VehicleVerdict

2001 Isuzu Trooper problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2001 Isuzu Trooper sits mid-pack among Trooper years: 42 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 30, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (9), engine (9), and brakes (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

42

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Trooper years?

Trooper NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 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, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Trooper years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Isuzu Trooper problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine921%
Transmission921%
Brakes717%
Speed Control614%
Fuel System410%
Electrical System37%
Tires & Wheels25%
Lighting12%
Suspension12%

Does the 2001 Isuzu Trooper have recalls?

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

00V376000EngineNovember 14, 2000 · 18,462 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL DRIVE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS BUILT WITH TOD (TORQUE-ON-DEMAND). IN CERTAIN HIGH SPEED, FRONTAL CRASHES, MOVEMENT OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT COMPONENTS CAN CAUSE THE POTENTIAL FOR FUEL LEAKAGE.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW, REINFORCED FUEL HOSE ASSEMBLY. NOTE: THE FUEL LEAKAGE ISSUE IN THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN IS NOT THE SAME AS THE ONE ADDRESSED IN THEIR PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN 00V-253.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHEN ACCELERATING INTO TRAFFIC VEHICLE HESITATED, WHICH NEARLY CAUSED A REAREND COLLISION. DEALER REPLACED THROTTLE VALVE AND FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR AND ABS SENSOR WHICH DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK DEALER HAS TRIED 6 ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR PROBLEM. *TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 7, 2001

“WHEN YOU STOP AT STOP SIGN OR LIGHT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS INTO NEUTRAL. WHENEVER YOU PUSH ON THE ACCELERATOR IT JERKS AND TAKES OFF. SOMETIMES IT TAKES A FEW MINUTES TO SHIFT IN GEAR. IT IS IN THE SHOP RIGHT NOW. THE MECHANIC SAID IT HAS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *TR ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 2, 2008

“WHEN TRYING TO STOP LOST BRAKE POWER AND VEHICLE CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO FOUND A FOREIGN OIL SUBSTANCE IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM, WHICH WAS BELIEVED TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · crash

“DT: THE CONTACT STATED 2001 ISUZU TROOPER ACCELERATED WHILE IN REVERSE, THEN HE PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, IT HESITATED AND SURGED FORWARD WHILE THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE LEFT BLACK MARKS IN THE DRIVEWAY, WENT THROUGH THE GARAGE CANS AND THROUGH A FENCE IN THE BACKYARD. ALL THIS TIME THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 12, 2005 · crash

“THE TRUCK EXPERIENCES UNWANTED ACCELERATION WITH CAUSE NOT BEING ABLE TO BE DUPLICATED BY DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP HAS WORKED ON THE TRUCK FOUR SEPERATE TIMES WHICH THE CONDITION STILL PERSIST. THE ISUZU TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE LINE WAS CONTACTED BY THE DEALERSHIP TO HELP PINPOINT POSSIBLE CAUSE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System

2001 Isuzu Trooper — common questions

Is the 2001 Isuzu Trooper reliable?

It is close to typical for the Trooper: 42 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2001 Trooper problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (9 complaints), engine (9 complaints), brakes (7 complaints).

Does the 2001 Isuzu Trooper have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2001 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.