NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 9 owner complaints for the 1997 Isuzu Oasis. Most complaints involve electrical system (4) and engine and engine cooling (1). The EPA rates it 20 mpg combined.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH BALL JOINTS THAT CAN PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND, IN THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH BALL JOINTS THAT CAN PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND, IN THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“WHILE DRIVING ENGINE QUITS, EVEN IF AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED, LOSS OF STEERING AS WELL. DASH LIGHTS REMAIN LIT AND ALL OTHER POWER STAYS ON, INCLUDING RADIO OR INTERIOR LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, ETC. PROBLEM IS INCREASING IN FREQUENCY. *JB”
“ENGINE CUTS OFF SUDDENLY WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION. MR”
“WHILE DRIVING AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. DEALER NOTIFIED.*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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oasis Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| 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 |
2 safety recalls 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 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (4), engine and engine cooling (1), air bags (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1997 Isuzu Oasis at 20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).