The gauge cluster is malfunctioning
The worst 2004 Isuzu Ascender problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical34
- Fuel system17
- Engine6
- Lights6
- Visibility4
- Brakes3
- Seat belts3
- Body2
- Tires2
- Transmission2
- Acceleration1
- Airbags1
- Locks1
- Steering1
- Suspension1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Isuzu Ascender
Recalls 1
Exterior lighting: turn signal
- What is wrong
- On certain trucks and sport utility vehicles, the driver wishing to signal a turn by moving the directional signal lever, (up or down) may cause the front marker/turn lights and rear turn lights to flash in a manner similar to hazard warning, rather than flashing on the desired side only.
- Risk
- The driver may not be able to clearly signal their intentions to turn, change travel lanes, or potentially warn others of an impaired vehicle operating condition increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the suspect flasher modules with a new flasher module designed with sealed relays and more durable contact material inside of the relays free of charge. The recall began on august 4, 2005. Isuzu began mailing owner letters on august 4, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463, isuzu at 1‑800‑255‑6727, buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, and oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537.
Recall number 05V198000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 2004 Isuzu Ascender
Defect investigations
Loss of Headlights
The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at under the identification numbers in the attached document.
RQ17002
Fuel pump module leaks gasoline
During the course of this ea investigation, odi observed that the majority of the complaints (88%) and warranty claims (94%) were reported for vehicles that are registered for use in the salt belt region of the us.this area includes 20 states in the northeast, mid atlantic and the midwest regions and the district of columbia.consumers in the salt belt region reported to odi that they could smell fuel vapors in their vehicles while driving.upon further examination of their vehicles, they discovered that fuel vapors were coming out of the top of the fuel tank. This condition is caused by corrosion of the return and sender lines of the fuel pump module.water and road salt collect on top of the fuel pump leading to small pinholes appearing on the fuel lines.fuel may leak and collect on top of the module and/or spill onto the ground.the data evaluated under this investigation reflect a relatively low frequency of occurrence that largely arises in salt belt states.gm has extended the warranty on the subject component to ten years or 120,000 miles.further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted at this time; accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.for additional information select document search.
EA07009
Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Isuzu Ascender 175
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This bulletin outlines the procedures for using the Alpine Exchange Program (the "Exchange Program"). The...
- Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is providing the following procedural recommendations to...
- The following is a list of the Isuzu-recommended Threebond product part numbers identified in the various...
- The Isuzu Commercial Truck of America (ICTA) Service Technical Assistance Center (TAC) provides diagnostic...
- This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure...
- This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake...
- This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for...
- This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in...
- This preliminary information document communicates a tip on the way to diagnose possible induction or...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about being unable to...
2004 Isuzu Ascender fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2L 6‑cyl | RWD | 13-14 | 18-19 | 15-16 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 18 | 16 |
| 4.2L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 14 | 19 | 16 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 13 | 17 | 14 |
What 2004 Isuzu Ascender owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The low beams on my headlights will go out without warning while driving at night. My daytime running lights also will turn off without warning and turn back on but this is not as much of a safety issue as when it happens during nighttime driving. Sometimes my headlights will not work from the moment I start my car but most of the time they shut off during driving. I can switch the headlights to high beams and they typically work fine. Only once have I had both high and low beams out at the same time. When that happened I parked my car and let it sit. When I started my car after about 30 min to an hour both high and low beams were working again. My headlights will go out while I'm driving in the city, in the countryside, on the highway or on residential streets, after driving for a while or even when I first start my vehicle after it had been sitting for several hours. The reason for my headlights spontaneously going out is unknown. The part that causing the problem is unknown. It does, however, seem to be very similar to issues that has caused gm to do a recall on other gm vehicles which includes 2006-2009 (?) isuzu ascenders but does not include my 2004 isuzu ascender. The first time that I experienced this was back in january 2017. The last time that I experienced this was last night, may 4, 2017.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 isuzu ascender. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle decelerated without warning. The failure occurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the bank one sensor was running rich and the bank two sensor was running lean. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
Recall has been issued on faulty gas tank. Had car inspected by isuzu facility 2/4/16 and new part(s) ordered. Cannot get any information as to when part will be in and my car repaired. In the meantime, driving with faulty, gas-leaking, probably dangerous car. Gm apparently not communicating with isuzu and parts not getting produced.
While driving my cars brakelight came on and the car started to accelerate faster and faster. Pullled over as soon as I could and stopped the car and turned the engine off. The check gauges warning light comes on even when the car is sitting idle or when I pull up and stop at a red light it comes on.
Fuel tank has leaking seals, which is causing fuel to leak and the smell of fuel into cabin area of vehicle and vehicle rejected during state inspection. Part not available until after may.took it to repair facility, was told it was unsafe to drive then was told to come pick up the vehicle. Isuzu unwilling to offer any assistance
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 isuzu ascender. After stopping the vehicle, the contact was unable to shift gears and the ignition key failed to remove from the ignition. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Had auto towed to midas after inability to start, attempted jump start, unsuccessful. Battery replaced on 12/28/15. Drove auto next several days and on 12/30/15 drove to pick up my husband, shut off car in park. Unable to start vehicle again, keys could not be removed. Keys were in lock position in battery mode, able to turn to engine on but not turnover. Battery running all lights. Had auto towed again to midas but unable to diagnose. Spoke with auto shop and given this info to check recall for this vehicle. Vin [xxx]. 2004 isuzu ascender. Will require another tow to different facility for diagnostics plus more fees for repairs,towing. Auto was in park on side street 4pm 12/30/15 after driving vehicle all day. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Car paid is pilling off we paint this car 3 times and a thoses the samething all clear paint whit in 3-5 month start to come off can any body tell me is gm had a recal for this
Cluster panel does not work. The low beam lights have stopped working regularly whether stationary or driving.. They work intermittently causing the use of high beams. It has become a night time driving safety issue. Car will turn off in the middle of driving causing my daughter to have to pull over for safety.
Compare the 2004 Isuzu Ascender
Other model years
Questions about the 2004 Isuzu Ascender
Is the 2004 Isuzu Ascender reliable?
Owners have filed 64 complaints about the 2004 Isuzu Ascender, 1.8 times a typical Ascender model year.
What is the 2004 Isuzu Ascender year score?
The 2004 Isuzu Ascender scores 53 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Isuzu Ascender: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Isuzu Ascender?
Electrical system, with 34 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles. Next is fuel system (17).
How many recalls does the 2004 Isuzu Ascender have?
1 recall, covering exterior lighting.
What year does the Isuzu Ascender have the most electrical problems?
The Isuzu Ascender model years with the most electrical complaints are 2004 (34 complaints) and 2005 (27 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Isuzu Ascender get?
Official estimates for the 2004 Isuzu Ascender range from 14 to 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.2L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 13-14 city and 18-19 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2004 Isuzu Ascender?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history