The worst 2008 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.
Recalls 1
Exterior lighting: headlights
- 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
See all 1 recalls for the 2008 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
Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Isuzu Ascender 68
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 Bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for...
- Electrical system
- Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
- Engine and engine cooling
- Engine and engine cooling
2008 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 | 14 | 20 | 16 |
| 4.2L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 14 | 20 | 16 |
Compare the 2008 Isuzu Ascender
Other model years
Questions about the 2008 Isuzu Ascender
Is the 2008 Isuzu Ascender reliable?
Owners have filed 0 complaints about the 2008 Isuzu Ascender.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Isuzu Ascender?
There are not enough complaints to tell.
How many recalls does the 2008 Isuzu Ascender have?
1 recall, covering exterior lighting.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Isuzu Ascender get?
Official estimates for the 2008 Isuzu Ascender range from 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.2L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 14 city and 20 highway.
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