For many Australians, particularly those over 60 who have embraced the freedom and adventure that retirement can bring, a reliable ute or 4WD is more than just a vehicle—it's a ticket to explore our country's vast and beautiful landscapes.

However, a recent safety recall has raised concerns for thousands of vehicle owners across Australia.

Isuzu, a brand known for its rugged and durable vehicles, has issued an urgent safety recall affecting approximately 150,000 vehicles nationwide.

This recall is significant because of the number of vehicles involved and the potential risks associated with the identified issues.

Approximately 150,000 D-Max and MU-X vehicles in Australia are being recalled by Isuzu due to software and fuel hose issues. Credit: Shutterstock

The first recall notice targets 149,049 D-Max and MU-X vehicles manufactured between 2020 and 2024.

The concern stems from a software glitch in the engine control module that may incorrectly reduce engine speed, causing the engine to stall.

As highlighted in government documents, the consequences of a vehicle losing power while in motion are severe, with an increased risk of a serious accident or even death.

An Isuzu Australia spokesperson has addressed the issue, stating:

‘Isuzu Motors Limited have identified a rare condition-based scenario relating to the engine control module (ECM) software controlling the fuel pump, which may result in a decrease in engine output or rpm across several 21MY-onwards D-MAX and MU-X models fitted with the 3.0-litre 4JJ3-TCX engine.’

‘While a very small number of cases have been reported, as a proactive precaution, 149,048 vehicles have been flagged for the ECM software update.’

‘Affected owners will be contacted in writing by IUA to have their vehicle inspected at their local Isuzu UTE Dealer, where the engine control module software will be updated, free of charge.’

The second recall notice is equally concerning, affecting 36,966 D-Max utes built between 2020 and 2023.

Some vehicles may have an incorrectly installed fuel delivery hose, which could wear out prematurely and cause a fuel leak.

The risk here is a vehicle fire, which could endanger the occupants' lives and cause significant property damage.

Isuzu will contact the owners of the affected vehicles directly in writing and urge them to have their vehicles inspected at their local Isuzu UTE Dealer.

The necessary updates and replacements, including the engine control module software and the fuel delivery hose, will be carried out for free.

The Isuzu D-Max ute and MU-X 4WD have both enjoyed popularity in Australia.

So far this year, sales of the D-Max have increased by about 15 per cent and the MU-X by more than 37 per cent.

Their reputation for reliability and capability has made them favourites among off-road enthusiasts and practical-minded drivers.

In similar news, Honda has recalled over 50,000 vehicles in Australia due to a fuel pump defect that could raise the risk of accidents, serious injury, or death.

This recall affected nine Honda models from 2017 to 2020 and is a re-notification of an issue first discovered in July 2020. Learn more about it here.

Key Takeaways

• Isuzu has issued a massive safety recall for approximately 150,000 D-Max and MU-X vehicles in Australia due to software and fuel hose issues.
• The software issue in the engine control module can incorrectly reduce engine speed, leading to potential engine stalls, which could result in a serious accident or death.
• A separate recall for particular D-Max utes involves an incorrectly installed fuel delivery hose, which may wear prematurely and cause a fuel leak, posing a fire risk.
• Isuzu Australia will contact affected owners to have their vehicles inspected and the necessary components updated or replaced free of charge at Isuzu UTE Dealers.

Have you been affected by this recall, or do you have any concerns about vehicle safety? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.

 

[Rain72]

Increased automation and computerization is making cars more dangerous. We have noted that drivers are starting to rely on the car to tell them when they are too close to an obstacle or there is a vehicle in their blind spot, instead of taking sensible precautions and developing driver skill. The lane assist feature is particularly dangerous. It pulls the car into the lane when you need to move out of it to avoid an obstacle.

Society is becoming far too dependent on laws, machines, and demands on other people to protect us from hazards and losing our self-preservation skills. It will not end well.

 

[mOiOz]

Increased automation and computerization is making cars more dangerous. We have noted that drivers are starting to rely on the car to tell them when they are too close to an obstacle or there is a vehicle in their blind spot, instead of taking sensible precautions and developing driver skill. The lane assist feature is particularly dangerous. It pulls the car into the lane when you need to move out of it to avoid an obstacle.

Society is becoming far too dependent on laws, machines, and demands on other people to protect us from hazards and losing our self-preservation skills. It will not end well.

Very true!

 

[Rob44]

Another brilliant piece of hi-tech rubbish that is a menace if one is commuting to work or exploring one's adventuresome old age by driving across the Simpson Desert.

If you really want to drive across the Simpson Desert or the bog-holes of north Queensland for your old age adventure, the best vehicle is a 1984 Toyota Landcruiser or Hilux 4x4, preferably with leaf springs and rigid front axle. Bit old, perhaps, but simple and manageable by a bush mechanic. You could probably have all the worn bits rebuilt for the cost of the newest bit of computerised junk on the market. Just fit a decent winch, front and back.

 

[Shane O'Neill]

Amazing cars built overseas are recalled what standards have Australia lost or aren't they scrutinised properly when built here there was bugger all recalls we are buying heaps off shit now

 

[Macarj]

Increased automation and computerization is making cars more dangerous. We have noted that drivers are starting to rely on the car to tell them when they are too close to an obstacle or there is a vehicle in their blind spot, instead of taking sensible precautions and developing driver skill. The lane assist feature is particularly dangerous. It pulls the car into the lane when you need to move out of it to avoid an obstacle.

Society is becoming far too dependent on laws, machines, and demands on other people to protect us from hazards and losing our self-preservation skills. It will not end well.

I certainly don't use lane assist because as you said it keeps the car in the middle and I drive as far to the left as I can too many people drift over the centre line

 

[novezar]

"Shane O'Neill", U hit the nail fair & square on the head. Couldn't agree more. One good example of "Aussie" made cars, the old Stalwart, Holden. U never heard of RECALLS on them. Good old direct steering which kept U alert as well.

 

[Jan Purcell]

Its about time we started building our own Aussie cars like they used to, and like the old holden you never had trouble with them.