The 2018 Isuzu FTR has 12 recalls, the most serious being a cab that can tilt forward while driving if the tilt-lock is not properly engaged after servicing, creating a serious crash risk.
Two separate steering recalls describe the same underlying problem: a bolt on the left front steering knuckle can loosen and back away from the knuckle, increasing the turning radius in left turns and making sharp turns difficult. On the electrical side, the wire harness may be routed too close to the leaf spring hanger bracket, allowing the harness to chafe and become damaged, which can cause the engine to stall, reduce anti-lock brake function, or create a short circuit and fire risk. A related wiring issue involves a loose power supply bolt in the relay box, which can also cause stalling. The starter motor ground cable can break at its eyelet, and if start attempts continue, the starter may route current through the power steering hose, heating it to the point of rupture. Two suspension recalls cover parts that can detach: the front stabilizer bar brackets may break and drop the stabilizer bar, and axle stabilizer bracket bolts can crack and allow the bracket to separate from the vehicle, both creating road hazards for other drivers.
At a glance
What can fail
The front stabilizer bar brackets may be improperly manufactured and break, causing the stabilizer bar to detach from the truck.
What the fix does
A dealership will remove or replace the stabilizer bar, brackets, leaf spring assemblies, and stabilizer plates as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The bolts securing the axle stabilizer bracket can crack and break, causing the bracket to separate from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the stabilizer bar brackets at no cost. Owners will be notified in phases based on vehicle class.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A bolt on the left front steering knuckle may loosen, causing harder steering and a wider turning radius to the left.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace stopper bolt jam nuts on both sides and clean or replace extensions as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The jam nut on the steering stopper bolt at the left-front knuckle can loosen, allowing the bolt to back out. This increases the left-turn radius, making sharp left turns difficult.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the jam nuts with new Spiralock nuts and clean or replace the bolts and extensions as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The ground cable connecting the starter motor to the frame can break at the starter end, preventing the engine from starting or causing slow cranking.
What the fix does
Replace the ground cable and inspect the power steering hose for damage, replacing it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The chassis wire harness outside the relay box may be routed too close to the suspension's leaf spring hanger bracket, causing the harness to rub and become damaged.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair or replace the wire harness as needed and install additional clamps to keep it secured away from the hanger bracket.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wire harness from the relay box wasn't routed properly and can be damaged by contact with the leaf spring hanger bracket, potentially causing engine stall, ABS malfunction, or electrical short circuits.
What the fix does
Dealer will inspect the wire harness for damage and replace it if needed. Additional clamps will secure the harness away from the leaf spring hanger bracket.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power supply bolt in the relay box may not be properly tightened, causing the power wire to melt or electrical power to cut off, which can stall the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the relay box power supply bolt. Damaged harness or relay box parts will be replaced or repaired at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The jam nut on the steering stopper bolt at the left-front knuckle can loosen, allowing the bolt to back out. This increases the vehicle's turning radius on left turns, making sharp turns difficult.
What the fix does
Dealers will tighten the jam nuts on the steering stopper bolts and apply Loctite to prevent loosening. Damaged or missing bolts will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The jam nut on the steering stopper bolt at the left front knuckle can loosen, allowing the bolt to back out. This increases the turning radius when turning left.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both left and right jam nuts with stronger Grade 8 nuts, retorque them to the correct specification, and apply Loctite to prevent loosening.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The cab locking lever may be left unlatched after service without clear warning to the driver. If the cab isn't properly secured before driving, it can tilt unexpectedly, risking a crash.
What the fix does
Isuzu will add warning features, install an additional label, and update owner manuals to remind drivers to secure the cab locking lever.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The cab tilt-lock lever may not be visible enough after servicing, so the operator might not engage it. If not locked, the cab can tilt forward while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an extension on the locking lever to make it more visible to the operator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
