Most common 1997 Isuzu Oasis problems
Share of the 9 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Isuzu Oasis complaints by model year
Best Oasis years: 1999. Compare all years →
1997 Isuzu Oasis recalls (2)
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Certain vehicles were manufactured with ball joints that can prematurely wear out and, in the worse case, the ball joint would separate causing the front suspension to collapse.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper arm
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Certain vehicles were manufactured with ball joints that can prematurely wear out and, in the worse case, the ball joint would separate causing the front suspension to collapse.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.
What 1997 Isuzu Oasis owners say
Electrical system
While driving engine quits, even if at high rate of speed, loss of steering as well. Dash lights remain lit and all other power stays on, including radio or interior lights, headlights, etc. Problem is increasing in frequency.
Intermitent failure - increased in frequency. 03/31/2002 experienced failure while on expressway bridge traveling at high-rate of speed. Accessory power on, dash lights&engine off. Hard to restart. Loss of steering assist. Family badly shaken. No fatalities. Submitted report to informal www.visualimpressions.ca/switch too.
1997 Isuzu Oasis engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 24 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Wagon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Isuzu Oasis a good car?
Based on 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Oasis rates average: 2.0× as many complaints as a typical year of the Oasis at the same age. 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 1997 Isuzu Oasis?
The electrical system — 4 complaints, 44% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition › switch. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (1) and suspension (1).
How many recalls does the 1997 Isuzu Oasis have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1997 Isuzu Oasis, the most recent from May 10, 1999 (lower ball joint). 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 Oasis?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1999. See the full Isuzu Oasis years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Isuzu Oasis problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 125,000 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.