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.
1991 Isuzu Trooper problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 71 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.4 times the median Trooper year — the 1991 model ranks #2 of 19 Trooper years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 4 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (14), tires & wheels (13), and transmission (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
71
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
5
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
23
Fires reported
4
Injuries
3
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1991 compare to other Trooper years?
What are the most common 1991 Isuzu Trooper problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 14 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 13 | 18% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 12 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 7 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 6 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 6 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Does the 1991 Isuzu Trooper have recalls?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
IMPROPERLY INSTALLED HOSE ON THE OIL COOLER COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND COULD MELT.
Consequence
ENGINE OIL COULD LEAK OUT WITH POTENTIAL FOR ENGINESEIZURE AND DAMAGE AND COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
PROPERLY INSTALL COOLER HOSE CLIP TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH EXHAUST MANIFOLD.
Defect
PUTTING IN MORE TRANSMISSION OIL THAN SPECIFIED CAN CAUSE OIL TO BLEED THROUGH AIR GROOVE ON TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD IF OIL TEMPERATURE RISES.
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE SMOKE EMISSION FROM THE MANIFOLD, WHICHCOULD IGNITE RUBBER HOSES AND RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
REPLACE OIL LEVEL GAUGE AND NOTIFY OWNERS TO USE ONLY THE SPECIFIED AMOUNT OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE TROOPER HAD AN OIL LEAK AND THE ENGINE WENT ON FIRE. MY CAR IS TOTALED. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING AND SEE A PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND YEAR. HELP! I WANT ISUZU TO PAY FOR MY LOSE EVEN IF I WAS THE SECOND OWNER OR BOB CIASULLI USED CARS FOR SELLING ME THIS CAR WHICH HAD A RECALL ON AND PUT MYSELF…”
“PE00 020; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 75MPH ON HIGHWAY AND LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE BECAUSE REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM TIRE, AND FLIPPED MULTIPLE TIMES. *AK DRIVER DIED FROM HEAD INJURIES, I PERSON WAS INJURED, TIRES WERE BRIDGESTONE DESERT DUELLER, SIZE P235/75R15, DOT WK13356. *SLC”
“CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE INTO DRIVEWAY. THEN MOVED TRANSMISSION INTO WHAT HE THOUGHT WAS PARK, LOCKED IGNITION AND TOOK KEY OUT. WHEN HE WALKED AWAY VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS, RESULTING IN A CRASH. PHONED ISUZU AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY DID NOT INSTALL AN IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE. OWNER BELIEVES THIS IS…”
“I JUST EXITED THE HOLLYWOOD FREEWAY WHEN SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING THE 1991 ISUZU TROOPER CAUGHT ON FIRE. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND GET OUT.THE FIRE APPEARED TO BE UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK WITH GAS OR SOME OTHER LIQUID POURING OUT. THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE MELTED AND EXPLODED,…”
“UNDER HOOD FIRE, CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK CONSUMER STATES THERE WAS NO COLLSION, NO WARNING, LIGHTS ON THE PANEL WERE ACTIVATED AND THERE WAS NO SUDDEN ACCELERATION.DECELERATION NOTICED, NO NOISES, CONSUMER WAS AT STOP LIGHT AND NOTICED BLACK SMOK FROM THE ENGINE AND HE PROMPTLY TURNED OFF ENGINE AND…”
1991 Isuzu Trooper — common questions
Is the 1991 Isuzu Trooper reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 71 complaints put the 1991 model at #2 of 19 Trooper years. It is one of the Trooper years to avoid.
What are the most common 1991 Trooper problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (14 complaints), tires & wheels (13 complaints), transmission (12 complaints).
Does the 1991 Isuzu Trooper have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Isuzu Trooper. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1991 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.