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.
1987 Isuzu Trooper II problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1987 Isuzu Trooper II — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
3
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1987 compare to other Trooper II years?
What are the most common 1987 Isuzu Trooper II problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1 | 33% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 33% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 33% | new |
Does the 1987 Isuzu Trooper II have recalls?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
DUE TO INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN A BOLT THAT FIXES THE HEATER TO THE VEHICLE BODY AND A FUEL DELIVERY PIPE AND BETWEEN A REAR HEATER HOSE CLIP, USE UNDER SERVERE CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE PIPE RUPTURE AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
INSTALL NEW LINES AND A CLIP.
Defect
TWO PIECE ALUMINUM WHEELS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN WELDED AT POINT WHERE WHEEL IS PRESS FITTED ONTO THE RIM.
Consequence
WHEEL COULD SEPARATE FROM RIM CREATING THE POTENTIAL FORAN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE WHEELS AS APPROPRIATE.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE TO HAVE THE ENGINE HEAD GASKET REPAIRED SINCE THIS IS THE FIFTH FAILURE DUE TO CRACKING OR WARPING IN 40000 MILES? IT HAS COST AS MUCH AS $1,300.00. *AK”
“DRIVER'S SHOULDER/LAP AND REAR LEFT SHOULDER/LAP BELTS ARE INOPERATIVE, EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT MALFUNCTIONING WHEN WON'T RETRACT OR STICKS INSIDE ASSEMBLY.*AK”
“HEATER CORE EXPLODED HOT WATER AND ANTI FREEZE ENTERED THE VEHICLE, DRIVER SUSTAINED SECOND DEGREE BURNS TO FEET AND ANKLES. *AK”
1987 Isuzu Trooper II — common questions
Is the 1987 Isuzu Trooper II reliable?
The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Does the 1987 Isuzu Trooper II have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 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 1987 Isuzu Trooper II under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation 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.