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1997 Isuzu Trooper problems

The most common problem on the 1997 Isuzu Trooper is transmission and drivetrain. It has fewer complaints than a typical Trooper model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
13
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
11
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
14-15mpg

The worst 1997 Isuzu Trooper problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Transmission
    4
  • Brakes
    3
  • Engine
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Airbags
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Transmission
    4
  • Brakes
    3
  • Engine
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Suspension
    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

SuspensionReported March 11, 1997 · 270 vehicles affected
What is wrong
These vehicles were manufactured without a lock washer and/or screws in the front hub.
Risk
The bearing adjustment nut can loosen, resulting in too much free play between the wheel and axle. The bearing can seize, causing the wheel to lock affecting vehicle directional control increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the front hubs to determine if the lock washer and screws were properly installed. If not, they will make the necessary repairs.

Recall number 97V035001 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 1997 Isuzu Trooper

Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Isuzu Trooper 11

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

See all 11 bulletins for the 1997 Isuzu Trooper

1997 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 1997 Isuzu Trooper owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 2, 2010 · Body · 154,000 miles · MA

We bought a 1997 isuzu trooper in february of 2010 from a used dealer...the rear axle and the frame are severely rotted...the vehicle is unsafe and we have that in writing..what can we do?...we can't get our money back...the vehicle is not drivable....please help.

Filed Mar 7, 2005 · Engine · 8,150 miles · FL

Hydrolic lifters stick, very loud and noticable engine noise. They have stuck since shortly after purchase of vehicle. They unstick immediately after synthetic oil change, but only for a brief period of time.*ak dealership(s) used this window of time to thier advantage to avoid repairing vehicle under warranty, sending consumer away to see if it works. Manaufacturer recommends synthetic oil to correct. Does not work. Several incidents. Countless failures. Will pay out of pocket for new lifters, approximately $1,800.00.

Filed Sep 19, 2004 · Fuel system · 65,000 miles · FL

During braking, with no gas pedal pressure being applied, engine continued at high rpms making braking difficult. Vehicle with no gas pedal pressure would proceed at 30 MPH in drive position of auto trans. Upon exiting roadway, when appling gas pedal while in park position, and releasing peddle, rpms were at 2200. Pedal was opperating freely and throttle cable/yoke was in fully returned position. I then continued looking for any obvious obstructions or seperated vacumn lines. Nothing appeared wrong. I then disconnected the mass air sensor causing the engine to stall. Upon reconnecting ams and restarting engine, idle returned to around 700 RPM's and no further problems occured for the remainder of my drive(approx 100mi more) no further diagnostics were performed yet. Vehicle is well maintained and has 65000 miles use.

Filed Jan 26, 2003 · Transmission · 87,773 miles · OH

Cutch failure causing vehicle to be inoperable stranding driver in traffic. Second clutch failure for this vehicle with in 37,000 miles of highway driving

Filed Jan 26, 2003 · Transmission · 50,126 miles · OH

Clutch throwout bearing failed causing vehical to be inoperable stranding driver in traffic

Filed Jul 17, 2002 · Engine · VA

A hideous, loud noise comes from underneath the chassis. The dealer told me it comes from the muffler. It was reported to the dealer while the vehicle was still under warranty. The dealer and manufacturer refuse to correct the problem. The dealer tells me that it would cost in excess of $800 to fix the problem. This is a manufacturing defect and should be fixed either by the dealer or the manufacturer. There should have been a service bulletin or a recall on this problem, because the dealer, when I mentioned the problem the very first time, picked up on it right away.

Filed Aug 31, 2001 · Brakes, Lights · TX

Brake fluid leaks. Brake light would come on. Brake pedal would go to the floor when appl steering shaft.

Filed Aug 17, 2000 · Brakes, Transmission · OH

While accelerating away from a stop sign I depressed the cluth to engage second gear. The clutch pedal dropped to the floor and I coasted to a stop in the middle of traffic and had to push the vehicle off the road out of harms way. The failure was in the

Filed Jul 31, 2000 · Brakes · CO

The brake system does not hold the vehicle in a steep slope and vehicle experiences extended stopping distances continually.

Filed Mar 7, 2000 · Transmission · GA

The throwout bearing failed where it attaches to the pressure plate. The attachment point is composed of a series of spring steel fingers that are held to the pressure plate with a spring steel clip. The spring steel clip separated from the fingers causing the clutch to be inoperable. The pressure plate and driven plate are in good condition and had only minimal wear. Instead of pushing the fingers on the pressure plate this design pulls the fingers. The design is extremely weak and an additional failure will occur. Once the connection between the throwout bearing and pressure plate fail it is impossible to drive the vehicle and the driver is stuck in the road and unable to avoid other vehicles or manuever around dangerous spots. The only solution is a strurdier design that is able to absorb the daily use of the clutch. *ak.

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Questions about the 1997 Isuzu Trooper

Is the 1997 Isuzu Trooper reliable?

Owners have filed 13 complaints about the 1997 Isuzu Trooper, fewer than a typical Trooper model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 Isuzu Trooper?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 4 complaints. Next is brakes (3).

How many recalls does the 1997 Isuzu Trooper have?

2 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic and suspension.

What gas mileage does the 1997 Isuzu Trooper get?

Official estimates for the 1997 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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