1997 Isuzu Trooper
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Transmission & Drivetrain
Transmission & Drivetrain leads by volume: 4 of 13 complaints (31%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (2) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 51 in 1996 to 13 in 1997.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | vs. 1997 Special Purpose Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 4,150–4,450 | 4,150–4,450 | 4,150–4,450 | 4,150 | 4,150 | |
| Combined MPG | 14–15 | 14–15 | 14–15 | 15 | 15 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 12–14 / 16–17 | 13–14 / 17 | 13–14 / 17 | 13–14 / 18 | 13–14 / 18 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 592–635 | 592–635 | 592–635 | 592 | 592 | |
| Complaints filed | 54 | 51 | 13 | 42 | 81 | |
| Recalls issued | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 14 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 5 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 11 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 4 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 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 1997 Isuzu Trooper have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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 1997 Isuzu Trooper?
Transmission & Drivetrain: 4 of 13 NHTSA complaints (31%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 1997 Isuzu Trooper get?
EPA rates it 14–15 MPG combined across 2 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1997 Isuzu Trooper?
EPA estimates $4,150–$4,450 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (2)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 3.2L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Special Purpose Vehicles | 13 mpg (low) | 17 mpg | 14 mpg (low) | $4,450 (high) | 635 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 3.2L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Special Purpose Vehicles | 14 mpg (high) | 17 mpg | 15 mpg (high) | $4,150 (low) | 592 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 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 (2)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · Campaign 97V092001 · Jun 6, 1997
Defect: 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.
SUSPENSION · Campaign 97V035001 · Apr 8, 1997
Defect: 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.