1998 Isuzu Trooper: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Isuzu Trooper: 1 recall, 42 owner complaints and up to 15 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #98V180000 · 1998 · 3,062 vehicles
What's wrong: The transfer gearbox flange nuts were not properly installed, causing the nuts to loosen.
Why it matters: If the flange nuts loosen, the propeller shaft can separate, rendering the vehicle inopeative.
The fix: Dealers will inspect front and rear flange nuts and, if found loose, tighten to specified torque and secured staked at two places.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (19): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (5), excess oil use (4), leaks (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (6): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (3), hard / delayed shifting (3).
- Speed control / throttle (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Tires (4): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (4).
The 1998 Isuzu Trooper has 42 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 13 Trooper model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 40). Complaints peaked in 2001 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 52,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (13 complaints, 2 recalls), 1999 (81 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | 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 1998 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.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Isuzu Trooper have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1998 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 1998 Isuzu Trooper problems?
Owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (19), transmission & drivetrain (6), speed control / throttle (4).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Isuzu Trooper get?
EPA ratings run up to 15 mpg combined (3.5 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 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.