AI Damage1988 Isuzu Trooper II: common problems
Owners of the 1988 Isuzu Trooper II filed 8 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and cooling and tires. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 8
What fails most often
- 1 Engine and cooling 38% of all complaints
- 2 Tires 25% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 13% of all complaints
- 4 Service brakes 13% of all complaints
- 5 Suspension 13% of all complaints
- Engine and cooling: 3 complaints (38% of all).
- Tires: 2 complaints (25% of all).
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (13% of all).
- Service brakes: 1 complaints (13% of all).
- Suspension: 1 complaints (13% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 8 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 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 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.
The contact stated that after taking his vehicle to an independent mechanic for regular service, they informed him that his rear suspension had rusted and was too dangerous to drive or to repair. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been contacted.
I have in front of me nhtsa recall notice 01t016000 which recall firestone wilderness at p235/75r15 tires with dot serial numbers ending in "7" (among other numbers). I have these tires on my car. I called the 800 number in the recall notice for firestone, but they deny there is any recall.
Vehicle began to shake violently, consumer reduced speed, got out of vehicle and found both rear tires had large separations, and also a bulge on the right front tire, consumer has replaced all 4 (30x930 15 lemains tires) consumer was advised that his tires were not included in the firestone recall.
Multiple engine failures. A pin hole in the cylinder allowed the antifreeze into the combustion chamber.
Engine compartment fire while driving; smoke started coming from underhood, pulled over, checked, fire in area of firewall; cause unknown; vehicle totaled.
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 11,899 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 32% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Trooper II has 4 complaints (7 years in the data). This year has 8, above average.
What to check before buying
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Tires. Tire age by DOT code, bulges, wear pattern.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Isuzu Trooper II?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine and cooling, tires, electrical system. Total complaints: 8. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: engine failure or replacement (13%), rust, corrosion (13%), smoke, burning smell, fire (13%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1988 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 1988 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 1988 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.