1998 Isuzu Hombre problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 58 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Hombre year — the 1998 model ranks #1 of 4 Hombre years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: visibility & wipers issues account for 41% of all reports (24 of 58), far ahead of engine at 8.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Hombre years?

Hombre NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Hombre years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Isuzu Hombre problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Visibility & Wipers	24	41%	▲ up
Engine	8	14%	▲ up
Brakes	8	14%	▲ up
Airbags	3	5%	— flat
Electrical System	3	5%	▲ up
Other	3	5%	▲ up
Body & Structure	2	3%	▲ up
Seats	2	3%	▲ up
Steering	1	2%	— flat
Fuel System	1	2%	— flat
Tires & Wheels	1	2%	new
Transmission	1	2%	▼ down
Speed Control	1	2%	▼ down

Does the 1998 Isuzu Hombre have recalls?

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

97V208002Electrical SystemNovember 25, 1997 · 1,299 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES. AN ENGINE ELECTRICAL WIRING-HARNESS CLIP CAN MELT AND DRIP ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.

Consequence

THE CLIP MATERIAL ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CAN IGNITE AND SUBSEQUENTLY IGNITE OTHER COMBUSTIBLE COMPONENTS RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS ARE CONTACTING OWNERS BY TELEPHONE TO HAVE THEIR VEHICLES TOWED TO THE DEALER AND ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED TO THEM UNTIL THE DEALER CAN REROUTE THE ELECTRICAL WIRING-HARNESS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED IN RAIN DURING HARD DOWNPOUR. I THINK THE CIRCUIT BOARD CRACKED LIKED THE RECALLED CHEVROLEROLET S-10S AND CHEVROLET TRUCK ALSO MADE BY GM.THEY RECALLED ALL CHEVY TRUCK MADE AT SAME PLANT AS MINE FOR WIPERS STOPPING.MY HOMBREE WAS MADE IN USA BY CHEVY. THIS IS APOX 100TH…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · March 4, 2004

“HEAD-ON COLLISION AT APPROX 30 MPH. BOTH AIR BAGS (DRIVER AND PASSENGER) FAILED TO DEPLOY DESPITE THE SEVERITY OF THE IMPACT. BUMPER DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, ENGINE COLLAPSED, CAUSING AN OIL SPILL.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 24, 2000 · crash

“PARKING BRAKES FAILED TO PREVENT ROLL BACK ON FLAT SURFACE. DEALER CLAIMS BRAKE IS NOT DESIGNED TO PREVENT VEHICLE FROM ROLLING BACKWARDS, IT IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT IT FROM ROLLING FORWARD. THEY DID PUT THIS IN WRITING.*AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · crash

“BETWEEN 96,000 AND 97000 MILES, THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN 3 TIMES, AS IF SOMEONE HAD TURNED THE KEY OFF. FIRST TIME TURNING A CORNER. TWO OTHER TIMES, WHILE DRIVING 45 AND 60MPH. NO CONTROL OVER VEHICLE. VERY LUCKY NOBODY NEAR ME, OR SOMEONE PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED. PROBLEM FIXED, BY…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 7, 2012

“WHEN DRIVING DOWN HILL ALL LIGHTS ON DASH CAME ON. WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED NO LIGHTS WERE ON. VEHICLE HAD LOST ALL POWER AND WAS UNCONTROLLABLE. VEHICLE SLID DOWNHILL INTO A TREE STUMP AND STOPPED. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER CONTACTED AND CANNOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 28, 1999 · crash

1998 Isuzu Hombre — common questions

Is the 1998 Isuzu Hombre reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 58 complaints put the 1998 model at #1 of 4 Hombre years. It is one of the Hombre years to avoid.

What are the most common 1998 Hombre problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (24 complaints), engine (8 complaints), brakes (8 complaints).

Does the 1998 Isuzu Hombre have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Isuzu Hombre. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1998 compare to other Hombre years?

What are the most common 1998 Isuzu Hombre problems?

Does the 1998 Isuzu Hombre have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1998 Isuzu Hombre — common questions

Is the 1998 Isuzu Hombre reliable?

What are the most common 1998 Hombre problems?

Does the 1998 Isuzu Hombre have recalls?

Which Isuzu Hombre years should you avoid?

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