Most common 1996 Isuzu Hombre problems
Share of the 37 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Isuzu Hombre complaints by model year
Best Hombre years: 2000, 1997. Years to avoid: 1998, 1996. Compare all years →
1996 Isuzu Hombre recalls (4)
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…
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.
Visibility › Windshield
The top coat paint severely peels due to overbaking of the powder primer prior to the top coat application. Since the windshield primer and adhesive adhere to the top coat paint onthe windshield opening flange, the windshield does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 212, "windshield mounting."
Remedy: All vehicles have been repurchased. This campaign is 100%.
Exterior lighting › Headlights
A brazilian domestic headlamp was inadvertently installed on these vehicles instead of the required U.S. Domestic assembly. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Remedy: Dealers will inspect both the left and right head lamp assemblies for presence of the aiming pads. If the head lamp assembly does note have these aiming pads, it will be replaced with the correct head lamp assembly.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 1996 Isuzu Hombre:
Seat belt webbing separation
NHTSA's new car assessment program (ncap) tested a 1997 Chevrolet s-10 extended cab pickup equipped with a driver-side air bag.the front passenger seat belt was completely cut during the test.
Windshield wiper failure
As a result of this, and the precedinginvestigation, rq99-003, GM has expanded the population of safety recall 98v-150 (replacement of the windshield wiper control module) to include an additional 1.77 million vehicles.included are various 1994-1997 my m/l vans, s/t trucks and suvs, & c/k trucks and suvs.see attached technical report for details.
What 1996 Isuzu Hombre owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof all 20 →
There was a recall on this that ended the month before my truck was built. I could not get the manufacturer to take care of the problem so I had it repaired myself. The electrical shop I went to showed me the broken solder points on the plug connector. After those where resoldered have had no problems. Cost to me $75.00 I have meet several other people with the same wiper motors on several different styles of cheverolet and Isuzu trucks that have the same problem. But it looks like Chevrolet takes care of their customers.
Windshield wipers start and stop when ever they want.they do not work at all now, especially when it rains!!! I have had this same problem on the last 3 Chevy products that I have owned.our local dealer said he has replaced over 200 units in the last year,and parts for this wiper unit are not avalible at any auto parts store.virtually ever person I have spoken with who owns a Chevy has the same problem.this should be a recall item,but instead the dealers are making millions of dollars off this problem.
Brakes
Re: low head rests.. The seat was not designed for anyone with any height. I am 6'3". My head misses head rest entirely. I don't think you have to be as tall as me for this to happen. If I am in an accident, my head will hit the rear-window. This will occur whether I am hit from behind... Or if the air-bag deploys and throws me back into it. Seat could cause serious neck and head injury. Very scary.******** re: brakes... Just reporting what my mechanic found at 21,000 miles. The front right brake was found to be 100% worn. It was fixed under warranty.
Brakes make a grinding noise when applied and malfunction, causing vehicle to skid/slide. There have been many occurrences, one causing vehicle to rearend another vehicle.
Engine & cooling
Replacement of muffler and header pipe, that came loose causing a rattle and exhaust leak in cab,service center said he replaces 4 or 5 a week on 1996 Chevrolet s-10's and Isuzu small trucks. This replacement cost me $400.00.
Vehicle fire 1996 Isuzu Hombre pick up truck. Arrived home and truck engine was smoking. Thought loss of radiator, but engine area was on fire.
1996 Isuzu Hombre engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 20 / 27 / 23 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Isuzu Hombre a good car?
Based on 37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Hombre rates use caution: 1.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the Hombre at the same age. It is one of the Hombre years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Isuzu Hombre?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 20 complaints, 54% of all complaints for this model year, most often about windshield wiper/washer. Next are the brakes (4) and engine & cooling (4).
How many recalls does the 1996 Isuzu Hombre have?
There are 4 recalls for the 1996 Isuzu Hombre, the most recent from June 2, 2003 (motor). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Isuzu Hombre?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2000 and 1997. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1998 and 1996. See the full Isuzu Hombre years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Isuzu Hombre problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 100,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.