VehicleVerdict

2004 Isuzu Ascender problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 88 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Ascender year — the 2004 model ranks #1 of 7 Ascender years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 42% of all reports (37 of 88), far ahead of fuel system at 17.

88

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Ascender years?

Ascender NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted88 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 47 complaints2004: 88 complaints2005: 84 complaints2006: 49 complaints2007: 13 complaints2008: 0 complaints
Ascender NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ascender years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Isuzu Ascender problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System3742%
Fuel System1719%
Lighting67%
Engine67%
Visibility & Wipers45%
Seat Belts33%
Brakes33%
Tires & Wheels22%
Transmission22%
Body & Structure22%
Steering11%
Suspension11%
Other11%
Latches & Locks11%
Airbags11%
Speed Control11%

Does the 2004 Isuzu Ascender have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

05V198000LightingMay 5, 2005 · 286,478 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DRIVER WISHING TO SIGNAL A TURN BY MOVING THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL LEVER, (UP OR DOWN) MAY CAUSE THE FRONT MARKER/TURN LIGHTS AND REAR TURN LIGHTS TO FLASH IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO HAZARD WARNING, RATHER THAN FLASHING ON THE DESIRED SIDE ONLY.

Consequence

THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CLEARLY SIGNAL THEIR INTENTIONS TO TURN, CHANGE TRAVEL LANES, OR POTENTIALLY WARN OTHERS OF AN IMPAIRED VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT FLASHER MODULES WITH A NEW FLASHER MODULE DESIGNED WITH SEALED RELAYS AND MORE DURABLE CONTACT MATERIAL INSIDE OF THE RELAYS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2005. ISUZU BEGAN MAILING OWNER LETTERS ON AUGUST 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, AND OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZU ASCENDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GAUGES AND LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM THE CONTROL PANEL OF THE ARM REST ON THE FRONT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 25, 2015 · fire

“RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED ON FAULTY GAS TANK. HAD CAR INSPECTED BY ISUZU FACILITY 2/4/16 AND NEW PART(S) ORDERED. CANNOT GET ANY INFORMATION AS TO WHEN PART WILL BE IN AND MY CAR REPAIRED. IN THE MEANTIME, DRIVING WITH FAULTY, GAS-LEAKING, PROBABLY DANGEROUS CAR. GM APPARENTLY NOT COMMUNICATING WITH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 4, 2016

“THE RADIO, ANTI THEFT DEVICE, REMOTE DOOR LOCKS AND TAIL LIGHTS DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY IN THE CONSUMER'S 2004 ISUZU ASCENDER. *TS THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE SERVICE DEALER SINCE DEC 16, 2005 AND THE CONSUMER WAS NOT GIVEN A TIME FRAME FOR REPAIRS. THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT THE PROBLEM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · December 16, 2005

“CLUSTER PANEL DOES NOT WORK. THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS HAVE STOPPED WORKING REGULARLY WHETHER STATIONARY OR DRIVING.. THEY WORK INTERMITTENTLY CAUSING THE USE OF HIGH BEAMS. IT HAS BECOME A NIGHT TIME DRIVING SAFETY ISSUE. CAR WILL TURN OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING CAUSING MY DAUGHTER TO HAVE TO PULL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 15, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZU ASCENDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GAUGES AND LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM THE CONTROL PANEL OF THE ARM REST ON THE FRONT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 25, 2015 · fire

2004 Isuzu Ascender — common questions

Is the 2004 Isuzu Ascender reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 88 complaints put the 2004 model at #1 of 7 Ascender years. It is one of the Ascender years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 Ascender problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (37 complaints), fuel system (17 complaints), lighting (6 complaints).

Does the 2004 Isuzu Ascender have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2004 Isuzu Ascender. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Isuzu Ascender under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Isuzu Ascender years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ascender years to avoid are 2004, 2005. The cleanest record among Ascender years belongs to 2008.

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.