WB13-X-001B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 30, 2022
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…
WB13-X-001A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 2, 2022
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…
IB09-X-004C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 20, 2022
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…
IB09-X-002B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 20, 2022
This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
05-06-04-035D · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 9, 2014
Throttle body mounting bolt torque specifications. *tt
0301S002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 2003
Transmission indicator light may be on and diagnostic trouble code p1870 is set in the powertrain control module (pcm). *tt
0305S001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 2003
Transmission indicator light may be on and diagnostic trouble code p1870 is set in the pcm (powertrain control module). *tt
0205S003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 1, 2002
Rear cup holder does not stay in the up position. *tt
0211S003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 1, 2002
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1998 Isuzu Trooper in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1998 Isuzu Trooper?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.