Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
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.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Axiom. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the engine stalled and the check transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was merged to the side of the road. The vehicle was unable to be restarted and was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician was unable to replicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,330. Updated 4/13/15
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
My 2002 Isuzu Axiom has 47,000 gentle miles on it and the transmission began to slip. Within a week of that starting it completely stopped shifting out of 1st gear. This is a commonly reported issue and from what my mechanic has said 'it's just a poor piece of equipment. '
First of all I've had my Axiom for 3 years and its been in and out of the shop on a least 7 or 8 different occasions. The initial problem that I was experiencing was the continued failure of the A/C. Each and everytime there was a problem in which was fixed. Also doing these visits I would complain about a possible transmission problem which was always ignored and not resolved. Then a couple of weeks ago the transmission was slipping on a regular basis between 2nd & 3rd gear and there was a problem with fuel guage indicator. My truck was in the shop for over a week in which the fuel indicator was resolved and a seal was replaced for the transmission issue. I was told by the service technician that I needed to have the transmission service in which I did. Now its been 3 weeks since I've received my truck back and now the transmission is slipping between 3rd & 4th gear. …
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. …
Driving my 2002 Isuzu Axiom normally to work. I parked in a downtown parking garage and was instructed to park on the 4th floor. My car had great difficulty climbing the ramps and finally stopped climbing at the 3rd floor. I left my car all day and drove home after work, taking all surface streets and avoiding hills. The next day I carefully drove to my mechanics shop and(then the check trans & check eng lights came on) was told the transmission needs replacing or rebuilding. I carefully drove to a transmission shop and am having the transmission rebuilt at an out of pocket expense of roughly $3,300. Fortunately this all happened while I was driving, as it is normally the family car driven by wife. So basically the transmission suddenly failed without warning, there are no leaks or smoke or smell. And the warning light came on after it was too late. …
2002 Isuzu Axiom began having transmission leaking and slipping problems at 4, 0000 miles. Contacted dealer as to history of these types of complaints, and they stated that they could not provide this information. Also contacted Isuzu, and they would not either, stating that I would have to contact NHTSA as this was considered internal information not to be released to the public. However, when doing a search on the internet I found numerous complaints of the same problem. In addition, have taken vehicle in for a brake job on two different occasions as I keep getting a shuddering feeling as if I am having brake failure. Upon the independent mechanic reviewing the brakes wear, was advised twice that they do not need replacing as to the wear conditions. …
Tl contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Axiom. The vehicle's a/t oil temperature light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who flushed the transmission. The same warning light illuminated again at 41,715 miles. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who replaced the piston accumulator cover. At 43,543 miles while attempting to pull out of a parking spot, the vehicle would not catch gear and started to shutter. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who replaced the transmission. At 45,800 miles, the failure has recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the gasket was melted and leaking fluid. The dealer also replaced the transmission sub pan because it was cracked. The engine size was unknown. The current mileage is 46,000 and failure mileage was 36,000.
Transmission complaints in other Axiom years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Isuzu Axiom?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Isuzu Axiom, 28% of the model year's 124 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Isuzu Axiom transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles, and 11% 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.