2002 Isuzu Trooper: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2002 Isuzu Troopers, from 233 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 233 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 2002 Isuzu Troopers than on all cars registered in 2002.
- Chassis rust or damage3.1× usualIsuzu Trooper13.7% All 2002 cars4.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.4% of all 2002 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.
- Wheel bearings3.2× usualIsuzu Trooper12.9% All 2002 cars4%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 1.1% of all 2002 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.
By area
The share of 2002 Isuzu Trooper MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension46% 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.
- Brakes42% 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 electrics32% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Rust and bodywork27% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks25% 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.
- Tyres17% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 118 | Brakes 44% |
| 2004 | 193 | Brakes 46% |
| 2003 | 194 | Suspension 42% |
| 2001 | 128 | Brakes 40% |
| 2000 | 155 | Suspension 39% |
| 1999 | 180 | Brakes 48% |
| 1998 | 188 | Suspension 41% |
| 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 2002 Isuzu Troopers registered in 2002. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score