NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 0 owner complaints for the 2008 Isuzu Ascender. The EPA rates it 16 mpg combined.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the headlamp driver module (HDM) may overheat and fail, causing the headlamps and daytime running lights to not illuminate.
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 5-passenger 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Ascender 5-passenger 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| 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 Oct 31, 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.
No owner complaints were found in NHTSA data as of Oct 31, 2026.
The EPA rates the 2008 Isuzu Ascender at 16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).