MYRModel Year Report

2003 Isuzu Ascender

○ Not enough data
2003 Isuzu Ascender
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:52:46.541Z

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
35
Recalls
5

Campaigns on file for 2003

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

31% of complaints

Complaints per year

2003: 35 complaints 2003 35 2004: 64 complaints 2004 2005: 64 complaints 2005 2006: 32 complaints 2006 2007: 10 complaints 2007 2008: 0 complaints 2008
2003: 35 complaints 2003 35 2004: 64 complaints 2004 2005: 64 complaints 2005 2006: 32 complaints 2006 2007: 10 complaints 2007 2008: 0 complaints 2008
2003: 35 complaints 2003 35 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% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing switch and ignition.

Exterior lighting

20% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing headlights and turn signal.

Fuel system, gasoline

14% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing mounting and filler pipe and cap.

Power train

14% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing differential unit and driveline.

Service brakes

9% · 3 reports

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, 2013-11-05

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2003-06-13Power train03V213000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2003-08-15Equipment03V269000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2004-01-06Engineering analysisClosed 2004-02-10 Windshield wiper failure
  4. R
    2004-07-15Visibility04V061000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2005-08-04Exterior lighting05V198000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2006-02-24Latches/locks/linkages05V494000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. I
    2007-07-10Engineering analysisClosed 2008-08-28 Fuel pump module leaks gasoline
  8. I
    2017-04-24Recall queryClosed 2021-03-29 Loss of Headlights

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Isuzu Ascender — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 03V213000 · Power train
  • Recall 03V269000 · Equipment
  • Recall 04V061000 · Visibility
  • Recall 05V198000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 05V494000 · Latches/locks/linkages
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-10-20 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.