VehicleVerdict

1996 Isuzu Hombre problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1996 Isuzu Hombre sits mid-pack among Hombre years: 43 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 35, with 4 recalls and 2 closed investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: visibility & wipers issues account for 47% of all reports (20 of 43), far ahead of brakes at 5.

43

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

2

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Hombre years?

Hombre NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted58 complaints1996: 43 complaints1997: 27 complaints1998: 58 complaints2000: 14 complaints
Hombre NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Hombre years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Isuzu Hombre problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers2047%
Brakes512%
Engine49%
Electrical System49%
Airbags37%
Other25%
Fuel System12%
Seats12%
Steering12%
Transmission12%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)12%

Does the 1996 Isuzu Hombre have recalls?

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

03V210000Visibility & WipersJune 2, 2003 · 14,860 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.

Consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 14, 2003. 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 1-800-255-6727.

98V150002Visibility & WipersJuly 1, 1998 · 8,925 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, 2 AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE. SOLDER JOINTS NEAR THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN CRACK CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INOPERATIVE WIPERS, REDUCING A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER.

97V008002Visibility & WipersJanuary 29, 1997 · 8 units

Defect

THE TOP COAT PAINT SEVERELY PEELS DUE TO OVERBAKING OF THE POWDER PRIMER PRIOR TO THE TOP COAT APPLICATION. SINCE THE WINDSHIELD PRIMER AND ADHESIVE ADHERE TO THE TOP COAT PAINT ONTHE WINDSHIELD OPENING FLANGE, THE WINDSHIELD DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING."

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE WINDSHIELD MAY NOT STAY IN PLACE AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 212.

Remedy

ALL VEHICLES HAVE BEEN REPURCHASED. THIS CAMPAIGN IS 100%.

96V059001LightingApril 3, 1996 · 1,547 units

Defect

A BRAZILIAN DOMESTIC HEADLAMP WAS INADVERTENTLY INSTALLED ON THESE VEHICLES INSTEAD OF THE REQUIRED U.S. DOMESTIC ASSEMBLY. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: REDUCED LIGHTING FROM THESE HEAD LAMPS CAN CAUSE A VISIBILITY PROBLEM INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT HEAD LAMP ASSEMBLIES FOR PRESENCE OF THE AIMING PADS. IF THE HEAD LAMP ASSEMBLY DOES NOTE HAVE THESE AIMING PADS, IT WILL BE REPLACED WITH THE CORRECT HEAD LAMP ASSEMBLY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF OPERATION. AFTER A FEW MINUTES, WINDSHIELD WIPERS MAY COME BACK ON. SOMETIMES DRIVER WILL PLAY WITH THE WIPERS TO GET THEM TO WORK AGAIN. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CORRECTED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. TRUCK NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · July 14, 1999

“BRAKES MAKE A GRINDING NOISE WHEN APPLIED AND MALFUNCTION, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SKID/SLIDE. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY OCCURRENCES, ONE CAUSING VEHICLE TO REAREND ANOTHER VEHICLE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · crash

“VEHICLE FIRE 1996 ISUZU HOMBRE PICK UP TRUCK. ARRIVED HOME AND TRUCK ENGINE WAS SMOKING. THOUGHT LOSS OF RADIATOR, BUT ENGINE AREA WAS ON FIRE. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 9, 2003 · fire

“CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 70 MPH WHEN ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS DIED OUT, RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKES/STEERING, NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD TO RESTART VEHICLE IN ORDER TO REGAIN CONTROL, AND PREVENT AN ACCIDENT. DEALER REPLACED BATTERY COMPUTER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

“UPON IMPACT, DURING FRONTAL CRASH, AT APPROX. 60MPH, 12:30 ON FRONT BUMPER, HIT BARRIER HEAD ON, DRIVER'S AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY, SUSTAINED HEAD, NECK AND BACK INJURIES. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · crash

1996 Isuzu Hombre — common questions

Is the 1996 Isuzu Hombre reliable?

It is close to typical for the Hombre: 43 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1996 Hombre problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (20 complaints), brakes (5 complaints), engine (4 complaints).

Does the 1996 Isuzu Hombre have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Isuzu Hombre. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1996 Isuzu Hombre under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Isuzu Hombre years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Hombre years to avoid are 1998. The cleanest record among Hombre years belongs to 2000.

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.