VehicleVerdict

1998 Isuzu Oasis problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 1998 Isuzu Oasis — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

12

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Oasis years?

Oasis NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted12 complaints1996: 5 complaints1997: 9 complaints1998: 12 complaints1999: 3 complaints
Oasis NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Oasis years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Isuzu Oasis problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System867%
Transmission217%
Airbags18%
Child Seat18%

Does the 1998 Isuzu Oasis have recalls?

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

20V026000AirbagsJanuary 17, 2020 · 1,439,841 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.

02V120000Electrical SystemMay 16, 2002 · 1,000,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.

Consequence

WORN CONTACTS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 2002. 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 HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

99V069000SuspensionMay 10, 1999 · 124,875 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH BALL JOINTS THAT CAN PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND, IN THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN VEHICLE DECELERATION AND A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. ALSO STEERING CONTROLLABILITY WOULD BE REDUCED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.

99V069001SuspensionMay 10, 1999 · 104 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH BALL JOINTS THAT CAN PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND, IN THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN VEHICLE DECELERATION AND A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. ALSO STEERING CONTROLLABILITY WOULD BE REDUCED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“CAR STALLING WHILE KEY IS IN IGNITION. CURRENT RECALL 02V120000 ON IGNITION SWITCH. CONSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER WHO STTED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL DUE TO VIN. CONSUMER CONCERNED BECAUSE VERY UNSAFE FOR VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING ON ROADWAYS.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 16, 2002

“1. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP AND HAD EXTREMELY DELAYED RESPONSE WHEN STARTING DECELERATING AND THEN IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATING LEAVING ME IN A PATH OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC DUE TO DELAYED RESPONSE. 2. ULTIMATELY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS HAS FAILED AND I HAD TO GET IT REPAIRED FOR A COST OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 10, 2006

“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ISUZU OASIS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 19, 2020

“DESCRIPTION OF CAR SEAT PROTECTION (PP26-34 OWNERS MANUAL)AND PROCEDURES DOES NOT FIT ACTUAL CONFIGURATION OF SEATS AND SAFETY BELTS IN THE VEHICLE. ONLY CENTER LAP BELT WILL SECURELY HOLD A CHILD SEAT IN PLACE. INFANT IN A REAR FACING SEAT IS EXPOSED TO MOVEABLE ARMRESTS ON CENTER BACKREST. DEALER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Child Seat

1998 Isuzu Oasis — common questions

Is the 1998 Isuzu Oasis reliable?

The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1998 Oasis problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (8 complaints), transmission (2 complaints), airbags (1 complaints).

Does the 1998 Isuzu Oasis have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Isuzu Oasis. 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.