1999 Isuzu Trooper: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Jan 20, 2008 · Engine · 102,000 miles · CO

I took my '99 isuzu trooper to get an oil change, and 3 weeks later the oil light turned on. I went to the isuzu dealership where I bought the car and after checking the oil, they noticed that there are less than a liter in the engine. They filled it and added a conditioner telling me that that should fix the problem. A few months later, driving back from a trip, the engine began knocking and the oil light came on again. Moments later I lost power (rpms) and pulled the car over. The mechanic who looked at my car told me (and this was confirmed by a consumer report website) that '99 troopers often have "unexplained loss of oil pressure resulting in the engine seizing." the car now needs a new engine (approx 4000-9000 dollars) or a new car. Nothing has been done to correct the failure or defect.

Filed Mar 24, 2006 · Engine · 83,000 miles · PA

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 45mph, there was a knocking noise within the engine compartment area. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop for inspection. The mechanic determined there was sludge in the engine and the oil was dry although the vehicle received regular maintenance. The mechanic replaced the engine.

Filed Aug 12, 2004 · Engine · 55,000 miles · GA

I have a 99 trooper with 70k miles on it. The engine starts to burn oil and now it burns 5 quarts of oil within 3 months. No warning light. I heard the ticking sound. When I took it to a garage, I was told the engine was bone dry. This is the second time it happens. Last time it runs out of oil in 4 months. I do oil change on a regular 30k miles basis and I do other maintenance too. I feel I am risking losing the engine any time if I don't check the dipstick every week. This is awful. Isuzu should recall this model or at least do something. It is so unfair for car owners like me.

Filed Jul 14, 2004 · Engine · 128,000 miles · WV

1999 isuzu trooper purchased new. Began experiencing excessive oil consumption between oil changes around 50k miles. Regularly took a qt of oil every 1k miles. Oil and filter changed every 3k. Dealer service manager said this was normal oil use for this engine. At 128k engine fails 4 hrs from home (sept 2003). Nearest dealer is called and says it has thrown a piston due to lack of oil. We pay to have the vehicle towed back to our local dealership service department. Engine is replaced at our cost. We have engine dismantled by ase certified mechanic and the failure was a spun rod bearing. No evidence of lack of oil. This is a terrible engine and would recommend anyone driving an isuzu with this engine get rid of it asap.

Filed Jul 7, 2004 · Engine · 55,897 miles · WI

I have a 99 isuzu trooper s, and have owned it less than one year. I bought it with about 51.500 miles. It now has 8000 miles on. I live in a small town and I use this vehicle for minimal purposes. Getting mail, groceries, etc. Small errands of the sort. I was on the way over to my in-laws and noticed a ticking sound and then the oil light flashed. They live about three blocks away. My father-in-law checked the oil and then added four quarts before it even registered. Neither myself nor my husband have ever noticed an oil stain or any evidence of oil loss. After he added the oil, the knocking subsided and it seemed fine the next couple of days as I used it around town. Then on my way out of town, in about 20 mi, I heard a knocking sound, but the temperature was fine and there were no warning lights on. I decided to stop anyway and to call a tow truck in fear of any further damage that driving may cause. The service station that looked at it has informed me that the engine is shot. The isuzu company has a powertrain limited warranty for a period of 60 mo/60000, whichever is earlier. I have been told by my local isuzu dealership that the "in-service" date is 03-03-99, and that it is out of warranty. Although it is still under the 60kmi and only four months over the 60 months, they will do nothing to help. I also contacted the isuzu owner relations department and received the same response. In my further investigations, I have found numorous complaints of the same type of problems . It seems to be that this mysteriously missing oil problem occurs in the 98 and 99 models. I'm currently at a stand still on what path to take. My vehicle is at the local service garage, unfixed . I have contacted the better business bureau with a complaint. I am waiting to hear back from them. Meanwhile, could you please investigate this problem. Thank you.