Most common 1997 Isuzu Trooper problems
Share of the 13 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Isuzu Trooper complaints by model year
Best Trooper years: 2002, 1997, 2001. Years to avoid: 1999. Compare all years →
1997 Isuzu Trooper recalls (2)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
The left front brake lines were installed improperly at the assembly line resulting in insufficient clearance between the brake line and an upper control arm of the suspension.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the clearance between the brake line and the upper control arm. If the clearance is not according to specifications, the brake line will be replaced.
Suspension
These vehicles were manufactured without a lock washer and/or screws in the front hub.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front hubs to determine if the lock washer and screws were properly installed. If not, they will make the necessary repairs.
What 1997 Isuzu Trooper owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
The throwout bearing failed where it attaches to the pressure plate. The attachment point is composed of a series of spring steel fingers that are held to the pressure plate with a spring steel clip. The spring steel clip separated from the fingers causing the clutch to be inoperable. The pressure plate and driven plate are in good condition and had only minimal wear. Instead of pushing the fingers on the pressure plate this design pulls the fingers. The design is extremely weak and an additional failure will occur. Once the connection between the throwout bearing and pressure plate fail it is impossible to drive the vehicle and the driver is stuck in the road and unable to avoid other vehicles or manuever around dangerous spots. The only solution is a strurdier design that is able to absorb the daily use of the clutch.
While accelerating away from a stop sign I depressed the cluth to engage second gear. The clutch pedal dropped to the floor and I coasted to a stop in the middle of traffic and had to push the vehicle off the road out of harms way. The failure was in the
Brakes
While accelerating away from a stop sign I depressed the cluth to engage second gear. The clutch pedal dropped to the floor and I coasted to a stop in the middle of traffic and had to push the vehicle off the road out of harms way. The failure was in the
The brake system does not hold the vehicle in a steep slope and vehicle experiences extended stopping distances continually.
1997 Isuzu Trooper engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Isuzu Trooper a good car?
Based on 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Trooper rates better than average: 70% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Trooper at the same age. It is one of the best Trooper years by this measure. 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 Trooper?
The transmission & drivetrain — 4 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year, most often about clutch assembly. Next are the brakes (3) and fuel & propulsion system (2).
How many recalls does the 1997 Isuzu Trooper have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1997 Isuzu Trooper, the most recent from June 3, 1997 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). 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 Trooper?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002, 1997 and 2001. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999. See the full Isuzu Trooper years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Isuzu Trooper problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 20% 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.