NHTSA vehicle safety data

2003 Isuzu Ascender Recalls & Complaints

The 2003 Isuzu Ascender has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 35 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Isuzu dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2003 Isuzu Ascender. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2003 Isuzu Ascender owner complaints

Owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Isuzu Ascender, describing incidents dated January 30, 2003 to October 16, 2013.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 9 complaints
Exterior Lighting 7 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 6 complaints
Power Train 4 complaints
Service Brakes 3 complaints
Structure 3 complaints

Of the 35 complaints on file, 2 report a crash; across all 35 complaints, owners report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #10551022 · Filed November 5, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ISUZU ASCENDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS PERFORATED DUE TO RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED…
ODI #10353980 · Filed September 6, 2010
SERVICE BULLETIN OR RECALL 2003 ISUZU ASCENDER. PROBLEM KEY STUCK IN THE IGNITION CAN NOT REMOVE SEEMS TO BE NORMAL PROBLEM FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL . L HAVE BEEN READING THROUGH FORUM COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET. I AM CURIOUS IF THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL AND IF NOT WHY NOT. CAR COULD BE CAR JACK OR…
ODI #10291898 · Filed November 11, 2009
POWER STEERING LINES FROM THE PUMP (HIGH PRESSURE AND RETURN LINES) ARE CORRODING AND NOW LEAKING. *TR

Read all 35 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2003 Isuzu Ascender in 3 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Recall Query RQ17-002: Loss of Headlights
Closed March 29, 2021
Engineering Analysis EA07-009: FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS GASOLINE
Closed August 28, 2008
Engineering Analysis EA04-002: WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
Closed February 10, 2004
- Recall 04V-046
- Recall 04V-061

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

REAR SIDE DOOR LATCH

NHTSA #05V494000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Doors — Latch · NHTSA notice

Reported October 27, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 98,007 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 05077 · Owners notified February 24, 2006 · Vehicles built April 1, 2002 – July 31, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE A REAR SIDE CLOSURE LATCH THAT MAY NOT LATCH OR UNLATCH DUE TO CORROSION CAUSED BY ROAD SPLASH, SUCH AS WATER AND ROAD SALT. THESE VEHICLES WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

Safety consequence

IF THE DOOR IS NOT LATCHED PROPERLY AND IT GOES UNNOTICED, IT MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. IF AN UNBELTED OCCUPANT FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE, PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SEAL ALONG THE LOWER PART OF THE ROCKER PANEL TO PREVENT INTRUSION OF CORROSIVE MATERIAL, AND INSPECT THE REAR SIDE CLOSURE LATCHES. FUNCTIONAL LATCHES WILL BE CLEANED AND LUBRICATED. NON-FUNCTIONING LATCHES WILL BE REPLACED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 24, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 05077. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

TURN SIGNAL FAILURE

NHTSA #05V198000 · Exterior Lighting — Turn Signal · NHTSA notice

Reported May 5, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 286,478 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 05044 · Owners notified August 4, 2005 · Vehicles built April 1, 2003 – July 31, 2003 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DRIVER WISHING TO SIGNAL A TURN BY MOVING THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL LEVER, (UP OR DOWN) MAY CAUSE THE FRONT MARKER/TURN LIGHTS AND REAR TURN LIGHTS TO FLASH IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO HAZARD WARNING, RATHER THAN FLASHING ON THE DESIRED SIDE ONLY.

Safety consequence

THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CLEARLY SIGNAL THEIR INTENTIONS TO TURN, CHANGE TRAVEL LANES, OR POTENTIALLY WARN OTHERS OF AN IMPAIRED VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT FLASHER MODULES WITH A NEW FLASHER MODULE DESIGNED WITH SEALED RELAYS AND MORE DURABLE CONTACT MATERIAL INSIDE OF THE RELAYS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2005. ISUZU BEGAN MAILING OWNER LETTERS ON AUGUST 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, AND OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 05044.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

ISUZU/WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY

NHTSA #04V061000 · Visibility — Windshield Wiper/Washer · NHTSA notice

Reported February 4, 2004 · ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED

Potentially affected: 439 vehicles

Owners notified July 15, 2004 · Vehicles built April 1, 2002 – November 30, 2002 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEMS THAT WILL NOT TURN ON, CEASE OPERATION WHILE IN USE, FAIL TO TURN OFF/ON BY THEMSELVES (MOISTURE SENSITIVE WIPER SYSTEM), OR HAVE CONTINUOUS WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP OPERATION BECAUSE THE PRESENCE OF WATER WITHIN THE WIPER MODULES CAN EITHER CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT OR CAN LEAD TO THE CORROSION OF COMPONENTS WITHIN THE MODULE.

Safety consequence

DEPENDING ON THE OCCURRENCE AND WEATHER SITUATION, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.

Notes

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

ISUZU/FMVSS 225/CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE

NHTSA #03V269000 · Equipment — Other — Owners/Service/Other Manual · NHTSA notice

Reported July 21, 2003 · ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED

Potentially affected: 3,290 vehicles

Owners notified August 15, 2003 · Vehicles built August 1, 2002 – May 31, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.

Safety consequence

THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE STANDARD.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. IT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.

Notes

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

ISUZU/FMVSS 114/MECHANICAL OVERRIDE

NHTSA #03V213000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission · NHTSA notice

Reported June 5, 2003 · ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED

Potentially affected: 11 vehicles

Owners notified June 13, 2003 · Vehicles built August 1, 2002 – August 31, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A MECHANICAL OVERRIDE THAT COULD ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN A POSITION OTHER THAN PARK. IN ADDITION, THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN OVERRIDE THAT CAN ALLOW THE TRANSMISSION TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK WITH THE IGNITION IN THE OFF POSITION.

Safety consequence

THESE OVERRIDES ARE NOT PERMITTED UNLESS THE VEHICLE HAS A LOCKING STEERING COLUMN.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL ELIMINATE THESE CONDITIONS BY DISABLING THE OVERRIDES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 13, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.

Notes

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2003 Isuzu Ascender. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

35 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Isuzu Ascender.

Service Brakes

ODI #10551022

Incident: October 16, 2013 · Filed: November 5, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ISUZU ASCENDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS PERFORATED DUE TO RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.

Electrical System

ODI #10353980

Incident: September 5, 2010 · Filed: September 6, 2010

SERVICE BULLETIN OR RECALL 2003 ISUZU ASCENDER. PROBLEM KEY STUCK IN THE IGNITION CAN NOT REMOVE SEEMS TO BE NORMAL PROBLEM FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL . L HAVE BEEN READING THROUGH FORUM COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET. I AM CURIOUS IF THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL AND IF NOT WHY NOT. CAR COULD BE CAR JACK OR STOLEN BY NOT ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THIS HAS BEEN A INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. *TR

Steering

ODI #10291898

Incident: November 10, 2009 · Filed: November 11, 2009

POWER STEERING LINES FROM THE PUMP (HIGH PRESSURE AND RETURN LINES) ARE CORRODING AND NOW LEAKING. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #10285169

Incident: January 8, 2008 · Filed: September 24, 2009

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ISUZU ASCENDER. HE STATED THAT INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE "SES" AND "CHECK ENGINE" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, THEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. AS A CONSEQUENCE, THE RISK FOR A VEHICLE CRASH WAS INCREASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND REPAIRED TEN TIMES; HOWEVER, THE REPAIRS HAVE NOT REMEDIED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

Structure; Tires

ODI #10284661

1 injury

Incident: April 9, 2009 · Filed: September 20, 2009

WHILE TRYING TO RELEASE THE FULL-SIZED SPARE TIRE, THE CABLE HOLDING IT UP BROKE CAUSING THE TIRE TO UNEXPECTEDLY FALL. *TR

Electrical System; Exterior Lighting

ODI #10284659

Incident: June 17, 2009 · Filed: September 20, 2009

HEATER/AC FAN KEPT GOING OUT. WAS TOLD IT WAS RELAY SWITCH. AFTER SEVERAL REPLACEMENTS, WAS TOLD IT WAS A FAULT IN THE IGNITION. IGNITION WAS REPLACED. FAN NOW WORKS. NOW HEADLIGHTS GO OUT INTERMITTENTLY. TECH'S CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHY. *TR

Electrical System

ODI #10283411

Incident: May 20, 2003 · Filed: September 9, 2009

WHEN YOU GO TO PUT GEAR SELECTOR INTO PARK THE IGNITION KEY GETS STUCK TEMPORARILY ON MY ISUZU ASCENDER 2003 . SOMETIMES I HAVE TO WAIT 1 MIN OR SOMETIMES 10 MIN. TO GET THE KEY OUT .IF YOU LISTEN REAL CLOSE YOU CAN HERE A ELECTRONIC CLICK .THIS JUST STARTED ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO. I AM WORRIED ABOUT LEAVING THE VEHICLE WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. IT COULD BE STOLEN OR EVEN CAR JACK. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI #10248047

Incident: November 7, 2008 · Filed: November 9, 2008

SMELL OF GASOLINE AND DRIPPING UNDERNEATH REAR BENEATH FUEL TANK (DRIVER'S SIDE), WHEN STARTING. PROBLEM WAS FOUND TO BE THE FUEL PUMP MODULE AT THE LINE :OUTPUT SIDE OF PUMP. REPLACED FUEL PUMP MODULE AND RING. PARTS AND PICS AVAILABLE. *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages

ODI #10238529

Incident: October 1, 2007 · Filed: August 17, 2008

REAR PASSENGER DOORS WILL NOT LATCH CLOSE. REMOVED AND REPLACED BOTH RUSTY LATCHES. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI #10238528

Incident: June 1, 2008 · Filed: August 17, 2008

GAS ODOR AND GASOLINE DRIPPING BENEATH FUEL TANK WHEN PARKED. *TR

Other Isuzu Ascender model years

Check your 2003 Isuzu Ascender VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Isuzu Ascender at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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