VehicleVerdict

2005 Isuzu Ascender problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 84 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Ascender year — the 2005 model ranks #2 of 7 Ascender years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 27 reports (32% of the total).

84

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Ascender years?

Ascender NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted88 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 47 complaints2004: 88 complaints2005: 84 complaints2006: 49 complaints2007: 13 complaints2008: 0 complaints
Ascender NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ascender years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Isuzu Ascender problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System2732%
Fuel System2429%
Airbags911%
Lighting56%
Speed Control45%
Engine45%
Transmission34%
Visibility & Wipers34%
Steering22%
Brakes11%
Suspension11%
Tires & Wheels11%

Does the 2005 Isuzu Ascender have recalls?

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

05V035000Visibility & WipersFebruary 3, 2005 · 17,815 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, 'WINDSHIELD MOUNTING.' THE WINDSHIELD URETHANE BEAD MAY NOT HAVE ADHERED TO THE BODY IN CERTAIN AREAS DURING THE CURE PROCESS.

Consequence

IF A CRASH OCCURS, THE WINDSHIELD MAY NOT BE RETAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 10, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ISUZU ASCENDER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE SPEEDOMETER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,632 AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 9, 2010

“I AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY GAS GAUGE ON MY 2005 ISUZU ASCENDER, I SAW AN ARTICLE IN MY LOCAL PAPER ABOUT GM VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT IT DID NOT MENTION ISUZU. SINCE THEY WHERE MADE AT THE SAME PLANT AS OTHER GMS I WANTED TO REPORT IT TO YOU. I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUES AS MENTIONED IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 10, 2011

“WE HAD A CAR ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T ACTIVATE...THE IMPACT WAS VERY HARD THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY DECIDED TO TOTAL THE CAR BECAUSE THE DAMAGE WAS TO BIG...I AM PREGNANT AND I HAVE 2 MORE KIDS, AND I'M SO DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS EXPERIENCE THAT SOMETHING COULD HAPPENED TO ME OR MY KIDS IF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 20, 2012 · crash

“"ELECTRICAL ISSUE"- ONE NIGHT,I WAS DRIVING MY SUV ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY MOM AND ALL OF A SUDDEN ALL OF THE LIGHTS INSIDE AND OUT (ALL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR) WENT OFF. WE WERE DRIVING ALONG WITH NO LIGHTS. THE NEXT DAY WE NOTICED THE CLUSTER PANEL STOPPED WORKING AS WELL. ALL OF THE GAUGES EXCEPT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · August 19, 2011

“DT: THE CONTACT STATES TWO ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON AND THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER, BUT DID NOT STALL. WHEN SHE TRIED TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL NOTHING HAPPENED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THIS HAPPENED FOUR SEPARATE TIMES. THE DEALERSHIP WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 19, 2005

2005 Isuzu Ascender — common questions

Is the 2005 Isuzu Ascender reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 84 complaints put the 2005 model at #2 of 7 Ascender years. It is one of the Ascender years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 Ascender problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (27 complaints), fuel system (24 complaints), airbags (9 complaints).

Does the 2005 Isuzu Ascender have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2005 Isuzu Ascender. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 Isuzu Ascender under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.