2003 Isuzu Ascender Recalls, Complaints & Specs
5 safety recalls list the 2003 Isuzu Ascender, and owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA. Check your own VIN below.
5 safety recalls for the 2003 Isuzu Ascender
Most recent first. Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. Click a recall for the full defect, consequence and remedy text.
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Latch (latches/locks/linkages)
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,…
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.…
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Turn signal (exterior lighting)
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.
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…
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Windshield wiper/washer (visibility)
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…
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.
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Owners/service/other manual (equipment)
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.
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.…
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Automatic transmission (power train)
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…
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…
35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Owners of the 2003 Isuzu Ascender have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA; 2 describe a crash. Reports cite 2 injuries and 0 deaths. The average mileage at failure in those reports is 39,422 miles. Complaints peaked in 2005 with 8 filed that year.
Most-reported components
What owners are reporting
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 isuzu ascender. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was found that the brake line was perforated due to rust. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where the”
Owner complaint to NHTSA, November 5, 2013 · Service brakes
“Service bulletin or recall 2003 isuzu ascender. Problem key stuck in the ignition can not remove seems to be normal problem for this make and model . L have been reading through forum complaints on th”
Owner complaint to NHTSA, September 6, 2010 · Electrical system
Fuel economy and specs
EPA ratings for the 2003 Isuzu Ascender (Ascender 2WD, Ascender 4WD). Ranges cover every tested configuration.
| Combined | 14–16 mpg |
|---|---|
| City / Highway | 13–14 / 16–19 |
| Fuel | Regular |
| EPA class | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD |
| Engine | 6/8 cyl, 4.2/5.3 L |
| Transmission | Automatic 4-spd |
Compare Isuzu Ascender model years
Recall and complaint counts for every Isuzu Ascender model year in NHTSA's database.
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 Isuzu Ascender | 5 | 35 |
| 2004 Isuzu Ascender | 1 | 64 |
| 2005 Isuzu Ascender | 1 | 64 |
| 2006 Isuzu Ascender | 6 | 32 |
| 2007 Isuzu Ascender | 4 | 10 |
| 2008 Isuzu Ascender | 1 | 0 |
Checking a specific 2003 Isuzu Ascender
How do I know if my 2003 Isuzu Ascender has an open recall?
Enter your 17-character VIN above. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's door jamb sticker, and your registration or insurance card. The check runs against NHTSA's live database and tells you which campaigns list your vehicle. 5 campaigns currently list the 2003 Isuzu Ascender; your car may already have been repaired under some of them.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Under federal law, manufacturers must fix safety recalls at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from the date of sale to the first owner. Contact any authorised Isuzu dealer with your VIN and the NHTSA campaign number (for example 03V213000).
What is the difference between a recall and a complaint?
A recall is a safety campaign filed by the manufacturer or ordered by NHTSA, with a defined defect and remedy. A complaint is a report an owner sent to NHTSA; it is not verified, but patterns of complaints are what trigger NHTSA investigations and, eventually, recalls.
Other Isuzu models
- Rodeo2,477 complaints
- Trooper576 complaints
- Amigo185 complaints
- Axiom158 complaints
- Hombre122 complaints
- Rodeo Sport107 complaints
- Vehicross69 complaints
- Pickup Truck67 complaints
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.