2003 Isuzu Ascender Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 26%of 35 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 31,480miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Isuzu Ascender, 26% of the 35 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 31,480 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When you go to put gear selector into park the ignition key gets stuck temporarily on my Isuzu Ascender 2003 . Sometimes I have to wait 1 min or sometimes 10 min. To get the key out .if you listen real close you can here a electronic click .this just started about 2 months ago. I am worried about leaving the vehicle with the key in the ignition. It could be stolen or even car jack.”
NHTSA complaint #10283411, filed 2009-09, 43,000 miles“My husband and I switched vehicles and he drove my vehicle to work. When he came out of work, the vehicle would not start. I called the dealership and had it towed the next day. The problem was diagnosed as a faulty ignition switch. They replaced it a few days ago. Now, it is slow to turn over or I have to turn the switch 2+ times to get it to start. I have an appointment for two days from now. Looking at the envoy and trailblazer records (same vehicle as Ascender), this seems to be a common problem. Are there any plans for a recall?”
NHTSA complaint #10141841, filed 2005-11, 31,480 miles“Service bulletin or recall 2003 Isuzu Ascender. Problem key stuck in the ignition can not remove seems to be normal problem for this make and model . L have been reading through forum complaints on the internet. I am curious if there has been a recall and if not why not. Car could be car jack or stolen by not able to remove the key from the ignition. This has been a intermittent problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10353980, filed 2010-09, 76,000 miles“While driving the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer drove the vehicle off the premises and it stalled. The vehicle had to be towed back to the dealership. The dealer has not been able to determine the cause of the stalling.”
NHTSA complaint #10059342, filed 2004-02, 9,500 miles“The headlights dim 2 - 3 times daily while driving. The day time running light is on when this occurs. On 3 separate occasions headlights totally went out for a short period of time before coming back on. Dealership replaced the ignition switch, alternator, and battery an attempt to correct the failure. However, the failure recurred. Manufacturer refused to do any more repairs unless the dealership was able to duplicate the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10103238, filed 2004-12, 8,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10141371May 23, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about connectivity concerns when connecting an Apple device via USB cord. Technician should…
- 10125106Nov 7, 2017This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle's odometer appears to be inaccurate relative to a known distance traveled…
- 10097132Sep 14, 2016This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an onstar system that will not power up. Technician should turn off the…
- 10114470Apr 17, 2015This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that may have an OnStar system that has progression tones when pressing the blue…
- 10094888Jan 14, 2015This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone…
- 10135337Oct 17, 2014This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that are travelling from Canada to the United States. While in the United States…
- 10112664Dec 13, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles may have a no power or no connect concern. Technician will find that the OnStar…
- 10112528Nov 1, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that during battery parasitic drain test, there may be some confusion as to what…
- 10023774Dec 1, 2007Abs, red brake, svc and 4wd light on, hvac blower inoperative.
- 10023761Dec 1, 2007Dtc c0327 with or without additional dtc's setting. With 4wd.
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Isuzu Ascender
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Isuzu Ascender
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology