Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Isuzu Axiom owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Also have loud creaking noise from underneath the front side of vehicle when turning left, right, or going over small bumps. Problem fixed once out of 4 dealerships that were tried. Noise went away after service tech tightened bolts connecting the cross bar/beam to the 2 long torque bars that run down the length of vehicle. After 1 month, problem came back, was fixed again, and then came back again. After 4 revolutions of this, problem persists today. Vehicle's frame felt "tighter" when making turns during the period where problem was fixed as compared to when the noise was present. The longer the noise exists, the "looser" the frame feels, as well. Additionally, a "tar-like substance" has been seeping out of all 4 doors since the summer of 2004. …
Failure of rear suspension lower link component drivers side from frame due to corrosion, caused vehicle to spin 180 degrees, in light traffic, no collision. Vehicle had to be towed, speed was 30-35mph, rain, cranberry highway rt 28 in wareham ma, vehicle is 2002 Isuzu Axiom, approx, 115,000 miles, I understand that there is an investigation on this problem. There appears to be more than normal amounts of corrosion on frame and components, vehicle is in for repair at towers service center,606 macarthur blvd, rt28 pocasset ma 02559 once this vehicle is inspected on a lift I expect there will be other issues to address. Also, this vehicle was due to travel to the state of ri at 60-65mph by my daughter to school at uri. …
I was driving my 2002 Isuzu Axiom on a major roadway heading for a major highway, when it started veering and buckling from left to right. It felt like a flat tire. I was able to pull into a parking lot, when it totally stopped and I was unable to drive it. The tow truck driver looked underneath the vehicle and told me the whole underside was rusted out. When it arrived at my mechanic's garage, he also told me that the whole frame and trailing arm was rusted, and basically beyond repair. I got an estimate, which was close to $5,000.00. I still owe almost $2000.00, replaced the transmission a few months before, and need a vehicle. It had 120,000 miles on it when this happened. I notified Isuzu, filed a claim (Isuzu case # [redacted] ), but was basically told there was nothing they could do, as the rust was due to the salt on our roads in massachusetts. …
I have a 2002 Isuzu Axiom mileage 101,000.. While driving I hit a pot hole - the family heard a weird sound. We pulled over and noticed the passenger rear control arm had broken away from the frame. I took the vehicle to a welding shop to have it repaired. The welding shop called me after putting the vehicle in the air that the frame was totally rotted away.. Some places of the frame you can put your hand thru the bottom and some places thru the top of the frame. There are other places that can not be repaired do to side rot of the frame.. The weld shop informed me the Axiom can not be repaired and can not pass inspection. I looked on line and found the odi reports of similar problems - so here is my report. The rest of the Axiom is perfect no rust on the body and engine runs perfect. …
During a non related service inspection, the mechanic at a local dealership pointed out that the frame of my 2002 Isuzu Axiom was corroded severely enough that he believed it to be a safety issue making the vehicle unsafe to drive. (and therefore would not recommend performing the originally requested service repairs). The frame has huge holes around the rear axle connecting rod, as well as long corrosion related splits in the frame in the area where it crosses over the rear axle assembly. As I now understand, this vehicle was designed utilizing the Isuzu rodeo model frame, which has a history of the same problems. My car has a little over 109,000 miles, and is in very good condition otherwise...body, interior, etc. Preliminary assessments indicate the needed repairs to the frame would be more than the vehicles value . …
Tl contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Axiom. The contact stated that the entire undercarriage of the vehicle was completely rusted, including the suspension, traction arm, and the steering arm. The dealer was shocked to find out what happened to the vehicle. The vehicle cannot be driven and was towed to a welding shop. The mechanic inspected the vehicle and stated that the frame needed to be replaced. The mechanic was concerned that the front end frame would also rust if it were welded. In addition, the contact stated that the steering was difficult to maneuver and it felt like she was shifting. The contact stated that this was a safety issue. Through online research, she discovered other consumers who were experiencing this issue and were not being assisted. She filed a complaint with the manufacturer. The vehicle is currently at the welding shop awaiting a remedy. …
I brought my car to the [redacted], which is the representative for Isuzu in my area to have pictures taken, as a result of my frame being rotten and falling under the recall. On February 10th the first pictures were taken, we were asked to bring it back two additional times because Isuzu said the pictures were not of quality, but the willy's service person showed them to us and stated himself that they couldn't understand what the problem was. After over three weeks, we've called and been able to get no information from our case worker, [redacted]. We were told that we remained in our spot in the line of recalls, so can't understand why after 5 days of having comprehendible photos, no information can be given. Parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 U.S.c. 552(b)(6).
2002 Isuzu Axiom. Driver's side "traction bar" (connects to rear axle) completely rusted off of the frame. Upon further examination, the entire frame is severely rusted. The rest of the vehicle is in very good/good condition. Luckily, the break happened while backing out of my driveway, so no one was hurt. If it happened at highway speeds, it would have been very bad. Vehicle is unusable unless the entire frame is replaced. I had a mechanic/welder look at it, and he said there is "no way" he would try to repair it. There just isn't enough "good metal" to weld to. Hopefully, insurance will pay for repair (which I doubt) or total the vehicle. It seems like this is a large problem for 2002 axioms.
Related recalls
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.
Body complaints in other Axiom years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2002 Isuzu Axiom?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the body & structure of the 2002 Isuzu Axiom, 25% of the model year's 124 complaints. The component named most often is frame and members (21 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Isuzu Axiom body problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-113 (structure, Mar 24, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Isuzu Axiom body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 101,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 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.