NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 37 owner complaints for the 1996 Isuzu Hombre. Most complaints involve visibility (20) and engine and engine cooling (4). The EPA rates it 23 mpg combined.
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, 2 AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE. SOLDER JOINTS NEAR THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN CRACK CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY.
THE TOP COAT PAINT SEVERELY PEELS DUE TO OVERBAKING OF THE POWDER PRIMER PRIOR TO THE TOP COAT APPLICATION. SINCE THE WINDSHIELD PRIMER AND ADHESIVE ADHERE TO THE TOP COAT PAINT ONTHE WINDSHIELD OPENING FLANGE, THE WINDSHIELD DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR ON THE TRUCK WOULD PERFORM ERRATIC OR QUIT WORKING WHILE IN USE WITH NO WARNING. THE OWNER REPLACED THE MOTOR WITH ANOTHER ONE THAT EVENTUALLY REPEATED THE ERRATICAL OPERATION. THE OWNER IS CONCERNED AND FEEL THAT THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *MR”
“REPLACEMENT OF MUFFLER AND HEADER PIPE, THAT CAME LOOSE CAUSING A RATTLE AND EXHAUST LEAK IN CAB,SERVICE CENTER SAID HE REPLACES 4 OR 5 A WEEK ON 1996 CHEVROLET S-10'S AND ISUZU SMALL TRUCKS. THIS REPLACEMENT COST ME $400.00. *TR”
“BRAKES MAKE A GRINDING NOISE WHEN APPLIED AND MALFUNCTION, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SKID/SLIDE. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY OCCURRENCES, ONE CAUSING VEHICLE TO REAREND ANOTHER VEHICLE. *AK”
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hombre Pickup 2WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,600 | 386 |
| 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 |
4 safety recalls as of Nov 12, 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 37 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are visibility (20), engine and engine cooling (4), service brakes, hydraulic (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1996 Isuzu Hombre at 23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).