2003 Isuzu Ascender
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 0 |
| 2003 | 35 |
| 2004 | 64 |
| 2005 | 64 |
| 2006 | 32 |
| 2007 | 10 |
| 2008 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
17% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
14% of complaints: exterior lighting — 5 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 2 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AT A RAPID PACE WHEN SLOWING DOWN. THIS RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE NOT SLOWING DOWN IMMEDIATELY. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ABS MODULE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20031208
6% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 2 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: electrical system — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A MECHANICAL OVERRIDE THAT C
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ELIMINATE THESE CONDITIONS BY DISABLING THE OVERRIDES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 13, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND
Campaign 03V213000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANI
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. IT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION B
Campaign 03V269000 — check if this car was fixed
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEMS THAT WILL NOT TURN ON, CEASE OPERATION WHILE IN USE, FAIL TO TURN OFF/ON BY THEMSELVES (MOISTURE SENSITIVE WIPER SYSTEM), OR HAVE CONTINUOU
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
Campaign 04V061000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DRIVER WISHING TO SIGNAL A TURN BY MOVING THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL LEVER, (UP OR DOWN) MAY CAUSE THE FRONT MARKER/TURN LIGHTS AND REAR TURN LIGHTS TO FL
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT FLASHER MODULES WITH A NEW FLASHER MODULE DESIGNED WITH SEALED RELAYS AND MORE DURABLE CONTACT MATERIAL INSIDE OF THE RELAYS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUS
Campaign 05V198000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE A REAR SIDE CLOSURE LATCH THAT MAY NOT LATCH OR UNLATCH DUE TO CORROSION CAUSED BY ROAD SPLASH, SUCH AS WATER AND ROAD SALT. THESE VEHICLES WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD IN
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SEAL ALONG THE LOWER PART OF THE ROCKER PANEL TO PREVENT INTRUSION OF CORROSIVE MATERIAL, AND INSPECT THE REAR SIDE CLOSURE LATCHES. FUNCTIONAL LATCHES WILL BE CLEANED AND LUBR
Campaign 05V494000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS GASOLINE
Loss of Headlights
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Isuzu Ascender — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V213000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V269000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V061000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V198000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V494000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2003 Isuzu Ascender reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Isuzu Ascender?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Isuzu Ascender have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.