Most common 1998 Isuzu Hombre problems
Share of the 53 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 →
1998 Isuzu Hombre recalls (1)
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.
What 1998 Isuzu Hombre owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof all 23 →
Tl contact owns a 1998 Isuzu Hombre. In stormy or hot weather conditions, the front windshield wipers failed intermittently. The failure reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash. The manufacturer stated that his particular year was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 98V150002 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer); therefore, the manufacturer would not assume any financial responsibility for the repairs. He filed a complaint (case number 08206028) with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 4,000 and current mileage was 90,000. Updated 09/16/08 the consumer stated the wipers work 70% of the time. When he shute the switch off, the wipers continued to run. Updated 09/19/08.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Isuzu Hombre. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH in rainy weather, the windshield wipers failed. Also, while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled and all of the instrumental panel lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after waiting a few minutes. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Isuzu Hombre. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH in rainy weather, the windshield wipers failed. Also, while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled and all of the instrumental panel lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after waiting a few minutes. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was unavailable.
1998 Isuzu Hombre 4x4, 5spd, 4.3 liter there are multiple ares that need to be addressed. 1. The parking brake does not keep the vehicle from rolling backwards on even the smallest hills. 2. The passengers seat will not latch after it has been pushed forward then back into position. It must be slammed to get it to latch 3. The cooling system is inadequate. On hot days with ac on it will overheat while going up hills or going off road.
Brakes
On multiple occasions when going to stop at a light or stop sign, no matter what speed, the brake pedal gives resistance, it sounds like there is grinding of metal, and the truck does not stop instead it slows down until it reaches the stop. I have replaced the whole braking system yet the problem still occurs. It is a problem with the anti-lock braking system very similar to the recall made on the 1998 Isuzu rodeo.
While driving 40 MPH clutch failed, preventing vehicle to shift gears. While driving the consumer attempted to low the vehicle but the clutch would not disengage from fifth gear. Upon examination it was determined that the slave cylinder failed rendering the clutch inoperative. The dealer indicated that this was a component failure not a result of excessive wear. The incident was reported to Isuzu but they didn't express any interest in the situation.
1998 Isuzu Hombre engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 20 / 26 / 22 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Isuzu Hombre a good car?
Based on 53 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Hombre rates use caution: 1.8× 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 1998 Isuzu Hombre?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 23 complaints, 43% of all complaints for this model year, most often about windshield wiper/washer › motor. Next are the engine & cooling (8) and brakes (8).
How many recalls does the 1998 Isuzu Hombre have?
There is 1 recall for the 1998 Isuzu Hombre, the most recent from November 25, 1997 (front underhood). 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 1998 Isuzu Hombre problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 57,000 miles; 42% 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.