Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 7 | −76% | 1 | Brake | Good |
| 1998 | 53 | 1.8× | 1 | Window & Wiper | Caution |
| 1997 | 25 | −32% | 3 | Window & Wiper | Average |
| 1996 | 37 | 1.5× | 4 | Window & Wiper | Caution |
* Complaints compared with the median Hombre year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Isuzu Hombre problems
Latest Isuzu Hombre recalls
Visibility › Rear window wiper/washer › Motor
On certain pickup trucks with certain model-engine combinations, the windshield wiper motor May fail due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. The windshield wipers could work intermittently or not at all.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover. Owner notification began July 14, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free…
Equipment › Other › Labels
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. Some of these vehicles were built with incorrect payload information on the vehicle certification label. The payload shown on the label is greater than the maximum validated payload.
Remedy: Owners will be sent a new label for installation on the driver's door of the vehicle.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles, 2 and 4-wheel drive. Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.
Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose vehicles. An engine electrical wiring-harness clip can melt and drip onto the exhaust manifold.
Remedy: Dealers are contacting owners by telephone to have their vehicles towed to the dealer and alternate transportation provided to them until the dealer can reroute the electrical wiring-harness.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: light duty passenger pickup trucks equipped with 4.3l engines. The front brake line can contact the left-hand side of the engine oil pan causing the brake line to wear to the point of brake fluid loss during brake application.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the clearance between the oil pan and the brake line. If the clearance is 6mm or less, dealers will install an additional brake line clip and if there was contact between the oil pan and brake line,…
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Isuzu Hombre should you avoid?
1998 and 1996 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Hombre years at the same age, led by windows, wipers & sunroof problems in the 1998.
What is the best year for the Isuzu Hombre?
2000 has the fewest complaints compared with other Hombre years at the same age, followed by 1997. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Isuzu Hombre problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the windows, wipers & sunroof (56), brakes (17) and engine & cooling (16). Window & Wiper complaints peak in the 1998 model year.
How many recalls has the Isuzu Hombre had?
8 recalls across 1996–2000. The model year with the most is 1996. See all Isuzu Hombre recalls by year.
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.