Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Isuzu Amigo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Brakes do not function properly during wet weather of when the vehicle hit a pothole. The dealer and manufacturer were contacted and stated that there was nothing that they could do. The consumer has paid over $200.00 to get brakes fixed, and the problem still existed. Currently spent $250 for new rotors.....
I do not believe that the brakes on my car have worked correctly since it was purchased. I have had it into the dealer several times, but they said they cannot find anything wrong. During the summer I got a notice that Isuzu would be "fixing" brakes on various cars - it was not a recall, but they were going to be doing it for safety reasons. The cars were, I believe, 98 and 99 amigos and rodeos, of which mine is one. I called Isuzu and they said they would be sending notices out in the fall. It is now the end of February and I have never heard another word and am not able to get any information. My brakes just don't seem to work properly and I don't think they ever have. It is like it takes longer to stop than it should.
I began experiencing braking problems about a year after I purchased the vehicle. When stopping suddenly, the vehicle had extending stopping distances. I had the brakes inspected and was told the brake pads were in good condition. I proceeded to search the internet for recalls and found a safety notice on the ABS system. I brought my vehicle into a dealership for service and was told this notice did not pertain to my vehicle. Shortly after this, I was involved in an accident. The vehicle did not stop when I applied the brakes resulting in a collision with two other vehicles. Three months after the accident, I received a safety improvement campaign notice regarding my vehicle and the ABS.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Isuzu Amigo. The contact stated that the radius arm brackets, cross members, and brake lines were completely corroded. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 12V306000 (suspension). The manufacturer was contacted and the dealer refused to perform the recall repairs. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician explained that, due to the extensive corrosion, the vehicle would not pass state inspection until the frame was replaced. The technician replaced the radius arm brackets and welded the frame. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
When driving on wet pavement, mostly on hills, the ABS starts up and allows my car to free wheel for about 10 to 20 feet before braking begins again. I am not letting up on the pedal. The first time the ABS started up it worked great, I heard a motor running under the hood and even on the snow I stopped fine. This motor does function when 12vdc is applied but as of late, no longer functions when the ABS is started, the problem must be in the controling module it is failing to start the motor. I have been into the ditch 6 times total and I am just waiting to get into a very bad accident. I did notice that other cars next to me under the same conditions are able to stop. This lead me to this little test I conducted. When I disable the ABS my car stops fine. …
On downhill, uneven surface, brake pedal is depressed and brakes go into a non-applied mode, and after approximately a car length, the brakes will lcok up, make a slamming sound, and pull the vehicle to the side. This condition has been duplicated by the technician on both my vehicle and my husband's vehicle (same model/year). His response was that all vehicles of this model will do the same thing, even the brand new ones, and that the manufacturer considers this a "normal" condition. I have requested the manufacturer to buy-back my vehicle under the lemon law since it has been reported four times without resolution, but the request has been refused because there is no failure. I feel this is a potentially serious safety problem, not to mention what is does for my nerves when driving this vehicle.
When driving on wet pavement and upon making a normal stop, consumer experienced complete brake failure, resulting in extended stopping distance. Cause unknown. Also, gas tank has separated from bottom of vehicle, causing a fuel leakage, sun roof cover doesn't stay intact, and seat belt and gas pedal stick. Consumer has contacted dealer.
Brakes were not functioning when the roads were wet or if the vehicle gets in a pothole. Dealer and manufacturer were contacted, and stated that there was nothing they could do. Consumer had paid over $200.00 to get vehicle repaired, but the problem still persists.
While driving on road pulled up to the intersection when light turned red, consumer applied brakes to slowdown, but brake pedal went to the floor. Caused extended stopping distance and vehicle went through the intersection. Contacted dealer.
While traveling on highway and without prior warning ABS light appears on dashboard, and brakes will not hold. Dealership is aware of problem. The consumer paid for the repair of the vehicle, but wants to be reimbursed.
NHTSA investigations
Braking system/ABS
There is no summary currently available
Brake complaints in other Amigo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Isuzu Amigo?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Isuzu Amigo, 28% of the model year's 78 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Isuzu Amigo brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1998 Isuzu Amigo, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Isuzu Amigo brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 3,000 miles, and 67% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.