VehicleVerdict

1994 Isuzu Amigo problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 1994 Isuzu Amigo — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

6

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1994 compare to other Amigo years?

Amigo NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 highlighted99 complaints1985: 0 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 1 complaints1989: 1 complaints1990: 9 complaints1991: 5 complaints1992: 6 complaints1993: 2 complaints1994: 6 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 99 complaints1999: 77 complaints2000: 12 complaints2001: 0 complaints2002: 1 complaints
Amigo NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Amigo years to avoid →

What are the most common 1994 Isuzu Amigo problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission233%
Brakes117%
Electrical System117%
Fuel System117%
Seat Belts117%

Does the 1994 Isuzu Amigo have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

02V281000Seat BeltsOctober 15, 2002 · 14,449 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS, THE LATCH PLATE USED IN THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS NOT MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO DESIGN DIMENSIONS. IF THE SEAT BELT TONGUE IS INSERTED SLOWLY AT AN ANGLE INTO THE BUCKLE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE SEAT BELT TONGUE TO COME OUT OF THE BUCKLE IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION OR HARD BRAKING OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW BUCKLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MID-DECEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-643-4070.

96V170002Seat BeltsSeptember 17, 1996 · 36,075 units

Defect

THE LATCH PLATE USED IN THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS NOT MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO DESIGN DIMENSIONS. IF THE SEAT BELT TONGUE IS INSERTED SLOWLY AT AN ANGLE INTO THE BUCKLE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE SEAT BELT TONGUE TO COME OUT OF THE BUCKLE IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION OR HARD BRAKING OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW BUCKLE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHEN APPROACHING VEHICLE SMELL OF GAS CAME FROM VEHICLE. VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE WHEN PRESSING CLUTCH, AND PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER LOOKED BENEATH VEHICLE AND SAW THAT FUEL LINE HOSE SPLIT, LEAKING GAS. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 29, 2002

“DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO LOCK UP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. VEHICLE WAS "T-BONED" BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON PASSENGER'S SIDE. NO AIR BAGS. INSURANCE CO. SAID NOT A PROBLEM. CONTACTED DEALER & WILL NOT REPAIR UNTIL OWNER PAYS FIRST. MANUFACTURER INFORMED OWNER IF FOUND LIABLE BY INSURANCE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · June 30, 1999 · crash

“WHEN APPROACHING VEHICLE SMELL OF GAS CAME FROM VEHICLE. VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE WHEN PRESSING CLUTCH, AND PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER LOOKED BENEATH VEHICLE AND SAW THAT FUEL LINE HOSE SPLIT, LEAKING GAS. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 29, 2002

1994 Isuzu Amigo — common questions

Is the 1994 Isuzu Amigo reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1994 Isuzu Amigo have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1994 Isuzu Amigo. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1994 Isuzu Amigo under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Isuzu Amigo years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Amigo years to avoid are 1998, 1999. The cleanest record among Amigo years belongs to 2001.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.