Isuzu

Axiom (2002)

2002 · Compact SUV ยท 1 engine
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.9)
123 NHTSA Complaints
4 Recalls
1 Fire Reports
13 Crash Reports
View all 3 generations of the Isuzu Axiom → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

6VE1

3.5L 6-cyl
โŒ Avoid (1.9)
92 complaints 92.0 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
30
transmission
22
suspension
17
brakes
17
engine
8

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (30 complaints)
Transmission Issues (22 complaints)
Suspension Issues (17 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Isuzu Axiom regardless of engine variant.

Body/Trim Issues (30 complaints)
body critical
Transmission Issues (22 complaints)
transmission critical
Suspension Issues (17 complaints)
suspension critical
Brakes Issues (17 complaints)
brakes critical

Recalls (4)

10V436000Sep 21, 2010serious
Suspension

ISUZU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2002 ISUZU RODEO AND MODEL YEAR 2002 ISUZU AXIOM VEHICLES, AND HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1998-2002 HONDA PASSPORT VEHICLES, THAT WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED, IN THE STATES OF MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WEST VIRGINIA, OHIO, INDIANA, MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, IOWA, MISSOURI, AND KENTUCKY. 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.

05V466000Jul 9, 2005serious
Fuel System

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.

03V113000Mar 23, 2003serious
Structure

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 SEAT OCCUPANTS.

02V213000Sep 7, 2002serious
Air Bags

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.

Alternatives in Compact SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2002-2002 Isuzu Axiom problems?

The 2002-2002 Isuzu Axiom has accumulated 123 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Body/Trim, Transmission, Suspension. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Isuzu Axiom engine is most reliable?

The 2002-2002 Isuzu Axiom was offered with 1 engine option. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.5L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2002-2002 Isuzu Axiom a good used car?

The 2002-2002 Isuzu Axiom can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 123 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2002 Isuzu Axiom have?

The 2002-2002 Isuzu Axiom has 123 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2002-2002 Isuzu Axiom?

There are 4 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2002-2002 Isuzu Axiom vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Isuzu Axiom?

Before buying a used Isuzu Axiom, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Body/Trim, Transmission, Suspension, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Axiom?

The 2002 Isuzu Axiom received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 3 stars. Electronic Stability Control: No. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 123 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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