Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
The contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Axiom. The contact stated that severe corrosion was discovered above the rear tires while the vehicle was raised on a lift. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V436000 (Suspension). The contact expressed concern that the extreme corrosion might cause the lower link bracket to detach from the frame. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Isuzu Axiom 2002. My wife was trying to merge onto james river freeway in springfield, mo from hwy 65 n. It was raining but her speed was less than 40 MPH. She attempted to accelerate to merge into the traffic pattern and the SUV spun out of control and sent us down a boulder embedded embankment of about 30 feet. The SUV bounced over the boulders and came to a rest at the bottom of the incline. Fortunately we were able to 4 wheel drive out, two ruined tires, and the front bumper assembly ripped from the frame. My complaint is this: there was no practical reason for the SUV to spin out of control. The SUV has only 45,000 miles on it. I think there is too much torque for the suspension system.
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. …
Prior day before the brake, I had noticed a swaying/swinging in rear end of my car while out running errands. I thought it was just bad road or I had changed lanes not well. Didn't drive it the next day. Saturday morning I was enroute to pickup the grandkids to attend a free kids home depot workshop, I left my home and turned 1 block left to travel the route I normal take to their home. I go up a l hill and after I crest the hill I hear this loud clank noise. I thought that I had run over something so I pull over and check the rear view mirror, saw nothing. I got out and circled my car and after coming back around, on the driver rear I noticed a bar hanging down. So I get down and look to see this bar running from what appeared to be in front of my back rear tire to dangling down from where it appeared to be broken from corrosion and rusted from the frame of my car. …
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. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Axiom. The contact stated that the vehicle violently jerked to the right, causing the steering to become inoperable. Additionally, while at a stop the contact attempted to accelerate and the rear sub frame became detached from the vehicle. The contact discovered that the fuel tank case, the rear suspension, and the rear sub frame rusted and deterioration. The parts had detached causing the vehicle to be unable to be driven. The vehicle was previously serviced for NHTSA campaign id number: 10V436000 (suspension) and NHTSA campaign id number: 05V466000 (fuel system, gasoline).the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Axiom. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil. The vehicle was inspected by a private mechanic, who advised the contact that the sub frame was severely corroded. The manufacturer advised the contact that NHTSA campaign number: 10V436000 (suspension) was previously performed on the vehicle however, the repair did not correct the failure. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure and current mileage was 140,000. Updated 2/11/14
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Axiom. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the suspension began jerking violently and exhibited a loud noise, making it difficult to drive. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer, who stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign id number: 10V436000 (suspension). The vehicle was scheduled for diagnosis and had not yet been repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.
Related recalls
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.
Suspension complaints in other Axiom years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2002 Isuzu Axiom?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the suspension of the 2002 Isuzu Axiom, 18% of the model year's 124 complaints. The component named most often is front (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Isuzu Axiom suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 10V-436 (rear, Sep 22, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Isuzu Axiom suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 101,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension 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.