Are you familiar with Isuzu MUX problems?
Isuzu MU-X stands for Multi Utility – eXtreme, the combination specifying the general use of this mid-size SUV. The body-on-frame SUV of this model is based on the D-Max with the model being a successor to the MU-7.
Isuzu MU-X started production in 2013, succeeding the 2004 Isuzu MU-7. The car premiered in Thailand but has spread throughout the world since. Isuzu MU-X is made as a cooperation between General Motors and Isuzu, which is a connection that sticks even today.
The car comes with a choice of both diesel and petrol engines. Three diesel ones include 1.9 L RZ4e-TC I4, 2.5 L 4JK1-TCX I4, and 3.0 L 4JJ1-TCX I4. Petrol options are limited to the 2.0 L turbocharged Ford EcoBoost Engine.
Isuzu MU-X had a facelift in 2017, premiering right before the Bangkok International Motor Show. With the facelift, the car got integrated LED front and tail lights along with an improved interior. Engines were not changed, offering the same choices as before.
Isuzu MU-X Problems
With the Isuzu MU-X we can expect an assortment of problems. The problems can go from something as light as thin paint to serious malfunction of components.
Either can prove problematic but knowing the symptoms is a great way to solve any of these potential problems or act before they are put into effect.
- Thin paint
The paint on our cars generally helps to maintain some integrity of the chassis while also providing a good appearance to our vehicle.
However, when the paint starts to crack or thin out, we will experience a decent amount of issues. The more color peels off the worse our car will look, even if everything under the hood is fine.
Isuzu MU-X is known to have a problem with thin paints. Generally, something we can experience quite early in the lifespan of the car.
No matter how insignificant the problem may seem, keeping our car healthy includes maintaining the paint on our car. Thankfully, we can act on the issue as it shows up, patching up the problems quickly.
- Lacking infotainment
Infotainment in cars has become more and more present. Standards have gone quite high in this particular part of car design.
While earlier a CD player and a basic dashboard could do, today’s cars are expected to possess quite a few options. With infinitely more advanced tech, it’s tough when you get caught lacking.
This is an issue that doesn’t appear, it’s already present with the Isuzu MU-X. Or more accurately, absent. The Isuzu MU-X has many great features but infotainment isn’t one of them.
A lot of people have complained about the lacking and outdated infotainment options. The age of which only really comes in after some use. [1]
- Turbo noise with a cold engine
A reliable turbo is a part of each good vehicle. However, the turbo can be a source of issues. The complexity of vehicles does result in things like this. With the turbo, Isuzu MU-X has had a few problems.
If the engine is cold when our car starts, we will experience quite a bumpy time with our Isuzu MU-X. These cars are known to cause loud turbo noises when the engine is cold or even when driving uphill. It’s a consistent issue but not the only one.
Over time, the standard turbo is also known to go out over time on some MU-X series. Though there were a few revisions to the turbo, there are still hints of this problem present.
Thankfully, Isuzu has extended warranty to these vehicles when it comes to turbo problems.
- Body mount cracking
The body mount is responsible for connecting the frame of the car with the body. The two are intertwined and connected with this particular segment but there’s another purpose to the body mount.
The body mount absorbs vibrations of the vehicle as well, reducing noise and impact on the remaining components.
Isuzu MU-X’s body mount does have a serious issue with cracking. The cracks will appear over time.
The issue is likely to occur if you drive on uneven roads, as the mount will be under constant stress. This can be quite an issue for those who live in places with rougher roads, which will quickly wear out the body mount. [2]
- Hot transmission
Transmission is what we use for switching gears on our cars. The one in Isuzu MU-X has a five-speed auto transmission. This transmission does its job but it does have a particular issue that can occur on the vehicle.
With the Isuzu MU-X, an issue that crops up is that transmission gets quite hot. If the vehicle gets pushed hard, it will start heating up.
Something like going uphill with a heavy load will quickly heat it up, as the engine works harder. This in turn lessens the effectiveness of the cooler and then loops back into affecting the engine due to it being poorly cooled.
The issue of hot transmission can lead to further problems. As the engine heats up, parts will start to give out and break. The car will lose functionality, with the transmission itself being particularly affected.
The automatic transmission doesn’t do well with heat, so keeping an eye out for this heat is smart as it prevents the early breakdown of the transmission. If the transmission does break down, a replacement that can regulate heat better is recommended. [3]
Solutions to Isuzu MU-X issues
Thankfully, we can engage with some DIY solutions. Isuzu MU-X owners can apply some of the below noted fixes. Though none are guaranteed to work, they are still worth trying out. It can cut down costs and time required for our car to go back to its perfect form.
Thin paint as an issue can be mitigated with the use of proper maintenance. Washing and waxing your car consistently with non-abrasive cleaning supplies is a great way to achieve that.
Occasional checks can also help catch any early signs of our thin paint cracking. If all else fails, a fresh layer of paint will keep the paint better.
Having a hot transmission should be kept in mind. If we need to keep the temperature down, it helps driving on nicer roads. Pick less strenuous routes to keep the transmission away from overheating. This will increase the longevity of the vehicle as the transmission won’t wear out.
Body mount cracks cannot be solved necessarily. However, consistently inspecting it helps. We will spot cracks early this way, providing us with enough time to act on them.
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Isuzu MU-X problems
With the problems and solutions, there will always be ones that do not work. Sometimes, issue just get too big to deal with at home.
In these cases, check your warranty before going to the mechanic’s shop. Additionally, check if your specific issue has a recall in effect.
Both of these can cut or nullify costs of the resolution. As the responsibility of the issue occurring will be placed squarely at the manufacturer.
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Conclusion
Isuzu MU-X has been a successful addition to the Isuzu line. Their general features provided the market with a healthy amount of new capabilities. However, the vehicle isn’t without its issues. Especially earlier models of each series.
The problems with the Isuzu MU-X vary but the solutions exist. Where DIY solutions fail, we can always turn to warranty. Even if that fails, a professional can help alleviate symptoms or fix the issue fully.
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