2002 Isuzu Axiom Problems
- Complaints
- 124filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles, 89 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns 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
- 16 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl RWD · 14 city / 19 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 Isuzu Axiom (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2002 Isuzu Axiom most often write about a transmission that slips or fails to engage gears, and about severe rear-frame corrosion that has left some vehicles unusable. Brake vibration and grinding, often at low mileage, is also a recurring theme in the sampled complaints. Reports are spread across a wide mileage range, from nearly new to well past 150,000 miles.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slipping or failing to engage gears
- 32 complaints (26%)
- median 89,619 mi at 8.7 yrs old (26 state mileage)
- filed 2002–2018
Owners describe the automatic transmission slipping, shuddering, or refusing to move out of first gear, sometimes accompanied by a check transmission light. Several report rebuilds or replacements, with some saying the problem returned after repair. A few mention stalling or loss of drive while accelerating from a stop or climbing a grade. Reported from roughly 36,000 miles up to about 165,000 miles, with several cases between 80,000 and 120,000 miles.
What to check: Drive the vehicle from cold and check for delayed or harsh engagement, slipping between gears, and any check transmission light. Ask whether the transmission has been rebuilt or replaced, and request service records.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I recently bought a used 2002 Isuzu Axiom (january 2010) and the transmission has already gone out. I was riding down the road and it just went out. I am the second owner for this automobile and I don't understand why the transmission is already gone. From doing my research I am not the only one having this problem there are hundreds of others.”
NHTSA complaint #10326433, filed 2010-04, 200,000 miles“I get my Isuzu Axiom 2002 in april of 2009 and now for the past few days everytime I put my car on drive it would make a loud noise and when I put it on park.everything has been done to my car but now the transmission feels like its always on neutral and other people with the same car tell me they have the same transmission problem what can I do to get this fix...”
NHTSA complaint #10343690, filed 2010-07, 130,200 miles - Body and structure
Rear frame corrosion at suspension mounts
- 27 complaints (22%)
- median 101,000 mi at 8.8 yrs old (23 state mileage)
- filed 2009–2016
Complaints describe heavy rust on the rear frame around the axle and suspension brackets, in some cases found during inspection or after a clunking or scraping noise. Several owners report a trailing arm, control arm, or lower link bracket separating from the frame, and mechanics describing the frame as too corroded to repair. Some mention that a prior recall repair did not stop the corrosion from progressing. Mostly reported between about 42,000 and 165,000 miles, often on vehicles in states with road salt use; some found during routine inspection.
What to check: Have the rear frame and suspension mounting points inspected from below for perforation or flaking rust before buying. Ask whether recall 10V436000 was performed and in which state the vehicle has been registered and driven.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My mother owns a 2002 Isuzu, Axiom, she bought new in 2003. She went to get it inspected today and they told her the frame was rusted so bad they couldn't pass it. She only has 42,000 miles on this vehicle which is in excellent shape otherwise. The manufacturer is not standing behind this even though it is a safety hazard on the road. We are unsure whether we can get it fixed. What kind of recourse do we have?”
NHTSA complaint #10278125, filed 2009-07, 42,000 miles“Noticed a severe drag on my 2002 Isuzu Axiom when going down hill. I took into repair shop only to find out the frame was completely rusted out by the rear stabilize on drivers side. I guess the twist on rear axle was applying pull on the emergency brake cable causing the drag. Thank god it didn't break while my family was driving. Car has been garage kept and only has 72000 miles. ( we are the original owner's).”
NHTSA complaint #10342978, filed 2010-07, 72,000 miles - Brakes
Brake vibration, grinding, and long stopping distance
- 22 complaints (18%)
- median 21,000 mi at 3.0 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2002–2017
Owners describe vibration or shuddering through the pedal when braking, often starting at low speed, along with grinding noises and a soft or fading pedal. Some say dealers could not duplicate the concern, while others were told the rotors were warped or replaced pads and bearings without resolving it. A few report the pedal going to the floor or the vehicle continuing to move while the brakes were applied. Often reported at low mileage, from a few thousand up to about 40,000 miles, and recurring after repairs.
What to check: Test braking from moderate speed on a straight road and feel for pedal pulsing or grinding. Ask for brake service records, including rotor and pad replacement, and have the front brakes and ABS warning light checked.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I own a 2002 Isuzu Axiom as of april 2009 and I am having all type of problems such as:my gas meter is not working took it to a mechanic he fixed the gas tank and in about one month it stop working again, the ABS light stays on,the ignition keep over turning as you turn on the vehicle,the truck leaks when it rains,the brakes locks and make me slide when stopping. The mechanic tried to fix all said problems and with in a months time the problem comes back.”
NHTSA complaint #10410168, filed 2011-07, 85,000 miles“Brakes - while applying the brakes at high or low speeds there is a terrible vibration and grinding sound from the vehicle. It feels as if I am sliding on loose gravel and the vehicle does not stop properly. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership and they claim to be unable to duplicate the problem. I have asked about other complaints about this or if there has been a recall and the answer was no. I can say that I am not happy with the quality or performance of this Isuzu product.”
NHTSA complaint #10144203, filed 2005-12, 7,550 miles - Suspension
Front-end vibration and unstable handling
- 18 complaints (15%)
- median 34,846 mi at 2.8 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2002–2006
Complaints describe front-end vibration that persisted after tire replacement and balancing, along with wandering or unstable behavior over bumps. Some owners mention hub or bearing noise and a general feeling that the vehicle does not track steadily. Reported between roughly 31,000 and 108,000 miles, sometimes after tire or wheel work.
What to check: Drive over uneven pavement and at highway speed to check for vibration or wander, and have the front hubs, bearings, and tires inspected for wear and correct pressure.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Prior day before the brake, I had noticed a swaying/swinging in rear end of my car while out running errands. I thought it was just bad road or I had changed lanes not well. Didn't drive it the next day. Saturday morning I was enroute to pickup the grandkids to attend a free kids home depot workshop, I left my home and turned 1 block left to travel the route I normal take to their home. I go up a l hill and after I crest the hill I hear this loud clank noise. …”
NHTSA complaint #10639625, filed 2014-09, 108,408 miles“Vibrations in the front end. I have replaced the tires and had them balanced 3 times. I also had them replace the tires again. Front hubs were leaking and they said this was normal. This truck is not stable.”
NHTSA complaint #10137281, filed 2005-09, 68,000 miles - Engine cooling
Sudden acceleration or lurching when braking
- 11 complaints (9%)
- median 10,000 mi at 1.7 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2002–2011
A number of owners describe the engine revving or the vehicle lurching forward or backward while the brake pedal was applied, in some cases at low speed or when shifting into reverse. Reported dealer responses include replacing spark plugs and cylinders, which owners say did not resolve the behavior. Reported from very low mileage up to about 102,000 miles, often at parking-lot or stop-sign speeds.
What to check: During a test drive, check that idle speed is steady when stopped in gear and that the pedal does not feel like it pushes back. Ask whether the throttle body, idle control, or engine management has been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was involved in a collision, where the gas pedal was stuck and the brakes did not function properly. There were not any road conditions that should have prevented this vehicle from standing still. I was at a stop sign and the vehicle took off hitting a another vehicle in the side body. I have called the dealer and Isuzu and no one seems to be concerned about a brand new car crashing, malfunctioning injuring me and my grand daughter. …”
NHTSA complaint #10069991, filed 2004-01, 10,000 miles“1. 8,000 miles to current brakes intermittently fail when traveling at 30+ MPH. When the brakes are depressed the vehicle lunges forward. 2. Passenger side seat belt intermittently only allows retraction regardless of the brakes are depressed or not. 3. 46,539 miles fuel gauge shows 1/2 tank onboard computer shows low fuel and fuel light illuminates. Dealer replaced fuel pump assembly. Problem corrected. 4. …”
NHTSA complaint #10093491, filed 2004-10, 57,485 miles
Buying note. This model year is old enough that frame corrosion and transmission history matter more than mileage, so a pre-purchase inspection on a lift is worth the cost. Request records for recall 10V436000 and any transmission work before deciding.
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 124 consumer complaints for the 2002 Isuzu Axiom. 89 of the complaints include a mileage, and 35% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 80,000 miles. Of all complaints, 13 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 7 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.
- Body and structure31 25%
- Brakes28 23%
- Suspension22 18%
- Engine cooling9 7.3%
- Fuel system9 7.3%
- Tires8 6.5%
- Electrical system6 4.8%
- Equipment6 4.8%
- Air bags5 4.0%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (5), Other or unknown (4), Steering (4), Seat belts (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Engine (2), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Seats (2), Electronic stability control (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “My 2002 Isuzu Axiom has 47,000 gentle miles on it and the transmission began to slip. Within a week of that starting it completely stopped shifting out of 1st gear. This is a commonly reported issue and from what my mechanic has said 'it's just a poor piece of equipment. '”
NHTSA complaint #11088455, filed 2018-04, 47,000 milesBody and structure: “2002 Isuzu Axiom. 85k miles. Same frame as Isuzu rodeo/honda passport driving down the highway the road car started to grind. Upon pulling over I discovered that the drivers-side rear traction bar had completely rusted off the frame. The frame was so rusted that I don't know if there will be anyway to repair the car into functional operation.”
NHTSA complaint #10274556, filed 2009-06, 85,000 milesBrakes: “Extreme vibration while coming to a stop. Starts around 15-20 MPH and continues as long as the brakes are depressed. Normally I hear (feel) it and pump the brakes to try and make it stop. Problem has occurred since we purchased new in 2001 and continues to happen today. I have had it checked by the dealership and other mechanics. It does not appear to affect the actual braking but I don't think it is normal. I have replaced the brake pads in the front. Did not help. Local dealership no longer sells/services Isuzu.”
NHTSA complaint #10159080, filed 2006-06, 4,000 milesSuspension: “I have a 2002 Isuzu Axiom mileage 101,000.. While driving I hit a pot hole - the family heard a weird sound. We pulled over and noticed the passenger rear control arm had broken away from the frame. I took the vehicle to a welding shop to have it repaired. The welding shop called me after putting the vehicle in the air that the frame was totally rotted away.. Some places of the frame you can put your hand thru the bottom and some places thru the top of the frame. There are other places that can not be repaired do to side rot of the frame.. …”
NHTSA complaint #10324585, filed 2010-04, 101,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
35% of the 89 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 39,000 and 110,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Isuzu Axiom. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axiom · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | 3 |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2002 Isuzu Axiom 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axiom 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Axiom 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 18 | 16 | $4,200 |
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
- 10V436000Sep 22, 2010Suspension › RearCovers: Isuzu Axiom 2002, Rodeo 1998–2002, Honda Passport 1998–2002
Isuzu is recalling certain model year 1998-2002 isuzu rodeo and model year 2002 isuzu axiom vehicles, and honda is recalling certain 1998-2002 honda passport vehicles, that were originally sold, or are currently registered, in the states of maine, new…
- 05V466000Oct 7, 2005Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Isuzu Axiom 2002–2004, Rodeo 2002–2004, Rodeo Sport 2002–2003 +1 more
Certain sport utility vehicles that have been exposed to fuel contaminated with silicon may develop small pin holes in the fuel pump feed port. Silicon has been identified in the fuel systems of affected vehicles and in certain fuel available in the region…
- 03V113000Mar 24, 2003Body and structureCovers: Isuzu Axiom 2002
As a result of information obtained from a head impact test conducted by the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) to evaluate compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 201, "occupant protection in interior impact," isuzu has…
- 02V213000Aug 9, 2002Air bags › FrontalCovers: Isuzu Axiom 2002, Rodeo 2000–2001
On certain sport utility vehicles, the passenger-side air bag inflator modules were manufactured and shipped without a necessary component known as a check valve pin.
Recall details for the 2002 Isuzu Axiom → · 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. 7 on record; the latest 7 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.
- 10015817May 1, 2005Transmission and drivetrain. Shift lock solenoid removal and replacement procedures. *tt 2002-2004 isuzu axiom (up), 198-2004 rodeo (ue) and 1998-2004 rodeo sport. Update
Other model years of the Isuzu Axiom
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 17 | 60,000 | 2 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 2003 | 16 | 104,500 | 3 | — | 16 | — | Falling |
| 2002 | 124 | 80,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Isuzu Axiom?
Owners of the 2002 Isuzu Axiom most often write about a transmission that slips or fails to engage gears, and about severe rear-frame corrosion that has left some vehicles unusable. The issues reported most often: Transmission slipping or failing to engage gears; Rear frame corrosion at suspension mounts; Brake vibration, grinding, and long stopping distance.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Isuzu Axiom have?
NHTSA recorded 124 consumer complaints for the 2002 Isuzu Axiom as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 Isuzu Axiom is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 35 complaints (28% of the total), followed by body and structure with 31.
Has the 2002 Isuzu Axiom been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Isuzu Axiom get?
The EPA rates the 2002 Isuzu Axiom (Axiom 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 14 city and 19 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 Isuzu Axiom reported?
Among the 89 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 80,000 miles and the middle half falls between 39,000 and 110,000 miles; 35% 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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.