1997 Isuzu Trooper
Only 13 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 13 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 | 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
Only 13 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 13 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing clutch assembly and pedal/hand lever(motorcycle).
Show complaint excerpts
CLUTCH THROWOUT BEARING FAILED CAUSING VEHICAL TO BE INOPERABLE STRANDING DRIVER IN TRAFFIC
NHTSA ODI report, 20030126
CUTCH FAILURE CAUSING VEHICLE TO BE INOPERABLE STRANDING DRIVER IN TRAFFIC. SECOND CLUTCH FAILURE FOR THIS VEHICLE WITH IN 37,000 MILES OF HIGHWAY DRIVING
NHTSA ODI report, 20030126
3 of 13 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
2 of 13 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing linkages and shaft sector.
2 of 13 total reports mention: fuel system, other, most commonly citing fuel injection system.
Show complaint excerpts
DURING BRAKING, WITH NO GAS PEDAL PRESSURE BEING APPLIED, ENGINE CONTINUED AT HIGH RPMS MAKING BRAKING DIFFICULT. VEHICLE WITH NO GAS PEDAL PRESSURE WOULD PROCEED AT 30 MPH IN DRIVE POSITION OF AUTO TRANS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040919
FUEL WARNING LIGHT MALFUNCTIONED. *YC
NHTSA ODI report, 19990422
2 of 13 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
SAFETY TIMELINE
THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITHOUT A LOCK WASHER AND/OR SCREWS IN THE FRONT HUB.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT HUBS TO DETERMINE IF THE LOCK WASHER AND SCREWS WERE PROPERLY INSTALLED. IF NOT, THEY WILL MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS.
Campaign 97V035001 — 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
1997 Isuzu Trooper — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V035001 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V092001 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 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 1997 Isuzu Trooper?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 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.