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 2002 Isuzu Axiom owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Axiom. While driving at an unknown speed, the brakes failed to respond when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact had to pull the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump, sensor, and brake line needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 102,001.
I have a 2002 Isuzu Axiom with 84,000 miles. The transmission is slipping. Apparently this is a defect that many, many owners are experiencing or have experienced. This defect needs to be recalled and fixed by the manufacturer not to mention other issues with the power windows, check engine lights, starter failing to start right away
When the vehicle was stopped at several stop lights and in a parking lot with the brakes applied, the vehicle lunged forward and would not stop until I turned off the ignition switch. It almost caused 3 collisions. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer (courtesy Isuzu) where we bought it. You can call me at [phone] (cell) or [phone] (home) or call frank broznik - service mgr. At courtesey Isuzu 9204 adamo dr tampa fl. 33619. [phone]. Frank thinks water has gotten into the anti-lock brake electrical board and caused this problem. This car has never been subjected to flood or other extreme exposure to water. If there is water in this circuit, the circuit was not protected adequately. The anti-lock brake warning light never showed a problem and according to frank, the computer diagnostics showed no defect codes. Frank experienced the same problem when he test drove this vehicle. …
1. 8,000 miles to current brakes intermittently fail when traveling at 30+ MPH. When the brakes are depressed the vehicle lunges forward. 2. Passenger side seat belt intermittently only allows retraction regardless of the brakes are depressed or not. 3. 46,539 miles fuel gauge shows 1/2 tank onboard computer shows low fuel and fuel light illuminates. Dealer replaced fuel pump assembly. Problem corrected. 4. 57321 miles intermittent sluggish acceleration (intermittent since 20,000 miles) combined with intermittent incorrect timing shift from 2nd to 3rd gear. Dealer reluctantly replaced piston seal cover under drive train warranty. 2nd opinion private mechanic verified the leaking seal. Problem has worsened remains unresolved as of 10/2/04. …
I am driving this car for the last two years now - but unfortunately I still do not have any confidence driving this car in a rainy weather. I already had three accidents in a rainy weather and the speeds while driving were as low as 5 MPH. I think there is weight issue at the back end of the car. Driving in a rainy weather is like a nightmare. I checked with other three Axiom owners and all of them had the same issue/concern. All teh other features are just perfect for me. When talked with the dealer they just could not believe it. For proving it to them I had to be a good vediographer and should be able to record the pattern in a parking lot or something. I need help on this and would strongly suggest to the other people to log-in a skidding complaint if they really face it as I want it to be a recall issue if al of them are facing it. …
Vibration and slow lose of breaking power. My Axiom has been in the dealer 3 times this year ti fix a bad vibration while breaking. Twice they claim they cannot replicate the problem but once they admitted the rotors are warped. The vehicle continues to have the same problem even after the dealer "fixed" it. With the vibration is a slow lose of braking power and a softening of the pedal. At times the brakes fade and it requires pushing the pedal to the floor to get the car to stop. I am conserned that the vibrations will eventually cause the total lose of braking power.
Extreme vibration while coming to a stop. Starts around 15-20 MPH and continues as long as the brakes are depressed. Normally I hear (feel) it and pump the brakes to try and make it stop. Problem has occurred since we purchased new in 2001 and continues to happen today. I have had it checked by the dealership and other mechanics. It does not appear to affect the actual braking but I don't think it is normal. I have replaced the brake pads in the front. Did not help. Local dealership no longer sells/services Isuzu.
Brakes - while applying the brakes at high or low speeds there is a terrible vibration and grinding sound from the vehicle. It feels as if I am sliding on loose gravel and the vehicle does not stop properly. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership and they claim to be unable to duplicate the problem. I have asked about other complaints about this or if there has been a recall and the answer was no. I can say that I am not happy with the quality or performance of this Isuzu product.
Brake complaints in other Axiom years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2002 Isuzu Axiom?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Isuzu Axiom, 23% of the model year's 124 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Isuzu Axiom brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2002 Isuzu Axiom, though it has 4 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 2002 Isuzu Axiom brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 24,000 miles, and 56% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.