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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2003 Isuzu Ascender Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
11%of 35 total for the year
Median mileage
46,475miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Isuzu Ascender, 11% of the 35 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,475 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

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.

“I purchased a 2003 Isuzu Ascender in february 2004. In around march 2006, the transmission begin slipping. At the time there was approximately 74,000 miles on the vehicle, which meant is was still covered under warranty. I was not informed by the dealer at clay cooley motors that the warranty was not transferable. Therefore, I have been stuck with trying to fix the transmission. I contacted the Isuzu company and they could not offer any help and stated that they do not regulate the dealerships that carry and sell their brand vehicle.”

NHTSA complaint #10168141, filed 2006-09, 74,950 miles

“I was driving on 1-88w bound on 2-1-2008, my car started to make squeaking noise and very hard to drive. Luckily, 2 blocks from rt 31 exit, there was a firestone auto care, the mechanic was able to determined that the front axel broke and it is affecting the differential. The car was then towed to Isuzu dealer in elgin the next day.the mechanic from bigger Isuzu called monday, 2-5-07, claiming that the front differential need to be replaced because of lack of gear oil. Cost--$4,800 to be repaired. The car mileage was 77,000 miles. …”

NHTSA complaint #10216879, filed 2008-02

“The 2003 Isuzu Ascender is the same vehicle as a chevrolet trailblazer and gmc envoy. At approximately 51,000 miles and out of warranty. The fan clutch motor had to be replaced. I had to assume full payment to replace it. Now, the truck sounded like the undercarriagewas rattling. Had it to a mechanic, and the mechanic stated that I must have been the sway bar links replaced in the vehicle. Upon further discussion the mechanic determine d that he had to replace them on the trailblazer , and the service manager had to have them replaced on the envoy, both with the same platform. …”

NHTSA complaint #10194827, filed 2007-06

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200626%
200535%
200423%
2003411%

Other parts of the 2003 Isuzu Ascender

Electrical system
9 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsFuel system
6 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 30, 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