2003 Isuzu Axiom recalls and problems

The 2003 Isuzu Axiom has 3 safety recalls and 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Isuzu dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
16
Crashes / fires
3 / 1
Injuries / deaths
8 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Isuzu Axiom vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Isuzu Axiom recalls

Recall 13V-547: Suspension

Reported Oct 31, 2013 · 8,816 vehicles affected · Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America

Problem: Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc (Isuzu) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Rodeo and Axiom, and 2003 Rodeo Sport vehicles that were originally sold in, or are currently registered in, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Kentucky and Missouri. These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion near the forward mounting point bracket for the left or right rear suspension lower link.

Risk: The corrosion may allow the bracket to detach from the frame, impacting vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear suspension lower link bracket area. For vehicles in which little or no corrosion is found, the area will be treated with an anti-corrosive compound. For vehicles in which corrosion has damaged the rear suspension lower link bracket and affected its connection to the vehicle frame, a reinforcement bracket will be installed. In the event the corrosion is so severe that the reinforcement bracket remedy would not be sufficient, Isuzu will offer to repurchase the vehicle for an amount based on the Kelley Blue Book "Private Party" price. All inspections and remedies will be provided free of charge for vehicles that are 10 years old or less. For vehicles older than 10 years, Isuzu will offer a free remedy, but only if the vehicle is presented to an Isuzu service facility dealer within 12 months of when owner notifications were issued, after that time owners will be charged for the repairs. The recall is expected to begin in mid-December 2013. Isuzu owners may contact Isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.

Recall 05V-466: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Oct 7, 2005 · 15,515 vehicles affected · ISUZU MANUFACTURING SERVICES OF AMERICA

Problem: Certain sport utility vehicles that have been exposed to fuel contaminated with silicon may develop small pin holes in the fuel pump feed port. Silicon has been identified in the fuel systems of affected vehicles and in certain fuel available in the region of tyler, texas. This recall will be launched for vehicles registered in texas and the four surrounding states: oklahoma, arkansas, new mexico and louisiana.

Risk: A fuel leak could lead to a vehicle fire.

Fix: For vehicles registered in the states identified above, dealers will provide a new cover over the existing feed port on the fuel pump or, if the existing feed port has already been damaged, dealers will install a new fuel pump that is equipped with the new cover. The new cover will be made of a different material. The recall began on november 25, 2005. Owners may contact isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.

Recall 03V-390: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Oct 10, 2003 · 55 vehicles affected · ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED

Problem: Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 101, "controls and displays." the brake warning lamp would not illuminate in the event of decreased brake fluid volume.

Fix: The diodes have been replaced. All vehicles have been repaired.

2003 Isuzu Axiom problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Air Bags2
Engine and Engine Cooling2
Structure2
Equipment1
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)1
Unknown or Other1

Most reported parts

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 106,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Isuzu Axiom complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · at 180,000 miles · reported May 19, 2020
Driving in a large parking lot, hit a large cement pole doing 20 miles per hour.air bags did not deploy. Had not put my seat belt on yet & hit & shattered the windshield knocking out all of my front upper teeth. Fractured maxilla .why did air bags not deploy?
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 130,716 miles · reported Oct 2, 2017
The contact owns a 2003 isuzu axiom. While driving approximately 45 MPH, a fuel odor was present inside the cabin and the vehicle stalled. The anti-lock brake system indicator illuminated and the steering wheel locked up. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. An independent mechanic came to the residence and diagnosed that the fuel pump failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised that the vehicle was not included in…
Equipment · reported Aug 14, 2014
I have a 2003 isuzu axiom 4x4 and in march, 2014 I started having problems with the automatic transmission. And as a result I had to have it replaced. I have less then 98,000 miles on it.
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 106,000 miles · reported Mar 18, 2013
The contact owns a 2003 isuzu axiom. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, smoke emitted from the vents as flames erupted near the fuel tank. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the flames. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic where they advised him that the fuel tank exhibited a leak and caused the fire. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages was approximately 106,000.
Power Train · at 61,838 miles · reported Jun 27, 2012
Transmission bad at 61k. Spent $3,800 on rebuilt transmission as metal particles were clogging the transmission filter. Mechanic noted that tranmission pump was bad and causing metal to break off and clog the filter.

Other Isuzu Axiom years

Compare all Isuzu Axiom years · All Isuzu models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Isuzu Axiom have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Isuzu Axiom: 13V-547 (suspension), 05V-466 (fuel system, gasoline), 03V-390 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Isuzu Axiom?

Owners report power train problems most often (4 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 106,000 miles.

Are Isuzu recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Isuzu dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.