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Isuzu

Isuzu • Engine failure • Timing belt • ABS failure • Other problems ---- • Isuzu Surrenders; Will Leave U.S. • Isuzu Fading to Black?

Business hasn't been very good for Isuzu the last few years and there's even speculation the brand will fade away if things don't pick up. The Isuzu owners we've heard from might not object.

The most serious problems we hear about involve catastrophic engine failure and timing-belt disasters. Others, like Brian and Willy below, are outraged over what they see as poor workmanship and materials.

Brian of Eldersburg MD (4/10/03):
I have a 2000 Rodeo that started making a terrible noise as I pulled into my driveway. It sounded like a main engine fan problem, and upon inspection I found the fan was extremely loose on its shaft. As I wiggled it, I noticed that the pulley that drives it was wiggling too. Then I found that the top bolt holding the bracket to the engine block had sheared off and the bracket had bent out and away.

In order to minimize the damage, I had the truck flat-bedded into the local dealer. When the dealer called to advise me of the extent of the situation, he informed me that Isuzu had denied warranty as I had 51,300 miles on it. I asked about the much-touted 10 yr./100,000 mile powertrain warranty, as the bolt does attach to the engine and holds an essential spinning part. Again, warranty denied. $920 to fix it.

I called Isuzu Customer Relations to explain my position that this problem is a design/material/workmanship flaw, as bolts should last forever on equipment that sees nothing more than a belt-tension load. There is no maintenance that I could have done, and this is not a usual long-term wear part, like an alternator. The Regional Owner Relations person told me that he was powerless to help me, and upon asking if he would give me a number of someone who could help me, he just said a very flat "No". Now I know why they don't call themselves Customer Service.

I figured I would get nowhere and would just have to swallow the bitter pill of repair. Then came the call from the Dealer who found more bolts broken. One goes to or through the oil pump and since it won't budge, they're going to pile another $800 onto the tab. At this point I asked if they called Isuzu again to advise that this was not an isolated incident. He said they still refuse warranty. I'm not even sure a call went out, and there's nobody at Isuzu who can or will tell me why I'm being denied, aside from the dogmatic "1300 miles over warranty".

So far, I'm looking at over $1,700 to fix a 2-1/2 yr-old truck with 51000 miles on it. Had I not noticed this flaw, I'm sure there would have been an ugly mishap. Thankfully nobody has been physically hurt.

Willy of San Francisco (3/27/03):
This piece of ****. I bought it used with only 55,000 on it. It is cheaply made, I mean like CHEAPLY made. The clutch cable pulled through the firewall. I thought I snapped the clutch cable but the firewall around the gusset used to reinforce the hole gave way, that's right the entire firewall collapsed. Lucky I am mechanically inclined. I fabricated a new larger support gusset, passed the brake cable through that and attached the whole thing over the hole. Still a little drafty under there but? I cannot complain about the rest of the little car. I love my little Suzy. She is the perfect compliment to my SUV. Good gas mileage and sporty acceleration. I love my little Isuzu.

Hmmm ... Willy seems to have a love/hate relationship with Little Suzy.

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