Recalls (2)
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1997 Isuzu Trooper. 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 ↗ISUZU/FRONT BRAKE LINES
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- THE LINE CAN BE DAMAGED DURING VEHICLE OPERATION AND CAN RESULT IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE, REDUCED BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS, AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.
- 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.
ISUZU/FRONT AXLE HUB
- Summary
- THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITHOUT A LOCK WASHER AND/OR SCREWS IN THE FRONT HUB.
- Consequence
- THE BEARING ADJUSTMENT NUT CAN LOOSEN, RESULTING IN TOO MUCH FREE PLAY BETWEEN THE WHEEL AND AXLE. THE BEARING CAN SEIZE, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO LOCK AFFECTING VEHICLE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- 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.
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.
Owner complaints (13)
13 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The power train is mentioned most often.
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 4 | 30.8% |
| Service brakes | 3 | 23.1% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | 15.4% |
| Fuel system | 2 | 15.4% |
| Air bags | 1 | 7.7% |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 7.7% |
| Steering | 1 | 7.7% |
| Structure | 1 | 7.7% |
| Suspension | 1 | 7.7% |
How 1997 compares with other Trooper years
Best and worst Trooper years →| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 33 | 2 |
| 1994 | 47 | 2 |
| 1995 | 54 | 1 |
| 1996 | 51 | 2 |
| 1997 | 13 | 2 |
| 1998 | 42 | 1 |
| 1999 | 81 | 0 |
| 2000 | 49 | 2 |
| 2001 | 29 | 1 |
| 2002 | 12 | 0 |
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 15 mpg combined
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $4,450
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 593 g/mi
- EPA class
- Special Purpose Vehicles
What it costs you to run
Miles ÷ 15 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
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 17 / 15 | $4,450 | 593 |
| 3.2 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | $4,800 | 635 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 1997 Trooper 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.
Where to next
1997 Isuzu Trooper FAQ
How many recalls does the 1997 Isuzu Trooper have?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns: 97V092001 (brake), 97V035001 (suspension). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 1997 Isuzu Trooper problems?
Owners filed 13 complaints with NHTSA. Power train (4), Service brakes (3), Engine and engine cooling (2) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 1997 Isuzu Trooper get?
EPA rates the 3.2 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual version at 14 city, 17 highway and 15 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 1997 Trooper compare with other years?
Among the 1993–2002 Isuzu Trooper model years at least five years old, the 2002 drew the fewest complaints (12) and the 1999 the most (81). The 1997 drew 13. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
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.