1998 Isuzu Amigo

Routine

Owners filed 78 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. It has been recalled 7 times.

Most common 1998 Isuzu Amigo problems

21 of the 78 complaints (27%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes17
403
Air Bags · airbags5
503
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly4
000
Fuel System, Other · fuel system4
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine4
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine3
000
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine3
000
Tires › Tread/Belt2
000
Structure › Frame and Members · body and frame2
000
Service Brakes, Air › Antilock · brakes2
000

7 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Suspension › Rear12V306000
Filed Jun 29, 201214,756 vehiclesIsuzu Manufacturing Services of America

Defect. ISUZU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2000 AMIGO AND MODEL YEAR 2001-2002 RODEO SPORT 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. THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CORROSION IN THE VICINITY OF THE FORWARD MOUNTING POINT BRACKET FOR THE LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK.

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 INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. 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, ISUZU WILL OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE VEHICLE FOR AN AMOUNT BASED ON THE KELLEY BLUE BOOK “PRIVATE PARTY” PRICE. 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 DEALER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF WHEN OWNER NOTIFICATIONS WERE ISSUED. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING JULY 2012. ISUZU OWNERS MAY CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip02I002000
Filed Jun 3, 2002161,927 vehiclesIsuzu Motors Limited

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH AN ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS), THE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES IN CERTAIN TYPES OF BRAKING EVENTS.

Risk. EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE COULD RESULT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT COMPUTER ALGORITHM FOR THE ABS THAT IS BASED ON THE ALGORITHM USED IN ISUZU'S MY 2000 AND 2001 VEHICLES, WHICH HAVE NOT HAD THE PROBLEM. THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASES, WITH THE MY 1998 2WD VEHICLES COVERED FIRST, SINCE THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED THE MOST PROBLEMS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 20, 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 1-800-643-4070.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine01I002000
Filed May 29, 2001Isuzu Motors Limited

Defect. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1998-2000 RODEO (UE) AND AMIGO (UA) MODELS EQUIPPED WITH 2.2L 4-CYLINDER ENGINES. THE TIMING BELT COULD BREAK BEFORE THE RECOMMENDED SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE.

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO CRANK BUT WILL NOT START OR THE ENGINE COULD STALL WHILE DRIVING AND WILL NOT RESTART.

Remedy. DEALER WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THE CONDITION OF THE TIMING BELT AND TENSIONER. THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE TIMING BELT. DEPENDING ON THE CONDITION OR MODEL OF THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER, THE TENSIONER MAY ALSO BE REPLACED. ISUZU HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE TIMING BELT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 22, 2001. OWNERS CAN CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-643-4070, EXT. 426, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.

Suspension › Rear00V058000
Filed Mar 2, 2000213,736 vehiclesIsuzu Motors Limited

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. PAINT WAS APPLIED UNEVENLY ON THE REAR AXLES, RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT PAINT HARDNESS. SHOULD THIS OCCUR ON THE SURFACE THAT CONTACTS THE REAR AXLE LOWER LINK BRACKET BOLT HEAD AND/OR NUT, THE NUT MAY LOOSEN.

Risk. THE BOLT COULD DETACH FULLY, CAUSING SEPARATION OF THE LOWER LINK FROM THE REAR AXLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR AXLE LOWER LINK JOINT NUT AND BOLT.

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly98V260000
Filed Oct 20, 19989,377 vehiclesIsuzu Motors Limited

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SUNROOF SUNSHADE. THE PRIMER APPLIED TO PREPARE THE SURFACE PRIOR TO BONDING THE SUNSHADE HOLDERS TO THE SUNROOF WEAKENED THE BONDING STRENGTH OF THE ADHESIVE, RESULTING IN AN UNSATISFACTORY BOND OF THE HOLDER TO THE SUNROOF.

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE HOLDER, CAUSING THE SUNSHADE TO FALL, POSSIBLY STRIKING A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REMOVE ALL FOUR SUNSHADE HOLDERS AND RE-BOND THEM TO THE SUNROOF GLASS.

Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood98V170000
Filed Jul 24, 199855,475 vehiclesIsuzu Motors Limited

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. A GROUND CONNECTION TERMINAL WAS NOT PROPERLY CRIMPED IN THE SUPPLIER'S ENGINE WIRING HARNESS MANUFACTURING LINE. THIS IMPROPER CRIMPING PROCESS CAN LEAVE AN IMPRESSION ON THE TERMINAL THAT WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE A STRESS FRACTURE. S

Risk. IF A TERMINAL IS FRACTURED, THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) CAN RECEIVE AN ERRONEOUS SIGNAL INDICATING A HIGH VEHICLE SPEED, THEREBY CAUSING THE PCM TO CUT THE FUEL, CAUSING A 'NO-START' CONDITION, OR A POSSIBLE ENGINE STALL.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE VEHICLES.

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage98V111000
Filed May 26, 19983,044 vehiclesIsuzu Motors Limited

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE STRENGTH OF THE REAR SEAT BELT SHOULDER ANCHORAGE IS NOT TO DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS AND DOES NOT FULLY COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."

Risk. THE REAR SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW RIGHT AND LEFT REAR SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS.

All 7 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › Body
Filed Aug 4, 2020166,000 milesIA

REAR TRAILING ARMS OF VEHICLE RIPPED OFF FROM THE FRAME AND CAUSED THE REAR AXLE TO DRIVE UP UNDER THE VEHICLE. LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND DROVE INTO THE CENTER MEDIAN OF HIGHWAY. FAILURE DUE TO CORROSION AND INSUFFICIENT WELD OF CONTROL ARM BRACKET.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Aug 14, 2014120,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ISUZU AMIGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIUS ARM BRACKETS, CROSS MEMBERS, AND BRAKE LINES WERE COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V306000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN EXPLAINED THAT, DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE CORROSION, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION UNTIL THE FRAME WAS REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE RADIUS ARM BRACKETS AND WELDED THE FRAME. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Suspension
Filed Aug 9, 2013NY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ISUZU AMIGO. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V306000 (SUSPENSION) AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THAT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED ON AUGUST 3, 2013. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH IT HAD ONLY BEEN ONE WEEK AFTER THE EXPIRATION DATE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED FAILURE.

Suspension › Rear
Filed Dec 19, 2011173,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ISUZU AMIGO. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR END SWAYED WHILE ACCELERATING. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR LOWER LINK BRACKET WAS FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER AND AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V436000 (SUSPENSION:REAR). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,000. UPDATED 02/01/12*LJ

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Sep 16, 2010102,973 milesOH

MY 1998 ISUZU AMIGO (WHICH I BOUGHT BRAND NEW) IS NO LONGER DRIVABLE. THE REAR END OF THE FRAME IS RUSTED OUT SO BAD THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. I AM TOLD IT IS NOT FIXABLE. WHEN I ACCELERATE THE BACK END OF THE TRUCK HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN AND I CAN'T CONTROL IT. I DON'T HAVE A CAR TO DRIVE TO WORK. I HAVE BORROWED 4 DIFFERENT CARS JUST TO SURVIVE. *TR

Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars
Filed Mar 30, 2008NV

I HAVE A 1998 ISUZU AMIGO, THERE WAS ONE RECALL ON THE SUN VISOR; BUT, THE SOLUTION ISUZU INSTATED IS SHORT TERM AND DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM, THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE SUN SHADE DOES NOT REMAIN IN PLACE AND HAS DROP DOWN AND HIT ME IN THE HEAD WHILE DRIVING SEVERAL TIMES. I HAVE CONTACTED ISUZU AND ALL THEY DO IS KEEP GLUING THE ANKER BRACKS TO THE GLASS ROOF AND THEY KEEP LOSING ADHERISION AND FALL OFF. *TR

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Jul 16, 2007107,000 milesAZ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ISUZU AMIGO. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE'S TIRES, BUT THE TIRES REMAINED INFLATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER TIRE WAS COMPLETELY WARPED. THE TIRES WERE DOMINATOR ALL SEASON. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 107,000. UPDATED 08/16/07. *JB

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed Oct 6, 200676,000 milesIL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR CONDITIONING RATTLED CONSTANTLY FROM THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED WHATEVER WAS RATTLING MAY DAMAGE THE ENGINE. UPDATED 10/25/2006 - *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 1, 200695,000 milesFL

1998 ISUZU AMIGO WITH 95000 MILES HAD THE OIL PUMP SHELL OUT DESTROYING THE CRANK AND BLOCK UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS WITH CLEAN OIL AND REGULAR MAINTENANCE. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Nov 10, 200553,000 milesFL

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A KNOCKING SOUND IN THE ENGINE. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. A LOCAL MECHANIC SAID THE VALVES WERE KNOCKING ,AND IT COULD POSSIBLY BE THE LIFTERS. *AK

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Apr 23, 2005CA

I WAS TRAVELING S/B FRY 99 AT KIMBERLINA RD, JUST NORTH OF BAKERSFLELD CALIF. I WAS IN THE CENTER LANE TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF APPROX 70 TO 75 MPH. AT THIS TIME I HEARD A LOUD "THUD" AGAINST THE LEFT DOOR OF MY 1998 ISUZU AMIGO, THE TREAD ON THE LEFT FRONT TIRE HAD SEPARATED AND HAD STRUCK THE SIDE OF MY VEHICLE. THE TYPE OF TIRE ON MY VEHICLE IS A BRIGESTONE DUELER. THE TREAD SEPARATION CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. THE ESTIMATES ARE BETWEEN $1700 TO $2100 DOLLARS. THE TREAD PUT THREE DENTS ON THE DRIVERS DOOR, BROKE OF THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR, BROKE THE BUMPER, KNOCKED THE LEFT FRONT FENDER OUT OF LINE, DAMAGED THE MUG GUARDS AND OTHER PROTECTIVE SHIELD UNDER THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WELL. THE TIRE DID NOT DEFLATE,& I WAS ABLE TO COME TO A SLOW STOP ON A VERY ACTIVE FAST ROADWAY. I CONTACTED FIRESTONE/BRIDGESTONE AND FILED A CONSUMER COMPLAINT I COMPLETED THE REQUIRED PAPERWORK AND SENT THEM PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. I ALSO ACQUIRED THE ESTIMATES AND SENT THEM MY TIRE AT MY OWN EXPENSE. THEY HAVE SINCE REJECTED MY COMPLAINT STATING THE SEPARATION WAS MY FAULT CAUSED MY LOW TIRE PRESSURE. I DISAGREE. THIS TIRE WAS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT PURCHASED WITH THE VEHICLE. THIS TIRE WAS THE SPARE AND HAD ONLY APPROX 5 TO 7000 MILES ON THE TIRE. MY VEHICLE RECEIVES REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND THE TIRES WERE RECENTLY ROTATED. THE TIRE PRESSURE IS CHECKED / BALANCED AND THE PRESSURE CHECKED. I PERSONALLY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO TAKING THIS TRIP. ALL I ASK IS THAT I AM REIMBURS

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 6, 2004101,660 milesME

TO START OFF I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED REGARDING THE RECALL FOR THE TIMING BELT. I JUST HAPPEN TO FIND IT MYSELF ON THE INTERNET DOING A SEARCH FOR RECALLS. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ISUZU AND HAD 2 OF THE RECALLS FIXED. (TIMING BET "BELT KIT" AND REAR AXLE "BOLT KIT") THIS WAS ON FEB, 5 2003 AT 88803 MILES. ON APRIL, 30 2004 AT 101660 MILES I WAS DRIVING MY HUSBAND TO THE AIRPORT AND THE CAR DIED AT A TURN. "IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD" NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE CAR FAILED AND IT WAS TOWED TO MY MECHANIC. I WAS THOUGHT IT MAY HAVE BEEN BAD GAS "WATER IN THE GAS" DUE TO THE FACT I HAD JUST FILLED UP 15 MILES PRIOR. TO SUM IT ALL UP THE MECHANIC HAD TO REPLACE THE TIMING BELT AS IT WAS IN SHREDS. (PART IS STILL AVAILABLE IF NEEDED) NOW $226.00 + RENTAL CAR OUT OF MY POCKET TO FIX SOMETHING THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ALREADY FIXED? I ONLY DROVE 12,857 BEFORE IT GAVE OUT AND WAS TOLD YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE TO REPLACE A TIMING BELT BUT EVERY 60,000 MILES. . THIS SEEMS TO A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE 98 AMIGOS AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT IT! PS. CONTACTING ISUZU CUSTOMER RELATIONS TOMORROW TO DISCUSS THIS MATTER AS I FEEL I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS.*SKL

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module
Filed Apr 20, 2004NH

BRAKES RELEASE ON 1998 ISUZU. ALL 4 BRAKES RELEASE SUDDENLY IF ONE WHEEL HITS BUMP AND SKIPS. PLASTIC SIDEWALL BY GAS PEDAL CATCHES INSIDE SHOE AND PREVENTS QUICK MOVES FROM GAS TO BRAKE.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 12, 2004TX

WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System
Filed Mar 15, 200477,882 milesOH

VEHICLE KEEPS STALLING WHEN SLOWING DOWN AT STOPS OR WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE TURNS. AT WHICH POINT, POWER STEERING IS IMPOSSIBLE AND THIS PRESENTS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. PROBLEM WAS FIRST NOTICED IN 11/2002, RECURRED IN 05/2003, BOTH TIMES, THE DEALER RECTIFIED PROBLEM.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan
Filed Feb 16, 2004115,055 milesPA

COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY SUPPORT AND FAN FELL OFF WHEN DRIVING. COOLING FAN SUPPORT BROKE IN HALF, COOLING FAN SUPPORT BOLTS BROKE, FAN BELT TORE, PARTS OF THE ALUMINUM HOUSINGS OF MOTOR CRACKED AND BROKE.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan
Filed Feb 16, 2004117,000 milesPA

COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY FELL OFF ----- THE SECOUND TIME------ COOLING FAN SUPPORT BOLTS BROKE. ALUMINUN HOUSING AT BOTTOM OF SUPPORT BROKE-OUT. COOLING FAN CLUTCH BROKE. FAN BELT TORE. *AK

Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System
Filed Jan 5, 2004ME

FUEL GUAGE HAS STOPPED REPORTING THE LEVEL OF FUEL CORRECTLY. IT CAN BOUNCE ANYWHERE FROM A 1/4 TO 1/2 A TANK OFF OF WHAT IS ACTUALLY IN THE TANK.*AK

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 7, 2003IA

I OWN A 1998 ISUZU AMIGO. I HAD AN ACCIDENT IN DEC. 2000 REQUIRING MY PAINT TO BE REPLACED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY CAR. WHEN THEY MATCHED THE PAINT TO THE COLOR BY ISUZU IT WAS WRONG . ALL THE INSIDE DOORS ARE RED BUT THE PAINT ON THE OUTSIDE IS PURPLE. I TRIED MANY TIMES TO GET ISUZU TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS FADED PAINT BUT THEY WOULD NOT RETURN MY CALLS. OR LETTERS. I AM NOW APPROACHING THE FIVE YEAR MARK. MY POINT IS FEB.29,2000 THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE PAINT MECHANICALLY THEN THERE WOULD BE A PROBLEM WITH THE BODY PAINT ALSO. WHO CAN I CONTACT TO HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM? TERI JEFFRIES. *JB

Electrical System › Wiring
Filed Sep 11, 2003CA

CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE STORE, CAME OUT OF THE STORE, AND TRIED TO START VEHICLE AND IT WOULD NOT START. HE CALLED A MECHANIC, LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD, AND DISCOVERED THAT THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS HAD MELTED, ALONG WITH THE FUSE BOX. CONSUMER STATED THAT HE HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE.*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Sep 2, 2003TX

WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING A LOUD NOISE. *AK

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Power Steering FluidCrash
Filed Jul 9, 200365,000 milesMN

THE MANUFACTURER SEALED POWER STEERING HOSE CLAMP/CONTAINER HAD COME OFF (SEAL WAS NOT BROKEN) EMPTYING THE STEERING FLUID CONTAINER IN LESS THAN 10 SECONDS WHICH CAUSED ME TO HAVE NO CONTROL OVER STEERRING THE VEHICLE THUS CAUSING A NEAR FATAL ACCIDENT WITH MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE BODY AND FRAME OF MY AMIGO. I PERSONALLY HAD A CHANCE TO SEE THE DEFECTIVE CLAMP, HOSE, AND A COMPLETELY EMPTY POWER STEERING FLUID CONTAINER. *AK

Service Brakes, Air › Antilock
Filed Jun 20, 2003OH

BRAKES WERE NOT FUNCTIONING WHEN THE ROADS WERE WET OR IF THE VEHICLE GETS IN A POTHOLE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED, AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. CONSUMER HAD PAID OVER $200.00 TO GET VEHICLE REPAIRED, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys
Filed Jun 10, 2003FL

WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED TIME CHAIN BELT BLEW OUT FORCING THE VEHICLE TO PULL OUT OF THE ROAD. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Apr 21, 2003OH

THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT HAVE PARTS FOR THE ABS RECALL 02 I 002 000, AFTER THE APPOINTMENT WAS MADE. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 11, 2003MO

I BEGAN EXPERIENCING BRAKING PROBLEMS ABOUT A YEAR AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. WHEN STOPPING SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE HAD EXTENDING STOPPING DISTANCES. I HAD THE BRAKES INSPECTED AND WAS TOLD THE BRAKE PADS WERE IN GOOD CONDITION. I PROCEEDED TO SEARCH THE INTERNET FOR RECALLS AND FOUND A SAFETY NOTICE ON THE ABS SYSTEM. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE INTO A DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THIS NOTICE DID NOT PERTAIN TO MY VEHICLE. SHORTLY AFTER THIS, I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES RESULTING IN A COLLISION WITH TWO OTHER VEHICLES. THREE MONTHS AFTER THE ACCIDENT, I RECEIVED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN NOTICE REGARDING MY VEHICLE AND THE ABS. *JB

Seat Belts › Front1 injured
Filed Apr 3, 200390,000 milesFL

THE CONSUMER LOSS CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND WENT OVER A 15 FEET. DEEP EMBANKMENT. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN CONSUMER, WHICH RESULTED IN CHEST INJURIES. *JB

Air BagsCrash
Filed Apr 3, 2003FL

THE CONSUMER LOSS CONTROL OF VEHICLE, WENT OVER AN EMBANKMENT AND LANDED NOISE FIRST, AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED. *JB

Air BagsCrash
Filed Apr 3, 2003FL

THE CONSUMER LOSS CONTROL OF VEHICLE, WENT OVER AN EMBANKMENT AND LANDED NOISE FIRST, AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED. *JB

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 3, 2003FL

THE CONSUMER LOSS CONTROL VEHICLE, WENT OVER AN EMBANKMENT AND LANDED NOISE FIRST, AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED. *JB

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 3, 2003FL

THE CONSUMER LOSS CONTROL OF VEHICLE, WENT OVER AN EMBANKMENT AND LANDED NOISE FIRST, AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › RotorCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 31, 20032,866 milesOH

BRAKES DO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY DURING WET WEATHER OF WHEN THE VEHICLE HIT A POTHOLE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO. THE CONSUMER HAS PAID OVER $200.00 TO GET BRAKES FIXED, AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTED. CURRENTLY SPENT $250 FOR NEW ROTORS. *NLM.....*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Feb 25, 20031,200 milesAZ

I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THE BRAKES ON MY CAR HAVE WORKED CORRECTLY SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED. I HAVE HAD IT INTO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THEY SAID THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. DURING THE SUMMER I GOT A NOTICE THAT ISUZU WOULD BE "FIXING" BRAKES ON VARIOUS CARS - IT WAS NOT A RECALL, BUT THEY WERE GOING TO BE DOING IT FOR SAFETY REASONS. THE CARS WERE, I BELIEVE, 98 AND 99 AMIGOS AND RODEOS, OF WHICH MINE IS ONE. I CALLED ISUZU AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD BE SENDING NOTICES OUT IN THE FALL. IT IS NOW THE END OF FEBRUARY AND I HAVE NEVER HEARD ANOTHER WORD AND AM NOT ABLE TO GET ANY INFORMATION. MY BRAKES JUST DON'T SEEM TO WORK PROPERLY AND I DON'T THINK THEY EVER HAVE. IT IS LIKE IT TAKES LONGER TO STOP THAN IT SHOULD.*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly
Filed Jan 19, 2003TN

SUNFOOF - CLAMP HAS BROKEN OFF. SEATBELTS- DRIVER SIDE LATCHES AND COMES UNLATCHED WHILE DRIVING, PASSANGER SIDE LOCKS WHEN PUTTING ON AND WHILE IN A SITTING POSITION WITH OUT CAR MOVING. STEERING & CONTROL- CAR VIBRATES, DRIVES ROUGH, PULLS AND CONSUMES A LOT OF GAS WHEN AT HWY MILES. GAS GAUGE- NOT ACCURATE, GIVES FALSE READINGS DURING DRIVES. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM- SEVERAL SWITCHES NOT WORKING OR HAVE STOPED WORKING SUCH AS THE DOME LIGHT STAYING ON WHEN IN THE MIDDLE POSITION AND THE BULB IS NOT BLOWN, INTERIOR LIGHTS DIM WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN AC/HEAT SWITCHES ARE CHANGED ALONG WITH THE STEREO LIGHT THAT NO LONGER WORKS BUT OTHER BUTTONS DO. ENGINE/TRANSMISION- LIGHT COMES ON AND GOES OFF DURING DRIVES, STARTED BLINKING AFTER CAR WAS STARTED WHILE CAR WAS MOVING, CAME ON A COUPLE WEEKS AGO AND HASN'T GONE OFF YET. COOLING & ENGINE- LOSING RADIATOR FLUIDS, OVERHEATING AFTER 2 DAYS OF REFILING SYSTEM. HAVE HAD A TUNE UP, OIL CHANGE AND SYSTEMS CHECK AND NOTHING WAS FOUND? MAKING AN APPOINTMENT WITH ISUZU ASAP! SOME OF THESE PROBLEMS I CAN LIVE WITH BUT SOME COULD BE VARY DANGEROUS AND I WANT THEM FIXED FOR MY SAFTY AND AS WELL AS OTHERS.

Service Brakes, Air › Antilock
Filed Jan 2, 2003MN

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS SYSTEM ON THE VEHICLE. ALSO STATED THAT DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND HAS SAID THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. TS

Electrical System
Filed Dec 11, 200255,300 milesVA

NUMEROUS DIFFICULTIES WITH THE ELECTRICAL COMBINATION SWITCHES FAILING.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Oct 16, 2002AZ

CONSUMER HAS HAD SAME PROBLEM WITH ABS BRAKES AS STATED IN RECALL # 02 I00 000,BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. MR....*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jul 8, 2002OH

WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING ABS LIGHT APPEARS ON DASHBOARD, AND BRAKES WILL NOT HOLD. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK THE CONSUMER PAID FOR THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE, BUT WANTS TO BE REIMBURSED. *YH

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 3, 2002FL

HEAD GASKET FAILURE. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Carburetor System
Filed Jan 28, 2002NY

ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED; MECHANIC DETERMINED A LEAK IN THE RIGHT SIDE (PASSENGER SIDE) INTAKE MANIFOLD (FITTING) CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL OUT WHENEVER SLOWING DOWN OR WHILE IDLING; ALSO PRESENTED DANGEROUS CONDITION WHEN VEHICLE STALLED AT APPROX. 40 MPH EXITING ON A EXIT RAMP TO ENTER THE LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY!; I CAN HEAR A HISSING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE. *AK

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed Dec 31, 2001GA

I HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR ONLY A YEAR, AND HAVE HAD A FLAT TIRE AS MANY AS 4 TIMES WITHIN THE YEAR DUE TO ALL KINDS OF CIRCUMSTANCES. EACH TIME THAT A TIRE IS TAKEN OFF FOR REPAIR, OR REPLACEMENT, THE TIRE STUD STRIPS AND HAS TO BE REPLACED. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME EACH TIME A TIRE IS REMOVED. WHEN I INITIALLY CONTACTED A ISUZU DEALERSHIP TO INQUIRE ABOUT THE DEFECT, I WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS NO BULLETIN FROM THE MANUFACTURER AND THERE WAS A BIG PROBLEM WITH THE STUDS IN THE PAST BUT IT HAS BEEN RESOLVED. WHEN I INFORMED THAT I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEM ON ALL WHEELS, THEY STARTED TO BLAME THE OTHER TIRE REPAIR SHOPS, STATING THAT THEY USE TO MUCH TORQUE WHEN TAKING OFF/PUTTING ON TIRE. I COULD SEE THIS HAPPENING MAYBE A COUPLE OF TIMES BUT MORE THAN THREE, EVERYONE COULDNOT BE MAKING THE SAME MISTAKE. FOR EXAMPLE, I HAD A FLAT TIRE ON 12/15/01, I CHANGED THE TIRE MYSELF AND MADE SURE KNOWING THE PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH WHEEL STUDS THAT I PUT THE STUDS ON CORRECTLY, WHEN I WENT TO HAVE THE TIRE REPLACED, THE WHEEL STUD WAS STRIPPED ONCE AGAIN AND SPINS. AGAIN I HAVE TO HAVE THE WHEEL STUD REPLACED. I FIND THAT THE TIRE HAPPENS TO BLOW OUT WHILE DRIVING, I RUN THE POSSIBILITY OF BEING UNABLE TO REMOVE THE TIRE BECAUSE THE STUDS KEEP STRIPPING AND IT WILL LEAVE ME ON THE HIGHWAY STRANDED. I ALSO WENT TO DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF THE MANUFACTOR HAS ANOTHER LUG TO REPLACE THE EXISTING ONE, I WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS NO OTHER WHEEL STUD FOR THIS VEHICLE AND IF THE MANUFACTOR DOESNOT P

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Sep 28, 2001LA

TIMING BELT BROKE THREE TIMES . DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND REPAIRED EACH TIME. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System
Filed Sep 28, 2001LA

FUEL INJECTION LEAKS, CAUSING FUEL SPILLAGE. VEHICLE IS AT DEALER FOR REPAIRS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Sep 28, 2001LA

VEHICLE DECELERATED, AND WHEN APPLYING CLUTCH VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT ANY INDICATION. AFTER INSPECTION BY DEALER. IT WAS DETEERMINED THAT THERE WAS A TOOTH ERROR IN COMPUTER PROGRAM. HOWEVER, PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Latches/Locks/LinkagesCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 19, 2001FL

I SENT AN EMAIL TO YOUR WEBMASTER SITE EXPLANING EVERTHING IN DETAIL. I WAS DRIVING AND THE SHIELD TO THE SUNROFF FELL ON MY HEAD AND RIGHT ARM CAUSING ME TO GO OFF THE ROAD AND HIT SOMETHING IT RUINED TWO CUSTOM RIMS WHICH HAD CHUNKS OUT OF THEM AND HAD TO BE REPLACED IT WAS VERY SCARY AND VERY COSTLY. WHAT CAN I DO ?

Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Filed Sep 4, 2001TX

STEERING WHEEL COVER IS COMING OFF THE STIFF RUBBER THATIT IS BONDED. ROTATION OF RUBBER ON STEERING WHEEL IS COMING OFF. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jun 5, 2001GA

CRANKSHAFT PULLEY AND WATER PUMP PULLEY FELL OFF VEHICLE. DEALER HAS REPAIRED VEHICLE.*AK *SLC

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Mar 23, 2001CA

THESE ARE NOT ALL THE REPAIRS FOR THE VEHICLE, JUST THE MAJOR ONES THAT HAVE BEEN REPAIRED NUMEROUS TIMES.NO SAFETY DEFECT. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Mar 16, 2001WV

ON DOWNHILL, UNEVEN SURFACE, BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED AND BRAKES GO INTO A NON-APPLIED MODE, AND AFTER APPROXIMATELY A CAR LENGTH, THE BRAKES WILL LCOK UP, MAKE A SLAMMING SOUND, AND PULL THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE. THIS CONDITION HAS BEEN DUPLICATED BY THE TECHNICIAN ON BOTH MY VEHICLE AND MY HUSBAND'S VEHICLE (SAME MODEL/YEAR). HIS RESPONSE WAS THAT ALL VEHICLES OF THIS MODEL WILL DO THE SAME THING, EVEN THE BRAND NEW ONES, AND THAT THE MANUFACTURER CONSIDERS THIS A "NORMAL" CONDITION. I HAVE REQUESTED THE MANUFACTURER TO BUY-BACK MY VEHICLE UNDER THE LEMON LAW SINCE IT HAS BEEN REPORTED FOUR TIMES WITHOUT RESOLUTION, BUT THE REQUEST HAS BEEN REFUSED BECAUSE THERE IS NO FAILURE. I FEEL THIS IS A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM, NOT TO MENTION WHAT IS DOES FOR MY NERVES WHEN DRIVING THIS VEHICLE.

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Jan 8, 2001NV

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND AS AT A INTERSECTION AT LIGHT THEN VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING. TIMING BELT FELL OFF. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP TOLD HER THAT CLUTCH HAD BLOWN OUT. *AK

Complaints 1-50 of 78, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1998
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20021000Routine
20010100Routine
200010200Routine
199970402Fatalities reported
1998 — this page78700Routine
19971000Routine
19945210Routine
19932000Routine
19926000Routine
19915100Routine
19905100Routine

Compare every Amigo year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jun 29, 2012. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.