1997 Isuzu Trooper: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Isuzu Trooper: 2 recalls, 13 owner complaints and up to 15 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #97V035001 · 1997 · 270 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles were manufactured without a lock washer and/or screws in the front hub.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #97V092001 · 1997 · 6,667 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The line can be damaged during vehicle operation and can result in brake fluid leakage, reduced brake effectiveness, and increased stopping distances.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (3): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (2).
- Fuel system (other) (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine & cooling (2): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
The 1997 Isuzu Trooper has 13 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 13 Trooper model years for complaints (well below the 40 average). Complaints peaked in 2000 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 65,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (51 complaints, 2 recalls), 1998 (42 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Isuzu Trooper.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Isuzu Trooper have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Isuzu Trooper. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Isuzu Trooper problems?
Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (4), brakes (hydraulic) (3), fuel system (other) (2).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Isuzu Trooper get?
EPA ratings run up to 15 mpg combined (3.2 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Isuzu Trooper repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.