Model year record

2002 Isuzu Axiom recalls & problems

The 2002 Isuzu Axiom has 4 safety recalls and 124 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (36 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls

Complaints124filed by owners

Crashes · fires13 · 1reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths6 · 0reported in complaints

2002 Isuzu Axiom in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

SuspensionSep 22, 2010

Rear

Recall 10V436000149,992 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ISUZU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2002 ISUZU RODEO AND MODEL YEAR 2002 ISUZU AXIOM VEHICLES, AND HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1998-2002 HONDA PASSPORT VEHICLES, THAT WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED, IN THE STATES OF MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WEST VIRGINIA, OHIO, INDIANA, MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, IOWA, MISSOURI, AND KENTUCKY. VEHICLES THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED SUSTAINED EXPOSURE TO HIGHLY CORROSIVE MATERIALS USED IN SOME JURISDICTIONS FOR ROAD DEICING PURPOSES MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CORROSION IN THE VICINITY OF THE FORWARD MOUNTING POINT BRACKET FOR THE LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK PRIOR TO THE TIME THAT SUCH CORROSION WOULD NORMALLY BE EXPECTED.
Risk: EXCESSIVE CORROSION MAY RESULT IN THE LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK BRACKET BECOMING DETACHED FROM THE FRAME, WHICH CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK BRACKET AREA. FOR VEHICLES IN WHICH LITTLE OR NO CORROSION IS FOUND, THE AREA WILL BE TREATED WITH AN ANTI-CORROSIVE COMPOUND. FOR VEHICLES IN WHICH CORROSION HAS DAMAGED THE REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK BRACKET AND AFFECTED ITS CONNECTION TO THE VEHICLE FRAME, A REINFORCEMENT BRACKET WILL BE INSTALLED. IN THE RARE EVENT THE CORROSION IS SO SEVERE THAT THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKET REMEDY WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE, A REPURCHASE OFFER WILL BE EXTENDED TO THE VEHICLE'S OWNER. ALL INSPECTIONS AND REMEDIES WILL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE 10 YEARS OLD OR LESS. FOR VEHICLES OLDER THAN 10 YEARS, ISUZU WILL OFFER A FREE REMEDY, BUT ONLY IF THE VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN ISUZU SERVICE FACILITY, OR HONDA DEALER (AS APPLICABLE), DEALER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF WHEN OWNER NOTIFICATIONS WERE ISSUED. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 10, 2010. ISUZU OWNERS MAY CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727. HONDA OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

Fuel system, gasolineOct 7, 2005

Delivery › Fuel pump

Recall 05V46600015,515 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO FUEL CONTAMINATED WITH SILICON MAY DEVELOP SMALL PIN HOLES IN THE FUEL PUMP FEED PORT. SILICON HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE FUEL SYSTEMS OF AFFECTED VEHICLES AND IN CERTAIN FUEL AVAILABLE IN THE REGION OF TYLER, TEXAS. THIS RECALL WILL BE LAUNCHED FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN TEXAS AND THE FOUR SURROUNDING STATES: OKLAHOMA, ARKANSAS, NEW MEXICO AND LOUISIANA.
Risk: A FUEL LEAK COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix: FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE STATES IDENTIFIED ABOVE, DEALERS WILL PROVIDE A NEW COVER OVER THE EXISTING FEED PORT ON THE FUEL PUMP OR, IF THE EXISTING FEED PORT HAS ALREADY BEEN DAMAGED, DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUEL PUMP THAT IS EQUIPPED WITH THE NEW COVER. THE NEW COVER WILL BE MADE OF A DIFFERENT MATERIAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 25, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.

StructureMar 24, 2003

Structure

Recall 03V11300011,855 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: AS A RESULT OF INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM A HEAD IMPACT TEST CONDUCTED BY THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) TO EVALUATE COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT," ISUZU HAS DESIGNED A MODIFICATION FOR CERTAIN 2002 MODEL YEAR ISUZU AXIOM VEHICLES. THE PURPOSE OF THIS MODIFICATION IS TO ENHANCE HEAD IMPACT CRASH PROTECTION FOR FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS.
Risk: THE RESULTS OF THIS TEST INDICATED A POSSIBILITY OF AN INCREASED RISK OF HEAD INJURY IN A CRASH.
Fix: ISUZU WILL OFFER OWNERS OF THE VEHICLES A FREE MODIFICATION OF THE ROOF AREA OF THE VEHICLE IN WHICH ENERGY ABSORBING COMPONENTS WILL BE INSTALLED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 11, 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. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Air bagsAug 9, 2002

Frontal

Recall 02V21300015 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULES WERE MANUFACTURED AND SHIPPED WITHOUT A NECESSARY COMPONENT KNOWN AS A CHECK VALVE PIN.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE AIR BAG WILL NOT INFLATE PROPERLY OR SUFFICIENTLY RESULTING IN AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST OR SEPTEMBER 2002. 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 1-800-643-4070.

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.

Crash test ratings

2002 Isuzu Axiom 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	★★★★★

2002 Isuzu Axiom NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Axiom 2WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

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

Axiom 4WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/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	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Driveline › Driveshaft	36	0	0	0	89,239 mi
StructureFrame and members; Body	32	0	0	0	100,650 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components › Disc › Rotor; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	28	3	0	1	17,000 mi
SuspensionFront; Rear	22	1	0	0	100,500 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline	10	0	1	0	106,000 mi
TiresPressure monitoring and regulating systems; Temporary/emergency spare tire	8	3	0	0	24,952 mi
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Fuel pump	7	0	1	0	90,000 mi
EquipmentAppliance › Air conditioner; Recreational vehicle/trailer › Lpg systems › Lines and fittings	6	0	0	0	56,000 mi
Electrical systemIgnition	6	0	0	0	69,519 mi
Air bagsFrontal	5	5	0	4	39,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	5	1	0	0	8,000 mi
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Rearview mirrors/devices	4	0	0	0	—

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

Recent owner complaints

Suspension
The contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Axiom. The contact stated that severe corrosion was discovered above the rear tires while the vehicle was raised on a lift. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V436000 (Suspension). The contact expressed concern that the extreme corrosion might cause the lower link bracket to detach from the frame. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Feb 1, 2021 · 100,000 miles
Structure › Body
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ISUZU AXIOM. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE REAR LOWER AXLE BRACKET DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WOBBLING AND THE SERVICE ENGINE AND AXLE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,941.
Sep 22, 2019 · 165,941 miles
Power train
MY 2002 ISUZU AXIOM TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING WITHIN A WEEK I WAS AT A STOP SIGN I WENT TO TAKE OFF AND MY CAR WOULDN'T DRIVE IT WENT IN REVERSE BUT NOT FORWARD IF I HIT 'WINTER MODE' IT WILL BYPASS FIRST GEAR AND DRIVE IN SECOND AND THIRD BUT NOT IN FIRST.... ONCE I COME TO A STOP IT COMES OUT OF WINTER MODE AND THEN I HAVE TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT AND PUT IT IN WINTER MODE ALL OVER AGAIN..... THIS TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED FREE OF CHARGE...... THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS TRANSMISSION.. IT'S NOT FAIR TO CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE THIS SUV AND THESE COMMON ISSUES HAPPEN AND WHERE NOW RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING IT... NOT FAIR MY SUV IS NOW JUST SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY…
Apr 25, 2018 · 121,000 miles
Power train
MY 2002 ISUZU AXIOM HAS 47,000 GENTLE MILES ON IT AND THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP. WITHIN A WEEK OF THAT STARTING IT COMPLETELY STOPPED SHIFTING OUT OF 1ST GEAR. THIS IS A COMMONLY REPORTED ISSUE AND FROM WHAT MY MECHANIC HAS SAID 'IT'S JUST A POOR PIECE OF EQUIPMENT. '
Feb 1, 2018 · 47,000 miles
Service brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ISUZU AXIOM. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP, SENSOR, AND BRAKE LINE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,001.
Apr 12, 2017 · 102,001 miles
Power train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ISUZU AXIOM. WHILE ACCELETATING FROM A STOP AND DRIVING UP A SMALL INCLINE, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE AND CHECK TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD DIFFICULTY SHIFTING FROM FIRST AND SECOND GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AS THE CONTACT WANTED A SECOND OPINION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE…
Mar 30, 2016 · 130,000 miles
Service brakes
I HAVE A 2002 ISUZU AXIOM WITH 84,000 MILES. THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. APPARENTLY THIS IS A DEFECT THAT MANY, MANY OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING OR HAVE EXPERIENCED. THIS DEFECT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED BY THE MANUFACTURER NOT TO MENTION OTHER ISSUES WITH THE POWER WINDOWS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS, STARTER FAILING TO START RIGHT AWAY
Aug 31, 2016 · 85,000 miles
Structure › Body
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ISUZU AXIOM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR A RECALL REPAIR ON THE REAR SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND FRACTURED IN THE REAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000. UPDATED 4/5/2017 *JS
May 19, 2015 · 114,000 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

Fuel Tank Retention FailureClosed
On April 10, 2018, NHTSA received a petition from Mr. Kevin Byrne (the Petitioner) requesting that the Agency ?undertake a defects investigation? of ?rust-related detachment of Isuzu Rodeo fuel tanks? (NHTSA ID 11091788). The Petitioner experienced a partial fuel tank detachment in his model year (MY) 2004 Isuzu Rodeo in July 2017. On May 23, 2018, ODI opened DP18-001 to evaluate the Petitioner?s request for a defect investigation. ODI sent information request letters to Isuzu and Honda requesting production, design history and field data related to fuel tank retention failures in MY 2001-2004 Isuzu Rodeo, MY 2002-2004 Isuzu Axiom and MY 2001-2002 Honda Passport vehicles equipped with the same fuel tank shield part number as the Petitioner?s vehicle (the ?subject vehicles?). ODI notes that Isuzu manufactured the subject Passport vehicles for Honda. Isuzu implemented a change to the tank…
DP18001 · opened May 23, 2018 · closed Mar 5, 2020