1999 Isuzu Amigo Problems
- Complaints
- 70filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 107,000miles, 39 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of 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 1999 Isuzu Amigo (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owner complaints on this model year cluster around two themes: ABS braking problems that owners describe as reduced or failed braking, and rear-frame/suspension corrosion that owners often found during routine maintenance or inspection. Frame and suspension reports mostly appear well past 100,000 miles, while the brake complaints arrive at much lower mileage. Smaller groups of complaints cover fuel gauge/sending unit failures and engine stalling or knocking.
- Brakes
ABS light on, poor or failed braking
- 18 complaints (26%)
- median 48,000 mi at 4.4 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1999–2006
Owners describe the ABS warning light coming on and, in several cases, brakes that felt as if they did not respond at all, a pedal that sank to the floor, grinding noises, or the ABS engaging at low speed on rough or slippery surfaces with a longer stopping distance. Some complaints mention collision damage after the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. Several owners reference an ABS control-module recall, and some report the part was unavailable, that they were asked to pay, or that repairs had not been completed when the problem recurred. Reported from low mileage upward, with many complaints filed within the first several years and under about 75,000 miles.
What to check: Have the ABS light and brake feel checked, confirm whether any ABS-related recall work was completed and documented, and test braking on a rough or wet surface. Ask for service records showing the ABS module's condition.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Pulling into a parking space at low speed I put on the brakes and heard a grinding noise and the brakes failed. I crashed into a concrete wall, causing front-end damage to my car. The body damage was repaired (5/20-6/03/04) and the car was sent to the dealer to diagnose the problem. Dealer stated that they could not find a problem with the brakes (6/02-6/03). The body shop went to pick up the vehicle (6/04) and when the porter drove it to the front, the brakes failed and he crashed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10080525, filed 2004-07, 73,990 miles“When coming to a complete stop, and when applying the brakes the ABS system fails to work properly over a rough surface. Which has almost caused a collision. When taken to the dealership, the foreman tried to explain to me that this is normal for this vehicle. This stikes me as odd since the problem just recently begun. The dealership has done nothing to correct the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #723704, filed 2000-06 - Suspension
Rear frame and suspension bracket corrosion
- 22 complaints (31%)
- median 145,500 mi at 13.2 yrs old (20 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2019
Complaints describe rusted-through rear frame sections and corroded control arm, trailing arm or track bar brackets that cracked, tore away or separated from the frame, sometimes while driving at low speed and causing a temporary loss of control. Owners frequently mention that the frame was found to be badly rusted during an inspection or tire change, and that mechanics described the vehicle as unfit to drive or beyond economical repair. Many reference the rear suspension corrosion recall and report that the notice was never received, that their vehicle was excluded, or that the remedy could not be applied because of the extent of corrosion. Mostly reported between roughly 120,000 and 175,000 miles, on vehicles driven in areas that use road salt.
Recall 12V306000Recall 00V058000
What to check: Inspect the rear frame rails, lower link and track bar brackets closely for flaking paint, scale and holes, ideally on a lift before purchase. Ask whether recall 12V306000 or 00V058000 was performed and keep any paperwork.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving down the road at 30 MPH, with three children ages 2, 8, and 11, in the vehicle the rear suspension gave out n broke thumping along the road, as my steering wheel veered to the right, yet my vehicle remained going straight without being able to be controlled. My mechanic was able to get the car the one mile to my home going at a speed of 5mp or less as there was no wheel control. …”
NHTSA complaint #10479965, filed 2012-10, 144,586 miles“General maintenance update. The Isuzu dealer has applied an anti-rust solvent to lower stabilizer arm brackets according to directions in the recall rememedy requirement. However, the entire length of the car frame is potted with large rust holes. I have had some of the reachable holes welded. I have had additional support brackets welded into the frame to strengthen the badly rotted axle and shock mount points. …”
NHTSA complaint #10523021, filed 2013-07, 155,500 miles - Body and structure
Frame and subframe rust-through
- 17 complaints (24%)
- median 145,500 mi at 12.9 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2014
Owners report frame rails, cross members and the transmission subframe rusting through, with holes and cracks found during routine service or state inspection. Several complaints note that the rest of the vehicle was in good condition but the rust was judged extensive enough that the truck would not pass inspection or was no longer usable. In some cases the rusted frame was welded or reinforced by the owner or an independent shop. Typically reported from about 60,000 to 220,000 miles, most commonly around 120,000 to 160,000 miles.
What to check: Check the full frame length, cross members and subframe mounts for rust holes and previous weld repairs, and ask for a recent inspection report.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Hello I am the owner of a Isuzu Amigo I didn't know about the damage to the undercarriage until after I bought it. 10-7-2012 I brought it to my personal mechanic when I found the damage on 10-24-12. After that, I found out about the recall, and sent the car to a dealer, Isuzu claims the recall has already been taken care of by the previous owner, and the excessive rust and damage is not covered by the recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10485018, filed 2012-11, 135,000 miles“-the contact owns a 1999 Isuzu Amigo. The contact observed when the vehicle was parked the passenger side rear suspension bar was completely rusted. The frame exhibited severe rust and broke in half. The vehicle was inoperative. The manufacturer was notified which there was no resolution. The contact had concern of the safety issue and stated the manufacturer should be responsible for the service repair. The failure mileage was 160,447. Updated 11/16/10.”
NHTSA complaint #10326410, filed 2010-04, 160,447 miles - Engine cooling
Engine stalling, sudden revving or bearing knock
- 8 complaints (11%)
- median 97,000 mi at 7.8 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2001–2008
Owners describe the engine stalling without warning in traffic, sudden revving or lurching forward when stopping or in gear, and in one report rod and main bearing failure producing a heavy knock that left the vehicle undrivable. One owner also reports a timing belt breaking at about 70,000 miles after an earlier replacement and damaging the engine. Dealer responses described in the complaints ranged from no fault found to advising that nothing could be done. Reported from low mileage to about 107,000 miles, with no single clear pattern in the sample.
What to check: Ask for timing belt service records and listen for knocking or rough idle on a test drive; check whether the engine has had any prior stalling or idle complaints diagnosed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My Isuzu Amigo (1999 4wd) stopped dead in traffic while driving with a lot of traffic. I was scared to death and almost hit in multiple directions. The car would not start, would not move, and I had to have it towed on a flatbed truck. I was incredibly traumatized by this incident, and very nearly killed by the semi-truck directly behind me. After contacting multiple persons from Isuzu motors, they assured me that this had happened in most of the engines they had put in this vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10104464, filed 2004-12, 87,000 miles“Since 2 weeks after purchase, we have had the following ongoing problems with this vehicle: the engine surges and revs to over 2,000 rpms suddenly and unexpectedly causing the vehicle to lurch forward, most times when coming to a stop. We must concentrate on keeping our foot securely on the brake in order to keep the vehicle from lunging into the rear of a vehicle ahead or into a crosswalk.”
NHTSA complaint #752751, filed 2001-09 - Fuel system
Fuel gauge or sending unit failure
- 5 complaints (7%)
- median 62,000 mi at 5.2 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2003–2005
Complaints describe the fuel gauge reading incorrectly or erratically — showing full briefly after refueling, then swinging or flashing between empty and full — so owners cannot judge how much fuel remains. A few report the sending unit failing outright and, in one case, fuel injectors failing at relatively low mileage. Some owners say dealer staff described the sending unit problem as common for this model. Reported mostly between roughly 53,000 and 75,000 miles.
What to check: Note the gauge reading before and after a fill-up, and ask whether the fuel sending unit has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Purchased a used 99 Isuzu Amigo v6 4x4, and the fuel gage is not reading correctly. When you fill up it will only read full for about 5 miles then it goes back and forth from empty flashing, to full. When you think it is almost empty and you go to fill it up you usually only get to put in 4-6 gallons then its full again...for the next 5 miles. By my calculations I am only getting 10 miles to the gallon, when I should be getting 17.”
NHTSA complaint #10132959, filed 2005-08, 62,000 miles“1999 Isuzu Amigo. Fuel injectors failing even though vehicle has low milage. I know of another incident with a 1999 Isuzu rodeo with milage in low 30,000. My milage is 53,000. This problem is ~$500 problem. These injectors should last over 100,000 miles”
NHTSA complaint #10050991, filed 2003-12, 53,450 miles
Buying note. The most consequential things to verify on this model year are the rear frame and suspension brackets for corrosion and whether the rear suspension recalls were completed, since rust is hard to reverse. Brake and ABS function deserve a careful test drive plus service records, and the fuel gauge should be checked for erratic readings.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 58 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 70 consumer complaints for the 1999 Isuzu Amigo. 39 of the complaints include a mileage, and 13% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 107,000 miles. Of all complaints, 13 involved a crash, 4 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 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.
- Brakes19 27%
- Suspension17 24%
- Body and structure15 21%
- Engine cooling5 7.1%
- Fuel system5 7.1%
- Vehicle speed control3 4.3%
- Seat belts2 2.9%
- Steering2 2.9%
- Tires2 2.9%
Also reported: Air bags (1), Electrical system (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Consumer received recall 021-002-000, concerning ABS control unit/module failure. The recalled part needed to be replaced since the recall was done. Vehicle did not stop in time, and there was a grinding noise every time brakes were pressed. Grinding noise when braking in gravel bumps on the road or when the road is slippery. Also, stopping distance was extended.”
NHTSA complaint #10057661, filed 2004-03, 48,000 milesSuspension: “Hello, I took my 1999 Isuzu Amigo on august 18, 2012 to my mechanic that has been authorized by Isuzu to diagnose the safety recall issued under the safety recall notice in july (NHTSA campaign id number: 12v306000). The inspection of the area specified under the recall disclosed very little rust and that the minimum service (classified by Isuzu as condition 1) will apply. I was relieved and happy about the news. …”
NHTSA complaint #10471523, filed 2012-08, 154,000 milesBody and structure: “While on the internet I was searching for a dealer for my above listed car and discovered a recall dated last year for states with use of corrosive material in winter which includes nebraska but not listed on recall (which may be because very few Isuzu cars were sold in this state in fact the dealer told me at time of sale I had one of two of 1999 amigos in state rod rodden dealership 84 & f now a kia dealership I called the customer service and spoke with a lady that told me there was nothing they could do because I missed the deadline (even thought I was not notified because I did not live…”
NHTSA complaint #10547428, filed 2013-10, 60,000 milesEngine cooling: “The timing belt broke on the vehicle ruining the entire moto. The timing belt was a recall item and was replaced at around 20000 miles. The belt broke now at 70,000 miles. The vehicle has not been repaired in that it needs an entire motor at a cost of $4000.”
NHTSA complaint #10138933, filed 2005-10, 70,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
13% of the 39 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 62,000 and 146,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1999 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).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amigo 2WD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 22 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Amigo 2WD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 19 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Amigo 4WD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 21 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Amigo 4WD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 19 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Amigo 4WD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 19 | 17 | $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
- 12V306000Jun 29, 2012Suspension › RearCovers: Isuzu Amigo 1998–2001, Rodeo Sport 2002
Isuzu is recalling certain model year 1998-2000 amigo and model year 2001-2002 rodeo sport vehicles, that were originally sold, or are currently registered, in the states of maine, new hampshire, vermont, massachusetts, rhode island, connecticut, new york…
- 00V058000Mar 2, 2000Suspension › RearCovers: Isuzu Amigo 1998–1999, Rodeo 1998–1999, Honda Passport 1998–1999
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Paint was applied unevenly on the rear axles, resulting in insufficient paint hardness. Should this occur on the surface that contacts the rear axle lower link bracket bolt head and/or nut, the nut may loosen.
Recall details for the 1999 Isuzu Amigo → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
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.
- 10237146May 8, 2023Other or unknown. This bulletin outlines the procedures for using the Alpine Exchange Program (the "Exchange Program"). The Exchange Program must be used when any Alpine radio or other component covered by this…
- 10218932Aug 30, 2022Equipment. Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is providing the following procedural recommendations to improve dealer efficiency when submitting Parts Warranty claims. We strongly recommend dealers…
- 10218927Aug 2, 2022Equipment. Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is providing the following procedural recommendations to improve dealer efficiency when submitting Parts Warranty claims. We strongly recommend dealers…
- 10217004Jul 20, 2022Equipment, Engine cooling. The Isuzu Commercial Truck of America (ICTA) Service Technical Assistance Center (TAC) provides diagnostic support to Isuzu dealer technicians repairing Isuzu vehicles in and out of vehicle…
- 10217001Jul 20, 2022Equipment. The following is a list of the Isuzu-recommended Threebond product part numbers identified in the various Isuzu Workshop Manuals and bulletins. If a Threebond product is unavailable, we recommend…
- 10022539Jul 1, 2007Brakes. Rear brake rotors.
Other model years of the Isuzu Amigo
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 10 | 45,000 | 1 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1999 | 70 | 107,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 78 | 95,000 | 5 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 5 | — | 2 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 1992 | 6 | 91,070 | 0 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 1991 | 5 | — | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1990 | 5 | — | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Isuzu Amigo?
Owner complaints on this model year cluster around two themes: ABS braking problems that owners describe as reduced or failed braking, and rear-frame/suspension corrosion that owners often found during routine maintenance or inspection. The issues reported most often: ABS light on, poor or failed braking; Rear frame and suspension bracket corrosion; Frame and subframe rust-through.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1999 Isuzu Amigo have?
NHTSA recorded 70 consumer complaints for the 1999 Isuzu Amigo as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1999 Isuzu Amigo is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 19 complaints (27% of the total), followed by suspension with 17.
Has the 1999 Isuzu Amigo been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1999 Isuzu Amigo get?
The EPA rates the 1999 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 1999 Isuzu Amigo reported?
Among the 39 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 107,000 miles and the middle half falls between 62,000 and 146,000 miles; 13% 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.