Most common 2004 Isuzu Ascender problems
Share of the 64 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Isuzu Ascender complaints by model year
Best Ascender years: 2007, 2006. Years to avoid: 2005, 2004. Compare all years →
2004 Isuzu Ascender recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Turn signal
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.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2004 Isuzu Ascender:
Loss of Headlights
The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV.
Fuel pump module leaks gasoline
During the course of this ea investigation, odi observed that the majority of the complaints (88%) and warranty claims (94%) were reported for vehicles that are registered for use in the salt belt region of the us.this area includes 20 states in the northeast, mid atlantic and the midwest regions and the district of columbia.consumers in the salt belt region reported to odi that they could smell fuel vapors in their…
What 2004 Isuzu Ascender owners say
Electrical system all 34 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Isuzu Ascender. The contact stated that the gauges and lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer stated that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The contact also noticed smoke and flames coming from the control panel of the arm rest on the front driver side door. The contact was able to extinguish the fire. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05V035000 (visibility) even though the windshield of the vehicle had shifted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Had auto towed to midas after inability to start, attempted jump start, unsuccessful. Battery replaced on 12/28/15. Drove auto next several days and on 12/30/15 drove to pick up my husband, shut off car in park. Unable to start vehicle again, keys could not be removed. Keys were in lock position in battery mode, able to turn to engine on but not turnover. Battery running all lights. Had auto towed again to midas but unable to diagnose. Spoke with auto shop and given this info to check recall for this vehicle. VIN [redacted]. 2004 Isuzu Ascender. Will require another tow to different facility for diagnostics plus more fees for repairs,towing. Auto was in park on side street 4 pm 12/30/15 after driving vehicle all day.
Fuel & propulsion system
My transmission has had to be fix 3 times 2 of those time me and my 5 children where driving on the freeway and my car stopped picking up speed and we had to pull to the side of the rode. My back vents for my A/C do not work, the back door opens all the time one time it opened and all our groceries fell out and when I try to pump gas into my car it would take forever the pump would stop like it was full but now it just spills out and my car smells like gas so bad on the inside I can't even drive it anymore. It's one thing after another and I have only had this car for 2 years and it's one thing after another.
Recall has been issued on faulty gas tank. Had car inspected by Isuzu facility 2/4/16 and new part(s) ordered. Cannot get any information as to when part will be in and my car repaired. In the meantime, driving with faulty, gas-leaking, probably dangerous car. GM apparently not communicating with Isuzu and parts not getting produced.
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Isuzu Ascender. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle decelerated without warning. The failure occurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the bank one sensor was running rich and the bank two sensor was running lean. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
Cluster panel does not work. The low beam lights have stopped working regularly whether stationary or driving.. They work intermittently causing the use of high beams. It has become a night time driving safety issue. Car will turn off in the middle of driving causing my daughter to have to pull over for safety.
2004 Isuzu Ascender engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 18 / 16 |
| 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Isuzu Ascender a good car?
Based on 64 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Ascender rates use caution: 1.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the Ascender at the same age. It is one of the Ascender years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Isuzu Ascender?
The electrical system — 34 complaints, 53% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument cluster/panel. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (17) and engine & cooling (6).
How many recalls does the 2004 Isuzu Ascender have?
There is 1 recall for the 2004 Isuzu Ascender, the most recent from May 5, 2005 (turn signal). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Isuzu Ascender?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2007 and 2006. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2005 and 2004. See the full Isuzu Ascender years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Isuzu Ascender problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 31% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.