Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 17 | −75% | 2 | Engine | Good |
| 2003 | 16 | −77% | 3 | Transmission | Good |
| 2002 | 124 | 7.5× | 4 | Transmission | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median Axiom year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Isuzu Axiom problems
Latest Isuzu Axiom recalls
Suspension › Rear
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,…
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.
Suspension › Rear
Isuzu is recalling certain model year 1998-2002 Isuzu rodeo and model year 2002 Isuzu axiom vehicles, and Honda is recalling certain 1998-2002 Honda passport vehicles, that were originally sold, or are currently registered, in the states of maine, new hampshire, vermont, massachusetts, rhode island, connecticut, new york, new…
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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
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.
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…
Service brakes, hydraulic › Brake fluid low warning › Lamp
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.
Remedy: The diodes have been replaced. All vehicles have been repaired.
Structure
As a result of information obtained from a head impact test conducted by the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) to evaluate compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standard no.
Remedy: Isuzu will offer owners of the vehicles a free modification of the roof area of the vehicle in which energy absorbing components will be installed. Owner notification began March 11, 2003.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Isuzu Axiom should you avoid?
2002 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Axiom years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 2002.
What is the best year for the Isuzu Axiom?
2003 has the fewest complaints compared with other Axiom years at the same age, followed by 2004. 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 Axiom problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (41), body & structure (34) and brakes (32). Transmission complaints peak in the 2002 model year.
How many recalls has the Isuzu Axiom had?
6 recalls across 2002–2004. The model year with the most is 2002. See all Isuzu Axiom 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.