AI Damage1986 Isuzu Trooper II: common problems
Owners of the 1986 Isuzu Trooper II filed 9 complaints with NHTSA, most often about structure and suspension. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 9
What fails most often
- 1 Structure 56% of all complaints
- 2 Suspension 33% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 11% of all complaints
- 4 Parking brake 11% of all complaints
- 5 Steering 11% of all complaints
- 6 Wheels 11% of all complaints
- Structure: 5 complaints (56% of all).
- Suspension: 3 complaints (33% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (11% of all).
- Parking brake: 1 complaints (11% of all).
- Steering: 1 complaints (11% of all).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Parking brake | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 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.
Entire frame and cross members have severe rust with perforation. Suspension attachment points to frame are severly compromised. Vehicle is unsafe to drive. Sheet metal body structure appears "relatively" rust free. The frame integrity would not be noticed unless the vehicle was inspected closely.
The front shocks are rusted through, and the body has had to be repaired for rust. This vehicle has cancer, and it's terminal. I live in the state of maine where yearly vehicle inspection is mandatory....the trooper barely passed last year.
Audible clicking coming from front automatic locking hubs, checked hubs for proper grease, not source of problem. Mm
A bolt associated with suspension failed, causing front wheel to come off.
Rear axle lock nut and pan cake washer failed and axle slid out with wheel still attached. This is the 2nd occurance in 2 years. First time vehicle was traveling at 10 mph, second time 55 mph.
Rear axle/locknut and pancake washer failed and the axle fell off with the wheel still attached.
Multiple rust spots on vehicle jeopardizing integrity of support structure. Metal used on sidewalls of frame is too thin.
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 11,366 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 31% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Trooper II has 4 complaints (7 years in the data). This year has 9, above average.
What to check before buying
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Parking brake. Electric parking brake, codes, calipers.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1986 Isuzu Trooper II?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: structure, suspension, engine and cooling. Total complaints: 9. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: rust, corrosion (44%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1986 Isuzu Trooper II?
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 1986 Isuzu Trooper II 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 1986 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 2026-11-05.