AI Damage2004 Isuzu Axiom: common problems
Owners of the 2004 Isuzu Axiom filed 17 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and cooling and engine. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 17
- involving a crash
- 2
What fails most often
- 1 Engine and cooling 53% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 24% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 18% of all complaints
- 4 Fuel/propulsion system 12% of all complaints
- 5 Fuel system 12% of all complaints
- 6 Powertrain 12% of all complaints
- 7 Service brakes 6% of all complaints
- 8 Structure 6% of all complaints
- Engine and cooling: 9 complaints (53% of all).
- Engine: 4 complaints (24% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Electrical system: 3 complaints (18% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 2 complaints (12% of all).
- Fuel system: 2 complaints (12% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3.5 L · petrol · 6 cylnamed in 1 complaints
- automatic, 4-speed
Drive: RWD, AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 17 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and cooling | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
I was going to work and was pulling into a fenced in parking area, going approx. 10 mph. I gave the car a little gas and the accelerator stuck and the car took off like a bullet. I immediately put my foot on the brake and the car would not stop, so I put both feet on the brake and the car still would not stop.
While driving on a city street, vehicle completely lost power and came to a complete stop blocking traffic. Shop ultimately diagnosed the problem as the bolt holding the crankshaft sheared off, destroying an engine head in the process.
There is a 'reduced power" warning on the dashboard . I checked it over and noticed that the gasoline tank is wet with fuel coming out from the top of tank in the fuel pump area.
Vehicle died in hwy in minutes, all lights suddenly came "on" check engine, transmission, reduced power and car is dead. Thanks god no cars around me on busy hwy. Paid $$$$ for towing.
First abs and then air bag, brake, battery, check engine etc. Vehicle was died in seconds right in the middle of busy highway I-80!! It was horrible. No problem was occurred before. Isuzu company has to be responsible for this. Full maintenance for this car was performed on time as required via isuzu axiom manual.
About 1 1/2 yrs ago the check engine came on in my 04 axiom. I took to the shop and they said it was misfiring. I had the spark plugs replaced, and the problem was not fixed. We then replaced 2 of the coils, then the spark plugs again, with no luck.
Why were the last two years of production(2003-2004) of these vehicles not recalled to be treated to slow rusting components in the undercarriage/frame on all isuzu rodeos, honda passports and isuzu axioms. Although a limited production, the final two years are still going to fail from salt/chemical contamination.
1 year ago my vehicle started hesitating when trying to accelerate. When I go to pull off the tachometer jumps to 3 or 4 rpms but the vehicle is not going anywhere. Finally,it will get gas and suddenly take off. It feels that the gas is not getting to the engine or either the transmission is sticking.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 8,823 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 24% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Axiom has 40 complaints (4 years in the data). This year has 17, below average.
What to check before buying
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Isuzu Axiom?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine and cooling, engine, electrical system. Total complaints: 17. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: loss of power / limp mode (24%), stalls while driving (24%), warning lights, check engine (18%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2004 Isuzu Axiom?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2004 Isuzu Axiom from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2004 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.