Is the 1996 Isuzu Hombre 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 1996 Isuzu Hombre?

The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 54% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Isuzu Hombre have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

1996 Isuzu Hombre

○ Not enough data

1996 Isuzu Hombre
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:58:57.990Z

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: 37
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Visibility

Complaints per year

1996: 37 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1996	37
1997	25
1998	53
2000	7

Known problem areas

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

Visibility

54% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and motor.

Show complaint excerpts

98 v 15 000/windshield wipers: fuel fumes are getting into vehicle. Feel free to provide any further information.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-28

Windshield wipers were working intermittently. Currently, not at all. Dealer notified. Feel free to provide any further information.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-28

Service brakes

14% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Engine and engine cooling

11% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and catalytic convertor.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle fire 1996 Isuzu Hombre pick up truck. Arrived home and truck engine was smoking. Thought loss of radiator, but engine area was on fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-09

Electrical system

11% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing interior/under dash and fuses and circuit breakers.

Air bags

8% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Driver side airbag deployed without collision while vehicle was in motion.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-12-08

Upon impact, during frontal crash, at approx. 60MPH, 12:30 on front bumper, hit barrier head on, driver's airbag failed to deploy, sustained head, neck and back injuries.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-01-22

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

R

1996-05-24Exterior lighting96V059001 A brazilian domestic headlamp was inadvertently installed on these vehicles instead of the required U.S. Domestic assembly. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 108, "Lamps, reflective…

Remedy: Dealers will inspect both the left and right head lamp assemblies for presence of the aiming pads. If the head lamp assembly does note have these aiming pads, it will be replaced with the correct…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

1997-01-30Visibility97V008002 The top coat paint severely peels due to overbaking of the powder primer prior to the top coat application. Since the windshield primer and adhesive adhere to the top coat paint onthe windshield…

Remedy: All vehicles have been repurchased. This campaign is 100%.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
1997-02-28Engineering analysisClosed 1997-08-05 Seat belt webbing separation
R

1998-12-15Visibility98V150002 Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles, 2 and 4-wheel drive. Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2002-05-31Engineering analysisClosed 2003-07-23 Windshield wiper failure
R

2003-07-14Visibility03V210000 On certain pickup trucks with certain model-engine combinations, the windshield wiper motor may fail due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. The windshield wipers could work…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover. Owner notification began July 14, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do…

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1996 Isuzu Hombre — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Visibility: 20 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 96V059001 · Exterior lighting
Recall 97V008002 · Visibility
Recall 98V150002 · Visibility
Recall 03V210000 · Visibility

FAQ

Is the 1996 Isuzu Hombre 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 1996 Isuzu Hombre?: The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 54% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Isuzu Hombre have?: 4 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.