A mid-size pickup that isn't available in the United States of America, the Isuzu D-Max has been hit with a safety recall in Australia. Referred to as REC-005842 by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts, the recall in question concerns 8,039 vehicles manufactured between 2021 and 2023.
As opposed to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the United States, the Aussies are much obliged to publish lists of potentially affected vehicles. The D-Max population ranges between vehicle identification number MPATFS40JPG005458 and vehicle identification number MPATFS40JNT003915.
VINs beginning with M refer to a number of countries. In this case, Isuzu assembles the midsizer in Thailand rather than its domestic market of Japan. The Australian watchdog reports that all variants of the D-Max produced for Australia between 2021 and 2023 are affected, which may not be correct because the D-Max sold 24,336 units in the Oz last year.
Whatever variants may be affected, Isuzu informed the authorities about a fuel hose that may rub against the engine oil level bracket. Obviously enough, a damaged fuel hose may leak diesel on something hot in the engine bay, resulting in an underhood fire.
Owners are urged to contact the Isuzu Ute Australia Pty Ltd customer relations department at 1300 147 898 for more information. But more importantly, owners should contact their nearest retailer to schedule an appointment. Service technicians have already been instructed to have the fuel hose and its retaining clips replaced at no charge to the owners.
Photo: Isuzu
Specialized in turbo diesel engines and commercial vehicles, Isuzu offers the D-Max with a choice of two powerplants: RZ4E-TC and 4JJ3-TCX. Both are four-cylinder lumps, with displacements ranging from 1.9 liters for the RZ to 3.0 liters for the 4J. The lesser engine is good for 110 kW and 350 Nm between 1,800 and 2,600 revolutions per minute, with said figures meaning 148 hp and 258 lb-ft.
Level up to the 3.0-liter unit, and you're presented with no fewer than 140 kW (188 hp) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) at 1,600 to 2,600 revolutions per minute. Both come with a manual as standard, and both can be upgraded to a six-speed automatic transmission.
4x4 with low range also needs to be mentioned, along with a rear differential lock for when the going gets rough. The maximum towing mass is 3,500 kilograms (1,588 pounds), whereas maximum payload is listed as 1,405 kilograms (3,097 pounds) for the Single Cab Chassis SX with the 1.9er.
Facelifted in October 2023 for model year 2024, the third-generation D-Max pickup truck retails at $32,200 to $67,500 in the Land Down Under. At current exchange rates, those manufacturer's recommended prices convert to $21,435 to $44,935 in US dollars.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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