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.
1989 Isuzu Trooper problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 17 complaints on file for the 1989 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.
17
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
5
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1989 compare to other Trooper years?
What are the most common 1989 Isuzu Trooper problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4 | 24% | — flat |
| Brakes | 3 | 18% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 18% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 1 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 6% | new |
| Electrical System | 1 | 6% | new |
Does the 1989 Isuzu Trooper 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.
“WHEN DRIVER TURNS VEHICLE OFF AND ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE VEHICLE BACK ON, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START UP AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF, AND TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE BACK UP AGAIN. *AK”
“WHEEL STUDS ARE BREAKING WHILE IN TRANSIT; HEAR KNOCKING NOISE WHEN TIRE IS ABOUT TO COME OFF; DRIVER HAVE TO STOP AND TIGHTEN UP BOLTS;REPLACED EVERY 2/3 MONTH”
1989 Isuzu Trooper — common questions
Is the 1989 Isuzu Trooper reliable?
The record is thin — 17 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 1989 Trooper problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (4 complaints), tires & wheels (3 complaints), brakes (3 complaints).
Does the 1989 Isuzu Trooper have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 Isuzu Trooper. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1989 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.