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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2003–2008

Isuzu Ascender recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns and 205 owner complaints for the Isuzu Ascender, covering model years 2003 to 2008. The 2004 and 2005 model years drew the most complaints (64 each), and Electrical System is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Isuzu Ascender VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 12 recall campaigns on file
  • 205 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 6 model years with data (2003–2008)
  • most complaints: 2004, 2005 (64 for that model year)
  • top component: Electrical System (82 complaints)
  • latest recall 15V519000 (reported Aug 14, 2015)
  • 6 complaints reporting a crash (2.9%)
  • 5 complaints reporting a fire (2.4%)
  • 4 complaints reporting an injury (2.0%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Isuzu Ascender complaints by model year

5 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2004 and 2005 model years share the highest count, 64 complaints each. Next come 2003 (35) and 2006 (32). The fewest are for 2007, with 10 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Isuzu Ascender owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2003–2007Column chart of 205 complaints across 5 model years. The highest are 2004, 2005 with 64 each. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2003: 35 complaints3520032004: 64 complaints6420042005: 64 complaints6420052006: 32 complaints3220062007: 10 complaints102007
Isuzu Ascender complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Isuzu Ascender complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
2003352020
2004640200
2005643110
2006321210
2007100000
All model years2056540

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Isuzu Ascender components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Electrical System is the component named most often, in 82 complaints (40.0% of all 205), followed by Fuel System, Gasoline (38) and Exterior Lighting (23).

Components named most often in Isuzu Ascender complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Isuzu Ascender complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Electrical System8240.0%
Fuel System, Gasoline3818.5%
Exterior Lighting2311.2%
Fuel/Propulsion System199.3%
Air Bags125.9%
Power Train115.4%
Fuel System, Other104.9%
Engine and Engine Cooling94.4%
Visibility94.4%
Engine62.9%
Steering62.9%
Structure62.9%
Seat Belts52.4%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic52.4%
Tires52.4%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Isuzu Ascender recalls

12 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Ascender, newest first. The 12 campaigns cover model years 2003 to 2008. The 2006 model year appears in the most campaigns (6).

  • 12 recall campaigns
Isuzu Ascender recall campaigns covering each model year
2003: 5 campaigns2004: 1 campaign2005: 1 campaign2006: 6 campaigns2007: 4 campaigns2008: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 15V519000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Headlights

    Model years 2006–2008

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the headlamp driver module (HDM) may overheat and fail, causing the headlamps and daytime running lights to not illuminate.

    Consequence:
    Headlamps that do not illuminate reduce the driver's ability to see the roadway and reduce the vehicle's visibility to oncoming vehicles, both of which increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HDM, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14291.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 14V404000

    Reported

    Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls

    Model years 2006–2007

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.

    Consequence:
    A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the part number on the door module, and install a new door module if necessary, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. An interim letter was mailed to owners in August 2014. A second owner letter will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-462-8782 (GMC), 1-800-955-9007 (SAAB), and 1-800-255-6727 (Isuzu). GM's number for this recall is 14309. NOTE: This recall provides a new remedy for all vehicles covered by recall 13V-248. Vehicles whose modules were modified but not replaced as part of the previous recall remedy must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 13V248000

    Reported

    Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls; Electrical System

    Model years 2006–2007

    General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.

    Consequence:
    A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
    Remedy:
    Owners will be contacted and dealers will test the driver's door module. If the module is functioning properly, a protective coating will be applied. If the module is not functioning properly, it will be replaced. These repairs will be done free of charge. GM will notify Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC owners, Isuzu and Saab will contact their respective owners. The recall began on August 2, 2013. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463, Isuzu owners at 1-800-255-6727, and Saab owners at 1-800-955-9007. GM's campaign number is 12180. This recall is an expansion of recall 12V-406.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 12V406000

    Reported

    Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls; Electrical System

    Model years 2006–2007

    General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, SAAB 9-7x, and Isuzu Ascender vehicles, originally sold or currently registered in 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. Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.

    Consequence:
    A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
    Remedy:
    Parts for this recall are expected to available in March 2013. GM will notify Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC owners when parts are available. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, and GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463. Isuzu owners will be notified by Isuzu Motors when parts are available. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727. SAAB owners will be notified by SAAB Cars North America when parts are available and for inquiries, owners may call SAAB customer service at 1-800-955-9007.

    Filed by Isuzu Motors Limited

  5. NHTSA campaign 05V552000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Labels

    Model year 2006

    Certain trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "tire selection and rims." These vehicles were shipped with tire and loading information labels listing an inacccurate vehicle capacity weight.

    Consequence:
    A misprinted label could lead to improper vehicle loading specifications or tire inflation which could result in a tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Owners will be provided with corrected labels and installation instructions. At the customer's option, a dealer can install the label for them. The recall began on March 31, 2006. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, Hummer at 1-800-732-5493, Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, Saturn at 1-800-972-8876, or Isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 05V494000

    Reported

    Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch

    Model year 2003

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 05V455000

    Reported

    Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections

    Model year 2006

    Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with a power steering hose that is not to specification. Under extreme steering maneuvers, such as turning the steering wheel fully to the left or right while braking, the hose may fracture and leak fluid.

    Consequence:
    If this were to occur, power steering assist would be lost and increased steering effort would be required. On vehicles equipped with hydro-boost power brakes, it could also result in loss of power brake assist and increased braking effort would be required. If the power steering fluid spray were to spray onto hot engine parts, an engine compartment fire could occur.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the power steering hose(s) for two suspect date codes and replace them if required. The recall will begin on October 14, 2005. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, Buick at 1-866-608-8080, Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Isuzu at 1-800-255-6727, or Hummer at 1-800-732-5493.

    Filed by Isuzu Motors Limited

  8. NHTSA campaign 05V198000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal

    Model years 2003–2004

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 05V035000

    Reported

    Visibility › Windshield

    Model year 2005

    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.

    Filed by Isuzu Motors Limited

  10. NHTSA campaign 04V061000

    Reported

    Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer

    Model year 2003

    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.

    Consequence:
    Depending on the occurrence and weather situation, driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will repair the windshield wiper system assembly. The recall began on July 15, 2004. Owners should contact Isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.

    Filed by Isuzu Motors Limited

Show 2 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 03V269000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual

    Model year 2003

    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.

    Consequence:
    This does not comply with the standard.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Isuzu Motors Limited

  2. NHTSA campaign 03V213000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission

    Model year 2003

    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.

    Consequence:
    These overrides are not permitted unless the vehicle has a locking steering column.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Isuzu Motors Limited

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Isuzu Ascender questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Isuzu Ascender have?

NHTSA lists 12 vehicle recall campaigns for the Isuzu Ascender, covering model years 2003 to 2008. The most recent, 15V519000, was reported on August 14, 2015 and is filed under “Exterior lighting”. The 2006 model year is covered by the most campaigns (6).

Which Isuzu Ascender model year has the most complaints?

The 2004 and 2005 model years tie, with 64 complaints each out of 205. The next are 2003 (35) and 2006 (32). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Isuzu Ascender complaint?

Electrical System is the component named most often: 82 complaints, or 40.0% of all 205. Fuel System, Gasoline (38) and Exterior Lighting (23) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Isuzu Ascender?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Isuzu dealer.

How many Isuzu Ascender complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 205 complaints, 6 report a crash, 5 a fire, 4 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Isuzu models

8 models · most complaints first

The Isuzu models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Isuzu VIN decoder with every Isuzu model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Isuzu models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.