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
- 42
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 1998
None on file
45% of complaints
Complaints per year
1998: 42 complaints
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.
Engine and engine cooling
45% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Show 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, 2005-08-07
Power train
14% · 6 reportsMost 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, 2019-03-19
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Vehicle speed control
10% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Tires
10% · 4 reportsMost 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-10
Electrical system
7% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing interior/under dash and switch.
Show 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-17
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1998-08-24Power train98V180000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Isuzu Trooper — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 19 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 98V180000 · Power train
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-10-20 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.