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Isuzu AmigoModel year report

1998 Isuzu Amigo Problems

Complaints
78filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
95,000miles, 17 complaints with mileage
Recalls
5campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
20 mpgcombined, 2.2L 4-cyl RWD · 18 city / 22 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 Isuzu Amigo (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 1998 Isuzu Amigo most often describe brake complaints, especially a pedal that travels toward the floor and longer stopping distances when braking over bumps, on wet pavement, or on hills. Cooling and engine complaints, rear-frame corrosion and stalling at low speed also appear in the sample, many of them at higher mileage on vehicles now well past twenty years old.

  1. Brakes

    Brake pedal goes to the floor / long stopping distance

    • 20 complaints (26%)
    • median 2,866 mi at 1.0 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
    • 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 1998–2014

    Complaints describe the brake pedal sinking toward the floorboard and the vehicle taking longer to stop, sometimes when braking over a bump, on downhill or uneven surfaces, or on wet pavement. Several owners say the ABS engaged on dry, bumpy pavement and the vehicle felt like it briefly free-wheeled before braking resumed. According to the complaints, dealers often said they could not find a fault or that nothing could be done, while some owners paid for rotor or brake repairs without the symptom going away. Reports span very low mileage (under 3,000 miles in a few cases) through the 100,000-mile range, with no clear single trigger beyond bumps, wet roads and downhill braking.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Drive the vehicle over bumpy and wet surfaces and brake firmly from moderate speed; ask whether the ABS has been serviced and whether rear rotors have been replaced. A service bulletin exists for rear brake rotors, so ask whether it was applied.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I do not believe that the brakes on my car have worked correctly since it was purchased. I have had it into the dealer several times, but they said they cannot find anything wrong. During the summer I got a notice that Isuzu would be fixing brakes on various cars - it was not a recall, but they were going to be doing it for safety reasons. The cars were, I believe, 98 and 99 amigos and rodeos, of which mine is one. I called Isuzu and they said they would be sending notices out in the fall. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10008067, filed 2003-02, 1,200 miles

    “I began experiencing braking problems about a year after I purchased the vehicle. When stopping suddenly, the vehicle had extending stopping distances. I had the brakes inspected and was told the brake pads were in good condition. I proceeded to search the internet for recalls and found a safety notice on the ABS system. I brought my vehicle into a dealership for service and was told this notice did not pertain to my vehicle. Shortly after this, I was involved in an accident. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10014282, filed 2003-04
  2. Engine cooling

    Cooling fan and accessory drive failure

    • 6 complaints (8%)
    • median 115,055 mi at 6.4 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2001–2004

    Owners describe the cooling fan assembly coming loose or falling off while driving, with broken support bolts, a cracked aluminum housing and a torn fan belt. One complaint mentions the fan coming off a second time after an earlier repair. Another owner reported a timing belt failure that left the vehicle smoking and needing a tow, with the dealer attributing it to the clutch. Most reports cluster between roughly 100,000 and 120,000 miles.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Inspect the fan support, bolts and housing for cracks or repair marks, and check the belt condition and service history for timing belt replacement.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “To start off I was never notified regarding the recall for the timing belt. I just happen to find it myself on the internet doing a search for recalls. I took the vehicle to Isuzu and had 2 of the recalls fixed. (timing bet belt kit and rear axle bolt kit ) this was on feb, 5 2003 at 88803 miles. On april, 30 2004 at 101660 miles I was driving my husband to the airport and the car died at a turn. In the middle of the road numerous attempts to restart the car failed and it was towed to my mechanic. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10068426, filed 2004-05, 101,660 miles

    “Cooling fan assembly support and fan fell off when driving. Cooling fan support broke in half, cooling fan support bolts broke, fan belt tore, parts of the aluminum housings of motor cracked and broke.”

    NHTSA complaint #10058237, filed 2004-02, 115,055 miles
  3. Body and structure

    Rear frame and suspension bracket corrosion

    Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints

    Complaints describe heavy rust in the rear frame that let the rear suspension lower link or trailing arm bracket separate from the frame, in one case allowing the rear axle to move under the vehicle. Owners report loss of rear-end stability while accelerating. Some owners say they were told the vehicle was outside a rear-suspension recall or that the recall had expired, and one had the vehicle refused for repair. Reported from around 100,000 to 173,000 miles, mostly on older vehicles in states where road salt is used.

    Recall 12V306000Recall 00V058000

    What to check: Get underneath and inspect the rear frame rails and lower-link brackets for rust-through or cracks, and check by VIN whether the rear-suspension recalls were completed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My 1998 Isuzu Amigo (which I bought brand new) is no longer drivable. The rear end of the frame is rusted out so bad that the rear suspension lower link detached from the frame. I am told it is not fixable. When I accelerate the back end of the truck has a mind of its own and I can't control it. I don't have a car to drive to work. I have borrowed 4 different cars just to survive.”

    NHTSA complaint #10356044, filed 2010-09, 102,973 miles

    “Rear trailing arms of vehicle ripped off from the frame and caused the rear axle to drive up under the vehicle. Lost control of vehicle and drove into the center median of highway. Failure due to corrosion and insufficient weld of control arm bracket.”

    NHTSA complaint #11343188, filed 2020-08, 166,000 miles
  4. Fuel system

    Stalling when slowing or at idle

    • 6 complaints (8%)
    • median 77,882 mi at 6.5 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
    • filed 1999–2004

    Owners describe the engine dying when slowing for a stop, a turn or an off-ramp, which also drops power steering assist. Complaints mention a leaking intake manifold fitting and a hissing noise from the engine as the diagnosed cause in one case, and a computer calibration issue in another. Some owners report repeated dealer repairs with the stalling returning. Reported from roughly 75,000 to 120,000 miles, typically during deceleration rather than at steady speed.

    What to check: Test-drive with several stops and decelerations from highway speed, listen for hissing under the hood, and ask whether the intake manifold and idle calibration have been checked.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Vehicle keeps stalling when slowing down at stops or while slowing down to make turns. At which point, power steering is impossible and this presents a dangerous situation. Problem was first noticed in 11/2002, recurred in 05/2003, both times, the dealer rectified problem.”

    NHTSA complaint #10062219, filed 2004-03, 77,882 miles

    “Sporadically, from hwy speed of 55 MPH to off ramp, when clutch is fully depressed, engine dies (all dash indicators light up) and RPM goes to zero, resulting is loss of power steering (and probably power brakes). Driver is able to restart engine with clutch in coasting in neutral. Sometimes, engine dies again right away. Car is not out of gas.”

    NHTSA complaint #735173, filed 2000-10

Buying note. These vehicles are now old enough that corrosion and cooling-system condition matter as much as drivability, so inspect the rear frame and fan assembly closely and confirm which recalls and service bulletins were completed. On a test drive, brake firmly over uneven and wet surfaces and check for stalling during deceleration.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 78 consumer complaints for the 1998 Isuzu Amigo. 17 of the complaints include a mileage, and 12% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 95,000 miles. Of all complaints, 13 involved a crash, 9 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 6 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Vehicle speed control (3), Other or unknown (2), Seat belts (2), Suspension (2), Equipment (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Brakes: “Brakes do not function properly during wet weather of when the vehicle hit a pothole. The dealer and manufacturer were contacted and stated that there was nothing that they could do. The consumer has paid over $200.00 to get brakes fixed, and the problem still existed. Currently spent $250 for new rotors. .....”

NHTSA complaint #10014720, filed 2003-03, 2,866 miles

Engine cooling: “Dt: the contact stated there was a knocking sound in the engine. The dealer has not inspected the vehicle to determine the cause of the problem. A local mechanic said the valves were knocking ,and it could possibly be the lifters.”

NHTSA complaint #10142410, filed 2005-11, 53,000 miles

Fuel system: “Engine check light illuminated; mechanic determined a leak in the right side (passenger side) intake manifold (fitting) causing vehicle to stall out whenever slowing down or while idling; also presented dangerous condition when vehicle stalled at approx. 40 MPH exiting on a exit ramp to enter the long island expressway!; I can hear a hissing noise from the engine.”

NHTSA complaint #757430, filed 2002-01

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “When driving on wet pavement and upon making a normal stop, consumer experienced complete brake failure, resulting in extended stopping distance. Cause unknown. Also, gas tank has separated from bottom of vehicle, causing a fuel leakage, sun roof cover doesn't stay intact, and seat belt and gas pedal stick. Consumer has contacted dealer.”

NHTSA complaint #858469, filed 2000-03

Mileage when problems were reported

12% of the 17 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 65,000 and 115,055 miles.

12%0–100%10–250%25–5018%50–7524%75–10035%100–15012%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (17 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 95,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’99’01’0317’05’07’10’13’20
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 1998 Isuzu Amigo version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Amigo 2WD2.2L 4-cyl5-speed manual182220$3,350
Amigo 4WD2.2L 4-cyl5-speed manual182119$3,550
Amigo 4WD3.2L 6-cyl5-speed manual161917$3,950

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 1998 Isuzu Amigo → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 6 on record; the latest 6 are shown.

Other model years of the Isuzu Amigo

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20001045,0001—19—Not enough data
199970107,0002—20Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19987895,0005—20Not compared (before 2008)Falling
19945—2—16—Not enough data
1992691,0700—16—Not enough data
19915—0—18—Not enough data
19905—0—18—Not enough data

All Isuzu Amigo model years

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Isuzu Amigo?

Owners of the 1998 Isuzu Amigo most often describe brake complaints, especially a pedal that travels toward the floor and longer stopping distances when braking over bumps, on wet pavement, or on hills. The issues reported most often: Brake pedal goes to the floor / long stopping distance; Cooling fan and accessory drive failure; Rear frame and suspension bracket corrosion.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 1998 Isuzu Amigo have?

NHTSA recorded 78 consumer complaints for the 1998 Isuzu Amigo as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 1998 Isuzu Amigo is reported most often?

Brakes is named most often, in 22 complaints (28% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 16.

Has the 1998 Isuzu Amigo been recalled?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 1998 Isuzu Amigo get?

The EPA rates the 1998 Isuzu Amigo (Amigo 2WD, 2.2L 4-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 18 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 1998 Isuzu Amigo reported?

Among the 17 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 95,000 miles and the middle half falls between 65,000 and 115,055 miles; 12% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.