VehicleVerdict

1985 Isuzu Trooper problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 1985 Isuzu Trooper — 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.

5

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

5

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1985 compare to other Trooper years?

Trooper NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted105 complaints1984: 0 complaints1985: 5 complaints1986: 18 complaints1987: 9 complaints1988: 20 complaints1989: 17 complaints1990: 30 complaints1991: 71 complaints1992: 27 complaints1993: 41 complaints1994: 58 complaints1995: 65 complaints1996: 66 complaints1997: 18 complaints1998: 48 complaints1999: 105 complaints2000: 61 complaints2001: 42 complaints2002: 12 complaints
Trooper NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Trooper years to avoid →

What are the most common 1985 Isuzu Trooper problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission360%
Body & Structure240%

Does the 1985 Isuzu Trooper have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

92V093000Body & StructureJuly 27, 1992 · 49,300 units

Defect

TRUCKS USED IN THE SALT-BELT STATES CAN HAVE ACCUMULATED CORROSION IN THE HINGES OF THE REAR DOORS. IF THE VEHICLES ALSO HAVE MISALIGNED DOOR LATCHES AND STRIKERS, IT IS POSSIBLE TO CLOSE THE DOORS IN A "FALSE LATCH" CONDITION.

Consequence

IN THE "FALSE LATCH" CONDITION, THE REAR DOORS MAY GIVETHE IMPRESSION THAT THE DOOR IS PROPERLY LATCHED WHEN IT IS NOT. THIS COULD LEADTO PASSENGERS AND/OR CARGO FALLING FROM REAR DOORS WHICH CAN OPEN WITHOUT PRIORWARNING.

Remedy

CHECK THE DOOR LATCHES AND STRIKERS FOR CORRECT ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR IF NECESSARY; ALSO INSPECT REAR DOOR HINGES FOR CORROSION AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“1ST INCIDENT OCCURRED 1990 AT 5 MPH. LOST POWER. WHEEL WAS EXTENDING FROM CAR. 1200 MILES LATER, 2ND INCIDENT OCCURRED AT 40 MPH, NEAR CLIFF. WHEEL AND AXLE DEPARTED, PASSED VEHICLE, SWUNG BACK & HIT VEHICLE. PAID LAREDO TX DEALER TO DISMANTLED OTHER AXLES AND EXAMINED DIFFERENTIAL. 1200 MILES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 15, 1990

1985 Isuzu Trooper — common questions

Is the 1985 Isuzu Trooper reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1985 Isuzu Trooper have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1985 Isuzu Trooper. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1985 Isuzu Trooper under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Isuzu Trooper years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Trooper years to avoid are 1999, 1991, 1996, 1995, 2000, 1994, 1998. The cleanest record among Trooper years belongs to 1984.

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.