2005 Isuzu Ascender
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Electrical
Electrical leads by volume: 27 of 64 complaints (42%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (1) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed held steady at 64 in both 2004 and 2005.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | vs. 2005 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,900–4,450 | 3,900–4,450 | 3,900–4,150 | 3,900–4,150 | 3,900 | |
| Combined MPG | 14–16 | 14–16 | 15–16 | 15–16 | 16 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 13–14 / 16–19 | 13–14 / 17–19 | 13–14 / 18–20 | 13–14 / 18–20 | 14 / 19–20 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 555–635 | 555–635 | 555–592 | 555–592 | 555 | |
| Complaints filed | 35 | 64 | 64 | 32 | 10 | |
| Recalls issued | 5 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 4 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 2 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2005 Isuzu Ascender have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2005 Isuzu Ascender?
Electrical: 27 of 64 NHTSA complaints (42%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2005 Isuzu Ascender get?
EPA rates it 15–16 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2005 Isuzu Ascender?
EPA estimates $3,900–$4,150 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (6)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 4.2L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 14 mpg (high) | 20 mpg (high) | 16 mpg (high) | $3,900 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 4.2L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 13 mpg (low) | 18 mpg (low) | 15 mpg (low) | $4,150 (high) | 592 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 13 mpg (low) | 19 mpg | 15 mpg (low) | $4,150 (high) | 592 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 4.2L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 14 mpg (high) | 19 mpg | 16 mpg (high) | $3,900 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 4.2L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 14 mpg (high) | 19 mpg | 16 mpg (high) | $3,900 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.3L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 13 mpg (low) | 18 mpg (low) | 15 mpg (low) | $4,150 (high) | 592 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 24 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 27 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 9 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (1)
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD · Campaign 05V035000 · Feb 3, 2005
Defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, 'WINDSHIELD MOUNTING.' THE WINDSHIELD URETHANE BEAD MAY NOT HAVE ADHERED TO THE BODY IN CERTAIN AREAS DURING THE CURE PROCESS.
Consequence: IF A CRASH OCCURS, THE WINDSHIELD MAY NOT BE RETAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 10, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.