1998 Isuzu Trooper: engine failure

Filed Feb 15, 2010 · Engine · 50,000 miles · AE

Engine is exhibiting abnormally high oil consumption. One quart per 500 miles. Imminent engine failure if problem is not corrected.

Filed Jan 21, 2006 · Engine · CA

I have a 1998 isuzu trooper with a 3.5l motor and it eats motors oil like no other. It does it everytime I have changed the oil since after about 50k miles. The motor consumes roughly 1qt of oil every 1000 miles, even after a recent oil change. I have looked on countless web sites and forums all over and this is a very common problem. People just do not know about this web site and what you do. This problem will persist and eventually end up in engine failure and can be a very costly problem. Thousands of dollars later and a new motor, one will still have this problem for there is no way to fix it. The drain back holes in the oils rings is what I have been told the problem is. Please contact isuzu about this problem and have then do a recall please! It would save a lot of money for everyone who drives a 3.5l isuzu/acura motor.

Filed Aug 7, 2005 · Engine · 91,000 miles · MN · fire

We were driving in my 1998 isuzu trooper with the 3.5 liter engine and about 90,000 miles on a family vacation to montana, as we came to our destination we were in the mountains. The cruise control was being used in our vehicle and was set at approximately 75 MPH, the montana speed limit. The vehicle had to downshift to go up the mountain side upon getting to the top of the mountain the vehicle quickly began to make a strange noise. Seconds later there was a loud boom and engine parts went flying everywhere, we had dropped 2 pistons out the bottom of the engine and nearly lost control of the car from such bad damage. We quickly pulled over to see what exactly had happened and noticed that the oil leaking from the bottom of the car had caught fire and we had to quickly extinguish it. We then picked up the engine parts from the highway to not hurt other vehicles. We contacted the local police and they aided us in getting to the nearest dealer 110 miles away. The dealer took over a week to replace the engine block and other components for a cost of over $6,000. The engine block and other damaged parts were disposed of properly. Upon returning home and investigating I found that this incident is very common and has cost many people thousands of dollars. I believe that isuzu is aware of this problem and should fix it or reimburse people who have had these problems. This put my families safety and lives in harm and I think isuzu should be held accountable.

Filed Jan 26, 2005 · Engine · 32,000 miles · WV

I purchased a used 1998 isuzu trooper in 1993. The previous owner kept all records of work done, per the manual. From the beginning I complained to the dealership that the car felt as though it was being held back while driving. The dealer checked out my car on two different occassions and found nothing. I then began to notice that I was putting oil in my isuzu every 300-500 miles. I took it to a friends certified mechanic and was told this was a common problem with this vehicle and the engine needed to be replaced. I had also purchased an extended warranty with the vehicle. I called them and they requested all oil change receipts which I supplied. I was then told that I would have to pay $1000.00 to have the engine taken out and at that point they would decide whether it was my fault or a defect. Needless to say I didn't agree with paying $1000.00 since this is a known defect with this vehicle. I called isuzu and they couldn't have cared less. I don't have the $6000.00 needed to replace the engine. When will this finally be remedied? How many complaints have to be filed to make isuzu responsible for a known problem? There are so many complaints about this on the internet, yet people don't seem to know where to turn for help.

Filed Jan 13, 2005 · Engine · 50,000 miles · VA

I am the second owner of a 1998 isuzu trooper (3.5l v6 motor). I purchased the vehicle with approximately 43k miles on it. At just over 50k miles, the motor began to burn oil at the rate of one quart every 700-1000 miles driven. The rate of consumption is much higher if driven long distances at highway speeds. Isuzu is trying to say that using one quart of oil per 1000 miles is acceptable. I say differently, as no other vehicle I have ever owned uses oil accordingly. (including my 1993 isuzu trooper). The problem seems to be well known by isuzu USA, but they refuse to take any corrective measure. The general information regarding the defect relates to the oil drain back holes in the pistons. This is a flawed design and causes engine failure routinely. I feel with the number of failures in the 1998+ isuzu 3.5l v6 motor, a recall should be conducted to properly address the issue. Thank your for your time and consideration.

Filed Jul 21, 2004 · Engine · 55,000 miles · MD

98 isuzu trooper 3.5 engine burns oil excessively. I am original owner and regularly serviced per owners manual. At 55000 miles, engine oil light turned on 2,500 miles after oil change. Over 4 qts low. $1400 repair bill (not covered by warranty) unable to fix oil burning issue. Engine now at 75000 mi and burning approximately. 1 qt per 600-700 miles. Seems to be common engine defect and known by mechanics and owners, but isuzu unwilling acknowledge problem. Though monitoring constantly, am just waiting for significant engine failure.

Filed Jun 10, 2004 · Engine · 74,000 miles · AZ

1998 isuzu trooper 3.5 liter engine failure at 74,000 miles. No rebuilt or used engines available anywhere in USA. One garage in chandler, az said it was an engineering problem with failure #1 engine cylinder with 60 to 90,000 miles. They are doing alot of business with this, even selling overhauls on e-bay.