Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 1997 Isuzu Trooper, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Power train4
- Service brakes, hydraulic3
- Engine and engine cooling2
- Fuel system, other2
- Air bags1
- Exterior lighting1
- Steering1
- Structure1
- Suspension1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 2 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
In the United Kingdom
160 cars built in 1997 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 524 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 242 of these cars first registered in 1997 took their annual MOT test. 64% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 1997 the figure was 64%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 1997 |
|---|---|---|
| Body, chassis, structure | 18.6% | 9.7% |
| Brakes | 18.2% | 11.8% |
| Suspension | 14.0% | 12.2% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 13.6% | 16.1% |
| Visibility | 6.6% | 6.6% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.0% | 7.2% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In New Zealand
1 1997 cars are on the New Zealand register; 100% arrived as used imports, 0% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Recalls in Canada
2 Transport Canada recalls for the 1997 Isuzu Trooper.
| 1997133 23 Jul 1997 | Brakes VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE LINE AND THE UPPER CONTROL ARM OF THE SUSPENSION. THIS LINE COULD B… |
| 1997064 26 Mar 1997 | Suspension THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITHOUT A LOCK WASHER AND/OR SCREWS (3 PCS./WHEEL) FOR THE LOCK WASHER OF THE FRONT HUB BEARING ADJUSTMENT NUT. THIS … |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITHOUT A LOCK WASHER AND/OR SCREWS IN THE FRONT HUB.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Isuzu told its dealers about the 1997 Isuzu Trooper: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 614142 | SOME 1997 AND EARLIER VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION OF TICKING SOUNDS COMING FROM THE VALVETRAIN DURING NORMAL OPERATION. *TT |
| 606029 | INFORMATION REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF THE CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHOR KIT. *TT |
| 602255 | A NEW TYPE OF LSD LUBRICANT WAS INTRODUED WHICH CONTAINS FRICTION MDIFIERS, NECESSARY FOR PROPER LSD FUNCTION. *YC |
| 54231 | SERVICE INFORMATION ON TEXT AND ARTWORK CONTAINED IN THE FOLLOWING ELECTRICAL TROUBLESHOOTING MANUAL (ETM), HAVE BEEN REVISED. *YC |
| 52654 | NEW DUAL AIR BAG SAFETY MATERIALS. *TW |
| 52187 | 1997 TROOPER (UX) ABS FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES (WORKSHOP MANUAL REVISION). *TW |
| 10237146 | This bulletin outlines the procedures for using the Alpine Exchange Program (the "Exchange Program"). The Exchange Program must be used when any Alpine radio or other component covered by this bulletin is repaired under warranty and may also be used for radio and component repairs not covered under warranty. Contact Alpine directly for pricing and payment methods applicable to radio and component repairs not covered under warranty. |
| 10218932 | Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is providing the following procedural recommendations to improve dealer efficiency when submitting Parts Warranty claims. We strongly recommend dealers follow these procedures in order to avoid delays in Parts Warranty claim payments and/or claim chargeback. This bulletin was revised to add a Parts Warranty Form |
| 10218927 | Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is providing the following procedural recommendations to improve dealer efficiency when submitting Parts Warranty claims. We strongly recommend dealers follow these procedures in order to avoid delays in Parts Warranty claim payments and/or claim chargeback. |
| 10001770 | TRANSMISSION INDICATOR LIGHT MAY BE ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1870 IS SET IN THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM). *TT |
| 10000816 | TRANSMISSION INDICATOR LIGHT MAY BE ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1870 IS SET IN THE PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE). *TT |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)