Model year guide

2002 Isuzu Axiom

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Isuzu Axiom is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 16 on record.

2002 Isuzu Axiom — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 Isuzu Axiom at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints124
Combined16 mpg
Typical price$1,877

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2002 Isuzu Axiom recalls 4

Suspension:rear NHTSA Campaign #10V436000 · 22/09/2010

ISUZU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2002 ISUZU RODEO AND MODEL YEAR 2002 ISUZU AXIOM VEHICLES, AND HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1998-2002 HONDA PASSPORT VEHICLES, THAT WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED, IN THE STATES OF MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WEST VIRGINIA, OHIO, IN…

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK BRACKET AREA. FOR VEHICLES IN WHICH LITTLE OR NO CORROSION IS FOUND, THE AREA WILL BE TREATED WITH AN ANTI-CORROSIVE COMPOUND. FOR VEHICLES IN WHICH CORROSION HAS DAMAGED THE REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK BRACKET AND AFFECTED ITS CONNECTION TO THE VE…

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #05V466000 · 07/10/2005

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO FUEL CONTAMINATED WITH SILICON MAY DEVELOP SMALL PIN HOLES IN THE FUEL PUMP FEED PORT. SILICON HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE FUEL SYSTEMS OF AFFECTED VEHICLES AND IN CERTAIN FUEL AVAILABLE IN THE REGION OF TYLER, TEXAS. THIS RECALL WILL BE LAUNCHED FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN TEXAS AND THE FOUR SURROUNDING STATES: OKLAHOMA, ARKANSAS, NEW MEXICO AND LOUISIANA.

Fix: FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE STATES IDENTIFIED ABOVE, DEALERS WILL PROVIDE A NEW COVER OVER THE EXISTING FEED PORT ON THE FUEL PUMP OR, IF THE EXISTING FEED PORT HAS ALREADY BEEN DAMAGED, DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUEL PUMP THAT IS EQUIPPED WITH THE NEW COVER. THE NEW COVER WILL BE MADE OF A DIF…

Structure NHTSA Campaign #03V113000 · 24/03/2003

AS A RESULT OF INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM A HEAD IMPACT TEST CONDUCTED BY THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) TO EVALUATE COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT," ISUZU HAS DESIGNED A MODIFICATION FOR CERTAIN 2002 MODEL YEAR ISUZU AXIOM VEHICLES. THE PURPOSE OF THIS MODIFICATION IS TO ENHANCE HEAD IMPACT CRASH PROTECTION FOR FRONT …

Fix: ISUZU WILL OFFER OWNERS OF THE VEHICLES A FREE MODIFICATION OF THE ROOF AREA OF THE VEHICLE IN WHICH ENERGY ABSORBING COMPONENTS WILL BE INSTALLED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 11, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE F…

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #02V213000 · 09/08/2002

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULES WERE MANUFACTURED AND SHIPPED WITHOUT A NECESSARY COMPONENT KNOWN AS A CHECK VALVE PIN.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST OR SEPTEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-6…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2002 Isuzu Axiom common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 124 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.

2002 Isuzu Axiom safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Frontal crash test — 2002 Isuzu Axiom 4-DR.Frontal crash test
Side barrier test — 2002 Isuzu Axiom 4-DR.Side barrier test

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2002 Isuzu Axiom 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2002 Isuzu Axiom MPG & running costs

Combined16 mpg
City14 mpg
Highway19 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,200
EPA size classSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$9,000 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2002 Isuzu Axiom worth?

Low
$800
Typical price
$1,877
High
$3,000

From 13 comparable 2002 Isuzu Axiom listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 Isuzu Axiom costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$21,000
Fuel only$21,000
Per mile$0.28

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

Fuel Tank Retention Failure Closed

On April 10, 2018, NHTSA received a petition from Mr. Kevin Byrne (the "Petitioner") requesting that the Agency “undertake a defects investigation” of “rust-related detachment of Isuzu Rodeo fuel tanks” (NHTSA ID 11091788). The Petitioner experienced a partial fuel tank detachment in his model year (MY) 2004 Isuzu Rodeo in July 2017. On May 23, 2018, ODI opened DP18-001 to evaluate the Petitioner’s request for a defe…

NHTSA #DP18001 · Fuel System, Gasoline · opened May 2018 · closed Mar 2020

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 29

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 29.

This bulletin outlines the procedures for using the Alpine Exchange Program (the "Exchange Program"). The Exchange Program must be used when any Alpine radio or other component covered by this bulletin is repaired under warranty and may also be used for radio…

Bulletin IB13-R-001G · May 2023

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is providing the following procedural recommendations to improve dealer efficiency when submitting Parts Warranty claims. We strongly recommend dealers follow these procedures in order to avoid delays in Parts War…

Bulletin WB13-X-001B · Equipment · Aug 2022

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is providing the following procedural recommendations to improve dealer efficiency when submitting Parts Warranty claims. We strongly recommend dealers follow these procedures in order to avoid delays in Parts War…

Bulletin WB13-X-001A · Equipment · Aug 2022

The following is a list of the Isuzu-recommended Threebond product part numbers identified in the various Isuzu Workshop Manuals and bulletins. If a Threebond product is unavailable, we recommend that you utilize the chart below to find equivalent of similar p…

Bulletin IB09-X-002B · Equipment · Jul 2022

The Isuzu Commercial Truck of America (ICTA) Service Technical Assistance Center (TAC) provides diagnostic support to Isuzu dealer technicians repairing Isuzu vehicles in and out of vehicle warranty. A TAC case number will be issued solely for information trac…

Bulletin IB09-X-004C · Engine And Engine Cooling, Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Jul 2022

REAR BRAKE ROTORS. *KB

Bulletin 0709002 · Service Brakes, Air · Jul 2007

SHIFT LOCK SOLENOID REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES. *TT 2002-2004 ISUZU AXIOM (UP), 198-2004 RODEO (UE) AND 1998-2004 RODEO SPORT. UPDATE *SC

Bulletin 0505004 · Power Train · May 2005

POOR AND/OR LOOSE DOOR WEATHERSTRIP POSITION. *TT

Bulletin 0311S004 · Structure · Aug 2003

CONVENIENCE STARTING FEATURE. *TT

Bulletin 0314S003 · Jun 2003

THROTTLE BODY MOUNTING BOLT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. *TT

Bulletin 0301S002 · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2003

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the AXIOM. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the Isuzu Axiom

The Isuzu Axiom is a mid-size SUV introduced by Isuzu in 2001 for the 2002 model year. The Axiom is derived from the Isuzu Rodeo and was intended to be Isuzu's response to the popularity of car-based SUVs, such as the Toyota Highlander, replacing the Trooper as Isuzu's flagship vehicle in the United States.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2002 Isuzu Axiom trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · XS
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl

2002 Isuzu Axiom vehicles on record

Other Isuzu Axiom model years

2002 Isuzu Axiom — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Isuzu Axiom have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2002 Isuzu Axiom. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Isuzu Axiom?

Across all 124 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, structure, service brakes.

What is the 2002 Isuzu Axiom safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2002 Isuzu Axiom crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2002 Isuzu Axiom get?

The 2002 Isuzu Axiom has a U.S. EPA estimate of 16 mpg combined (14 city / 19 highway).

How much is a 2002 Isuzu Axiom worth?

Comparable 2002 Isuzu Axiom listings run roughly $800–$3,000, typically around $1,877 (from 13 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.