Most common 1998 Isuzu Trooper problems
Share of the 42 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 →
1998 Isuzu Trooper recalls (1)
Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The transfer gearbox flange nuts were not properly installed, causing the nuts to loosen.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect front and rear flange nuts and, if found loose, tighten to specified torque and secured staked at two places.
What 1998 Isuzu Trooper owners say
Engine & cooling
We were driving in my 1998 Isuzu Trooper with the 3.5 liter engine and about 90,000 miles on a family vacation to montana, as we came to our destination we were in the mountains. The cruise control was being used in our vehicle and was set at approximately 75 MPH, the montana speed limit. The vehicle had to downshift to go up the mountain side upon getting to the top of the mountain the vehicle quickly began to make a strange noise. Seconds later there was a loud boom and engine parts went flying everywhere, we had dropped 2 pistons out the bottom of the engine and nearly lost control of the car from such bad damage. We quickly pulled over to see what exactly had happened and noticed that the oil leaking from the bottom of the car had caught fire and we had to quickly extinguish it. We then picked up the engine parts from the highway to not hurt other vehicles. …
I purchased a used 1998 Isuzu Trooper in 1993. The previous owner kept all records of work done, per the manual. From the beginning I complained to the dealership that the car felt as though it was being held back while driving. The dealer checked out my car on two different occassions and found nothing. I then began to notice that I was putting oil in my Isuzu every 300-500 miles. I took it to a friends certified mechanic and was told this was a common problem with this vehicle and the engine needed to be replaced. I had also purchased an extended warranty with the vehicle. I called them and they requested all oil change receipts which I supplied. I was then told that I would have to pay $1000.00 to have the engine taken out and at that point they would decide whether it was my fault or a defect. …
Transmission & drivetrain
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Isuzu Trooper. The contact stated that the vehicle independently accelerated when shifting from park into any other gear without warning. Also, the rpms increased and the contact had to apply force to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. An unknown dealer that was no longer in business was contacted. The dealer retained the vehicle for more than two weeks, but they were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was also taken to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
When idling the vehicle is idling very high. Also the check engine light is coming on, and while driving the vehicle as you start to let off the accelerator, the vehicle jerks you, almost to the point of getting whiplash. We have had in the shop at least 3-4 times and lots of times for a week at a time. We were told that the check engine light was due to the gas cap, they replaced that, 2 days later it was back on. They also said it was the fuel sensor, replaced that and its still acting as though its not getting enough gas. As far as the jerking of the vehicle they wont tell us what could be causing that. Also the mechanic stated that there was nothing that they could do to resolve these problems. This vehicle is an accident waiting to take others lives.
Speed control & acceleration
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Isuzu Trooper. The contact stated that the vehicle independently accelerated when shifting from park into any other gear without warning. Also, the rpms increased and the contact had to apply force to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. An unknown dealer that was no longer in business was contacted. The dealer retained the vehicle for more than two weeks, but they were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was also taken to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
After parking pulled up parking brake when engine started to race. While sitting behind steering with foot on brake vehicle took off, and hit another vehicle. Please provide any further information.
1998 Isuzu Trooper engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Isuzu Trooper a good car?
Based on 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Trooper rates average: 13% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Trooper 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 1998 Isuzu Trooper?
The engine & cooling — 19 complaints, 45% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (6) and speed control & acceleration (4).
How many recalls does the 1998 Isuzu Trooper have?
There is 1 recall for the 1998 Isuzu Trooper, the most recent from August 3, 1998 (transfer case (4-wheel drive)). 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 1998 Isuzu Trooper problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 55,000 miles; 38% 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.