Defect
THE WELD ON THE RECEIVER UNIT OF THE TRAILER HITCH CAN BREAK.
Consequence
IF THE FAILURE OCCURS, THE TRAILER CAN SEPARATE FROM THETOWING VEHICLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy
REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH.
1986 Isuzu Trooper II problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 1986 Isuzu Trooper II — 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.
12
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
3
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1986 compare to other Trooper II years?
What are the most common 1986 Isuzu Trooper II problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body & Structure | 5 | 42% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 3 | 25% | new |
| Brakes | 1 | 8% | new |
| Engine | 1 | 8% | new |
| Steering | 1 | 8% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 8% | new |
Does the 1986 Isuzu Trooper II have recalls?
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ENTIRE FRAME AND CROSS MEMBERS HAVE SEVERE RUST WITH PERFORATION. SUSPENSION ATTACHMENT POINTS TO FRAME ARE SEVERLY COMPROMISED. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. SHEET METAL BODY STRUCTURE APPEARS "RELATIVELY" RUST FREE. THE FRAME INTEGRITY WOULD NOT BE NOTICED UNLESS THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED CLOSELY.”
“REAR AXLE LOCK NUT AND PAN CAKE WASHER FAILED AND AXLE SLID OUT WITH WHEEL STILL ATTACHED. THIS IS THE 2ND OCCURANCE IN 2 YEARS. FIRST TIME VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT 10 MPH, SECOND TIME 55 MPH.”
“TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS VERY SEROIUS MATTER. I PURCHASED A USED TROOPER THREE YEARS AGO, AND HAVE EXPERIENCED NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. I PURCHASED THE TROOPER FROM MY NEIGHBOR THREE YEARS AGO.HE PURCHASED IT FROM A DEALER HERE IN MAINE. THE TROOPER…”
“TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS VERY SEROIUS MATTER. I PURCHASED A USED TROOPER THREE YEARS AGO, AND HAVE EXPERIENCED NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. I PURCHASED THE TROOPER FROM MY NEIGHBOR THREE YEARS AGO.HE PURCHASED IT FROM A DEALER HERE IN MAINE. THE TROOPER…”
1986 Isuzu Trooper II — common questions
Is the 1986 Isuzu Trooper II reliable?
The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
What are the most common 1986 Trooper II problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (5 complaints), suspension (3 complaints), brakes (1 complaints).
Does the 1986 Isuzu Trooper II have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1986 Isuzu Trooper II. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1986 Isuzu Trooper II under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
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.