1988 Isuzu Trooper
Only 17 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 17 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 |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1986 | 18 |
| 1987 | 6 |
| 1988 | 17 |
| 1989 | 16 |
| 1990 | 23 |
| 1991 | 57 |
| 1992 | 25 |
| 1993 | 33 |
| 1994 | 47 |
| 1995 | 54 |
| 1996 | 51 |
| 1997 | 13 |
| 1998 | 42 |
| 1999 | 81 |
| 2000 | 49 |
| 2001 | 29 |
| 2002 | 12 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 17 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 17 total reports mention: wheels.
4 of 17 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
1 of 17 total reports mentions: visibility.
FIRE1 of 17 total reports mentions: tires.
1 of 17 total reports mentions: suspension.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE ROLLED OVER IN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 19971204
SAFETY TIMELINE
DUE TO INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN A BOLT THAT FIXES THE HEATER TO THE VEHICLE BODY AND A FUEL DELIVERY PIPE AND BETWEEN A REAR HEATER HOSE CLIP, USE UNDER SERVERE CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE PIPE RUPTU
Remedy: INSTALL NEW LINES AND A CLIP.
Campaign 89V001000 — check if this car was fixed
DIESEL ENGINE SURGE
REAR DOOR HINGE SEPARATION
REAR DOOR HINGE SEPARATION
DEFECTIVE HEATER CORES
HEATER CORE FAILURE
THE WELD ON THE RECEIVER UNIT OF THE TRAILER HITCH CAN BREAK.
Remedy: REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH.
Campaign 93E023000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Isuzu Trooper — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 89V001000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93E023000 (trailer hitches) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1988 Isuzu Trooper 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 1988 Isuzu Trooper?
The most-reported component is wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Isuzu Trooper have?
2 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.