Model year record

2003 Isuzu Ascender recalls & problems

The 2003 Isuzu Ascender has 5 safety recalls and 35 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (11 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints35filed by owners

Crashes · fires2 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths2 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Latches/locks/linkagesOct 27, 2005

Doors › Latch

Recall 05V49400098,007 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.

Exterior lightingMay 5, 2005

Turn signal

Recall 05V198000286,478 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.

VisibilityFeb 4, 2004

Windshield wiper/washer

Recall 04V061000439 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: DEPENDING ON THE OCCURRENCE AND WEATHER SITUATION, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.

EquipmentJul 21, 2003

Other › Owners/service/other manual

Recall 03V2690003,290 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE STANDARD.
Fix: 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.

Power trainJun 5, 2003

Automatic transmission

Recall 03V21300011 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: THESE OVERRIDES ARE NOT PERMITTED UNLESS THE VEHICLE HAS A LOCKING STEERING COLUMN.
Fix: 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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

Ascender 2WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Ascender 2WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.3 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

Ascender 4WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

Ascender 4WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.3 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Electrical systemIgnition › Switch; Alternator/generator/regulator	11	0	0	9,500 mi
Exterior lightingHeadlights; Turn signal	7	0	0	48,000 mi
Power trainAxle assembly; Driveline	5	0	0	18,000 mi
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly › Mounting; Storage › Tank assembly	5	0	0	50,000 mi
StructureBody › Door; Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Hinge and attachments	3	0	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	2	1	0	—
Engine and engine coolingEngine	2	0	0	—
SteeringHydraulic power assist › Pump	2	0	0	—
Fuel system, otherStorage › Fuel gauge system; Storage › Tank assembly	2	0	0	—
SeatsMid/rear assembly	1	0	0	—
VisibilityGlass, side/rear	1	0	0	—
Seat beltsFront › Buckle assembly	1	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Service brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ISUZU ASCENDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS PERFORATED DUE TO RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
Oct 16, 2013 · 102,000 miles
Electrical system
SERVICE BULLETIN OR RECALL 2003 ISUZU ASCENDER. PROBLEM KEY STUCK IN THE IGNITION CAN NOT REMOVE SEEMS TO BE NORMAL PROBLEM FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL . L HAVE BEEN READING THROUGH FORUM COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET. I AM CURIOUS IF THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL AND IF NOT WHY NOT. CAR COULD BE CAR JACK OR STOLEN BY NOT ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THIS HAS BEEN A INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. *TR
Sep 5, 2010 · 76,000 miles
Steering
POWER STEERING LINES FROM THE PUMP (HIGH PRESSURE AND RETURN LINES) ARE CORRODING AND NOW LEAKING. *TR
Nov 10, 2009 · 80,000 miles
Engine and engine cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ISUZU ASCENDER. HE STATED THAT INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE "SES" AND "CHECK ENGINE" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, THEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. AS A CONSEQUENCE, THE RISK FOR A VEHICLE CRASH WAS INCREASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND REPAIRED TEN TIMES; HOWEVER, THE REPAIRS HAVE NOT REMEDIED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
Jan 8, 2008
Structure1 injury
WHILE TRYING TO RELEASE THE FULL-SIZED SPARE TIRE, THE CABLE HOLDING IT UP BROKE CAUSING THE TIRE TO UNEXPECTEDLY FALL. *TR
Apr 9, 2009
Electrical system
HEATER/AC FAN KEPT GOING OUT. WAS TOLD IT WAS RELAY SWITCH. AFTER SEVERAL REPLACEMENTS, WAS TOLD IT WAS A FAULT IN THE IGNITION. IGNITION WAS REPLACED. FAN NOW WORKS. NOW HEADLIGHTS GO OUT INTERMITTENTLY. TECH'S CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHY. *TR
Jun 17, 2009
Electrical system
WHEN YOU GO TO PUT GEAR SELECTOR INTO PARK THE IGNITION KEY GETS STUCK TEMPORARILY ON MY ISUZU ASCENDER 2003 . SOMETIMES I HAVE TO WAIT 1 MIN OR SOMETIMES 10 MIN. TO GET THE KEY OUT .IF YOU LISTEN REAL CLOSE YOU CAN HERE A ELECTRONIC CLICK .THIS JUST STARTED ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO. I AM WORRIED ABOUT LEAVING THE VEHICLE WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. IT COULD BE STOLEN OR EVEN CAR JACK. *TR
May 20, 2003 · 43,000 miles
Fuel system, gasoline
SMELL OF GASOLINE AND DRIPPING UNDERNEATH REAR BENEATH FUEL TANK (DRIVER'S SIDE), WHEN STARTING. PROBLEM WAS FOUND TO BE THE FUEL PUMP MODULE AT THE LINE :OUTPUT SIDE OF PUMP. REPLACED FUEL PUMP MODULE AND RING. PARTS AND PICS AVAILABLE. *TR
Nov 7, 2008 · 55,371 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Loss of HeadlightsClosed
The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause…
RQ17002 · opened Apr 24, 2017 · closed Mar 29, 2021
FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS GASOLINEClosed
DURING THE COURSE OF THIS EA INVESTIGATION, ODI OBSERVED THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE COMPLAINTS (88%) AND WARRANTY CLAIMS (94%) WERE REPORTED FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE REGISTERED FOR USE IN THE SALT BELT REGION OF THE US.THIS AREA INCLUDES 20 STATES IN THE NORTHEAST, MID ATLANTIC AND THE MIDWEST REGIONS AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.CONSUMERS IN THE SALT BELT REGION REPORTED TO ODI THAT THEY COULD SMELL FUEL VAPORS IN THEIR VEHICLES WHILE DRIVING.UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION OF THEIR VEHICLES, THEY DISCOVERED THAT FUEL VAPORS WERE COMING OUT OF THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THIS CONDITION IS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE RETURN AND SENDER LINES OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.WATER AND ROAD SALT COLLECT ON TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP LEADING TO SMALL PINHOLES APPEARING ON THE FUEL LINES.FUEL MAY LEAK AND COLLECT ON TOP OF THE MODULE AND/OR SPILL ONTO THE GROUND.THE DATA EVALUATED UNDER THIS INVESTIGATION REFLECT A…
EA07009 · opened Jul 10, 2007 · closed Aug 28, 2008
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILUREClosedLed to recall 04V046000
ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2003, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-042) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 AND 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER AND TRAILBLAZER EXT, GMC ENVOY AND ENVOY XL, AND OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON JANUARY 6, 2004, AND THE SCOPE WAS EXPANDED TO INCLUDE CERTAIN MY 2003 ISUZU ASCENDER VEHICLES.ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE BUILT ON GENERAL MOTORS? GMT360 AND GMT370 PLATFORMS AND WERE ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH A WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY REFERRED TO AS THE FAMILY DESIGN MODULE (P/N 15171306 BASE, P/N 15171307 FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RAINSENSE AUTOMATIC MOISTURE SENSITIVE WIPERS).WATER ENTERS THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE CAUSING THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ON THE CONTROL CIRCUIT BOARD TO CORRODE AND SHORT OUT, THUS RENDERING THE WIPER…
EA04002 · opened Jan 6, 2004 · closed Feb 10, 2004