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1996 Isuzu Trooper problems

The most common problem on the 1996 Isuzu Trooper is suspension. It has 1.8 times the complaints of a typical Trooper model year.

Typical year1.8x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
51
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
9
Worst area
Suspension
Fuel economy
14-15mpg

The worst 1996 Isuzu Trooper 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.

  • Suspension
    13
  • Engine
    8
  • Transmission
    8
  • Body
    6
  • Tires
    5
  • Acceleration
    4
  • Airbags
    3
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Seats
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Lights
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls 2

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported June 3, 1997 · 6,667 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The left front brake lines were installed improperly at the assembly line resulting in insufficient clearance between the brake line and an upper control arm of the suspension.
Risk
The line can be damaged during vehicle operation and can result in brake fluid leakage, reduced brake effectiveness, and increased stopping distances.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the clearance between the brake line and the upper control arm. If the clearance is not according to specifications, the brake line will be replaced.

Recall number 97V092001 · Recall details

Seat belts: rear/otherReported December 12, 1996 · 2,345 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect rear center seat belt assembly buckle. The misbuild involved fitting a buckle for another market with the correct u.s. Specification seat belt.
Risk
Such installation results in a rear center seat belt assembly in which the belt tongue cannot be inserted into the buckle and a consquent inability of the system to provide proper occupant restraint during panic braking of the vehicle or an accident.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear center seat belt tongue and buckle and incorrect buckle assemblies will be replaced.

Recall number 96V248001 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 1996 Isuzu Trooper

Defect investigations

Risk of rolloverOpened August 20, 1996, still open

Cu attorney (nancy perkins, arnold & porter) and odi agreed that an extension in the petition review process will be necessary to allow odi time to conduct a proper review of the new material submitted by cu on december 23, 1996.therefore, the new due date will be april 21, 1997.consumers union (cu) petitioned the agency to open an investigation to determine whether the 1995 and 1996 model isuzu trooper and acura slx vehicles are defective within the meaning of 49 u.s. C. Chapter 301.specifically, cu alleged that testing demonstrated a dangerous propensity of the subject vehicles to roll over while performing a dynamic steering maneuver to avoid emergancy situations.

DP96011

Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Isuzu Trooper 9

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

See all 9 bulletins for the 1996 Isuzu Trooper

1996 Isuzu Trooper fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.2L 6‑cyl4WD13-141714-15

What 1996 Isuzu Trooper owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 3, 2017 · Fuel system, Steering · 124,567 miles · MA

It is a strong vehicle good performance but the frame does not support enough problems with the stability of the vehicle on the roads or in emergency maneuvers along the way. Due to corrosion and rupture in the chassis specifically in the connections with the front and rear suspension control arms. (poor quality steel) another point is a smell of fuel and spillage, by the fuel tank. (fire risk) all these conditions result in risk management, loose vehicle control and rollover possibility.

Filed Apr 1, 2014 · Body · 72,075 miles · PA

The frame is rusted out and falling off in chunks. I didn't get an inspection done in jan 2013 because I was told the year before that the rust is getting bad. Other than the frame, the vehicle is in outstanding condition. It isn't a safe vehicle. Do I have any recourse?

Filed Feb 19, 2009 · Acceleration · 180,000 miles · AL

The accelerator sticks. The last time this happened, the accelerator stuck all the way to the floor and would not release. My only option was to cut the ignition. I noticed that there was a recall for 92-95 models, however, mine is a 96 model.

Filed Apr 14, 2003 · Tires · 118,500 miles · TX

Tire delamination.

Filed Jan 17, 2003 · Engine · WA

Consumer called complaining having problem with fuel rails. Dealer install the wrong hose. Please provide further information. Ts

Filed Jan 29, 2002 · Airbags · IN · crash

While driving around 25 MPH , consumers vehicle broadsided another vehicle, and both driver and passenger airbags failed to deploy. Consumer has yet to contact dealer. *ak consumer stted the vehicle was a total loss.

Filed Dec 3, 2001 · Transmission · MA

I have had an ongoing problem w/antifreeze smell, I have taken it in to shop several times the last having a hose to the transmission replaced which seemed to temporarily remove problem for about a year but the smell is coming back. It took three visits to find it the first time..

Filed Apr 25, 2001 · Engine, Transmission · NY

2 leaking o-rings in the water outlet neck of the core caused the odor of antifreeze to enter the cab of the vehicle and caused the driver to feel sick, radiator leaking from the seam at the tank nlm

Filed Mar 13, 2001 · Fuel system · VA · fire

On saturday, march 3, 2001 at about 9 am I pulled into the mobil gas station in cascades shopping center, sterling, va to refuel. My tank was on "e". I turned off the vehicle, popped the gas cap door open from inside the vehicle, exited the car and walked around the rear of the vehicle to refuel. I began to turn the gas cap with my right hand. As I did so, I heard a "hissing" sound and then flames immediately shot out of the tank. The bright orange flames burned steadily aproximately 18 inches from the vehicle fuel neck. People at the station began to run away from the vehicle. I immediately removed my 18 month old daughter from the vehicle and ran away with her in my arms. A bystander put the fire out with a nearby extinguisher. The fire department arrived on the scene after the fire was out. They pronounced the fire out and my vehicle was towed to the isuzu dealership for inspection. I have several witnesses who said they have not seen anything like this before. This could be a possible static fire.

Filed Mar 13, 2001 · Tires · FL

The right front tire blewout while parked in a parking lot causing damage to the turn signal and fender, several days later the left front tire blewout while still at the dealer being repaired causing additional damage to the vehicle, the consumer request reimbursement (general grabber st tires p245-70r16). Nlm

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Questions about the 1996 Isuzu Trooper

Is the 1996 Isuzu Trooper reliable?

Owners have filed 51 complaints about the 1996 Isuzu Trooper, 1.8 times a typical Trooper model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1996 Isuzu Trooper?

Suspension, with 13 complaints. Next is engine (8).

How many recalls does the 1996 Isuzu Trooper have?

2 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic and seat belts.

What gas mileage does the 1996 Isuzu Trooper get?

Official estimates for the 1996 Isuzu Trooper range from 14 to 15 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.2L 6-cyl, 4WD) gets 13-14 city and 17 highway.

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