Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

2003 Isuzu Ascender: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2003 Isuzu Ascender, most recently filed October 2005. Owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Caution Fewer than 50 complaints filed. With this few reports, patterns may not be meaningful.
Recalls 5campaigns 1 latch · 1 lighting · 1 visibility Source: NHTSA Complaints 35filed Owner reports, 2003–2007 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy 16mpg combined $4,082/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 4.2 L 6-cyl· 4-speed automatic 4 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (5)

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2003 Isuzu Ascender. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2003 Isuzu Ascender. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 05V494000 Filed Oct 27, 2005

REAR SIDE DOOR LATCH

Latches/locks/linkages · doors · latch
Official NHTSA text
Summary
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE A REAR SIDE CLOSURE LATCH THAT MAY NOT LATCH OR UNLATCH DUE TO CORROSION CAUSED BY ROAD SPLASH, SUCH AS WATER AND ROAD SALT. THESE VEHICLES WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
Consequence
IF THE DOOR IS NOT LATCHED PROPERLY AND IT GOES UNNOTICED, IT MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. IF AN UNBELTED OCCUPANT FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE, PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SEAL ALONG THE LOWER PART OF THE ROCKER PANEL TO PREVENT INTRUSION OF CORROSIVE MATERIAL, AND INSPECT THE REAR SIDE CLOSURE LATCHES. FUNCTIONAL LATCHES WILL BE CLEANED AND LUBRICATED. NON-FUNCTIONING LATCHES WILL BE REPLACED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 24, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
Repair progress not yet reported98,007 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 05V494000
Listed for 2003 Isuzu Ascender. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 05V198000 Filed May 5, 2005

TURN SIGNAL FAILURE

Exterior lighting · turn signal
Official NHTSA text
Summary
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DRIVER WISHING TO SIGNAL A TURN BY MOVING THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL LEVER, (UP OR DOWN) MAY CAUSE THE FRONT MARKER/TURN LIGHTS AND REAR TURN LIGHTS TO FLASH IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO HAZARD WARNING, RATHER THAN FLASHING ON THE DESIRED SIDE ONLY.
Consequence
THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CLEARLY SIGNAL THEIR INTENTIONS TO TURN, CHANGE TRAVEL LANES, OR POTENTIALLY WARN OTHERS OF AN IMPAIRED VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT FLASHER MODULES WITH A NEW FLASHER MODULE DESIGNED WITH SEALED RELAYS AND MORE DURABLE CONTACT MATERIAL INSIDE OF THE RELAYS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2005. ISUZU BEGAN MAILING OWNER LETTERS ON AUGUST 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, AND OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.
Repair progress not yet reported286,478 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 05V198000
Listed for 2003 Isuzu Ascender. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 04V061000 Filed Feb 4, 2004

ISUZU/WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY

Visibility · windshield wiper/washer
Official NHTSA text
Summary
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEMS THAT WILL NOT TURN ON, CEASE OPERATION WHILE IN USE, FAIL TO TURN OFF/ON BY THEMSELVES (MOISTURE SENSITIVE WIPER SYSTEM), OR HAVE CONTINUOUS WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP OPERATION BECAUSE THE PRESENCE OF WATER WITHIN THE WIPER MODULES CAN EITHER CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT OR CAN LEAD TO THE CORROSION OF COMPONENTS WITHIN THE MODULE.
Consequence
DEPENDING ON THE OCCURRENCE AND WEATHER SITUATION, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
Repair progress not yet reported439 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 04V061000
Listed for 2003 Isuzu Ascender. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 03V269000 Filed Jul 21, 2003

ISUZU/FMVSS 225/CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE

Equipment · other · owners/service/other manual
Official NHTSA text
Summary
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.
Consequence
THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE STANDARD.
Remedy
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. IT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
Repair progress not yet reported3,290 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 03V269000
Listed for 2003 Isuzu Ascender. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 03V213000 Filed Jun 5, 2003

ISUZU/FMVSS 114/MECHANICAL OVERRIDE

Power train · automatic transmission
Official NHTSA text
Summary
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A MECHANICAL OVERRIDE THAT COULD ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN A POSITION OTHER THAN PARK. IN ADDITION, THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN OVERRIDE THAT CAN ALLOW THE TRANSMISSION TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK WITH THE IGNITION IN THE OFF POSITION.
Consequence
THESE OVERRIDES ARE NOT PERMITTED UNLESS THE VEHICLE HAS A LOCKING STEERING COLUMN.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL ELIMINATE THESE CONDITIONS BY DISABLING THE OVERRIDES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 13, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
Repair progress not yet reported11 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 03V213000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Ascender years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Isuzu AscenderAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (35)

35 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The electrical system is mentioned most often.

2involved a crash
0involved a fire
2injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Isuzu Ascender, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 35.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2003 compares with other Ascender years

Best and worst Ascender years →
35 64 64 32 10
20032004200520062007
This year (2003)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 16 mpg combined

16
mpg combined
14
city
19
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$4,200
CO₂ tailpipe
555 g/mi
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle -

What it costs you to run

$4,082per year
$340per month
938gallons a year

Miles ÷ 16 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2003 Isuzu Ascender configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
4.2 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16$4,200555
5.3 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive14 / 18 / 15$4,450593
4.2 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive13 / 19 / 15$4,450593
5.3 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive13 / 16 / 14$4,800635

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2003 Ascender for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Ascender years

Where to next

Which Ascender years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2004 Isuzu Ascender report64 complaints · 1 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2003 Isuzu Ascender FAQ

How many recalls does the 2003 Isuzu Ascender have?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns: 05V494000 (latch), 05V198000 (lighting), 04V061000 (visibility), 03V269000 (equipment), 03V213000 (power train). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2003 Isuzu Ascender problems?

Owners filed 35 complaints with NHTSA. Electrical system (9), Exterior lighting (7), Fuel system (6) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2003 Isuzu Ascender get?

EPA rates the 4.2 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic version at 14 city, 19 highway and 16 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

How does the 2003 Ascender compare with other years?

Among the 2003–2007 Isuzu Ascender model years at least five years old, the 2007 drew the fewest complaints (10) and the 2005 the most (64). The 2003 drew 35. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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