VehicleVerdict

1997 Isuzu Trooper problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 1997 Isuzu Trooper — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

18

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Trooper years?

Trooper NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 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, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Trooper years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Isuzu Trooper problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission422%
Brakes317%
Fuel System211%
Steering211%
Airbags211%
Engine211%
Body & Structure16%
Suspension16%
Lighting16%

Does the 1997 Isuzu Trooper have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

97V092001BrakesJune 3, 1997 · 6,667 units

Defect

THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE LINES WERE INSTALLED IMPROPERLY AT THE ASSEMBLY LINE RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND AN UPPER CONTROL ARM OF THE SUSPENSION.

Consequence

THE LINE CAN BE DAMAGED DURING VEHICLE OPERATION AND CAN RESULT IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE, REDUCED BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS, AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND THE UPPER CONTROL ARM. IF THE CLEARANCE IS NOT ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS, THE BRAKE LINE WILL BE REPLACED.

97V035001SuspensionMarch 11, 1997 · 270 units

Defect

THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITHOUT A LOCK WASHER AND/OR SCREWS IN THE FRONT HUB.

Consequence

THE BEARING ADJUSTMENT NUT CAN LOOSEN, RESULTING IN TOO MUCH FREE PLAY BETWEEN THE WHEEL AND AXLE. THE BEARING CAN SEIZE, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO LOCK AFFECTING VEHICLE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT HUBS TO DETERMINE IF THE LOCK WASHER AND SCREWS WERE PROPERLY INSTALLED. IF NOT, THEY WILL MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE ACCELERATING AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN I DEPRESSED THE CLUTH TO ENGAGE SECOND GEAR. THE CLUTCH PEDAL DROPPED TO THE FLOOR AND I COASTED TO A STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AND HAD TO PUSH THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD OUT OF HARMS WAY. THE FAILURE WAS IN THE”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 1, 2000

“WHILE ACCELERATING AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN I DEPRESSED THE CLUTH TO ENGAGE SECOND GEAR. THE CLUTCH PEDAL DROPPED TO THE FLOOR AND I COASTED TO A STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AND HAD TO PUSH THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD OUT OF HARMS WAY. THE FAILURE WAS IN THE”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 1, 2000

“HYDROLIC LIFTERS STICK, VERY LOUD AND NOTICABLE ENGINE NOISE. THEY HAVE STUCK SINCE SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE OF VEHICLE. THEY UNSTICK IMMEDIATELY AFTER SYNTHETIC OIL CHANGE, BUT ONLY FOR A BRIEF PERIOD OF TIME.*AK DEALERSHIP(S) USED THIS WINDOW OF TIME TO THIER ADVANTAGE TO AVOID REPAIRING VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 6, 2004

“CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION TRAVELING ABOUT 45 MPH, IMPACT 30 MPH, DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END. THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSING INJURIES TO THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 15, 1997 · crash

1997 Isuzu Trooper — common questions

Is the 1997 Isuzu Trooper reliable?

The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1997 Trooper problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (4 complaints), brakes (3 complaints), airbags (2 complaints).

Does the 1997 Isuzu Trooper have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Isuzu Trooper. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.