2003 Isuzu Ascender

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2003 Isuzu Ascender
RENDERED 2026-09-16T17:27:24.685Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Isuzu Ascender Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 2003: 35 complaints 2003 2004: 64 complaints 2004 2005: 64 complaints 2005 2006: 32 complaints 2006 2007: 10 complaints 2007 2008: 0 complaints 2008
2003: 35 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20020
200335
200464
200564
200632
200710
20080

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 31%

31% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and ignition.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 20%

20% of complaints: exterior lighting — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and turn signal.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 14%

14% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing mounting and filler pipe and cap.

POWER TRAIN 14%

14% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing differential unit and driveline.

SERVICE BRAKES 9%

9% of complaints: service brakes — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ISUZU ASCENDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS PERFORATED DUE TO RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20131105

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20030613 — power train

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

R 20030815 — equipment

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

I 20040106 — EA (closed 20040210)

WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE

R 20040715 — visibility

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

R 20050804 — exterior lighting

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

R 20060224 — latches/locks/linkages

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

I 20070710 — EA (closed 20080828)

FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS GASOLINE

I 20170424 — RQ (closed 20210329)

Loss of Headlights

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Isuzu Ascender — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (5 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 31% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Isuzu Ascender have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.