NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 64 owner complaints for the 2004 Isuzu Ascender. Most complaints involve electrical system (34) and fuel system, gasoline (8). The EPA rates it 14–16 mpg combined.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“WHILE DRIVING MY CARS BRAKELIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE FASTER AND FASTER. PULLLED OVER AS SOON AS I COULD AND STOPPED THE CAR AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. THE CHECK GAUGES WARNING LIGHT COMES ON EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS SITTING IDLE OR WHEN I PULL UP AND STOP AT A RED LIGHT IT COMES ON.”
“I HAVE A 2004 ISUZU ASCENDER. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SO I TOOK IT TO A DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR HAD A FUEL THANK INLET FRACTURE. A SERVICE BULLETIN WAS RELEASED BUT NO RECALL. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW, IT WILL COST ME $2178.33 +TAX TO HAVE IT REPAIRED.AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I THINK THAT SOMETHING SHOULD B DONE ABOUT THIS. I CONTACTED AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND MY CAR IS NOT IN THE RECALL MODELS. I THINK THAT THIS A MANUFACTURE' PROBLEM AND IT SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BEOFRE SOMETHING SERIOUS HAPPENS”
“RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED ON FAULTY GAS TANK. HAD CAR INSPECTED BY ISUZU FACILITY 2/4/16 AND NEW PART(S) ORDERED. CANNOT GET ANY INFORMATION AS TO WHEN PART WILL BE IN AND MY CAR REPAIRED. IN THE MEANTIME, DRIVING WITH FAULTY, GAS-LEAKING, PROBABLY DANGEROUS CAR. GM APPARENTLY NOT COMMUNICATING WITH ISUZU AND PARTS NOT GETTING PRODUCED.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ascender 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | $3,750 | 555 |
| Ascender 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $3,750 | 555 |
| Ascender 5-passenger 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $3,750 | 555 |
| Ascender 5-passenger 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $3,750 | 555 |
| Ascender 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,000 | 592 |
| Ascender 4WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,300 | 635 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 64 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (34), fuel system, gasoline (8), fuel/propulsion system (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2004 Isuzu Ascender at 14–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).