Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 1997 Isuzu NPR — 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.
7
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 43% | new |
| Brakes | 2 | 29% | new |
| Engine | 1 | 14% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 14% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE FRONT AXLE BRAKE HOSES WERE DAMAGED DURING TRANSPORTATION OF THE FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLY WITH THE BRAKE HOSES ATTACHED.
Consequence
THIS DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE, REDUCING THE BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AND INCREASING THE STOPPING DISTANCES.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT AXLE BRAKE HOSES (RIGHT AND LEFT) AND ANY HOSE SHOWING DAMAGE WILL BE REPLACED.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING, BOTH RIGHT REAR TIRES BLEW OUT CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL AND CRASH INTO THE WALL RESULTING IN FIRE, THERE WERE TWO INJURIES. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) *YH ”
“FAN CLUTCH HAS GONE OUT TWO TIMES ALREADY. ISUZU TOLD US IN 98 THAT THE FAN CLUTCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND A NEW STYLE WAS TO BE BUILT. IN FEB OF 1999 THEY FINALLY CAN OUT WITH A NEW MODEL. TIME WILL TELL IF IT WAS A NEW MODEL OF ANOTHER LIE. WE ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS BRAKE WARNING CABLE BEING…”
“CITY OF TEMPE ARIZONA IS FORCING VEHICLE OWNERS TO REDUCE THE OVERALL LENGTH OF THEIR VEHICLE (21 FEET) TO PARK AT THEIR HOMES. THE MOST ECONOMICAL WAY TO COMPLY IS TO CHOP IN THE MIDDLE TO KEEP THE TOW ARRANGEMENT WHICH WEAKENS THE STRENGTH AND INTEGRITY OF THE METAL CAUSING A HAZARD FOR THE…”
“FAN CLUTCH HAS GONE OUT TWO TIMES ALREADY. ISUZU TOLD US IN 98 THAT THE FAN CLUTCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND A NEW STYLE WAS TO BE BUILT. IN FEB OF 1999 THEY FINALLY CAN OUT WITH A NEW MODEL. TIME WILL TELL IF IT WAS A NEW MODEL OF ANOTHER LIE. WE ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS BRAKE WARNING CABLE BEING…”
The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 Isuzu NPR. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.