Model year
2003 Isuzu Ascender
NHTSA lists 5 recalls and 35 complaints for the 2003 Isuzu Ascender (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6), EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS (5), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH (2). NHTSA lists 3 investigations. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 14–16 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $4,200–$4,800, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2003 35 complaints
- 2004 64 complaints
- 2005 64 complaints
- 2006 32 complaints
- 2007 10 complaints
- 2008 0 complaints
- 2009 0 complaints
Recalls
05V494000 · Oct 27, 2005
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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,…
05V198000 · May 5, 2005
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
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…
04V061000 · Feb 4, 2004
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
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…
03V269000 · Jul 21, 2003
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
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.
03V213000 · Jun 5, 2003
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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…
Complaints
35 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 2, fire flag on 0, injury field 2, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA04002 | WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE · VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER; VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR | Jan 6, 2004 | Feb 10, 2004 |
| EA07009 | FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS GASOLINE · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP | Jul 10, 2007 | Aug 28, 2008 |
| RQ17002 | Loss of Headlights · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS | Apr 24, 2017 | Mar 29, 2021 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ascender 2WD · 4.2L · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 14 | 19 | 16 | — | — | $4,200 |
| Ascender 2WD · 5.3L · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 14 | 18 | 15 | — | — | $4,450 |
| Ascender 4WD · 4.2L · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 13 | 19 | 15 | — | — | $4,450 |
| Ascender 4WD · 5.3L · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 13 | 16 | 14 | — | — | $4,800 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2003 Isuzu Ascender at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.