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2002 Isuzu Axiom problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Isuzu Axiom is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 89,239 miles. It has 7.3 times the complaints of a typical Axiom model year.

Year to avoid7.3x the typical complaints
Year score
5/100
Owner complaints
124
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
29
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
16mpg

The worst 2002 Isuzu Axiom 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.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Isuzu Axiom

Transmission failure 13Slipping 10Check engine light 7Jerking 7ABS 5Grinding brakes 5Fuel pump 5

Recalls 4

Suspension: rearReported September 22, 2010 · 149,992 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 hampshire, vermont, massachusetts, rhode island, connecticut, new york, new jersey, pennsylvania, delaware, maryland, the district of columbia, west virginia, ohio, indiana, michigan, illinois, wisconsin, minnesota, iowa, missouri, and kentucky. Vehicles that have experienced sustained exposure to highly corrosive materials used in some jurisdictions for road deicing purposes may experience excessive corrosion in the vicinity of the forward mounting point bracket for the left or right rear suspension lower link prior to the time that such corrosion would normally be expected.
Risk
Excessive corrosion may result in the left or right rear suspension lower link bracket becoming detached from the frame, which can affect vehicle handling and potentially cause a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear suspension lower link bracket area. For vehicles in which little or no corrosion is found, the area will be treated with an anti-corrosive compound. For vehicles in which corrosion has damaged the rear suspension lower link bracket and affected its connection to the vehicle frame, a reinforcement bracket will be installed. In the rare event the corrosion is so severe that the reinforcement bracket remedy would not be appropriate, a repurchase offer will be extended to the vehicle's owner. All inspections and remedies will be provided free of charge for vehicles that are 10 years old or less. For vehicles older than 10 years, isuzu will offer a free remedy, but only if the vehicle is presented to an isuzu service facility, or honda dealer (as applicable), dealer within 12 months of when owner notifications were issued. The safety recall began on december 10, 2010. Isuzu owners may contact isuzu at 1‑800‑255‑6727. Honda owners may contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.

Recall number 10V436000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported October 7, 2005 · 15,515 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 of tyler, texas. This recall will be launched for vehicles registered in texas and the four surrounding states: oklahoma, arkansas, new mexico and louisiana.
Risk
A fuel leak could lead to a vehicle fire.
Remedy
For vehicles registered in the states identified above, dealers will provide a new cover over the existing feed port on the fuel pump or, if the existing feed port has already been damaged, dealers will install a new fuel pump that is equipped with the new cover. The new cover will be made of a different material. The recall began on november 25, 2005. Owners may contact isuzu at 1‑800‑255‑6727.

Recall number 05V466000 · Recall details

StructureReported March 24, 2003 · 11,855 vehicles affected
What is wrong
As a result of information obtained from a head impact test conducted by the federal safety agency to evaluate compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 201, "occupant protection in interior impact," isuzu has designed a modification for certain 2002 model year isuzu axiom vehicles. The purpose of this modification is to enhance head impact crash protection for front seat occupants.
Risk
The results of this test indicated a possibility of an increased risk of head injury in a crash.
Remedy
Isuzu will offer owners of the vehicles a free modification of the roof area of the vehicle in which energy absorbing components will be installed. Owner notification began march 11, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact isuzu at 1‑800‑255‑6727. Customers can also contact the federal safety agency's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1‑888‑327‑4236).

Recall number 03V113000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontalReported August 9, 2002 · 15 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
In the event of a crash, the air bag will not inflate properly or sufficiently resulting in an increased risk of injury to the seat occupant.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the passenger side air bag. Owner notification is expected to begin during august or september 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact isuzu at 1‑800‑643‑4070.

Recall number 02V213000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 2002 Isuzu Axiom

Defect investigations

Fuel Tank Retention FailureOpened May 23, 2018, closed March 5, 2020

On April 10, 2018, the federal safety agency received a petition from Mr. Kevin Byrne (the Petitioner) requesting that the Agency ?undertake a defects investigation? of ?rust-related detachment of Isuzu Rodeo fuel tanks? (the federal safety agency ID 11091788). The Petitioner experienced a partial fuel tank detachment in his model year (MY) 2004 Isuzu Rodeo in July 2017. On May 23, 2018, ODI opened DP18-001 to evaluate the Petitioner?s request for a defect investigation. ODI sent information request letters to Isuzu and Honda requesting production, design history and field data related to fuel tank retention failures in MY 2001-2004 Isuzu Rodeo, MY 2002-2004 Isuzu Axiom and MY 2001-2002 Honda Passport vehicles equipped with the same fuel tank shield part number as the Petitioner?s vehicle (the ?subject vehicles?). ODI notes that Isuzu manufactured the subject Passport vehicles for Honda. Isuzu implemented a change to the tank shield corrosion protection system as a running change in early MY 2002 production. Isuzu and Honda sold approximately 172,000 subject vehicles in the United States. Fifty-eight (58) percent of the subject vehicles were produced prior to the shield change (99,000) and 42 percent after the change (73,000).ODI?s analysis of field data identified 19 incidents of partial fuel tank detachments in the subject vehicles. The incidents all occurred in states with high road salt usage in winter months (Salt States) and involved older vehicles beyond 10-years in service. On average, the failures occurred in the vehicle?s 13th year-in-service. Evidence of severe general corrosion in multiple undercarriage components was also noted in 13 of the 19 vehicles that experienced partial fuel tank detachments. None of the incidents resulted in fuel leakage or fire. Aside from the petitioner?s vehicle, ODI has not identified any other incidents of complete or partial fuel tank detachment in the MY 2002-2004 subject vehicles equipped with the modified retention shield.In addition, ODI reviewed 24 the federal safety agency complaints alleging corrosion concerns with the fuel tank retention system in the subject vehicles that did not result in fuel tank detachment. Twenty-three (23) of these complaints involve subject vehicles built prior to the shield change. Like the vehicles reporting fuel tank detachments, these vehicles are also all from Salt States and, in most cases (20 of the 24 complaints), the vehicles also experienced severe corrosion concerns in other undercarriage components. Half (12 of the 24 complaints) of the vehicles show prior accident damage in their service histories.Based on these analyses, ODI has not identified evidence of a defect trend for premature corrosion-related fuel tank detachments in the MY 2004 Isuzu Rodeo or similarly equipped vehicles. The damage that may result in tank retention concerns appears to occur progressively over many years with ample opportunity for detection and repair. Furthermore, ODI has not identified any crashes, fires, injuries, or fuel leaks associated with fuel tank retention failures in a population of vehicles that currently range from 16 to 19 years old.Accordingly, the Agency is denying the petition.A summary of ODI?s analysis of this petition will be published in the Federal Register and is also available in the investigative file for this action.the federal safety agency consumer complaints counted in the closing resume for DP18-001 can be reviewed at under the following ODI identification numbers (VOQs in parentheses denote duplicate records): Allegations of fuel tank retention failure: 11084098 (11091788), 10532845, 10486109. Allegations of fuel tank retention component corrosion: 11138931, 10992150, 10845523,

DP18001

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Isuzu Axiom 29

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

See all 29 bulletins for the 2002 Isuzu Axiom

2002 Isuzu Axiom fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.5L 6‑cylRWD141916
3.5L 6‑cyl4WD141816

What 2002 Isuzu Axiom owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 17, 2026 · Suspension · 100,000 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Axiom. The contact stated that severe corrosion was discovered above the rear tires while the vehicle was raised on a lift. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 10V436000 (Suspension). The contact expressed concern that the extreme corrosion might cause the lower link bracket to detach from the frame. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Sep 24, 2019 · Body, Suspension · 165,941 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 isuzu axiom. While driving 30 MPH, the rear lower axle bracket detached from the frame. The contact stated that the vehicle was wobbling and the service engine and axle warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 165,941.

Filed Jul 24, 2018 · Transmission · 121,000 miles · FL

My 2002 isuzu axiom transmission started slipping within a week I was at a stop sign I went to take off and my car wouldn't drive it went in reverse but not forward if I hit 'winter mode' it will bypass first gear and drive in second and third but not in first.... Once I come to a stop it comes out of winter mode and then I have to shut the car off and restart it and put it in winter mode all over again..... This transmission needs to be recalled and fixed free of charge...... This is a common issue with this transmission.. It's not fair to customers who have this SUV and these common issues happen and where now responsible for fixing it... Not fair my SUV is now just sitting in my driveway they don't make these transmissions or parts for them I've gone to advanced I've looked online it will cost thousands of dollars for a new transmission plus labor or the simple fix is a solenoid but guess what you cant find the part.... We should not be held responsible please help us fix our SUV I love my SUV and miss driving it help us!!!!!! I need my car to work and I've been out of work bc I have no vehicle please help... Sincerely, a single mom.

Filed Apr 16, 2018 · Transmission · 47,000 miles · FL

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. '

Filed Apr 14, 2017 · Brakes, Fuel system · 102,001 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 isuzu axiom. While driving at an unknown speed, the brakes failed to respond when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact had to pull the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump, sensor, and brake line needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 102,001.

Filed Feb 22, 2017 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 isuzu axiom. While acceletating from a stop and driving up a small incline, the vehicle stalled and the check engine and check transmission warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had difficulty shifting from first and second gears. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired as the contact wanted a second opinion. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Sep 2, 2016 · Brakes, Engine · 85,000 miles · FL

I have a 2002 isuzu axiom with 84,000 miles. The transmission is slipping. Apparently this is a defect that many, many owners are experiencing or have experienced. This defect needs to be recalled and fixed by the manufacturer not to mention other issues with the power windows, check engine lights, starter failing to start right away

Filed May 25, 2016 · Body · 114,000 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 isuzu axiom. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the dealer for a recall repair on the rear suspension. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for scheduled maintenance. The mechanic informed the contact that the subframe was severely corroded and fractured in the rear. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000. Updated 4/5/2017

Filed Jul 15, 2015 · Suspension · WI

2002 isuzu axiom. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle frame connection to the rear drive rusted off and consumer states unsatisfactory customer service from company representative with negotiating vehicle fair market value. *smd the consumer was informed the vehicle could not be fixed.

Filed Jan 28, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 106,330 miles · WA

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 isuzu axiom. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the engine stalled and the check transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was merged to the side of the road. The vehicle was unable to be restarted and was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician was unable to replicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,330. Updated 4/13/15

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Questions about the 2002 Isuzu Axiom

Is the 2002 Isuzu Axiom reliable?

Owners have filed 124 complaints about the 2002 Isuzu Axiom, 7.3 times a typical Axiom model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2002 Isuzu Axiom year score?

The 2002 Isuzu Axiom scores 5 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Isuzu Axiom: 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 2002 Isuzu Axiom?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 35 complaints, typically around 89,239 miles. Next is body (31).

How many recalls does the 2002 Isuzu Axiom have?

4 recalls, covering suspension, fuel system, gasoline and structure.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Isuzu Axiom get?

Official estimates for the 2002 Isuzu Axiom range from 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 14 city and 19 highway.

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