2002 Isuzu Axiom: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Isuzu Axiom: 4 recalls, 124 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #02V213000 · 2002 · 15 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles, the passenger-side air bag inflator modules were manufactured and shipped without a necessary component known as a check valve pin.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the air bag will not inflate properly or sufficiently resulting in an increased risk of injury to the seat occupant.
The fix: Dealers will replace the passenger side air bag. Owner notification is expected to begin during August or September 2002.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #03V113000 · 2003 · 11,855 vehicles
What's wrong: As a result of information obtained from a head impact test conducted by the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) to evaluate compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 201, "occupant protection in interior impact," Isuzu has designed a modification for certain 2002 model year Isuzu axiom vehicles. The purpose of this modification is to enhance head impact crash protection for front…
Why it matters: The results of this test indicated a possibility of an increased risk of head injury in a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will offer owners of the vehicles a free modification of the roof area of the vehicle in which energy absorbing components will be installed. Owner notification began March 11, 2003.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #05V466000 · 2005 · 15,515 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A fuel leak could lead to a vehicle fire.
The 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…
Suspension Vehicle recall #10V436000 · 2010 · 149,992 vehicles
What's wrong: Vehicles that have experienced sustained exposure to highly corrosive materials used in some jurisdictions for road deicing purposes May experience excessive corrosion in the vicinity of the forward mounting point bracket for the left or right rear suspension lower link prior to the time that such corrosion would normally be expected.
Why it matters: Excessive corrosion May result in the left or right rear suspension lower link bracket becoming detached from the frame, which can affect vehicle handling and potentially cause a crash.
The fix: 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (35): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (17), warning light on (9), noise or vibration (8).
- Body & structure (31): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (27), noise or vibration (5).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (24): the most common themes are noise or vibration (11), warning light on (4).
- Suspension (22): the most common themes are noise or vibration (13), rust / corrosion (8).
The 2002 Isuzu Axiom has 124 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 4 Axiom model years for complaints (3.1× the average Axiom year). Complaints peaked in 2010 (22 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 80,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (1 complaints, 0 recalls), 2003 (16 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | 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 2002 Isuzu Axiom.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2002 Isuzu Axiom have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2002 Isuzu Axiom. 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 2002 Isuzu Axiom problems?
Owners have filed 124 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (35), body & structure (31), brakes (hydraulic) (24).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Isuzu Axiom get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (3.5 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 Isuzu Axiom 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.