Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 28 complaints on file for the 1991 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.
28
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 10 | 36% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 7 | 25% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 5 | 18% | new |
| Other | 4 | 14% | new |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 4% | new |
| Lighting | 1 | 4% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE STEERING WHEEL CENTER HUB CAN FRACTURE DURING CERTAIN FRONTAL AND NEAR FRONTAL VEHICLE COLLISIONS.
Consequence
FRACTURING OF THE STEERING WHEEL HUB CAN DECREASE THEDRIVER'S CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND COULD REDUCE THE CRASH PROTECTION OF THESTEERING SYSTEM AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG.
Remedy
A STEERING WHEEL REINFORCEMENT PLATE AND NUT WILL BE ADDED TO THE STEERING WHEEL HUB.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“AFTER VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING ALL NIGHT, EARLY MORNING IT BURSTED INTO FLAMES, NEAR THE BATTERY. CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE FIRE MARSHALL IT APPEARED TO BE A SHORT CIRCUIT NEAR THE BATTERY. *AK”
“I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM ONE TOO MANY TIMES, AND IT IS STARTING TO GET ANNOYING. I CAN'T AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER CAR RIGHT NOW AND I WOULD'NT WANT ANYONE ELSE TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH A CAR. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS. MY CAR CAN TAKE OFF AT ANY TIME IT WANTS TO. IT ALMOST MADE ME GET IN AN ACCIDENT IN A…”
“THE CAR WILL FOR NO REASON STALL, EVEN AT HIGH SPEEDS RESULTING IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. THIS IS THE SECOND ONE THAT I HAVE OWNED, AND THE OTHER ONE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN, WHEN THE CALL STALLED, AND CAUSED A LOSS OF STEERING. A PEDESTRIAN WAS WALKING ON…”
The record is thin — 28 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (10 complaints), speed control (7 complaints), engine (5 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1991 Isuzu IMPULSE. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.