1996 Isuzu Trooper
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1986 | 18 |
| 1987 | 6 |
| 1988 | 17 |
| 1989 | 16 |
| 1990 | 23 |
| 1991 | 58 |
| 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
25% of complaints: suspension — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and torsion bar.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHEN MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN, THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER ON ITS SIDE. PLEASE DESCRIBE.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960918
20% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING HAVING PROBLEM WITH FUEL RAILS. DEALER INSTALL THE WRONG HOSE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
NHTSA ODI report, 20030117
14% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and cooling unit and lines.
12% of complaints: structure — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and frame and members.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
LEFT SIDE OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT/INJURIES.
NHTSA ODI report, 19961114
THE FRAME IS RUSTED OUT AND FALLING OFF IN CHUNKS. I DIDN'T GET AN INSPECTION DONE IN JAN 2013 BECAUSE I WAS TOLD THE YEAR BEFORE THAT THE RUST IS GETTING BAD. OTHER THAN THE FRAME, THE VEHICLE IS IN OUTSTANDING CONDITION. IT ISN'T A SAFE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140401
10% of complaints: tires — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sidewall.
Show complaint excerpts
SIDEWALL FAILURE IN BOTH ACCIDENTS. *JB ***DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS****734337
NHTSA ODI report, 20030529
TIRE DELAMINATION. *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030414
SAFETY TIMELINE
RISK OF ROLLOVER
CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH AN INCORRECT REAR CENTER SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY BUCKLE. THE MISBUILD INVOLVED FITTING A BUCKLE FOR ANOTHER MARKET WITH THE CORRECT U.S. SPECIFICATION SEAT BELT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR CENTER SEAT BELT TONGUE AND BUCKLE AND INCORRECT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES WILL BE REPLACED.
Campaign 96V248001 — check if this car was fixed
THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE LINES WERE INSTALLED IMPROPERLY AT THE ASSEMBLY LINE RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND AN UPPER CONTROL ARM OF THE SUSPENSION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND THE UPPER CONTROL ARM. IF THE CLEARANCE IS NOT ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS, THE BRAKE LINE WILL BE REPLACED.
Campaign 97V092001 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Isuzu Trooper — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V248001 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V092001 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Isuzu Trooper reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Isuzu Trooper is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Isuzu Trooper?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Isuzu Trooper have?
2 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.