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2006 Isuzu Ascender problems

The most common problem on the 2006 Isuzu Ascender is fuel and propulsion system, typically around 72,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Ascender model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
69/100
Owner complaints
32
Recalls
6
Service bulletins
115
Worst area
Fuel system
Fuel economy
15-16mpg

The worst 2006 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.

  • Fuel system
    13
  • Electrical
    9
  • Lights
    4
  • Visibility
    4
  • Driver assistance
    3
  • Engine
    3
  • Transmission
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Steering
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2006 Isuzu Ascender

Fuel gauge 10Check engine light 6

Recalls 6

Exterior lighting: headlightsReported August 14, 2015 · 429,170 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the headlamp driver module (HDM) may overheat and fail, causing the headlamps and daytime running lights to not illuminate.
Risk
Headlamps that do not illuminate reduce the driver's ability to see the roadway and reduce the vehicle's visibility to oncoming vehicles, both of which increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HDM, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300 or Pontiac customer service at 1‑800‑762‑2737. GM's number for this recall is 14291.

Recall number 15V519000 · Recall details

Visibility: power window devices and controlsReported July 2, 2014 · 184,611 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.
Risk
A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the part number on the door module, and install a new door module if necessary, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. An interim letter was mailed to owners in August 2014. A second owner letter will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300 (Buick), 1‑800‑222‑1020 (Chevrolet), 1‑800‑462‑8782 (GMC), 1‑800‑955‑9007 (SAAB), and 1‑800‑255‑6727 (Isuzu). GM's number for this recall is 14309. NOTE: This recall provides a new remedy for all vehicles covered by recall 13V‑248. Vehicles whose modules were modified but not replaced as part of the previous recall remedy must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign.

Recall number 14V404000 · Recall details

Visibility: power window devices and controlsReported June 13, 2013 · 193,652 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.
Risk
A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
Remedy
Owners will be contacted and dealers will test the driver's door module. If the module is functioning properly, a protective coating will be applied. If the module is not functioning properly, it will be replaced. These repairs will be done free of charge. GM will notify Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC owners, Isuzu and Saab will contact their respective owners. The recall began on August 2, 2013. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Chevrolet owners at 1‑866‑694‑6546, GMC owners at 1‑866‑996‑9463, Isuzu owners at 1‑800‑255‑6727, and Saab owners at 1‑800‑955‑9007. GM's campaign number is 12180. This recall is an expansion of recall 12V‑406.

Recall number 13V248000 · Recall details

Visibility: power window devices and controlsReported August 16, 2012 · 278,174 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, SAAB 9-7x, and Isuzu Ascender vehicles, originally sold or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.
Risk
A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
Remedy
Parts for this recall are expected to available in March 2013. GM will notify Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC owners when parts are available. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Chevrolet owners at 1‑866‑694‑6546, and GMC owners at 1‑866‑996‑9463. Isuzu owners will be notified by Isuzu Motors when parts are available. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1‑800‑255‑6727. SAAB owners will be notified by SAAB Cars North America when parts are available and for inquiries, owners may call SAAB customer service at 1‑800‑955‑9007.

Recall number 12V406000 · Recall details

Equipment: other: labelsReported December 7, 2005 · 32,068 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were shipped with tire and loading information labels listing an inacccurate vehicle capacity weight.
Risk
A misprinted label could lead to improper vehicle loading specifications or tire inflation which could result in a tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners will be provided with corrected labels and installation instructions. At the customer's option, a dealer can install the label for them. The recall began on march 31, 2006. Owners may contact buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339, chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463, hummer at 1‑800‑732‑5493, pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668, saturn at 1‑800‑972‑8876, or isuzu at 1‑800‑255‑6727.

Recall number 05V552000 · Recall details

Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connectionsReported October 5, 2005 · 123,592 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with a power steering hose that is not to specification. Under extreme steering maneuvers, such as turning the steering wheel fully to the left or right while braking, the hose may fracture and leak fluid.
Risk
If this were to occur, power steering assist would be lost and increased steering effort would be required. On vehicles equipped with hydro-boost power brakes, it could also result in loss of power brake assist and increased braking effort would be required. If the power steering fluid spray were to spray onto hot engine parts, an engine compartment fire could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the power steering hose(s) for two suspect date codes and replace them if required. The recall will begin on october 14, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463, buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339, isuzu at 1‑800‑255‑6727, or hummer at 1‑800‑732‑5493.

Recall number 05V455000 · Recall details

See all 6 recalls for the 2006 Isuzu Ascender

Defect investigations

Loss of HeadlightsOpened April 24, 2017, closed March 29, 2021

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

Driver's Master Power Window SwitchOpened June 11, 2012, closed June 21, 2013

On August 15, 2012 General Motors (GM) announced a regional recall action (12V‑406) involving model year (MY) 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, Isuzu Ascender and MY2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the salt belt states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. The recall remedy requires the inspection and repair or replacement of the master power window switch, which GM refers to as a driver door module (DDM). At the same time, GM implemented a special coverage program to replace failed DDMs for vehicles registered outside of these states. ODI was not satisfied with GM's exclusion of non-salt belt vehicles and continued its investigation. On June 13, 2013, GM submitted a related recall notification (13V‑248) to reclassify the initial special coverage program into a safety recall for vehicles that were not previously repaired under special coverage.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis EA12-004 on June 11, 2012 to further investigate allegations of DDM thermal incidents in model year (MY) 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. Thermal incidents involve cases where fire-related events such as smoke and melt are present. ODI has received 170 reports alleging a thermal event occurred. Complainants stated that the DDM melted and in some cases produced odor and/or smoke. Fourteen of these incidents led to a fire where visible flames were reported or the damage extended significantly beyond the DDM. In addition to the 170 reports listed above, ODI received 63 reports alleging the DDM acted erratically or became inoperative. In response to ODI's Information Request (IR), GM provided 619 unique consumer complaints that related to the alleged problem. Seventy-seven of those reports led to a fire with flame, and 4 reported injuries of smoke inhalation and/or slight burns from contact with hot switches. GM also submitted 20,400 warranty claims for replacement of the DDM, most of which involved inoperative switches. The problem condition is caused by fluids, such as rain water, entering the driver's door module and subsequently causing corrosion that could result in an electrical short in the printed circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. However, the electrical short may also cause overheating that could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke or in some cases fire with flame. The circuit board was redesigned and GM implemented the new design into vehicle production on May 14, 2007. All failures cited above occurred in vehicles produced before this build date (i.e., with the original design DDM). GM also reported that all MY 2006-2007 GMT360/370 platform vehicles and MY 2005 SAAB 9-7x vehicles utilized the same DDM and therefore ODI expanded the subject population to include these vehicles.This investigation is closed on the basis of GM's announcement of safety recalls 12V‑406 and 13V‑248. The ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference, see the attached list for ODI numbers.

EA12004

Technical service bulletins for the 2006 Isuzu Ascender 115

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 115 bulletins for the 2006 Isuzu Ascender

2006 Isuzu Ascender fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.2L 6‑cylRWD1419-2015-16
5.3L 8‑cylRWD141916
4.2L 6‑cyl4WD1419-2016
5.3L 8‑cyl4WD131815

What 2006 Isuzu Ascender owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 22, 2017 · Visibility · 109,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 isuzu ascender. The contact stated that the windshield wipers failed to shut off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

Filed Sep 9, 2016 · Electrical, Fuel system · 80,000 miles · KS

Fuel gauge does not read correctly due to a bad sensor. Sensor is in fuel tank and estimate to fix is between $600 and $1000. Isuzu admits they have a defective part and would pay to replace if vehicle had less than 120000 miles and less than ten years in service. Vehicle has 80000 miles and ten years and eight months in service. I am original owner.

Filed Aug 24, 2016 · Lights · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 isuzu ascender. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v519000 (exterior lighting). The dealer stated that they were no longer required to provide the recall repair and did not have the tools to provide the repair. The contact was uncertain of when the vehicle would be repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The contact was not experiencing a failure.

Filed Jul 11, 2016 · Driver assistance · TN

My check engine light has been constantly on. I've gotten it checked by 3 different people. I've gotten the same response from each. I was told that I had a misfire, I needed an oil pressure sensor/send unit, oxygen sensor bank1/banka, and that the oil was leaking bad from around the oil pressure sensor. I got the coils changed, spark plugs and wires done, changed the oil pressure and oxygen sensors too. About a couple months after that the light was back on with the low oil pressure warning. The oil was fine so I took it to have a diagnostic done on it and took it for a second opinion and the again needed an oxygen sensor and oil pressure sensor/sending unit. I changed them again and they used threading tape for the oil pressure sensor to stop the leaking of oil. I've spent around $800 so far and 2 months later the light is back on needing the same things, oil pressure sensor and oxygen sensor. I took it to have it checked with a second opinion and was told that maybe it's a defect in the computer system or something electrical that keep taking out those sensors because everything else is working fine. When I start my vehicle up from sitting over night, the engine light comes on and stay on and the low oil pressure warning stays on while idling. When I start diving the low oil pressure warning going off until I stop, then it's back on. I cut the vehicle off if I'm stopped at a traffic light then back on to finish driving. If I drive for about 15 or 20 minutes, the low oil pressure warning stays off until I start it up again the next time. It might be a defect within the system and hope someone will find the cause because to keep getting the same repairs over and over again is expensive. Its $150 just to have the oxygen sensor changed not including the part and the part is $65, and if going to car dealers is double or triple that amount. Problems from 2014 til current

Filed Jan 10, 2016 · Electrical · 149,000 miles · TN

The issue started with my lights staying on. The car was parked in my driveway and turned off completely. My battery was dying and I finally seen that some of my lights outside of the car were not shutting off. I tried manually shutting them off and that did not work. Now my heat and air does not work. I'm sure it has to do with the fuse box under the back driver's side seat. When I went to check the fuses it shorted out when I pulled the cover off. I hope my car does not catch fire next. I do have the issue with my driver door not working. It worked when I first got the car, a couple months later my driver door window worked intermittently. Eventually it stopped working completely. When I called isuzu they told me I had to travel to alabama if I wanted them to fix it. Otherwise I could have a mechanic do it and I would be reimbursed, I just dont have 7-$800 to throw out there.

Filed Sep 27, 2015 · Lights · 85,000 miles · FL

As I was driving with my minor children in the vehicle I noticed that my headlights were not on. I assumed that it may hav been an malfunction in my switch. But upon a very dear and close friend of mine found the info for me on the internet that there had been a recall on my vehicle for this very problem. So not only was me and my family put in harms way but therr has been an out of pocket expense that accrued as well. Also I am more baffled that I wasn't notified of any means that certain actions were and needed 2 b taken in order 2 get the issue resolved. I would like 4 this matter 2 b handled promptly and in a timely manner. As this matter leaves me unable to feel safe 2 drive after a certain time in the p.m. Also I read that there is also an issue with the drivers side control switch which I would like to b taken care of as well. Please make sure that not only I but other customers r made aware of things such as this which could by all means lead 2 something more tragic.

Filed Aug 5, 2015 · Electrical · 45,000 miles · WI

The ignition switch failed while driving. Was at a intersection and light turned green started to pull away and SUV just died. Turning key did nothing, tried several times then started again but when put in gear died again and would not restart. Trouble shooting by gm dealer found defective ignition switch that since not on "recall list" of gm cars with defective ignition switch I had to pay to replace (including troubleshooting time cost and towing)

Filed May 17, 2015 · Electrical · 80,000 miles · TX

The driver's door does not open and it does not lock or unlock. The driver's and passengers windows get stuck. There is ongoing electrical problems in my vehicle and it concerns me for the safety of my children.

Filed Mar 26, 2015 · Lights, Visibility · 79,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 isuzu ascender. The contact stated that after the vehicle was started, the air conditioner and the heater became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. However, the contact replaced the fan relay switch but the failure recurred. The contact mentioned that the relay switch was replaced a second time but the failure persisted. In addition, the contact stated that the headlights and the driver side tail light failed to operate intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,000.

Filed Feb 3, 2015 · Body · 96,000 miles · TX

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 isuzu ascender. The contact stated that the vehicle was rusting in the roof area of the driver side. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

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Questions about the 2006 Isuzu Ascender

Is the 2006 Isuzu Ascender reliable?

Owners have filed 32 complaints about the 2006 Isuzu Ascender, close to a typical Ascender model year.

What is the 2006 Isuzu Ascender year score?

The 2006 Isuzu Ascender scores 69 out of 100 (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 2006 Isuzu Ascender?

Fuel and propulsion system, with 13 complaints, typically around 72,000 miles. Next is electrical (9).

How many recalls does the 2006 Isuzu Ascender have?

6 recalls, covering exterior lighting, visibility and equipment.

What year does the Isuzu Ascender have the most fuel system problems?

The Isuzu Ascender model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2005 (24 complaints), 2004 (17 complaints) and 2006 (13 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2006 Isuzu Ascender get?

Official estimates for the 2006 Isuzu Ascender range from 15 to 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.2L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 14 city and 19-20 highway.

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