IllustrationINSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER PERFORMED ERRATICALLY AND THEN STUCK AT 30 MPH. RESTARTING THE CAR THEN RESET TO 0 MPH. NO GAUGES ARE WORKING INCLUDING FUEL AND SPEEDOMETER. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
2004 Isuzu Ascender
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2004 Isuzu Ascender do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 32.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Ascender years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
70–25K
925–50K
650–75K
1175–100K
14100–150K
4150K+
51 reports with mileage · 13 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports2 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
64 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZU ASCENDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. AFTER DIAGNOSIS THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS FRACTURED BUT THERE WAS NO SIGN OF CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZU ASCENDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. AFTER DIAGNOSIS THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS FRACTURED BUT THERE WAS NO SIGN OF CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
FUEL LEAK FROM GAS TANK, FILLER NECK MEETS PLASTIC INLET TO TANK. PLASTIC INLET FROM FUEL TANK LEAKS FUEL AND DOES NOT HOLDING PRESSURE CAUSING MLS P0442,P0455. CANNOT FILL TANK TO CAPACITY, TANK WILL LEAK ON INCLINE OR ON ACCELERATION. *TT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZU ASCENDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER MOVED BACK AND FORTH AND DOES NOT SHOW THE CORRECT SPEED. THE SPEEDOMETER WILL READ OVER 100 MPH AND THEN BECOME STUCK. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TURNED ON AND OFF IN ORDER TO GET THE SPEEDOMETER TO READ CORRECTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A P…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZU ASCENDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER MOVED BACK AND FORTH AND DOES NOT SHOW THE CORRECT SPEED. THE SPEEDOMETER WILL READ OVER 100 MPH AND THEN BECOME STUCK. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TURNED ON AND OFF IN ORDER TO GET THE SPEEDOMETER TO READ CORRECTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE COMPUTER, BUT THE CONTACT WAS CONVINCED THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE FAN WAS SET BELOW LEVEL FIVE, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BEGAN TO FUNCTION. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS BEGAN TO FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL UNTIL THE FAN WAS PLACED ON LEVEL 5. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000. UPDATED 03/14/11
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE - ALL GAUGES HAVE FAILED INCLUDING THE SPEEDOMETER. *TR
THE COMPUTER SYSTEM OF THE VEHICLE IS BROKEN DOWN. THE SPEEDOMETER JUMPS FROM 0 MPH TO 120MPH AND NEVER SHOWS THE CORRECT SPEED. AIRBAG SIGN FLICKERS AND TURNS ON AND OFF AT TIMES. THE GEAR STICK JAMS ON ONE MODE AND CAR STARTS STALLING. DEALERSHIP DOESN'T WANT TO ACCEPT IT AS A LEMON CAR THAT IS EATING AWAY OUR MONEY. AND WANTS…
Read full complaint
THE COMPUTER SYSTEM OF THE VEHICLE IS BROKEN DOWN. THE SPEEDOMETER JUMPS FROM 0 MPH TO 120MPH AND NEVER SHOWS THE CORRECT SPEED. AIRBAG SIGN FLICKERS AND TURNS ON AND OFF AT TIMES. THE GEAR STICK JAMS ON ONE MODE AND CAR STARTS STALLING. DEALERSHIP DOESN'T WANT TO ACCEPT IT AS A LEMON CAR THAT IS EATING AWAY OUR MONEY. AND WANTS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZU ASCENDER. THE CONTACT STATED AS HE WAS DRIVING 25 MPH COMING TO A STOP SIGN ,SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ALMOST HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND INFORM THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED T…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZU ASCENDER. THE CONTACT STATED AS HE WAS DRIVING 25 MPH COMING TO A STOP SIGN ,SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ALMOST HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND INFORM THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS FAILURE HAPPENS FREQUENTLY. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES AND THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAS NOT CALLED THE MANUFACTURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. UPDATED 02/17/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED MANY TIMES WHILE DRIVING AS HE WOULD APPROACH A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, HE WOULD APPLY THE BRAKES, BUT INSTEAD OF SLOWING DOWN THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE WAS TO DOWN SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 02/18/10.
FUEL TANK LEAKS SPILLING FUEL AT ALL TIMES. HAVE BEEN TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT THE FUEL FILLER NECK WAS ULTRASONICALLY WELDED TO THE FUEL TANK AND THAT THE SEAM DID NOT HOLD. HE REPORTED SEEING THIS ON SEVERAL VEHICLES, DIFFERENT MAKE, SAME BODY STYLE. *TR
STRONG GASOLINE ODOR INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE. *TR
MY 2004 ISUZU ASCENDER REQUIRED THE FUEL TANK BE REPLACED AS THERE WAS A CRACKED WELD ON THE FUEL NECK. ISUZU DID HAVE A SERVICE BULLETIN ON THIS YEAR MODEL, BUT YET I WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE DID NOT QUALIFY OR MET THE CRITERIA. *TR
Official recalls
105V198000 · Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
May 5, 2005
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2RQ17002 · Loss Of Headlights
Opened Apr 24, 2017 · Closed Mar 29, 2021
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:headlights
The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.
EA07009 · Fuel Pump Module Leaks Gasoline
Opened Jul 10, 2007 · Closed Aug 28, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
DURING THE COURSE OF THIS EA INVESTIGATION, ODI OBSERVED THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE COMPLAINTS (88%) AND WARRANTY CLAIMS (94%) WERE REPORTED FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE REGISTERED FOR USE IN THE SALT BELT REGION OF THE US.THIS AREA INCLUDES 20 STATES IN THE NORTHEAST, MID ATLANTIC AND THE MIDWEST REGIONS AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.CONSUMERS IN THE SALT BELT REGION REPORTED TO ODI THAT THEY COULD SMELL FUEL VAPORS IN THEIR VEHICLES WHILE DRIVING.UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION OF THEIR VEHICLES, THEY DISCOVERED THAT FUEL VAPORS WERE COMING OUT OF THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THIS CONDITION IS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE RETURN AND SENDER LINES OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.WATER AND ROAD SALT COLLECT ON TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP LEADING TO SMALL PINHOLES APPEARING ON THE FUEL LINES.FUEL MAY LEAK AND COLLECT ON TOP OF THE MODULE AND/OR SPILL ONTO THE GROUND.THE DATA EVALUATED UNDER THIS INVESTIGATION REFLECT A RELATIVELY LOW FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE THAT LARGELY ARISES IN SALT BELT STATES.GM HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE SUBJECT COMPONENT TO TEN YEARS OR 120,000 MILES.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED AT THIS TIME; ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SELECT DOCUMENT SEARCH.