2003 Isuzu Ascender recalls and problems
The 2003 Isuzu Ascender has 5 safety recalls and 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Isuzu dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Isuzu Ascender recalls
Recall 05V-494: Latches/Locks/Linkages
Problem: 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, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia.
Risk: If the door is not latched properly and it goes unnoticed, it may open while the vehicle is in motion. If an unbelted occupant fell out of the vehicle, personal injuries could occur.
Fix: 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. Non-functioning latches will be replaced. The recall began on february 24, 2006. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.
Recall 05V-198: Exterior Lighting
Problem: 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.
Risk: The driver may not be able to clearly signal their intentions to turn, change travel lanes, or potentially warn others of an impaired vehicle operating condition increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 began mailing owner letters on august 4, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, isuzu at 1-800-255-6727, buick at 1-866-608-8080, and oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.
Recall 04V-061: Visibility
Problem: 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 the corrosion of components within the module.
Risk: Depending on the occurrence and weather situation, driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will repair the windshield wiper system assembly. The recall began on july 15, 2004. Owners should contact isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.
Recall 03V-269: Equipment
Problem: 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.
Risk: This does not comply with the standard.
Fix: 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. Owners should contact isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.
Recall 03V-213: Power Train
Problem: 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 that can allow the transmission to be shifted out of park with the ignition in the off position.
Risk: These overrides are not permitted unless the vehicle has a locking steering column.
Fix: 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 free remedy within a reasonable time should contact isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.
2003 Isuzu Ascender problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 11 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 7 | |
| Power Train | 5 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 5 | |
| Structure | 3 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | |
| Steering | 2 | |
| Fuel System, Other | 2 | |
| Seats | 1 | |
| Visibility | 1 | |
| Seat Belts | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 5
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 2
- Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 2
- Structure › Body › Door — 1
- Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly — 1
- Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
- Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 40,000 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 Ascender complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Isuzu Ascender years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Isuzu Ascender have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2003 Isuzu Ascender: 05V-494 (latches/locks/linkages), 05V-198 (exterior lighting), 04V-061 (visibility), 03V-269 (equipment), 03V-213 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Isuzu Ascender?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (11 reports), followed by exterior lighting (7). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 40,000 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.