VehicleVerdict

1985 Isuzu IMPULSE problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 1985 Isuzu IMPULSE — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

4

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1985 compare to other IMPULSE years?

IMPULSE NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted28 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 1 complaints1985: 4 complaints1988: 1 complaints1989: 1 complaints1990: 5 complaints1991: 28 complaints1992: 0 complaints1994: 1 complaints
IMPULSE NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all IMPULSE years to avoid →

What are the most common 1985 Isuzu IMPULSE problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes125%
Electrical System125%
Fuel System125%
Transmission125%

Does the 1985 Isuzu IMPULSE have recalls?

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

85V109000BrakesSeptember 19, 1985 · 5,300 units

Defect

THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AT THE REAR AXLE AND FUEL TANK RETAINING BAND IS NOT WIDE ENOUGH AND ALLOWS THE LINE TO CONTACT THE BAND DURING SEVERE OPERATING CONDITIONS. CONTINUED CONTACT MAY CAUSE THE DAMAGED BRAKE LINE TO RESTRICT THE FLOW OF BRAKE FLUID, OR RUPTURE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID OR RESTRICTION OF BRAKE FLUID FLOW RESULTS IN LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY OF REAR WHEEL WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

REPLACE BRAKE LINE AND REROUTE TO ELIMINATE CONTACT.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“CAR WILL NOT IDLE OR RUNS FOR VERY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. HAVE REPLACED FUEL PUMP FUEL PUMP RELAY ETC ETC. ASC CERTIFIED MECH. SAYS NOTHING HE CAN DO. WHEN CAR IS COLD IT WORKS WELL.BUT A FEW MINUTES LATER IT STARTS ACTING UP. BASICALLY UNDRIVABLE”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 17, 2003

“POOR ABS PERFORMANCE. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, AND COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 10, 1995

“THE GEAR SHIFT ON VEHICLE DOES NOT HOLD WHILE IN PARK. OWNER'S CHILD PUT VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL WHTHOUT THE KEY BEING IN THE IGNITION. CHILD'S LEG WAS BROKEN IN THE INCIDENT. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 3, 1997 · crash

“CAR WILL NOT IDLE OR RUNS FOR VERY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. HAVE REPLACED FUEL PUMP FUEL PUMP RELAY ETC ETC. ASC CERTIFIED MECH. SAYS NOTHING HE CAN DO. WHEN CAR IS COLD IT WORKS WELL.BUT A FEW MINUTES LATER IT STARTS ACTING UP. BASICALLY UNDRIVABLE”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 17, 2003

1985 Isuzu IMPULSE — common questions

Is the 1985 Isuzu IMPULSE reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1985 Isuzu IMPULSE have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1985 Isuzu IMPULSE. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.