NHTSA — Structure: Frame And Members Problems

2002 Isuzu Axiom (Page 1 of 2)

1.9

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
86,692 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Isuzu Axiom body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2002 Isuzu Axiom Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #21

Apr 302014

Axiom

  • 122,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Axiom. The contact stated that the vehicle violently jerked to the right, causing the steering to become inoperable. Additionally, while at a stop the contact attempted to accelerate and the rear sub frame became detached from the vehicle. The contact discovered that the fuel tank case, the rear suspension, and the rear sub frame rusted and deterioration. The parts had detached causing the vehicle to be unable to be driven. The vehicle was previously serviced for NHTSA campaign id number: 10V436000 (suspension) and NHTSA campaign id number: 05V466000 (fuel system, gasoline).the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.

- Racine, WI, USA

problem #20

Aug 062011

Axiom

  • miles
The frame of the car has significant rust corrosion. Holes are developing in the main frame directly under suspension and body mountings. Frame repair is likely more than market value of car.

- South Bend, IN, USA

problem #19

Jan 102011

Axiom 4WD 6-cyl

  • 92,000 miles
I brought my car to the [xxx], which is the representative for Isuzu in my area to have pictures taken, as a result of my frame being rotten and falling under the recall. On February 10th the first pictures were taken, we were asked to bring it back two additional times because Isuzu said the pictures were not of quality, but the willy's service person showed them to us and stated himself that they couldn't understand what the problem was. After over three weeks, we've called and been able to get no information from our case worker, [xxx]. we were told that we remained in our spot in the line of recalls, so can't understand why after 5 days of having comprehendible photos, no information can be given. Parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Richmond, VT, USA

problem #18

Feb 072011

Axiom 4WD 6-cyl

  • 92,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I purchased a 2002 Isuzu Axiom in April 2010, had it checked by my personal mechanic on February 7th to be told that the frame was rotted out. We brought my car to capital Lincoln Mercury where we purchased the vehicle to be told there was a recall on it. Then we brought it to have pictures taken at [xxx] on February 10th, who we were told is the Isuzu representative in our area. We didn't hear back from either Isuzu or willy's so then we contacted them and were told that the pictures were bad; this happened two other times and we've spoken to our case worker at Isuzu on Friday to be told that he couldn't tell us any information about the decision or my car whatsoever. [xxx] is our service department manager from [xxx] and [xxx]was our case worker from Isuzu. We are very frustrated with the lack of help, as we have had to initiate every single contact with Isuzu and their representative. I am also still without a vehicle, that I am unable to drive for safety reasons, with no aid from anyone, in respect to a loaner vehicle or any information. VIN #- [xxx] make- Isuzu model- Axiom year- 2002 mileage- 82,661 parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Richmond, VT, USA

problem #17

Sep 222010

Axiom 4WD 6-cyl

  • 109,589 miles
During a non related service inspection, the mechanic at a local dealership pointed out that the frame of my 2002 Isuzu Axiom was corroded severely enough that he believed it to be a safety issue making the vehicle unsafe to drive. (and therefore would not recommend performing the originally requested service repairs). The frame has huge holes around the rear axle connecting rod, as well as long corrosion related splits in the frame in the area where it crosses over the rear axle assembly. As I now understand, this vehicle was designed utilizing the Isuzu rodeo model frame, which has a history of the same problems. My car has a little over 109,000 miles, and is in very good condition otherwise...body, interior, etc. Preliminary assessments indicate the needed repairs to the frame would be more than the vehicles value. I have taken pictures of some of the mentioned areas, and unfortunately agree with the dealership, that I am now stuck with a car with design deficiencies, making it unsafe to drive.

- Fennville, MI, USA

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problem #16

Jul 272010

Axiom

  • 144,432 miles
Totally rusted frame and suspensions, failed state of Maine inspection 7/27/10, not drivable/ components falling off. 2002 Axiom Isuzu.

- Millinocket, ME, USA

problem #15

Jul 142010

Axiom

  • 76,231 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving our 2002 Isuzu Axiom with only 76,000 miles. The drivers side rear axle bracket detached from the frame causing us to loose control of the vehicle. Fortunately, the vehicle came to rest without hitting anything. The vehicle was towed to a body shop where they produced an estimate of 7600. For repairs to the frame. The frame appears to have rusted from the inside & was not evident until it broke away.

- West Haven, CT, USA

problem #14

Jul 192010

Axiom 6-cyl

  • 73,195 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Axiom. While the vehicle was being serviced for an unrelated repair, the contact was advised that the entire frame was severely rusted and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact drove the vehicle to his residence where it was parked until repairs. The manufacturer advised him that the vehicle was not under warranty, but NHTSA was investigating the failure for those consumers in the new england states. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 73,195. Updated 10/01/2010. Updated 10/04/10

- Barnstable, MA, USA

problem #13

Jun 162010

Axiom

  • 160,000 miles
I am filing this complaint on behalf of myself and other fellow Isuzu owners. On Friday, June, 16th around 9:30am: I had my driver side rear traction control bar fall off my frame. This is the same issue mentioned here: NHTSA action number : EA09018. My vehicle was made in February of 2001 and purchased December of that year. Although it is 9 years old my frame should have not rusted as badly as it has. This is a major safety issue and I am out a vehicle because of Isuzu's manufacturing issues. They conveniently left the us market and now I know why. Those of us who bought these flawed vehicles should be re-imbursed somehow.

- Ashville, OH, USA

problem #12

Jul 012010

Axiom

  • 72,000 miles
Noticed a severe drag on my 2002 Isuzu Axiom when going down hill. I took into repair shop only to find out the frame was completely rusted out by the rear stabilize on drivers side. I guess the twist on rear axle was applying pull on the emergency brake cable causing the drag. Thank god it didn't break while my family was driving. Car has been garage kept and only has 72000 miles. ( we are the original owner's).

- Weirton, WV, USA

problem #11

Jun 052010

Axiom

  • 66,405 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Axiom. The contact stated that the undercarriage of the vehicle had become rusted to the point where the chassis and differential made the vehicle undriveable. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop where the contact was advised to call the manufacturer. The contact filed a complaint with the manufacturer. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was 66,405.

- Worcester, MA, USA

problem #10

Apr 152010

Axiom

  • 103,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Axiom. While driving 35 mph, the contact heard an unusual scraping noise. The contact drove onto the emergency lane and noticed that the frame above the drivers side rear tire was covered with rust and corroded. He also noticed that the frame around the fuel tank was also covered with rust. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic but not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 103,000.

- Halifax, MA, USA

problem #9

Dec 012009

Axiom

  • 121,960 miles
I was driving my 2002 Isuzu Axiom on a major roadway heading for a major highway, when it started veering and buckling from left to right. It felt like a flat tire. I was able to pull into a parking lot, when it totally stopped and I was unable to drive it. The tow truck driver looked underneath the vehicle and told me the whole underside was rusted out. When it arrived at my mechanic's garage, he also told me that the whole frame and trailing arm was rusted, and basically beyond repair. I got an estimate, which was close to $5,000. I still owe almost $2000, replaced the transmission a few months before, and need a vehicle. It had 120,000 miles on it when this happened. I notified Isuzu, filed a claim (Isuzu case # [xxx] ), but was basically told there was nothing they could do, as the rust was due to the salt on our roads in Massachusetts. Then I called the attorney general's office, who put me in touch with the South shore action committee, who basically try to mediate claims. It has been a few months and Isuzu never answered their complaint. I am still waiting for some sort of compensation, as the vehicle should not have fallen apart due to rust and corrosion. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Bridgewater, MA, USA

problem #8

Apr 032010

Axiom 4WD 6-cyl

  • 101,000 miles
I have a 2002 Isuzu Axiom mileage 101,000.. while driving I hit a pot hole - the family heard a weird sound. We pulled over and noticed the passenger rear control arm had broken away from the frame. I took the vehicle to a welding shop to have it repaired. The welding shop called me after putting the vehicle in the air that the frame was totally rotted away.. some places of the frame you can put your hand thru the bottom and some places thru the top of the frame. There are other places that can not be repaired do to side rot of the frame.. the weld shop informed me the Axiom can not be repaired and can not pass inspection. I looked on line and found the ODI reports of similar problems - so here is my report. The rest of the Axiom is perfect no rust on the body and engine runs perfect. At this time the vehicle has a insurance value of $6,700 per an insurance adjustor, but insurance wont cover it. So im out a vehicle thanks to a company using inferior metal for a frame. Thank god I wasn't driving fast and didn't have a serious accident that caused the life of a family member or someone else.

- Cortland, NY, USA

problem #7

Feb 172010

Axiom

  • miles
I am the original owner of a 2002 Isuzu Axiom with 100,000 miles on it and it is still covered by a powertrain warranty. I am reading numerous complaints from other 2002 Axiom owners about how the Axiom frame can rust, along with the rear traction control bar, and the rear traction control bar can break loose, causing the vehicle to lock up and spin around in a circle. This is an extremely dangerous life safety hazard. Worse, the typical consumer will not know how to detect this problem until it is too late. I called and discussed this with a NHTSA rep and supervisor today, and could not get them to promise to have this issue evaluated by the safety engineers, even though before my complaint, there were already 10 complaints filed by people who have experienced this problem. It appears that Isuzu is doing nothing about this dangerous problem. I am asking that NHTSA take some action to protect the lives of Isuzu Axiom owners, by contacting Isuzu and demanding a recall of all affected vehicles. According to postings on the edmunds.com Axiom forum, this problem is fairly common on 2002 Axioms, but may affect other Axioms and other Isuzu models, such as troopers or rodeos. Being an engineer myself, my guess is that there was no or inadequate corrosion protection applied at the factory that is causing a premature failure of the frame where the rear traction control bar is attached. Your prompt attention to this problem could save lives, even mine. Please do something about this issue before someone gets killed or injured.

- Gainesville, FL, USA

problem #6

Feb 082010

Axiom

  • 144,413 miles
Noticed my steering wheel was pulling to the right this past Monday. I thought one of my tires was low. I checked and that was not the case. I continued going about my errands thinking the alignment must be off. I started hearing creaking sounds and bumps when I came to stops. When I was pulling out of a parking lot something snapped underneath the vehicle. I called aaa and had my car towed to my mechanic who told me the rear trailing arm/traction arm connected to the axle and frame had rusted off, and that the frame itself was in bad shape. He had said that this was highly unusual for a 2002 model and that it was not fixable.

- Upton, MA, USA

problem #5

Dec 012009

Axiom

  • miles
2002 Isuzu Axiom began rattling and shaking back and forth while I was on a major roadway. I heard a horrible sound, but was able to get into a parking lot. I had it towed, and was told by my mechanic that the whole frame has rusted and rotted out, along with the whole left trailing arm. He stated, "I've never seen anything like it, and you're lucky you weren't killed." I called Isuzu, and the representative stated this rot and rust is caused by salt on our roadways in Massachusetts!!

- Bridgewater, MA, USA

problem #4

Oct 182009

Axiom 6-cyl

  • 115,000 miles
Failure of rear suspension lower link component drivers side from frame due to corrosion, caused vehicle to spin 180 degrees, in light traffic, no collision. Vehicle had to be towed, speed was 30-35mph, rain, cranberry highway rt 28 in wareham MA, vehicle is 2002 Isuzu Axiom, approx, 115,000 miles, I understand that there is an investigation on this problem. There appears to be more than normal amounts of corrosion on frame and components, vehicle is in for repair at towers service center,606 macarthur blvd, RT28 pocasset MA 02559 once this vehicle is inspected on a lift I expect there will be other issues to address. Also, this vehicle was due to travel to the state of ri at 60-65mph by my daughter to school at uri. I would hate to think what the outcome would have been at that speed these vehicles are prone to corrosion and should be carefully inspected, over the last few years the dealers are far and few between they no longer produce private vehicles just commercial trucks, one might ask why. Thank you, I shall get in touch with a dealer about this as it just happened today please chase this company down I'm sure I'm not the only person having problems like this again thank you for help.

- Monument Beach, MA, USA

problem #3

Jul 232009

Axiom

  • 42,000 miles
My mother owns a 2002 Isuzu, Axiom, she bought new in 2003. She went to get it inspected today and they told her the frame was rusted so bad they couldn't pass it. She only has 42,000 miles on this vehicle which is in excellent shape otherwise. The manufacturer is not standing behind this even though it is a safety hazard on the road. We are unsure whether we can get it fixed. What kind of recourse do we have?

- Butler, PA, USA

problem #2

Jul 142009

Axiom

  • 100,300 miles
2002 Isuzu Axiom. Driver's side "traction bar" (connects to rear axle) completely rusted off of the frame. Upon further examination, the entire frame is severely rusted. The rest of the vehicle is in very good/good condition. Luckily, the break happened while backing out of my driveway, so no one was hurt. If it happened at highway speeds, it would have been very bad. Vehicle is unusable unless the entire frame is replaced. I had a mechanic/welder look at it, and he said there is "no way" he would try to repair it. There just isn't enough "good metal" to weld to. Hopefully, insurance will pay for repair (which I doubt) or total the vehicle. It seems like this is a large problem for 2002 Axioms.

- West Townsend, MA, USA

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