1998 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.
45% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WE WERE DRIVING IN MY 1998 ISUZU TROOPER WITH THE 3.5 LITER ENGINE AND ABOUT 90,000 MILES ON A FAMILY VACATION TO MONTANA, AS WE CAME TO OUR DESTINATION WE WERE IN THE MOUNTAINS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050807
14% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ISUZU TROOPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK INTO ANY OTHER GEAR WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190319
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
10% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
10% of complaints: tires — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Show complaint excerpts
AS I WAS DRIVING ON I-95 HEADING NORTH FROM FLORIDA TO VIRGINIA. MY BF GOODRICH LONG TRAIL TA EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AS I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL AND STOP THE CAR, BUT THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE UNDERSIDE OF MY CAR. *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030510
7% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and switch.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT WARNING WHILE PARKED. A WITNESS STATED THAT FIRE BEGAN UNDER DASH. FIRE MARSHAL DETERMINED THAT FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A SHORT CIRCUIT IN ELECTRICAL WIRING.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030717
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE TRANSFER GEARBOX FLANGE NUTS WERE NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED, CAUSING THE NUTS TO LOOSEN.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FRONT AND REAR FLANGE NUTS AND, IF FOUND LOOSE, TIGHTEN TO SPECIFIED TORQUE AND SECURED STAKED AT TWO PLACES.
Campaign 98V180000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Isuzu Trooper — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98V180000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1998 Isuzu Trooper reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Isuzu Trooper is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Isuzu Trooper?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Isuzu Trooper have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.