1998 Isuzu Trooper Problems
- Complaints
- 42filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 52,500miles, 16 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns 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
- 15 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl 4WD/AWD · 13 city / 18 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 Isuzu Trooper (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 42 consumer complaints for the 1998 Isuzu Trooper. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 19 complaints (45% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (6) and tires (4). 16 of the complaints include a mileage, and 38% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 52,500 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 6 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign filed under the same part.
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.
- Engine cooling19 45%
- Tires4 9.5%
- Vehicle speed control4 9.5%
- Brakes3 7.1%
- Electrical system3 7.1%
- Air bags2 4.8%
- Fuel system2 4.8%
- Interior lighting1 2.4%
Also reported: Other or unknown (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “I ahve a 1998 Isuzu Trooper. 3.5 v6. I used 1qt of oil every 500 miles. Isuzu statse this is within specs. I disagree. Several others have had the same problem as well as engines completely needed replacement. Please help in making Isuzu of north america own up to this flawed engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10181232, filed 2007-01, 82,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “When idling the vehicle is idling very high. Also the check engine light is coming on, and while driving the vehicle as you start to let off the accelerator, the vehicle jerks you, almost to the point of getting whiplash. We have had in the shop at least 3-4 times and lots of times for a week at a time. We were told that the check engine light was due to the gas cap, they replaced that, 2 days later it was back on. They also said it was the fuel sensor, replaced that and its still acting as though its not getting enough gas. …”
NHTSA complaint #10368262, filed 2010-11, 86,444 milesTires: “As I was driving on I-95 heading north from florida to virginia. My bf goodrich long trail ta experienced tread separation. There were no injuries as I was able to control and stop the car, but there was damage to the underside of my car.”
NHTSA complaint #10018489, filed 2003-05, 12,000 milesVehicle speed control: “The contact owns a 1998 Isuzu Trooper. The contact stated that the vehicle independently accelerated when shifting from park into any other gear without warning. Also, the rpms increased and the contact had to apply force to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. An unknown dealer that was no longer in business was contacted. The dealer retained the vehicle for more than two weeks, but they were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was also taken to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11190034, filed 2019-03, 30,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
38% of the 16 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 34,594 and 74,000 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 1998 Isuzu Trooper 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trooper 4WD/AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Trooper 4WD/AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 14 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
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
- 98V180000Aug 3, 1998Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)Covers: Isuzu Trooper 1998, Acura SLX 1998
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The transfer gearbox flange nuts were not properly installed, causing the nuts to loosen.
Recall details for the 1998 Isuzu Trooper → · 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…
- 10137901May 9, 2014Fuel system. This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
Other model years of the Isuzu Trooper
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 12 | 47,000 | 0 | — | 15 | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 29 | 80,000 | 1 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 49 | 70,550 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 81 | 71,500 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 42 | 52,500 | 1 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 13 | 65,000 | 2 | — | 15 | — | Not enough data |
| 1996 | 51 | 118,500 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 54 | 118,000 | 1 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 47 | 85,150 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1993 | 33 | 22,300 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1992 | 25 | 179,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 57 | 135,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 23 | 130,000 | 2 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 16 | — | 0 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 17 | — | 1 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 6 | — | 2 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 18 | 226,000 | 1 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
All Isuzu Trooper model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1998 Isuzu Trooper have?
NHTSA recorded 42 consumer complaints for the 1998 Isuzu Trooper as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1998 Isuzu Trooper is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 19 complaints (45% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 6.
Has the 1998 Isuzu Trooper been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1998 Isuzu Trooper get?
The EPA rates the 1998 Isuzu Trooper (Trooper, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 15 mpg combined, 13 city and 18 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,450 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1998 Isuzu Trooper reported?
Among the 16 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 52,500 miles and the middle half falls between 34,594 and 74,000 miles; 38% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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.