2003 Isuzu Ascender: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Isuzu Ascender: 5 recalls, 35 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #03V213000 · 2003 · 11 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: These overrides are not permitted unless the vehicle has a locking steering column.
The fix: Dealers will eliminate these conditions by disabling the overrides. Owner notification began June 13, 2003.
Equipment Vehicle recall #03V269000 · 2003 · 3,290 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This does not comply with the standard.
The 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.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #04V061000 · 2004 · 439 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Depending on the occurrence and weather situation, driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.
The 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.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #05V198000 · 2005 · 286,478 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #05V494000 · 2005 · 98,007 vehicles
What's wrong: 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,…
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (9): the most common themes are electrical failure (2), won't start (2).
- Exterior lights (7): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel system (5): the most common themes are leaks (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (4): the most common themes are noise or vibration (3).
The 2003 Isuzu Ascender has 35 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 6 Ascender model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 34). Complaints peaked in 2005 (8 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 40,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2004 (64 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Isuzu Ascender.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Isuzu Ascender have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Isuzu Ascender. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Isuzu Ascender problems?
Owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (9), exterior lights (7), fuel system (5).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Isuzu Ascender get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (4.2 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Isuzu Ascender repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.