2003 Isuzu Ascender Recall: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF…
NHTSA campaign 03V213000 · Power Train · filed Jun 5, 2003 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A MECHANICAL OVERRIDE THAT COULD ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN A POSITION OTHER THAN PARK. IN ADDITION, THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN OVERRIDE THAT CAN ALLOW THE TRANSMISSION TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK WITH THE IGNITION IN THE OFF POSITION.
The risk
THESE OVERRIDES ARE NOT PERMITTED UNLESS THE VEHICLE HAS A LOCKING STEERING COLUMN.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
DEALERS WILL ELIMINATE THESE CONDITIONS BY DISABLING THE OVERRIDES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 13, 2003. 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 1-800-255-6727.
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Isuzu Ascender recalls
- 2005–2009 Buick Lacrosse and 8 other models — In the affected vehicles, the headlamp driver module (HDM)…
- 2006–2007 Buick Rainier and 6 other models — Fluid may enter the driver's door master power window…
- 2006–2007 Buick Rainier and 6 other models — Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion…
- 2006–2007 Buick Rainier and 4 other models — Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion…
- 2006 Buick Rainier and 25 other models — CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM…
Other campaigns involving Isuzu vehicles
- 2025–2026 Isuzu Chevrolet LCF 4500HD and 6 other models — Chassis and/or cab wire harnesses may chafe against metal…
- 2018–2026 Chevrolet 6500XD and 3 other models — Axle stabilizer bracket bolts may crack and break, allowing…
- 2022–2026 Chevrolet 6500XD and 3 other models — Fuel heater may overheat, melting the casing and allowing…
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 03V213000. Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.