While driving on a city street, vehicle completely lost power and came to a complete stop blocking traffic. Shop ultimately diagnosed the problem as the bolt holding the crankshaft sheared off, destroying an engine head in the process. This shop specializes in working with japanese engines and said "there are reports of this happening all over the country" with this make/model/year. Shop said the bolt isn't of high enough quality to support long-term use and now recommends replacing the bolt every 80,000 miles. Total repair cost more than $2000.
The worst 2004 Isuzu Axiom problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine13
- Fuel system4
- Electrical3
- Transmission2
- Body1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine13
- Fuel system4
- Electrical3
- Transmission2
- Body1
- Brakes1
- Suspension1
Trouble codes owners of the 2004 Isuzu Axiom mention
P0602 2
Recalls 2
Suspension: rear
- What is wrong
- Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc (Isuzu) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Rodeo and Axiom, and 2003 Rodeo Sport vehicles that were originally sold in, or are currently registered in, 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, Kentucky and Missouri. These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion near the forward mounting point bracket for the left or right rear suspension lower link.
- Risk
- The corrosion may allow the bracket to detach from the frame, impacting vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Isuzu will notify owners, and 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 event the corrosion is so severe that the reinforcement bracket remedy would not be sufficient, Isuzu will offer to repurchase the vehicle for an amount based on the Kelley Blue Book "Private Party" price. 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 dealer within 12 months of when owner notifications were issued, after that time owners will be charged for the repairs. The recall is expected to begin in mid-December 2013. Isuzu owners may contact Isuzu at 1‑800‑255‑6727.
Recall number 13V547000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- 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
See all 2 recalls for the 2004 Isuzu Axiom
Defect investigations
Fuel Tank Retention Failure
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 2004 Isuzu Axiom 15
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...
- Isuzu: due to a late change to ECU calibration, a special policy adjustment has been issued for my 2004...
- Rear brake rotors
- Fuel injection cleaning procedure for 3.5L direct injection engine
- Shift lock solenoid removal and replacement procedures
- Immobilizer system overview
- Isuzu immobilizer system overview
2004 Isuzu Axiom 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | RWD | 16 | 22 | 18 |
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 15 | 20 | 17 |
What 2004 Isuzu Axiom owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I own 2004 isuzu axiom 3.5l with 94,000 plus miles. On 6/01/15 I was driving my vehicle and I noticed that the car seemed like it had to heavy. The vehicle starts and runs but very low power. There is a 'reduced power" warning on the dashboard . I checked it over and noticed that the gasoline tank is wet with fuel coming out from the top of tank in the fuel pump area. Now I am sure that I have fuel pump leaking I found out this 2004 isuzu axiom recall: service bulletin number: 05v466000 report date: oct 07, 2005component: fuel system, gasoline potential units affected: 15515 manufacturer: isuzu manufacturing services of america summary: 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 fuel system. Consequence: a fuel leak could lead to a vehicle fire I really want to avoid possible legal consequences and get my car fixed. Please advise
Car was diagnosed code p0602 ECM programming error. Vehicle died in hwy in minutes, all lights suddenly came "on" check engine, transmission, reduced power and car is dead. Thanks god no cars around me on busy hwy. Paid $$$$ for towing.
The car was being pulled into the garage and the brake had been applied. The engine accelerated uncontrollably and the car sped up hitting the main support for the house and damaging the vehicle.
Pcm or powertrain control module error. Obd2 code p0602. As a result was shut off vehicle's all power, all dash light icons were on suddenly. First ABS and then air bag, brake, battery, check engine etc. Vehicle was died in seconds right in the middle of busy highway I-80!! It was horrible. No problem was occurred before. Isuzu company has to be responsible for this. Full maintenance for this car was performed on time as required via isuzu axiom manual. I have all records. Several mechanics told me that all isuzus have a similar problem with powertrain control module.
About 1 1/2 yrs ago the check engine came on in my 04 axiom. I took to the shop and they said it was misfiring. I had the spark plugs replaced, and the problem was not fixed. We then replaced 2 of the coils, then the spark plugs again, with no luck. I have experienced loss of power when pulling out from a stop sign, resulting in several close calls for accidents. Throughout all of this I have also found oil spots behind my exhaust when the vehicle idles, and I go through almost 3 qts of oil a week! The engine has been knocking for well over a year, and while I've had 4 mechanics look at it , nobody has been able to solve this problem. I have to let the vehicle run for 10 minutes before driving to try and avoid the engine stalling, and I still have some problems with it stalling. This has become a very expensive and dangerous problem with no apparent end in sight. If I wasn't upside down on the loan I would have gotten rid of it by now. I have found many articles online regarding the oil consumption and engine stalling problems. I can't believe this vehicle has not been recalled.
Why were the last two years of production(2003-2004) of these vehicles not recalled to be treated to slow rusting components in the undercarriage/frame on all isuzu rodeos, honda passports and isuzu axioms. Although a limited production, the final two years are still going to fail from salt/chemical contamination. I recently purchased a 2004. It was advertised as being from north carolina. I later discovered the owner also lived and used the vehicle for most of it's road use in new york and massachsetts. It too has had a large dose of road chemicals. The recall currently calls for isuzu to inspect and apply a rust preventive coating to slow/delay corrosion that will cause the frame to fail. Why not include all of these frames in the safety recall? The existing isuzu dealer network is exiting the automotive market. If the last two production years fail in a year or two, there will not be a dealer network that will service an isuzu product.
I have a 2004 axiom purchased from hancock isuzu in columbia sc and app. 1 year ago my vehicle started hesitating when trying to accelerate. When I go to pull off the tachometer jumps to 3 or 4 rpms but the vehicle is not going anywhere. Finally,it will get gas and suddenly take off. It feels that the gas is not getting to the engine or either the transmission is sticking. It does this on occasions, but who know when it will do it next. My fear is it will do it when I pull out on a busy road and not take off in time and then another car will hit me. This can be a very dangerous problem if not fixed. I see others have complained about this too and I think isuzu should be held responsible for making sure it gets fixed.
At 66000 miles on my 2004 isuzu axiom, I started hearing a noise that I had previously heard a couple of times before in the past 4 years. I took my car to a mechanic and he said there wasn't a drop of oil in the car. I was still 1500 miles away from an oil change. This is not the first time this has happened. I have taken my car in a couple of times before and the same thing has happened--not a drop of oil in the car with a 1000 miles or more from an oil change. The mechanic said the only fix is a new engine. My car is still under warranty, so I had it towed to a dealer in augusta georgia. I live in columbia sc and that is the closet place I could take it to have warranty work done. When it got there the service manager called and said, you need a new engine--I am going to order it and it will be here in a week or so. A few days later he called back and said isuzu wouldn't send an engine without doing an oil consumption test. Clearly the car is burning oil because there is no leak. Whey should I have to go through and oil consumption test after two mechanics have said--you need an engine in the car. Why can't isuzu stand behind there products and warranty agreements. The bottom line is they don't want to pay to have a new engine put in the car. Has anyone else had a problem with the car burning oil?
The engine makes "clacking" type sound when started and continues for about 3-4 minutes. Once the engine is warm the clacking stops. I've complained twice about this noise to dealer and was told engine is normal for this model. Oil is normal. It's made this sound since we drove it off the lot new. Everyone except for dealer thinks this is not normal! Everyone tells me to check my oil everytime I start up and they hear the noise. Have there been other complaints of this for 4004 isuzu axiom?
Compare the 2004 Isuzu Axiom
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Questions about the 2004 Isuzu Axiom
Is the 2004 Isuzu Axiom reliable?
Owners have filed 17 complaints about the 2004 Isuzu Axiom, close to a typical Axiom model year.
What is the 2004 Isuzu Axiom year score?
The 2004 Isuzu Axiom scores 75 out of 100 (average). 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 2004 Isuzu Axiom?
Engine and cooling, with 13 complaints, typically around 65,000 miles. Next is fuel system (4).
How many recalls does the 2004 Isuzu Axiom have?
2 recalls, covering suspension and fuel system, gasoline.
What year does the Isuzu Axiom have bad engine?
The Isuzu Axiom model years with the most engine complaints are 2004 (13 complaints) and 2002 (11 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Isuzu Axiom get?
Official estimates for the 2004 Isuzu Axiom range from 17 to 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 16 city and 22 highway.
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