1999 Isuzu Trooper problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 105 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.5 times the median Trooper year — the 1999 model ranks #1 of 19 Trooper years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 56% of all reports (59 of 105), far ahead of electrical system at 8.
105
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
12
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
7
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1999 compare to other Trooper years?
What are the most common 1999 Isuzu Trooper problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 59 | 56% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 8 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 8 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 7 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Other | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I GET FREQUENT OIL CHANGES IN MY 99 ISUZU TROOPER AND HAD JUST GOTTEN ONE LAST MONTH. I HAD AT LEAST 2700 MILES BEFORE MY NEXT ONE. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AND I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM MY HOOD AND ALL MY DASH LIGHTS CAME ON LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE. I PULLED OVER AND FOUND OUT THAT MY ENGINE WAS…”
“VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON SLIGHT HILL WHEN IT POPPED OUT OF GEAR. ALSO, EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED, CAUSING IT TO ROLL DOWN INTO A TREE. ISUZU ENGINEERS CLAIMED VEHICLE PASSED ALL SPECIFICATIONS, BUT CONSUMER KNEW FOR A FACT THAT IT DID NOT HOLD. VEHICLE WILL ONLY BRAKE AT THE TEN O'CLOCK. ALSO PRIOR TO…”
“I BOUGHT A 1999 ISUZU TROOPER LIMITED EDITION 1 YEAR AGO THIS MONTH. SINCE BUYING IT I HAVE HAD THE STARTER REPLACED, THE ALTERNATOR REPLACED TWICE, THE SMALL BLOCK WAS BAD BECAUSE OF A FAILURE WITH THE DIPSTICK TO READ THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF OIL. MY SON WAS INVOLVED IN A MVA DUE TO THE FACT THAT…”
“WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME HARD TO PRESS THEN ENGAGED AND UNABLE TO CONTROL SPEED. ALL THE WHILE FRANTICLY APPLYING THE BRAKE TRYING TO RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR, I HAD TO FORCE THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR [PARK] WHERE THE VEHICLE THEN REVVED INTO THE RED ZONE BEFORE PUTTING OFF.…”
“I BOUGHT A 1999 ISUZU TROOPER LIMITED EDITION 1 YEAR AGO THIS MONTH. SINCE BUYING IT I HAVE HAD THE STARTER REPLACED, THE ALTERNATOR REPLACED TWICE, THE SMALL BLOCK WAS BAD BECAUSE OF A FAILURE WITH THE DIPSTICK TO READ THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF OIL. MY SON WAS INVOLVED IN A MVA DUE TO THE FACT THAT…”
1999 Isuzu Trooper — common questions
Is the 1999 Isuzu Trooper reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 105 complaints put the 1999 model at #1 of 19 Trooper years. It is one of the Trooper years to avoid.
What are the most common 1999 Trooper problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (59 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints), transmission (8 complaints).
Does the 1999 Isuzu Trooper have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1999 Isuzu Trooper.
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.