Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 10 | −80% | 1 | Engine | Good |
| 1999 | 70 | typical | 2 | Brake | Average |
| 1998 | 78 | 2.5× | 5 | Brake | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median Amigo year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Isuzu Amigo problems
Latest Isuzu Amigo recalls
Suspension › Rear
Isuzu is recalling certain model year 1998-2000 amigo and model year 2001-2002 rodeo sport vehicles, that were originally sold, or are currently registered, in the states of maine, new hampshire, vermont, massachusetts, rhode island, connecticut, new york, new jersey, pennsylvania, delaware, maryland, the district of columbia,…
Remedy: 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.
Suspension › Rear
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Paint was applied unevenly on the rear axles, resulting in insufficient paint hardness. Should this occur on the surface that contacts the rear axle lower link bracket bolt head and/or nut, the nut May loosen.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear axle lower link joint nut and bolt.
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with a sunroof sunshade. The primer applied to prepare the surface prior to bonding the sunshade holders to the sunroof weakened the bonding strength of the adhesive, resulting in an unsatisfactory bond of the holder to the sunroof.
Remedy: Dealers will remove all four sunshade holders and re-bond them to the sunroof glass.
Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. A ground connection terminal was not properly crimped in the supplier's engine wiring harness manufacturing line. This improper crimping process can leave an impression on the terminal that will eventually cause a stress fracture. S
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these vehicles.
Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The strength of the rear seat belt shoulder anchorage is not to design specifications and does not fully comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages."
Remedy: Dealers will install new right and left rear seat belt anchor bolts.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Isuzu Amigo should you avoid?
1998 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Amigo years at the same age, led by brakes problems in the 1998.
What is the best year for the Isuzu Amigo?
2000 has the fewest complaints compared with other Amigo years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Isuzu Amigo problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (43), engine & cooling (25) and body & structure (20). Brake complaints peak in the 1998 model year.
How many recalls has the Isuzu Amigo had?
5 recalls across 1998–2000. The model year with the most is 1998. See all Isuzu Amigo recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.