NHTSA vehicle safety data

2003 Isuzu Axiom Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2003 Isuzu Axiom has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 16 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 Axiom, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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

2003 Isuzu Axiom owner complaints

Owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Isuzu Axiom, describing incidents dated September 10, 2003 to May 15, 2020.

Most-cited components

Power Train 4 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 3 complaints
Service Brakes 3 complaints
Air Bags 2 complaints
Engine 2 complaints
Equipment 2 complaints

Of the 16 complaints on file, 3 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 16 complaints, owners report 8 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11325218 · Filed May 19, 2020
DRIVING IN A LARGE PARKING LOT, HIT A LARGE CEMENT POLE DOING 20 MILES PER HOUR.AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. HAD NOT PUT MY SEAT BELT ON YET & HIT & SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD KNOCKING OUT ALL OF MY FRONT UPPER TEETH. FRACTURED MAXILLA .WHY DID AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOY? *TR
ODI #11030825 · Filed October 2, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ISUZU AXIOM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, A FUEL ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE CABIN AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO…
ODI #11030628 · Filed September 30, 2017
THE FUEL PUMP STOP WORKING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE SENSOR

Read all 16 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2003 Isuzu Axiom in 1 investigation. 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.

Defect Petition DP18-001: Fuel Tank Retention Failure
Closed March 5, 2020

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Rear Suspension Corrosion

NHTSA #13V547000 · Suspension — Rear · NHTSA notice

Reported October 31, 2013 · Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America

Potentially affected: 8,816 vehicles

Repair completion: 18.54% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Isuzu campaign DET-13-173 · Owners notified December 13, 2013

Defect description

Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc (Isuzu) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Rodeo and Axiom, and 2003 Rodeo Sport vehicles that were originally sold in, or are currently registered in, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Kentucky and Missouri. These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion near the forward mounting point bracket for the left or right rear suspension lower link.

Safety consequence

The corrosion may allow the bracket to detach from the frame, impacting vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear suspension lower link bracket area. For vehicles in which little or no corrosion is found, the area will be treated with an anti-corrosive compound. For vehicles in which corrosion has damaged the rear suspension lower link bracket and affected its connection to the vehicle frame, a reinforcement bracket will be installed. In the event the corrosion is so severe that the reinforcement bracket remedy would not be sufficient, Isuzu will offer to repurchase the vehicle for an amount based on the Kelley Blue Book "Private Party" price. All inspections and remedies will be provided free of charge for vehicles that are 10 years old or less. For vehicles older than 10 years, Isuzu will offer a free remedy, but only if the vehicle is presented to an Isuzu service facility dealer within 12 months of when owner notifications were issued, after that time owners will be charged for the repairs. The recall is expected to begin in mid-December 2013. Isuzu owners may contact Isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

FUEL PUMP

NHTSA #05V466000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump · NHTSA notice

Reported October 7, 2005 · ISUZU MANUFACTURING SERVICES OF AMERICA

Potentially affected: 15,515 vehicles

Owners notified November 25, 2005 · Vehicles built November 1, 2001 – June 30, 2004 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO FUEL CONTAMINATED WITH SILICON MAY DEVELOP SMALL PIN HOLES IN THE FUEL PUMP FEED PORT. SILICON HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE FUEL SYSTEMS OF AFFECTED VEHICLES AND IN CERTAIN FUEL AVAILABLE IN THE REGION OF TYLER, TEXAS. THIS RECALL WILL BE LAUNCHED FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN TEXAS AND THE FOUR SURROUNDING STATES: OKLAHOMA, ARKANSAS, NEW MEXICO AND LOUISIANA.

Safety consequence

A FUEL LEAK COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE STATES IDENTIFIED ABOVE, DEALERS WILL PROVIDE A NEW COVER OVER THE EXISTING FEED PORT ON THE FUEL PUMP OR, IF THE EXISTING FEED PORT HAS ALREADY BEEN DAMAGED, DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUEL PUMP THAT IS EQUIPPED WITH THE NEW COVER. THE NEW COVER WILL BE MADE OF A DIFFERENT MATERIAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 25, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY 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/FMVSS 101/BRAKE WARNING LAMP

NHTSA #03V390000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Brake Fluid Low Warning — Lamp · NHTSA notice

Reported October 10, 2003 · ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED

Potentially affected: 55 vehicles

Owners notified October 8, 2003 · Vehicles built July 22, 2003 – August 22, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 101, "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS." THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE IN THE EVENT OF DECREASED BRAKE FLUID VOLUME.

Manufacturer remedy

THE DIODES HAVE BEEN REPLACED. ALL VEHICLES HAVE BEEN REPAIRED.

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).

2003 Isuzu Axiom 4-DR.

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Safety Technology

1 investigation

16 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Isuzu Axiom.

Air Bags

ODI #11325218

Crash 1 injury

Incident: May 15, 2020 · Filed: May 19, 2020

DRIVING IN A LARGE PARKING LOT, HIT A LARGE CEMENT POLE DOING 20 MILES PER HOUR.AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. HAD NOT PUT MY SEAT BELT ON YET & HIT & SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD KNOCKING OUT ALL OF MY FRONT UPPER TEETH. FRACTURED MAXILLA .WHY DID AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOY? *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11030825

Incident: September 29, 2017 · Filed: October 2, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ISUZU AXIOM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, A FUEL ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE CABIN AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CAME TO THE RESIDENCE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,716.

Unknown or Other; Electronic Stability Control (ESC); Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11030628

Incident: September 13, 2017 · Filed: September 30, 2017

THE FUEL PUMP STOP WORKING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE SENSOR

Power Train; Equipment

ODI #10622425

Incident: March 10, 2014 · Filed: August 14, 2014

I HAVE A 2003 ISUZU AXIOM 4X4 AND IN MARCH, 2014 I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. AND AS A RESULT I HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED. I HAVE LESS THEN 98,000 MILES ON IT. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #10503422

Fire

Incident: March 14, 2013 · Filed: March 18, 2013

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ISUZU AXIOM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE VENTS AS FLAMES ERUPTED NEAR THE FUEL TANK. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE FUEL TANK EXHIBITED A LEAK AND CAUSED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WAS APPROXIMATELY 106,000. *TR

Power Train

ODI #10463250

Incident: June 4, 2012 · Filed: June 27, 2012

TRANSMISSION BAD AT 61K. SPENT $3,800 ON REBUILT TRANSMISSION AS METAL PARTICLES WERE CLOGGING THE TRANSMISSION FILTER. MECHANIC NOTED THAT TRANMISSION PUMP WAS BAD AND CAUSING METAL TO BREAK OFF AND CLOG THE FILTER. *TR

Structure

ODI #10458409

Incident: May 14, 2012 · Filed: May 14, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ISUZU AXIOM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE WHEN THE DEALER ADVISED THAT UNDER RUST WAS FOUND ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, AS WELL AS THE FRAME BRACKET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Structure

ODI #10458333

Incident: May 14, 2012 · Filed: May 14, 2012

I BROUGHT MY CAR TO TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS IN MY AREA AND BOTH TOLD ME THE FRAME HAS SEVERE CORROSION AND IS MIGHT BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON. THEY SHOWED ME MULTIPLE HOLES IN THE FRAME ON THE BACK PASSENGER CORNER OF THE VEHICLE. IT LOOKS SO BAD THAT I COULD JUST BREAK THE FRAME WITH A HAMMER. THE VEHICLE PASSED INSPECTION, BUT THEY TOLD ME I SHOULD TAKE IT TO A WELDER TO GET IT REPAIRED. IS THIS SOMETHING I CAN DRIVE ON? AM I RISKING MY LIFE? IT APPEARS THAT THE FRAME WAS RECALLED ON THE 2002 MODELS, BUT NOT THE 2003 AND 2004 MODELS WHICH USE THE SAME EXACT FRAME! I HAVE NO IDEA WHY. SOUNDS PRETTY STUPID AND MIGHT RISK SOMEONE'S LIFE. *JS

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #10419902

Incident: June 7, 2011 · Filed: August 17, 2011

2003 ISUZU AXIOM 3.5L 6CYL ENGINE. INTAKE MANIFOLD BURNS GASKETS AND LEAKS OIL IN THE ENGINE . ISUZU CLAIMS IT MAY BE THE ENGINE BLOCK BUT HAS NO RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM. I HAD THE GASKETS REPLACED 4 TIMES BEFORE I REALIZED IT WAS A MORE SERIOUS PROBLEM THIS PROBLEM CAUSES SEVERE SMELL OF BURNING OIL AND CAUSES VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER. ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON. *KB

Power Train; Equipment

ODI #10318921

Incident: March 1, 2010 · Filed: March 11, 2010

SPENT 2800 FOR NEW TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION REPLACED 2X ON 2003 ISUZU AXIOM. *TR

Other Isuzu Axiom model years

Check your 2003 Isuzu Axiom VIN

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

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