2003 Isuzu Axiom
Only 16 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 123 |
| 2003 | 16 |
| 2004 | 17 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 16 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
NOT EVEN A YEAR AFTER PURCHASING MY 2003 ISUZU AXIOM, I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THE BRAKES. ON 5 OR MORE OCCASIONS, I HAVE HAD TO COME TO A SUDDEN STOP OR HAVE PRESSED THE BRAKES LIGHTLY ON A BUMPY SERVICE AND HAVE HAD VERY POOR RESULTS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070703
I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM VIRTUALLY SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN NOV 2003. WHEN I BRAKE ON A BUMPY OR WET ROAD, OR WHEN I HAVE TO BRAKE HARD TO STOP IN AN EMERGENCY, THE CAR RATTLES AND MAKE S GRINDING SOUND.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070419
3 of 16 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ISUZU AXIOM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE VENTS AS FLAMES ERUPTED NEAR THE FUEL TANK. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130318
2 of 16 total reports mention: power train.
2 of 16 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
2 of 16 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DRIVING IN A LARGE PARKING LOT, HIT A LARGE CEMENT POLE DOING 20 MILES PER HOUR.AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. HAD NOT PUT MY SEAT BELT ON YET & HIT & SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD KNOCKING OUT ALL OF MY FRONT UPPER TEETH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200519
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ISUZU AXIOM. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 20 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR-ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE FRONT END OF HER VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090421
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 101, "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS." THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE IN THE EVEN
Remedy: THE DIODES HAVE BEEN REPLACED. ALL VEHICLES HAVE BEEN REPAIRED.
Campaign 03V390000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO FUEL CONTAMINATED WITH SILICON MAY DEVELOP SMALL PIN HOLES IN THE FUEL PUMP FEED PORT. SILICON HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE FUEL SYSTEMS OF AFFE
Remedy: FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE STATES IDENTIFIED ABOVE, DEALERS WILL PROVIDE A NEW COVER OVER THE EXISTING FEED PORT ON THE FUEL PUMP OR, IF THE EXISTING FEED PORT HAS ALREADY BEEN DAMAGED, DEALERS WI
Campaign 05V466000 — check if this car was fixed
Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc (Isuzu) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Rodeo and Axiom, and 2003 Rodeo Sport vehicles that were originally sold in, or are currently registered
Remedy: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear suspension lower link bracket area. For vehicles in which little or no corrosion is found, the area will be treated with an anti-corrosive
Campaign 13V547000 — check if this car was fixed
Fuel Tank Retention Failure
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Isuzu Axiom — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V390000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V466000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V547000 (suspension) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2003 Isuzu Axiom 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 Axiom?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Isuzu Axiom have?
3 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.