Chassis Failures on 3.1 td Isuzu

[haswell]

Hi Guys, I own a NZ new 1993 3.1td Isuzu Trooper. Last month while driving in Auckland the front right hand suspension arm parted company from the chassis. InnitiallyI thought insurance..they said sorry this has not resulted because of an accident it is a structural defect. I was gutted..so I began a search on the web and low and behold cases began to appear from all around the world..3 cases were reported from a single repairer in West Auckland alone..

I contacted GM and they were less than forthcoming
and after working from the CEO. down have today had confirmation that structural issues exist with the chassis of some models of Isuzu.
However they claim that it only affects vehicles built for the Japanese domestic market.

It begs the question.How they could only have a structural fault in the "chassis" that could be so market specific?..you cant tell me that they built a special chassis devoid of this potental fault for export markets...

So here we go the gloves are off..and i'm going for the real story, they GM... NOW CLAIM THAT THE BRIFING NOTES (RECALL NOTICE) IS IN JAPANESE and can't (won't) provide me with any details. (What a load of bollox)

Have any of you got access to any web sites that list recall items for Isuzu Vehicles?

And if you are interested in some pics how do you attach them..ON THIS SITE

IF YOU OWN A 92' onwards td Isuzu you might be well advised to check under the wheel arch and the area around the power steering for any signs of cracking..
It might well save your life..

I will keep you all informed of my progress


Cheers
Paul V
Auckland

[MattMU]

Paul, this had been mentioned before and Im sure there are post about it earlier, might payt to try the search.

When they are referring to the Japanese domestic market, they dont mean there were different vehicles, all imports were origionaly from the Jap Dom market. What they mean they will only honour the warranty or recall to the vehicles in th eJap Dom market and not imports.

It does beg the question of duty of care, if they know there are structural defects then they should take responsibility for their vehicle even if they have been exported.

I think you are well and truly justified in wanting some answers at least and I would be going for a full repair from GM (even though its not GM, but Isuzus responsibility).
Then again might be able to turn this int a good thing and fit a Solid Front Axle.....

Goodluck!

Matt.

[justin]

Andrew has also patented a method for structural defect testing on front end of the chassis which seems to work.


J

[haswell]

Matt..I bought the Isuzu 3.1 td Brand New from Davie Motors in Auckland in 93'.

GM have today confirmed a problem exists... but claim it only affected models built for the Japanese Domestic market. .Great NEWS for all the thousands of NZ owners of imports...

Their advice to me... feel free to repair it at your own cost..but sorry we can't or won't supply you with any details of the fault, or any factory approved fix as that might be construed as being an admission of fault.

OH JOY

[geeves]

In most cases GM Holden has wiped there hands of this and its a pity but that life In your case though they supplied the vehicle They had the recal notice about 5 years ago They ignored it There problem.

[Andrew]

Thanks for pointign that out Justin....

No fault found during testing.. although I wouldnt recommend this method.. might cost a bit in underpants and cleaning if it doesnt go to plan.

[haswell]

Dear Moderator..Can you please Highlight this important item...

I Confirm:"Chassis Frame crack' Recall was notified on June 18th 2003.It currently APPLIES TO ALL 1993-1996 Isuzu Vehicles built for and sold in the Japanese domestic market .Bighorn, Horizon, Mu, Jazz.

As a matter of interest this fault has occured to my own vehicle a 93' 3.1td Trooper not so built for resale on the Japanese domestic market.
I can confirm that the Failure of the weld attaching the lower panhard/ suspension arm "does result in adverse consequences to the vehicles running stability..you will quite simply die if it happens a speed or while cornering..

Attached is the Recall summary:
During manufacturing of the subject vehicles, the weld at the frame curve was not per specifications.
Therefore, the weld strenght may be inadequate and could subsequently crack causing the metal fittings holding the front lower axel lower link bracket to become dislodged. The driver would experience noise and after continued driving "there could be consequences adverse to the drivers stability if the fittings come off the frame."..

I would suggest that if you own any Isuzu vehicle built from between 92' and 96' to please check the welds around the front lower suspension arms...or contact your nearest GM Holden for further information.

Paul V