1998 Isuzu Trooper: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 1998 Isuzu Troopers, from 188 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 188 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 1998 Isuzu Troopers than on all cars registered in 1998.
- Wheel bearings3.2× usualIsuzu Trooper20.2% All 1998 cars6.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 1% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.
- Rigid brake pipes2× usualIsuzu Trooper29.3% All 1998 cars14.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 2% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.
- Chassis rust or damage2.8× usualIsuzu Trooper16% All 1998 cars5.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 2% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
By area
The share of 1998 Isuzu Trooper MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension41% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Brakes41% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics35% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks26% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Rust and bodywork24% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
- Exhaust and emissions18% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
Looking at an Isuzu Trooper?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 118 | Brakes 44% |
| 2004 | 193 | Brakes 46% |
| 2003 | 194 | Suspension 42% |
| 2002 | 233 | Suspension 46% |
| 2001 | 128 | Brakes 40% |
| 2000 | 155 | Suspension 39% |
| 1999 | 180 | Brakes 48% |
| 1997 | 183 | Suspension 41% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1998 Isuzu Troopers registered in 1998. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score