Most common 2002 Isuzu Axiom problems
Share of the 124 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Isuzu Axiom complaints by model year
Best Axiom years: 2003, 2004. Years to avoid: 2002. Compare all years →
2002 Isuzu Axiom recalls (4)
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…
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.
Air bags › Frontal
On certain sport utility vehicles, the passenger-side air bag inflator modules were manufactured and shipped without a necessary component known as a check valve pin.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger side air bag. Owner notification is expected to begin during August or September 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2002 Isuzu Axiom:
Fuel Tank Retention Failure
On April 10, 2018, NHTSA received a petition from Mr. Kevin Byrne (the Petitioner) requesting that the Agency ?undertake a defects investigation? of ?rust-related detachment of Isuzu Rodeo fuel tanks? (NHTSA ID 11091788). The Petitioner experienced a partial fuel tank detachment in his model year (MY) 2004 Isuzu Rodeo in July 2017.
What 2002 Isuzu Axiom owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 35 →
My 2002 Isuzu Axiom transmission started slipping within a week I was at a stop sign I went to take off and my car wouldn't drive it went in reverse but not forward if I hit 'winter mode' it will bypass first gear and drive in second and third but not in first.... Once I come to a stop it comes out of winter mode and then I have to shut the car off and restart it and put it in winter mode all over again..... This transmission needs to be recalled and fixed free of charge...... This is a common issue with this transmission.. It's not fair to customers who have this SUV and these common issues happen and where now responsible for fixing it... …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Axiom. While acceletating from a stop and driving up a small incline, the vehicle stalled and the check engine and check transmission warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had difficulty shifting from first and second gears. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired as the contact wanted a second opinion. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Body & structure all 31 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Axiom. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the dealer for a recall repair on the rear suspension. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for scheduled maintenance. The mechanic informed the contact that the subframe was severely corroded and fractured in the rear. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000. Updated 4/5/2017
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Axiom. While driving 30 MPH, the rear lower axle bracket detached from the frame. The contact stated that the vehicle was wobbling and the service engine and axle warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 165,941.
Brakes all 28 →
I was involved in a collision, where the gas pedal was stuck and the brakes did not function properly. There were not any road conditions that should have prevented this vehicle from standing still. I was at a stop sign and the vehicle took off hitting a another vehicle in the side body. I have called the dealer and Isuzu and no one seems to be concerned about a brand new car crashing, malfunctioning injuring me and my grand daughter. The only response I got for Isuzu, was inquiring about me purchasing a new car, when the salesman found out that I had gaap insurance and they would be paid off for the other car. No only am I furious about the Isuzu customer service I still have one of these awful cars, the day after I purchased my Isuzu Axiom, my wife bought a brand new one too. I hope she lives to trade this vehicle in for something reliable.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Isuzu Axiom. While depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerates. The contact has to apply more pressure to the brake pedal in order for the vehicle to come to a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to a dealer once, but they could not duplicate the failure. The current mileage was 65,000 and failure mileage was 8,000. Updated 05/06/08. The consumer stated the failure happened when braking to a stop. As the consumer was about to stop, the engine revved. The consumer crashed into a parked vehicle. Updated 05/06/08.
2002 Isuzu Axiom engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 18 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Isuzu Axiom a good car?
Based on 124 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Axiom rates avoid: 7.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the Axiom at the same age. It is one of the Axiom 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 2002 Isuzu Axiom?
The transmission & drivetrain — 35 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the body & structure (31) and brakes (28).
How many recalls does the 2002 Isuzu Axiom have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2002 Isuzu Axiom, the most recent from September 22, 2010 (rear). 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 Axiom?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2003 and 2004. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002. See the full Isuzu Axiom years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Isuzu Axiom problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 84,000 miles; 34% 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.