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Isuzu D-Max 2008 Problems

Are you having problems with your 2008 Isuzu D-Max? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest 2008 Isuzu D-Max issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the 2008 Isuzu D-Max in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Are the front drive shafts and CV joints of the 2021 Mazda BT-50 interchangeable with the Isuzu D-max?

If we’re talking about the current model D-Max and BT-50, then yes, the entire driveline should be interchangeable. Under the skin, both the Mazda and Isuzu utes are the same vehicle. Car makers enter into joint ventures like the development of this pair of vehicles to keep costs down by sharing the expense of developing, engineering and testing parts like engines, transmissions and, of course, drive-shafts and CV joints.

While most joint ventures like this one will arrive at two vehicles with some visual differences and usually some details differences inside, when it comes to the oily bits, making specific driveline or suspension parts for one vehicle over the other is defeating the purpose of the joint venture in the first place.

Isuzu D-MAX 2004: Hard starting and loss of power

It could be a fuel supply problem, so I would suggest checking the fuel pump.

Used Isuzu D-Max review: 2008-2012

When GM split with Isuzu it lost access to the Isuzu-built Rodeo ute that had won such an enviable reputation for toughness and reliability with Australian ute buyers. The Japanese truck maker, the biggest selling truck brand in Australia, saw an opportunity and launched its ute as the D-Max, hoping to take advantage of the popularity of the Rodeo and Isuzu trucks.

Isuzu offered the D-Max in ute and cab-chassis forms, with dual-cab and single car, rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, with a broad range of models to cater for most buyers needs.

Its looks were workmanlike rather than flashy, but that's what the D-Max was all about. It was designed to handle the tough going, be that in the bush, the farm or the jobsite in town. At the same time it had a range of features that would meet the needs of most townies or grey nomads on the road with their caravan in tow.

The top-of-the-range models boasted things like air-conditioning, cruise, wheel arch flares, alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and shift knob, trip computer and front fog lights. One of the appeals of the D-Max was its three-tonne towing capacity, which was at the cutting edge at the time.

On the road it was comfortable and competent in all environments, whether weekday townie or weekend bush master

There was just one engine offered, an Isuzu 3.0-litre four-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel that delivered 120 kW and 360 Nm over a wide rev range for smooth, easy driving. Backing up the turbo-diesel was a choice of five-speed manual or 4-speed auto, and there was a choice of rear-wheel drive and dual-range four-wheel drive.

On the road it was comfortable and competent in all environments, whether weekday townie or weekend bush master. With its dual-range four-wheel drive system it was capable of tackling the most challenging offroad tracks, its gutsy turbo-diesel happy to slug it out on steep climbs and rough tracks.

Most D-Max owners love their utes, few complain about them, and those who do usually complain about fairly minor things, like the power windows needing attention. One issue that does come to light occasionally is a high-pitched whistling noise, which is caused by the grease used on the oil seals on the front hubs by the factory drying out. Isuzu issued a service alert on it to address the problem.

Most owners acknowledge that there is nothing fancy about the D-Max; that the reason they bought it was its reputation for reliability and capability to get the job done. While the build quality from the Thailand plant is generally satisfactory, the complaints that owners do make would appear to be largely due to lapses in production.

The power windows are reported as one problem area, they regularly need attention for sticking or dropping.

One owner complained about the paint fading on the upper surfaces. This is a common problem with the paint used on most of today's cars, and regular cleaning, waxing and polishing is the way to combat it.

Regular servicing is also the way to ensure long life from your engine. Changing oil and filters regularly will help extend the life of the Isuzu diesel.

Some owners report problems with the DPF filter not automatically regenerating. It's usually because the vehicle is not being driven in a way that allows the filter to go through its regular automatic regeneration routine. When the light comes on the way to fix it is to drive the vehicle at 80 km/h or more for an extended period. The alternative is to have the dealer do the regeneration, but that can be a costly exercise.

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